Being (Read 26,285 times)

[susala]

I'm reading this for the first time, and enjoying it thoroughly.

[fluffysmom]

Oct 16, 2011 1:26:03 GMT -5 felineflash said:

Oct 16, 2011 1:02:38 GMT -5 fluffysmom said:

I'm not reading it for the first time but I don't remember many specifics so it's almost like reading it for the first time. For awhile I was reading Phloe fanfics almost daily.

I'm sincerely flattered that you're reading it again! I'm thrilled that y'all think it's worth a second look!

It's definitely one of the best Phloe fan fics I've ever read. Thanks for sharing it here FF.

[felineflash]

Chapter 25 - Same Old Song

Philip felt relaxed and ridiculously happy soaking in the warm, clean smelling bubbles, facing Chloe. Even though the tub was huge, it was still a bit cramped for two, with Chloe sitting with her knees up and he with his leg propped on the edge of the tub. It had been a deliciously sexy bath, but now that they were down to the business of really…bathing, Chloe had grown quiet.

“What’s the matter?” He asked as he prodded her shoulder gently with his toes. She took his foot and began to massage it, but she didn‘t answer. I can understand why women love pedicures so much. I should look into getting one, maybe I’ll get a discount. “Chloe? You thinking about Nicole?”

She shrugged, “She’s scared, Philip. She’s afraid to tell EJ. And what if he doesn’t support her?”

“I can’t see him not supporting her. It’s his child, too. But if he doesn’t, she’s got us,” he paused. “Man, does that sound weird. I never in a million years thought I’d hear myself say I’d support Nicole,” he chuckled.

“Everyone changes,” she sighed. “But I wasn’t thinking about Nicole, to tell you the truth.”

“OK, so what then? What’s bugging you?”

She let got of his foot and hugged her knees. “Morgan.”

“Ugh!” He threw his head back. “Seriously? You’re not ever going to let this go?”

“You were in a relationship with her, Philip. And after everything I’ve heard, I just don’t know…”

“You’ve got to let this go. Seriously. Chloe, you had sex with my brother, you moved in with him, and I’m not pushing you about it, am I? Why does Morgan threaten you so much?”

“Because you’re not telling me everything, Philip. From day one, she taunted me about your relationship, and you’re making it sound like--”

“From day one she did what? What do you mean, she taunted you about our relationship? What relationship?”

“Philip, please don’t treat me like an idiot.”

“I’m not!” His eyes widened and he sat up. “You’re telling me that Morgan was claiming to be in a relationship with me since…when?”

“Since I met her, Philip. She accused me of being jealous.” Oh, boy. I’m just digging a deeper and deeper hole here, aren’t I? Why’d I listen to Morgan, anyway?

“I don’t know what kind of relationship she was talking about, because up until I got shot, we were friends and only friends. That’s the God’s honest truth. Do you believe me?” He leaned in and kissed her.

“Yes,” she said, embarrassed. “I guess she just knew how to push my buttons,” she admittedly sheepishly.

“Good. Now it’s my turn. Do you miss Lucas?” Am I going to like this answer?

“I don’t have a reason to miss Lucas. He’s still my friend. That’s all we should have ever been, anyway,” she answered, looking him straight in the eyes.

“Honest?”

“Honest.”

“Is he better looking than me?” He teased.

She rolled her eyes, and answered, “Lucas is very attractive. But you are the apple of my eye,” she laughed.

“Ha! Who’s better in bed?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Philip!”

“Kidding, kidding. So honestly, are you OK with how you and Lucas ended?”

“More than OK. It was a mutual decision, we both knew it was right. He deserves someone who truly loves him. That was never going to be me. And, he’s still in love with Sami.”

“He needs to get over that,” Philip scowled.

“I don’t know. Maybe Sami will fall down the steps one day and get some sense knocked into her. It could happen.”

“You kind of sound like you’d help her out there,” he smiled.

“It’s tempting, but…no,” she laughed, then looked serious again. “Philip, I have to know one more thing about Morgan.”

“Here we go again. Chloe…” he said, exasperated.

“No, really. You said she didn’t know,” she glanced at his leg, “how is that possible?”

“Is this a round about way of asking me if I slept with her? No. I did not. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have, and almost did, that night. But it didn’t happen, and I’m glad it didn’t. Good enough?” He could tell by her face that it wasn’t. “OK, let’s sing it again. I dated her because she liked me, and because you had dumped me. I liked the idea that she liked me. I was attracted to her. I liked feeling like…I guess like I used to feel when I was a kid, that I could get whatever I wanted. So I dated her, but I wasn’t happy. I was lonely, so I was willing to just coast along, but in the end, I knew that wasn’t the answer…and now for the chorus--”

“It’s over, and can we just drop it?”

“That’d be it,” he smiled, pulling her into another kiss. “Don’t you trust me, Chloe?” He asked, as he pulled her body to his.

“Yes…and that’s what I’m so afraid of,” she whispered as she wrapped her legs around him. Because I love you, and I don’t know what I’ll do if you hurt me…if I’m hurt again.

“Don’t…be…afraid…” He muttered as they sank into the bubbles.

[Kpatch]

Mmm, great bubble bath. I have a "deliciously sexy" visual in my head.

I hope Chloe is done obsessing over Morgan. She is wasting precious time that could be better spent doing ... Philip.

Thanks for my long-awaited much anticipated bubble bath, Fifi.

[MrsM]

Ooh, fun!!!

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for a great Monday night chapter FF. I enjoyed the cozy bathtub scene. I hope Chloe forgets all about Morgan now. It seems as though Philip has.

[felineflash]

Coming Up: Trent is murdered, and Philip's on the suspect list!

[Kpatch]

Oh no! Poor Philip goes from one problem to another without catching a break. Thanks for the preview Fifi.

[MrsM]

Can't wait!! Hope he has a good alibi!!!!

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the preview FF. I'm looking forward to the chapter.

[felineflash]

Chapter 26 - Whereabouts

Philip was straightening his desk, waiting for Chloe to meet him so they could head off to their lunch date at the Brady Pub, when Bo tapped on his on his office door. “Your assistant said to just come on in.”

“Uh, yeah, but I’m actually about to head out the door. What’s up?”

“I need to ask you a few questions,” Bo said, holding up an evidence bag that contained what looked like a date book. “You had a meeting with Trent Robbins yesterday morning at 9:00 a.m.?”

Philip looked at him, perplexed. “Yes. Is that his date book? What’s going on here?”

“I assume he showed up for the meeting, which was about…a publishing deal?”

“He did. And I assume that he’s told you that the meeting wasn’t about a publishing deal. But I hardly did anything wrong--”

“What exactly was the meeting about, Philip?” Bo asked wearily.

“It’s personal.”

“Philip, Trent Robbins was murdered last night, so I suggest you tell me just what the hell the meeting was about,” Bo said angrily.

“Come again? Trent Robbins was murdered? Wow.”

“Philip,” Bo grumbled.

My God, he doesn’t actually think I killed Trent Robbins, does he? “I was doing a favor for a friend.” Nicole doesn’t need this on her plate right now.

“Philip!”

“Alright, alright. I was acting as a go-between for Nicole. He’s been threatening her for money, and she didn’t want to deal with him, so I gave him the money for her. That’s what the meeting was about.”

“And I suppose you threatened him?”

“Who wouldn’t threaten that bastard?”

“Philip, he is dead. Someone murdered him.”

Philip sat down. “And you suspect me? Come on, Bo.”

“We have a suspect in custody, but we’re following up on all of our leads. Now, tell me the truth, did you threaten him?” Bo looked tired and upset, too upset for Trent Robbins.

“Yes, I did. But that’s all I did. He walked out of here at 9:30, and I never saw him again. If you have a suspect in custody--”

“I have to ask you where you were between the hours of eight and ten last night,” Bo cut him off.

Philip sighed. “I was with Chloe. We were at the Java Café, then we went for a walk on the pier, and then we went home. I’m sure people saw us at Java Café, and the staff can vouch for us at home. I don’t even know if anyone else was on the pier. Why are you asking me this if you have a suspect in custody?”

“Philip?” Chloe poked her head in the door, which Bo had left ajar. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. Hi, Bo. I’ll just wait--”

“That’s OK, Chloe, I actually need to speak to you too,” Bo told her, and she came into the office and had a seat. “May I ask you where you were between the hours of eight and ten last night?”

Chloe narrowed her eyes at him and answered, “Philip and I went to get coffee, we took a walk, and then we went back to his house. Um, Java Café, the pier, his house. Why?”

“Trent Robbins was murdered last night,” Philip filled her in.

“Oh, my God. And you suspect me?” She asked incredulously.

“No, he’s checking my alibi,” Philip grumbled. “Again, if you have a suspect in custody, why this dog and pony show?”

“Because the suspect is my mother,” Bo mumbled. Chloe gasped.

“What? Caroline? Your mother couldn’t hurt a fly!” Philip exclaimed. “You think she’s covering for someone…”

“Yes, I do. Thank you Philip, I had to check up on this since the date’s in his book. I’ll be checking out your alibi as well. For what it’s worth, I know you didn’t do it, but I have to do things by the book,” he shrugged.

“Of course. Bo,” Philip called out as Bo was walking out the door. “Let me know what I can do. I’ll help however I can, you know that.”

“Thanks, bro. I’m not sure there’s anything anyone can do at this point,” Bo said glumly. He nodded goodbye to them both and shut the door.

“Caroline’s in jail? That is unbelievable,” Chloe commented, looking steadily at Philip.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Come on, Chloe,” he said angrily, “do you honestly think I’m capable of murder? And besides, I was with you all night!”

“I don’t suspect you, Philip. But what if one of your men…went too far…” You don’t hire them for their diplomacy, after all.

“I didn’t have any guys on Robbins yet. I told Nicole to let me know if he bothered her again, I’d put one on him. I didn’t want to take them off of John Black and Hollingsworth for nothing.”

“Oh. Philip, do you honestly think Caroline did it?”

“No. I think she’s protecting her own.”

“Max.”

“It makes sense, doesn’t it? He despises the man. Or did,” he shrugged.

“But…what about Nicole?” Chloe said worriedly.

“I know. I thought about that too. I hope she had nothing to do with this. It’s not like the bastard didn’t deserve to die…” He said darkly.

“Philip…” Chloe looked at him, frightened by the look in his eyes. “Philip!”

“What?” He snapped out of it.

“You’re scaring me.” Don’t go there, Philip, don’t go to that darkest place.

“Sorry. It’s just been a bad day. Something weird’s going on with my mom, now this…”

“Something weird with your mom? How unusual,” she said dryly.

“Chloe, don’t. Not right now,” he snapped.

“I’m sorry,” she replied, a little stunned. “What’s going on with her?”

“I don’t know, she’s just…not herself. She’s been under the weather, and,” he shook his head, “I just have a bad feeling. She’s keeping something from me, I can tell. I don’t know if it’s because I’m still pissed at her because of the Daniel thing, or if she’s upset because you and I are back together, or…what. But something’s not right. And to top it off, John Black has requested a ‘meeting’,” he hooked his fingers in quotation marks, “this afternoon. I just…I’ve got a bad feeling.”

“Philip,” she came behind him and massaged his shoulders, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be insensitive. I’m sure everything’s fine with Kate, she’s just furious because of me.”

“That feels good,” he muttered, kissing her hand.

“Are you hungry? We still have a lunch date.”

“No.” He said flatly.

She walked over to the door and locked it. “You sure?” She smiled.

“On second thought, let’s do lunch.”

[Kpatch]

Ooh, great chapter. Love the dialog and the visuals. And I like how you weaved (wove?) the actual on-air plot into this story but made Philip and Chloe central to the story.

Thanks Fifi! I'm just loving this story so much.

[fluffysmom]

Great chapter FF. I liked Bo admitting that he didn't really suspect Philip. I can hardly wait for the next chapter.

[MrsM]

Great chapter, can't wait for more!!

[felineflash]

Chapter 27 - Threats from a Zombie

John paced the office, rubbing his temples.

This is ridiculous. So far, this meeting had been utterly pointless, with John offering dry pleasantries and looking as if he had a migraine. Philip himself was getting a headache, and watching John walk around in circles was just making it worse. “Are you feeling alright, John?”

“I’m…fine,” John replied.

It’s like talking to Rainman. And it was heartbreaking, really, to see John like this. The once vibrant, morally just John Black reduced to this pacing, mechanical weirdo. Who wouldn’t get to the point. “Then can we get to the point of this meeting?”

“Of course,” John waved his hands, as if clearing the air. “You’ve gotten pretty comfortable since Hollingsworth took the fall for you. I want you to know that things aren’t over yet, Philip.”

Philip sighed. Really? Again with the veiled threats? “I’ll take that into consideration. Are we done?”

“I know what Elvis and Tony are attempting to do to Stefano. But they won’t get the DiMera empire away from me.”

“Well, good for you for taking a stand, John. Is that it?” Philip replied, walking towards the door.

“No.” John paused for a long time. Philip rolled his eyes as he waited. “I’m not through with you. You tried to destroy me. I…will…destroy you, and everything…you love.” John zoned out.

Wonderful. I’m being threatened by a zombie. Philip came closer to John, got in his face, “Honestly, John, with whatever’s going on with you right now, I think the only thing facing destruction is you,” he snarled. “You tried. You failed. Deal with it.”

“Oh, no, Philip. That wasn’t even me trying. That…was child’s play. When I’m done, you won’t know what hit you.”

“Yeah, John, I think you’re knocking on the wrong door here. You want revenge on someone, why don’t you go after the guy who stole your mind? Huh? Go after Stefano.” What’s worse is having to point out which battles he needs to fight. This guy is completely lost.

“Oh,” John smiled. “I have plans for Stefano. I just wanted to let you know that I hadn’t forgotten about you. Have a…good evening,” he smiled as he left.

Thank God that was over, Philip thought as he locked his office door. It was always so weird dealing with this new John. Now more than ever, since he didn’t even seem to know what he wanted. What he should want is to get his brain back. That’s what I’d want. But it does pose an interesting question…if you couldn’t remember who you were, you would you choose to be? Whatever. John’s no threat anymore. And I am out of here. Now he could go home, relax, take Chloe out for dinner at Chez Rouge, and forget the day. His phone rang as he got on the elevator. “Kiriakis.”

“Hey, Philip, it’s Bo. Wanted to let you know your alibi checked out.”

“Surprise, surprise. Has Dad been in touch with you?”

Bo sighed, “Yeah, he’s at the station now, trying to talk some sense into Ma. But she’s not budging.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that, Bo. Listen, are you stuck at the station all night?”

“No, I’m actually about to leave in a bit, why?”

“Well, I know it’s late notice, but if you can get a sitter, I’d like to invite you and Hope to dinner with Chloe and I at Chez Rouge tonight. It would give us a chance to talk…maybe I can help in some way.” At least I can show some support. Of course, there’s the off chance that Hope still hates me…but maybe we can clear the air.

Bo sounded doubtful when he replied, “I’ll run it by Hope and give you a call back. In any case, thanks, man.”

Philip thought for a second after Bo hung up, then scrolled through his numbers. “Hey, it’s Philip Kiriakis. I need a favor. I need you to find out everything you can on Trent Robbins, particularly who his enemies might have been. Who might have wanted him dead. Good. Just call me when you’ve got the info.” He flipped his phone closed as he got into his car.