---

Seated at a cozy table for two in the restaurant at Crowe's Hotel, John and Laura sat laughing and talking over their main course -- swordfish for her, steak for him.

"You know, Laura... You never *did* tell me what you thought of 'Mystery, Alaska'," John grinned after a short lull in the conversation.

She grinned back. "No, I didn't, did I...? I suppose this is probably a good time, since there aren't any witnesses. I won't embarrass Maximus or Tina -- just YOU, John."

They both laughed. "I think I can handle it."

"Well, I don't know if *I* can, but I'll give it a shot...!" She paused. "It's actually not anything that earth-shattering -- I don't know why I couldn't have said it before... except I would have felt funny with Max around." She smiled. "I almost wish I'd seen your movie before I met you, because it's definitely colored my thinking. You were such a stand-up guy for me that night with Sid that that's really the way I see you in 'Mystery, Alaska'... Guys like you, who are low-key, may not get the glamour and attention that the hero-types like Max do... But that doesn't make you any less a hero yourself. You were a great father, a great husband --"

"Not in the movie I wasn't" John interrupted, shaking his head.

"You were going through a rough time. I think you handled things pretty well, considering all the shit you had to deal with at once -- getting bumped from the team, the Priceworld guy getting shot, Chuckie-boy showing up. Not that Donna's complaints weren't valid, but you came through in the end. You made things right with her, and you came through in the big game. It didn't matter that you didn't win; you guys did great just to come close to winning. It was too much of a circus -- if you had played those guys the way you always played in the Saturday game, you *would* have beaten them. Like you said -- 'we can skate'."

He gave her a lopsided smile, blushing a little. "Even if I am 'slow in the foot'?"

"Hey, it's tough getting a little older, when you realize you're not a kid anymore... I ought to know; I'm older than you, John."

He looked skeptical. "You? Come on -- you're not older than 34."

"Thanks for the compliment, but, yea, I'm older than you. I've been fortunate not to look my age -- not yet anyway," she said, crossing her fingers, laughing. "But, hey getting bumped from the team in favor of a young kid would be tough thing for anybody to take. Like I said, I think you handled it pretty well. You'd make -- er, made -- a good husband and father. I just wish I could find a guy like you," she said wistfully. "But unfortunately, back in the 'real' world all I seem to find are guys like Sid," she joked.

"You'll find one -- just keep looking," John said.

"I'm trying... But back to you and 'Mystery'... I really enjoyed it though. I'll never be a hockey fan, but I think I appreciate the game more than I used to.... I liked your little town. I come from a big city myself, so I sometimes wish I had that kind of relationship with my neighbors... Russell did a great job with you, you know. That's the only time I've seen him with a wife and kids, but it seemed very natural."

"Max is -- or was -- married."

"But you don't actually see him with his wife and son... I liked seeing the domestic side of you," she grinned, blushing a bit herself as John smiled self-consciously. Her smile faded a bit. "Do you miss them? I mean, do you even get to see them if you're here?"

"I know this sounds weird, but this is basically a moment out of time for us all.... And actually, if we want to, we can 'go back' to our movies for a time."

"Really? I didn't know that. When -- how -- do you do that?"

He paused, his brow furrowing. "Do you know how *you* get back and forth from here?"

"Not really, no," she admitted.

"Well, neither do I," John laughed. "It just...happens... when I want it to."

Laura shrugged. "I guess that's an answer...." She stared at him. "I'm kinda glad Tina's not here. This way I can tell you how wonderful I think you are, John. You were a great guy in 'Mystery, Alaska', and here, with me, you've been fantastic. I've been really nervous about what I'm going to tell Max, and then Sid threw me for a loop with his little surprise. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there." She reached across the table and took his hand. "Thanks so much."

John squeezed her hand back. "You're welcome, but you looked like you were doing okay by yourself."

She smiled. "Well, I'm glad you thought that, so maybe Sid did too. Truth is, I was scared shitless. I thought I was prepared for him, but I didn't anticipate him reacting this way." She held his hand tight. "I don't like to play the 'damsel in distress' but I was glad for the help."

"There were other people around. They could have helped. The guys all know what Sid's been up to."

"Yes, but YOU handled the situation very nicely, and I thank you. And I thank you too for being such a great dinner companion. Tina's right, you know -- you're too modest, John."

He smiled, blushing slightly. "You don't have to thank me -- I'm just looking out for you like Tina asked. And Max would want me to keep an eye out for you too."

"Well, that may not be true for much longer," she said, sighing, her smile fading.

John winced. "Sorry; didn't mean to bring that up again."

"No, it's okay. Max should be back soon, so it's just a matter of time now." She turned around, looking towards the windows. "Can you see the Tavern from here?" John nodded. "Let me go check." She went to the window, but did not see any new cars in the parking lot. She came back to John, saying, "Nope, not yet." She finished the last of her desert, pushing back from the table. "I'm stuffed -- that was great."

"I enjoyed it too -- the chef here does a great job."

"I noticed..." Her brow furrowed. "Tell me -- how do you find 'regular' people to work here anyway? Who are they...?"

He laughed. "THAT is a question best left alone. Just consider them part of the 'magic' here."

"O...kay..." She decided to accept that and just move on. "Well, I think I've taken up too much of your time today. I'm going to go up and unpack and settle in while I'm waiting for Maximus." She pushed back from the table and got up.

John got up too. "You sure? Don't leave on my account."

"No, that's okay. I need time alone to collect myself before I talk to Max."

"I understand." They started for the exit. "Let me walk you up, at least."

"You don't have to do that."

"I insist... I don't want to alarm you, but I want to make sure Sid's not lurking around."

Her face paled a bit. "You know, I actually forgot about him for a minute. Thanks for the offer -- I WILL take you up on it."

As they neared the maitre-d's desk, they spotted Jeff Mitchell there, talking quietly with one of the male waiters. Jeff was leaning across the counter, smiling softly, his blue-green eyes sparkling as he spoke quietly, obviously flirting with the tall, thin young man. And it was apparent from the way that the handsome blond smiled back that there was more than just a friendly relationship between the two. She watched as Jeff's fingers brushed the other man's hand, clearly a loving caress between two people who shared a deep affection for each other, if not more...

When John and Laura neared, and the two men realized they were being watched, they separated, their smiles fading. Jeff's face was a bit pink with embarrassment, and he fidgeted, nervously pushing his long hair out of his eyes.

But John smiled amiably as he approached them. "Evening, Jeff," he said as he came up beside him, giving him a brotherly pat on the shoulder. "You shouldn't be uncomfortable on my account."

"I'm not, John, but..." His voice, with its Aussie accent, trailed off as he looked at Laura.

"It doesn't bother me -- really," she insisted. "If it's what makes you happy, Jeff," she smiled warmly, "that's all that counts."

"Thanks," he smiled back, relaxing noticeably. "Maximus told me you were okay, but I wanted to make sure. Some people are more open-minded about it than others." He turned back to the waiter, who had been trying to look busy. "This is Rick; Rick, this is Laura."

"Pleased to meet you," she said, nodding to him, and Rick replied in kind.

"I'm surprised to see you, John," Jeff said. "I thought you were off on that road trip with the rest of them."

"No, I decided to pass. Just wanted some quiet time for a change."

"Well, it certainly was quiet over at the tavern when I left there not too long ago. The place was practically deserted -- except for Sid and some poor unfortunate souls who had to put up with him." Jeff shook his head. "Is it me or has he been even more obnoxious than usual lately?"

John and Laura exchanged a look, rolling their eyes a bit. "No, it's not you. Sid's been *impossible* lately," John said.

"I certainly won't argue with you about that," Rick said, and they all turned to him. "When Sid found out that Jeff and I were -- well, more than friends, he wasn't exactly kind." His gray eyes held a hint of anger. "I still find it hard to believe that Jeff -- and you, John -- are related to that creep."

"That makes two of us," Laura said.

Jeff turned an apologetic eye towards Rick, patting his hand for a moment. "Like I said before, I'm truly sorry about that, mate. It's best to just ignore Sid when he gets like that." He gave Rick a half-smile, and Rick returned it.

As she saw the intimate look that passed between the two men, she was struck by the sudden feeling that she and John had interrupted something rather personal. "Well, John, let's get going, shall we?" she said as she took his arm. "Jeff, it was nice to see you again. Rick, nice to meet you."

"Yea, we gotta go," John said. "Bye, Jeff; Rick..."

"Ta, John; Laura." "Good night, Laura; Sheriff," came the replies.

John led Laura out of the restaurant and into the lobby of the hotel. She glanced back as they rounded a corner, catching a glimpse of the two men leaning towards each other again before they disappeared from view. "Guess that answers the question I've been wondering about..."

"And that is?" John asked.

"What Jeff does for 'companionship' around here." They stopped beside the deserted front desk; a small sign indicated that guests should use the house phone for assistance. "It's not like he could ever be with you or the rest of the Boyz. I mean, you guys are all basically 'brothers', aren't you?"

"In essence, yes, we are." John nodded. "It is difficult for Jeff sometimes because all our guests are female -- or at least that's all I've seen. We don't see a lot of Jeff because of that -- he feels left out, and not everyone's comfortable with him being gay either. And, as they mentioned, Sid gives him a hard time, and so does Hando when he's around... You remember me telling you that we can go back 'into' our movies when we want?" Laura nodded. "Well, Jeff does that a lot, to be with Greg and his dad."

"That's too bad, because I really liked Jeff in 'The Sum of Us'. He seems like a very decent, warm, caring man."

"Well, I think maybe he's beginning to feel a little more at home, because I've seen him around more often lately. Could be Rick has something to do with that... But yes, you're right; Jeff's a great guy."

After retrieving her suitcase from where they'd left it behind the desk, Laura and John went upstairs to her room, and John unlocked the door, going in first.

"Coast is clear," he said, and she joined him. "Let me just take a quick look around..." He checked all through the room -- bedroom, bath, closets and even under the bed -- until he was satisfied there was no sign of Sid. Tossing her keys onto a table, he said, "Looks like you're all clear. Thanks again for dinner." He walked towards the door.

"Thank you again for the company." She walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "You're such a sweetheart, John."

She stepped back slightly, remaining close to him, staring into his eyes. Eyes that were warm and compassionate, that had calmed and soothed her fears over the past couple hours. Eyes that were the same brilliant shade of blue-green as Maximus'...

They both moved towards each other, hesitantly, and their lips met. His mouth was soft and sensuous, like Maximus', and they kissed tenderly. Then it deepened, mouths opening, her tongue brushing lightly across his lips as their arms slowly wrapped around one another. She pulled him close, pressing herself again his firm body, reveling in the feeling of his strong arms embracing her...

Her fingers slid up his arm, then his neck, to entwine themselves in his long silky hair...

Hair which was *not* like Maximus'...

She stopped herself, realizing that although John was very much like Maximus, he was definitely not Maximus, and could not be a substitute for her gentle giant...

They both stepped back, averting their eyes from each other.

"Uh... I think I'd better leave now," John said.

"Yea..." she said softly, backing away from him. "I'm sorry -- I shouldn't have done that... Tina would kill me."

"I kissed you too, you know..." He sighed heavily. "I did enjoy dinner -- but I didn't mean it to be anything more either."

"You know... I probably shouldn't say this... but if Max weren't around... You'd be my next choice." They both smiled self-consciously. "But the fact is, Max is here, and so is Tina. So I'm not going to screw things up further. Besides," she joked, "I don't intend to sleep my way through every guy in the place... I learned my lesson with Sid." But she thought to herself, /Not that I hadn't thought about it...// Then she added, chuckling softly, "And I don't think *this* would go over very well --" Her voice changed slightly, rising in pitch. "'Gee, Max, guess what? I slept with Sid. Oh, and, by the way, while I was waiting for you to come back, I got desperate and jumped John too.'... NOT a good move!" She chuckled again, shaking her head firmly.

John sputtered, blushing noticeably but laughing too. "Uh, no, I don't think that would go over too well either..." Their nervous laughter faded, and then he said quietly, "But it's okay; I understand... Remember what Tina told you about her and Max..." He raised an eyebrow. "But I am flattered..." His eyes danced as he smiled.

She sighed. "Oh, don't smile like that, John -- you'll never get out of this room alive!"

John started to laugh, then stifled it, the blush creeping back into his cheeks. "I'll try..." He backed towards to door. "I'm definitely going, before we get into real trouble." Turning the doorknob, he pulled the door open. "If Sid bothers you again, let us know."

"Thanks... And if you see Maximus before I do, tell him I'm looking for him, okay?"

He nodded. "Will do.... Goodnight, Laura." He paused briefly, then turned away, stepping into the hallway and shutting the door.

She let out a heavy sigh. "Jeez, woman, what are you *doing*?" she muttered to herself. All the male companionship here was definitely getting to her. "I hope Tina doesn't find out about this... Even if she *was* with Max before..." She smiled, shaking her head, wandering over to the window. She looked down towards the tavern, noting there was still no sign of any new cars in the parking lot. As she gazed out the window, she spotted John as he walked down the path, heading into the bar. She saw him look back before he went in the door -- and he waved at her. She waved back, then stepped back from the window.

She opened her suitcase, unpacking and settling in again. There were more things in the trunk of her car, more personal effects, but she decided she would retrieve those later. Finally she curled up on the sofa, turning on the TV, surfing through all the channels before stopping on an old re-run of 'Star Trek' on the SciFi Channel. She kept the sound low, trying to clear her head, then closed her eyes for a bit, and promptly fell asleep...

She began to dream soon after drifting off... The mists swirled in her head... And she found herself in the dark, in the bedroom of her hotel room, under the covers, nestled warm and snug as a gentle summer breeze stirred the curtains through the open window....

The covers pulled back slowly as a figure appeared at the side of the bed, sliding under the sheets with her, moving close. The presence was definitely masculine, with large hands that touched her face in the darkness before pulling her close. It was a bearded mouth that pressed against hers, the soft hair tickling her skin as he kissed her. The gentle but insistent probing of his tongue opened her lips to him, deepening the kiss. She brought her arms up around him, pulling him close, her hands going to his head to stroke his silky locks. At first she had thought it might be John, but the shortness of his hair dispelled that notion. She ran her hands over the lean muscles of his arms, and when her fingers found the familiar scar on his left shoulder, she smiled to herself as she whispered, "Maximus..."

He was silent as his hands made love to her through the silk pajamas, sensuously caressing her body and arousing her deeply. She kissed him passionately, wrapping around him...

Abruptly, a rumble of thunder shattered the quiet, and a bolt of lightning lit up the room for a few moments. A cold wind blew in, sending the curtains high into the air, and the temperature dropped noticeably. She shivered beneath the sheets, snuggling close. "Max, close the window," she whispered.

He did not respond, groping at her now, his hands no longer tender and loving. "Max...?" She heard him chuckle... which became a giggle as his face pressed against the hollow of her neck, roughly nuzzling her throat ... A smooth, shaven face...

Alarmed and confused, she pulled away, sliding across the bed, reaching for the light switch. The lights went on...

And she screamed when Sid sat up, moving to straddle her hips before she even knew what was happening. "Surprise..." he grinned down at her, moving to grasp both her wrists, pinning her beneath him.

"Where's Max?", she demanded.

"Maximus is gone -- you're with me now, Laura." He pulled her wrists towards the headboard, and she watched in horrified fascination as restraints seem to melt out of the wood and wrap themselves around her wrists. Sid let go of her, moving back to sit on her legs. "And you're not going anywhere."

She screamed again, but he only laughed. "Scream all you like -- no one can hear you."

She struggled. "Let go of me!" She tried kicking him, but it was futile; he had her too well pinned. "Get off me, Sid!"

"No," he said simply. His hands went back to her body. "You won't come to me, so you've left me no choice. Cooperate, and maybe I won't tell Maximus everything."

"What?" She struggled feebly.

"Do what I say, and Maximus doesn't have to know about us. Fight me, and I'll still have you... And then I'll tell him every little detail. How you begged for me, how you responded to me... Remember, I can recall it all in *exact* detail. And I will to the esteemed General Maximus Decimus Meridius." He giggled. "I can't wait to see the look on his face."

"Dammit, NO!" She struggled as his hands ripped open her nightclothes, buttons popping.

"Tell me you want me..." He slid down her body and put his mouth between her breasts. "Tell me you want me inside you."

"HELP!" she screamed. "MAX...!!!"

Laura jerked awake with a scream stuck in her throat, rolling off the sofa as she struggled with a non-existent attacker. She wound up on the floor, face down.

She lay there for a moment, collecting herself. The room was quiet, brightly lit, with the window shut, the TV now showing a repeat of "Star Wars". Shaking, she got up and looked around. There was no one there but her. She ventured hesitantly into the bedroom, but it too was unoccupied, the bed still made. She went around the hotel room, turning on every light she could find, opening every door. Then she went to the window, hesitantly looking out.

But it was a calm, beautiful night, the moon shining brightly.

"God, what a nightmare," she muttered as she shuffled into the bathroom, splashing water on her face. Then she went back to the sofa, watching TV again. But she did not close her eyes, and eventually, after about a half-hour, she got restless, deciding she just simply could not wait any longer to talk to Maximus. The suspense was killing her. She decided she was going down to the bar to wait for him, even if it took all night. Even if she had to deal with Sid again.

Hesitantly opening the front door of Crowe's Tavern, Laura peered inside, spotting John at the far end of the bar. Fortunately there was no sign of Sid, so she walked in, heading towards the handsome sheriff.

He glanced up from his beer, looking mildly surprised. "They're not back yet."

"I know. I decided to wait here for him -- I just want to get this over with." She fidgeted with her hands, looking warily around the bar.

"Sid's in one of the back booths, with a couple lurkers. I've been keeping an eye on him." He noticed how her face paled at the mention of Sid's name. "You okay? Did he do something else?"

"Not exactly." She sighed. "I dozed off while I was waiting, and I had this horrible nightmare about him." She shuddered. "That's why I came down -- I don't want to go back to sleep, and I can't stand having this hanging over my head any longer. I'm going to talk to Max as soon as he gets back -- hopefully, he had a good time, and he'll be in a good mood."

John shrugged. "It's your call... Want a drink while you wait?"

"No, I want to keep a clear head. Thanks anyway."

"Could be a long wait, you know."

"I know... Do you think you could let me into the room? I can wait there without worrying about Sid."

John looked disconcerted. "Laura, uh... I thought we discussed this. I don't think it'd be a good idea if we were alone..."

She looked at him for a minute, then grimaced, swatting him playfully on the shoulder. "No, John, not *your* room. Get your mind out of the gutter, Biebe... I meant *Max's* room -- can you let me in so I can wait in peace?"

"Oh..." John smiled sheepishly, a flush creeping into his face. "Well, yea, I guess I could do that. Considering it's you, I don't think Max would mind."

"Good... You know, you really must miss Tina, if you thought that's what I meant," she grinned.

"Well, I thought -- after what happened in the hotel -- I... " He stopped and let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. "Forget what I thought." He smiled. "Yea, I *do* miss her." He stood up and dug his keys out of the pocket of his blue jeans. "You want to go up now?"

She glanced towards the back. "If Sid's here, yea. I do *not* want to deal with him right now." John nodded and led her to the stairs, and they went up to the second floor together. "You have keys to everything?"

He shook his head. "No, just Max's room and a couple others." Stopping in front of Maximus' door, he sorted through the ring of keys, then chose one, and opened the door. He stood in the doorway, ushering her in. "I'm gonna go down and wait for them at the bar. I may need to run interference if Sid's around."

"That's so thoughtful, John."

"Well, I figure I'd better let Max know you're up there -- and lord knows what Sid's capable of these days."

"Thanks again." She quickly kissed him on the cheek, then backed away, into the room. "Good night, John."

"Good night... And good luck," he said as he shut the door.

She stepped into Maximus' room reverently, almost in awe. She had been here once or twice before, but only briefly, not long enough to really check the place out -- any nights they had spent together had been in her hotel room.

The room was efficiently laid out, a place for everything and everything in its place. It was decorated very much like his general's tent in 'Gladiator'; heavy fabric draped most of the walls, with simple wooden furniture and subtle light fixtures that resembled torch sconces. Over in one corner, there was even his family shrine.

She wandered over to the closet and opened it up. There were an array of uniforms and costumes there, beyond the 21st century wardrobe the girls had bought him, including his general's uniform, his brown tunic, his blue gladiator tunic, and his armor. She ran her hands over the rich fabric of the general's uniform, smiling softly, remembering how striking he looked in the movie when he wore it. She thought of his wolf's-fur cloak, which hung in a place of honor in her closet -- Maximus had given it to her to keep safe for him, as she was its official 'keeper' -- closing her eyes as she imagined him wearing it.

She found one of his shirts folded up, and she picked it up, holding it to her face, inhaling deeply. Not yet laundered, it smelled like Maximus; he rarely wore cologne, but his own body's scent was unmistakable, the pheromones nearly intoxicating. She smiled softly as she inhaled again, then set it down.

Growing bored and restless, she wondered how she could pass the time, unable to find even a magazine. She did not want to start going through his things without his permission, afraid to touch anything and risk angering him before they even spoke. But then she spotted a TV remote, and discovered a small color TV/VCR tucked in the corner of his dresser. She tuned it to a news channel, keeping the volume low, and settled onto the bed. One noticeable difference between this room and the real one was the size of the mattress. In 'Gladiator', he didn't seem to have much more than a cot, but now he had an overstuffed king-size bed. The heavy bedspread smelled like him too, and she laid her head on her arm, against the fabric, and sat back and watched TV. Even though the hour was late, she was wide awake, mentally rehearsing what she was going to say, hardly paying attention to what was on the screen.

Half an hour later, she heard movement outside the door, and a key jangling in the lock. Sitting up quickly, she turned off the TV, and swung her legs off the side of the bed. The door opened as she took a deep breath, and, as she stood up to greet him, Maximus walked in. He smiled when he saw her, and she felt her heart pound. His smiles, like all of Russell Crowe's incarnations, were guaranteed to take her breath away. And he was such a handsome man, his blue-green eyes sparkling, accented well by the navy-blue shirt he wore with black denim jeans. Although she loved him in uniform, she was becoming quite attached to the sight of his lean body and backside in a pair of jeans.

He shut the door behind him, dropping his keys on the small table by the door. Grinning, he strode over to her, arms reaching for her. "You're back," he said, hugging her warmly. Then he took her face in his hands and leaned in to exchange a deep, affectionate kiss. "I was surprised to see your car when we arrived. If I had known you were coming back today, I wouldn't have gone with the rest of them...." He kissed her again, his strong arms pressing her against him. "I've missed you, Laura."

"I've missed you too, Maximus." She hugged him tightly for a long moment, then stepped back. "Did you have a good time today? John said you were headed up into the mountains."

"Marvelous time actually -- I just wish you had been there to share it. The scenery was beautiful. We went hiking for a while, then just sat and enjoyed the view for an hour or two before we hiked back down. Quite a nice 'road trip', as they call it." He moved towards the foot of the bed, patting the spot beside him. "Come, sit and tell me what *you've* been up to."

She was having trouble keeping up pretenses, knowing she would have to drop the 'bombshell' on him very soon. "At home?" she said as she sat next him. "Not very much, besides work. I've been putting in a *lot* of overtime. That's the reason I had to leave, remember?"

"Yes, I do... And to be honest, I wasn't entirely convinced that was the only reason you left when you did." He put a hand to her face, stroking her cheek. "Was there something else to it? Tina seemed quite disturbed that you left without saying a word to her. She would not betray your confidence, but I sensed that something had happened which had upset you."

"Uh..." She could not look at him, struck by a sudden case of cold feet. She wanted to say something and start explaining about Sid, but the words would not come.

He watched her for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry -- I didn't mean to pry. It's your business, and if you don't want to tell me, that's fine. I just don't like seeing you upset." He smoothed her hair back, kissing her forehead softly. "So tell me -- what are you doing here tonight? It's awfully late for a visit." He pulled back, smiling suggestively. "Did you have something in mind, my dear?" He glanced over to where he could still see the impression of her body in the bedspread. "Waiting for me to join you in bed?" he whispered, arms snaking around her waist and pulling her into his embrace. His lips pressed against hers with a growing passion as he lowered her to the bed. His hands caressed her, and she began to lose herself to her desire for him. She wanted to be with him, maybe for the last time... But she knew she couldn't. He would never forgive her for letting him believe all was well, and *then* give him the news about Sid.

She pushed against his chest. "Max... no... Wait." He looked bewildered as she almost wrenched away from him, sitting up again. "I came here tonight because I need to talk to you."

He sat up again. "Can't it wait?"

"No, it can't." She took a deep breath. "I need to tell you why I left so suddenly the other day." She fidgeted with her hands, staring down at them.

"All right then; I would like to know what has you so upset."

She grimaced. "You may not say that when I tell you..." she mumbled.

His brow furrowed. "Whatever it is, it can't be that bad. You -- "

"Max," she interrupted, "Please, just let me tell you and get this over with, before I lose my nerve." He leaned back, staring at her as he motioned for her to go ahead. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, telling herself she was not going to cry in front of him. "Do you remember that conversation we had about a week or so ago, when we talked about how all of you guys related to one another...?" Maximus nodded. "And you said that you... understood that us gals were attracted to *all* of you?" He nodded again. "And that you wouldn't really be jealous... even if we -- or I -- was 'with' someone else....?" He nodded, but only after a long pause. His expression was starting to change as he began to realize the direction the conversation was going. "Did you mean that?"

He was quiet for a moment, eyes turned away as he digested that. "Are you saying that you were with someone else here?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," she whispered, swallowing hard.

He let out a long sigh. "I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised... He is a good man, someone you might have been with if not for me..."

It was her turn to be bewildered. "Who are you talking about?"

"John, of course. I saw how concerned he was about you just now... And that might explain why Tina was a bit upset too."

"Oh, god..." She hung her head. "No... That's not it. It's not John."

Maximus looked more confused. "Not John?" She shook her head. "Then... who?" His eyes widened slightly. "Colin?"

"No," she sighed. "Max, please, I don't want to play 20 questions." He stared blankly at her, and she knew he did not understand the reference. "Just let me explain this in my own way... That night, you also said that you understood if I was attracted to any and *all* of Russell's characters... Remember?" He nodded again. "Even someone like... Hando...?" She still couldn't say Sid's name.

"Yes, I did..." He took a long breath. "What are you trying to tell me?"

"...You also said you weren't shocked that I could be attracted to someone like... like Sid too..." She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and looked into Maximus' brilliant aquamarine eyes.

Eyes that slowly turned icy blue, the muscles in his face tightening into a grimace. "Sid?" He practically growled the name. "You had *sex* with Sid...?" She nodded, and he leaned back, pulling away from her before rising to his feet, storming away angrily. "That degenerate madman? Who terrified you so much that you could barely stand the sight of him...!?" She nodded again, hiding her face in shame. "After all the contemptible things he said and did to you -- and me -- you allowed him into your bed!?" he questioned, incredulous.

"Actually, it wasn't my bed... It was the basement," she muttered.

"What...!?" He stared at her, unable to speak for a moment. Then he continued, demanding, "I want you to explain this to me. How, and when, did this happen?"

"But you *said* you weren't surprised I was attracted to Sid when I first met him." She was trying to stay in control, and not cry, but she never had been able to deal with other people's anger well, and the tears were threatening to flow.

"When you *first* met him, yes. But after that, I thought you hated him. What changed?"

For a brief moment, behind the anger, Laura saw the hurt in Maximus' eyes. Seeing that was ten times worse than the anger, she thought. She recalled John's advice -- 'be straight with him' -- and began, "You have to understand how *different* this place is from normal reality for me -- for all of us. You're all the same guy -- Russell Crowe -- but yet, you're not. It's such a fantasyland here that I didn't take it seriously. It wasn't real to me. In a way, *you* didn't seem real either. I felt like I could do whatever I wanted without any repercussions. I didn't stop to think how anyone else might feel... not even you... " She stole a glance at him, wincing at the cold, harsh look in his eyes -- and the hurt. "I'm sorry; you don't know how sorry I am. If I could take back what happened, I would. But I can't -- and I feel terrible about it, because now I've hurt you, and that's something I never wanted to do."

He didn't react, staring coolly at her. "Those aren't the details I wanted."

She looked away. "Yea, I know. I just want you to know all that up front." She turned away, then got up, walking to the far corner of the room. "I was attracted to Sid from the moment I laid eyes on him. I'm attracted to *all* of Russell's characters -- I've said that before. And when I met Sid, I had no idea he was a 'bad guy'. All I knew was that he was one of Russell's characters. He was charming and smooth and very sexy.... So when he made a pass at me that night, before you got there, I almost took him up on it. Frankly, I was flattered that someone like him would find me attractive." She sighed. "Then I found out what he was *really* up to..." She shook her head. "He did scare the hell out of me, and I was very angry with him. I felt like a fool. I wanted to beat the crap out of him, so I was glad he showed up at the beach so we could all teach him a lesson... The next day, though, was when I saw 'Virtuosity'..." She shook her head, rubbing her forehead. "Even though I saw how awful he was, I still felt sorry for him by the end. I know it doesn't make sense, but I did have some sympathy for him."

"I remember -- I didn't understand it then, and I don't understand it now."

"Actually, neither do I... He is a jerk, but... Hell, I don't know. He's very attractive, and I just ignored everything else... " She paused, clearing her throat. "*It* happened the day before I left.... In the morning, I went down into the cellar looking for something... and Sid followed me down..."

His eyes blazed. "Followed you...? If Sid forced you into anything, I'll break his neck."

"No, no -- he didn't...." She looked away. "I could lie and tell you he *did* force me -- nobody would believe him over me... But the truth is, it was consensual. He came onto me, and made a pass... And all I could think about was having a good time... So I said yes." She hung her head. "I don't know what it is about him -- he's so smooth; he has an answer to *everything*. I begged him to leave me alone, but he just wouldn't leave."

"Why didn't *you* leave?"

She paused. "I don't know," she said quietly.

"You... you 'don't know'?" Maximus blinked, struggling to control his temper. "What kind of an answer is that? How can you not know?"

"Because I don't. I honestly don't know what it is about Sid that makes him so attractive. There's a part of me that finds his dark side... exciting," she admitted.

Maximus gawked at her. "I do not believe I am hearing this," he muttered. He shook his head, pacing across the room for a few moments. Then he set his hands on his hips, glaring at her. "You are an adult woman. How could you let yourself be manipulated by his obvious lies? Sid cares nothing for you -- you know that. He is using you to get to me. Do you not understand *that*!?"

His voice rose sharply, and she jumped slightly. "Yes, I do understand."

"Then WHY!?" he hissed. "And do *not* tell me you don't know."

"Because I made a mistake," she said, struggling to hold back the tears. "It was wrong, and I knew it, but I did it anyway. I was human -- I screwed up. All my life I've played it safe, but here, I felt like I could really be myself, and not worry about what other people think. But I got carried away -- I let it go too far. I didn't set out to have sex with Sid. It just happened. He seemed to know my weaknesses, and the next thing I knew..." She choked back a sob. "The damage was done. I wish I could turn back the clock and change it, but I can't. But I'm trying to be straight with you now. I wanted you to know what happened, and why, before Sid told you himself. I would do anything not to have hurt you like this... But I can't erase it. All I can do now is take responsibility for my actions and try to make amends... If you could understand how I could be with John, and forgive it, why can't you at least consider doing the same with Sid...?"

For a few moments, she thought she was getting through to him. But then he turned and answered, "Because John would be discreet. No one beyond the three of us would ever know of it. But Sid will take GREAT pleasure in announcing it to the world." He paced again. "How could you be so blind to his intentions? He told you he was after you merely to anger me -- he feels threatened by me, and he looked on you as an opportunity to humiliate me. If you had ignored him, eventually he would have gotten bored and moved on to some other scheme. But by doing this you have played right into his hands. In due time, he will make sure *everyone* knows what happened between you two. I would not even put it past him to be so crass as to go into the details of exactly what you did together. Whether I want to know them or not -- and I assure you, I do NOT -- Sid will make certain I DO hear of them!" he ranted. "Did you not consider THAT when you allowed him to bed you!?" She was shaking, just barely able to stop the tears from flowing, as she softly answered 'no'. Maximus paced the room once again, then stopped. "If you have so little regard for my feelings that you did not even consider them, then we have nothing more to say to each other." He walked to the door. "Please leave."

Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. "Maximus, no. We can work this out -- don't walk away."

"There is nothing further to say." He put his hand on the doorknob. "I saw Sid downstairs -- I'm sure he would be interested in your company tonight."

She gasped; his words stung. "I do NOT want anything to do with Sid again; I swear it. I have no intention of going near him ever again."

"So you say... *now*."

She grew angry at the implied insult, and her face flushed. She momentarily thought of throwing his own behavior and his liaison with Tina back in his face, but held her tongue, knowing it would only make things worse. "I've been honest with you. And when I said I won't have anything to do with Sid again, I *meant* it." She walked to the door, glaring at him. "I suppose *you've* never done anything dishonorable in your whole life, have you, General? Must be nice to be so perfect." There was fire in her eyes, but at the same time, her lower lip trembled, and a few of the tears brimming in her eyes rolled down her cheeks.

His hand fell away from the doorknob as he stared at her, conflicting emotions warring within him. For a brief moment, behind the anger she could see the depths to which he had been wounded, as well as the desire to forgive her. But then he turned away, his expression hardening as he folded his arms across his chest. "Please go," he said firmly.

Hurt and angry too, she could only think of escape now, and she jerked open the door. "Excuse me," she muttered as she fled down the hallway.

On to Part Eight

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