Being (Read 26,249 times)

[fluffysmom]

Loved the chapter FF. I was so glad to hear Victor admit that he knows Philip and Chloe belong together. It was great to see Philip happy and smiling again.

[felineflash]

Chapter 109 - The Turning of the Worm

They stayed outside in the snow for at least half an hour, not saying anything, just gazing at the snowflakes as they fell. Finally, Chloe came up behind Philip and put her arms around him, resting her chin on his shoulder. He turned to face her, grinning, “You look like you have stars in your hair,” he said as he brushed the snowflakes away.

“So do you,” she replied, kissing his cheek. “But you’re going to catch cold and never get better if we don’t go in soon.”

He mocked a pout and said, “Yes, Mom.”

“Hey, it’s up to you. You want to stay sick and contagious, that’s fine with me, but don’t go giving me bronchitis. I’m a singer, I don’t need that,” she shrugged.

“Damn. You’re always right. How do you do that?” He laughed.

“It’s called being a woman,” she smirked as she patted his bottom and took his hand, leading him inside.

As he helped her out of her coat, he said quietly, “I need to talk to my dad.”

“Yes, you do,” she agreed.

“And then I need to make a couple of calls…”

“Take your time. I’ll go take a bath,” she smiled, kissing his cheek before she headed for the stairs.

Philip steeled himself and walked into the sitting room where Victor sat with a brandy and the paper. “Dad…”

“Philip,” Victor greeted him, “you look somewhat rested, finally,” he said as he folded his paper away.

“Yeah, it’s much easier to sleep without the cast. Look, Dad…” he sat down, “I’m sorry about earlier. I’m sorry about the wall, and the phone, the Birgsten account…I’m sorry for freaking out like that.”

Victor reached over and laid a hand on Philip’s shoulder, “You don’t need to apologize, son. The wall’s been repaired. The phone was replaced. The Birgsten problem’s been resolved…”

“Resolved?” Philip asked.

“Yes, I spoke to him tonight. Everything’s back on track, and he’s looking forward to a video conference with us next week. He hadn’t been made aware of the fact that you were ill. Now, Philip…”

Philip cringed, waiting to be berated for something or other, but Victor squeezed his shoulder and said quietly, “You frightened me today. You’re overstressed.” Philip opened his mouth to protest, but Victor went on, “You’ve had a trying year, son. I know that and you know that. I know that you’re worried about your mother, and I know that you’re not feeling 100%. It’s the holidays. I want you to relax. I want you to cut your workload in half until after the new year, and I’ve asked Brady to come on board at Titan to help accommodate that.”

“Brady,” Philip said flatly, then shrugged, “I suppose he did do a good job in Austria.”

“He did an excellent job in Austria. He’ll be an asset to the company.”

“But are you doing this because you don’t think I can handle it? Because I can, Dad, you know that. I think I’ve proven myself in spades…”

“You have, Philip, you have. And I’m very proud of you. But I think that what happened earlier only illustrates my position. You need rest. You need time to recover. And it’s the holidays, things are quiet. This is the perfect time for you to lighten your load a bit,” he rose and refilled his glass, “Would you like one?”

“No thanks,” Philip replied.

“Well, I’ve said what I’ve had to say, where’s the argument?” Victor rose his eyebrows expectantly.

Philip chuckled, “No argument here. For once, I agree with you,” he laughed as he rose. “Thanks, Dad,” he said as he hugged his father.

“I love you, Philip. Never forget that,” Victor told him as he returned the hug.

“I love you, too. I’ve got a couple of calls to make, then I’m calling it a night.”

“Oh, check in with Henderson before you turn in. I think he wanted to ask you about the Christmas tree,” Victor called after him.

“Will do.” I had totally forgotten about the tree. He shook his head. Time to actually enjoy the holidays, Philip. He went into his office and closed the door. He placed his call to check on Kate, who was sleeping, but was assured by the nurse that she’d be told that he’d called, then he called Dr. J. to tell him the events of the day. Now he’s going to realize that I am, in fact, certifiable. But Dr. J. was delighted to hear about the episode, telling Philip, “Finally, man. The worm has turned for you! We’re making progress!” Well, if progress involves destroying inanimate objects, then so be it.

He caught up with Henderson before he went up to his room and discussed the Christmas tree. It was decided that Philip would handle it. Together they decided on the location of the tree, and Henderson assured him that the decorations would be brought down from the attic in the morning. That business handled, Philip meandered upstairs, savoring the thought of sleeping in his own room, in his own bed, comfortably beside Chloe.

She looked up from her book as he walked in, and he stopped for a moment to take in the way she looked, propped against the pillows, in a red plaid flannel nightgown, her hair fanned out. “Hi,” she said. “You done?”

“I’m done,” he nodded.

“What’d your dad say?” She asked as she set the book aside.

“He was cool. Wants me to work less until the new year, enjoy the holidays,” he told her through the open door of the bathroom as he turned the shower on. “Brady’s coming on at Titan.”

“Oh. Are you OK with that?”

“Yeah. He did a good job in Vienna, and now that his head’s on straight again…I think it’ll be really good for Titan. What do you think?”

“I think you’re absolutely right. And I think it’s just what Brady needs, to be useful again. To be important somewhere,” she agreed.

“I think he’s already important somewhere,” he poked his head out of the door and winked at her, pulling his sweater over his head. “I’m gonna take a quick shower.”

He emerged 15 minutes later and sat on the bed with his back to her, removing his prosthetic. She reached over and caressed his bare shoulder and he turned, grinning, as he slid next to her. “I love my bed. I love my bed with you in it.”

“I love your bed too. I love being in your bed with you in it,” she laughed, leaning in to kiss him. At the last minute she remembered that he was still sick and planted the kiss on his chin. “You need to get rid of your contagions, Mr. Kiriakis."

“I sure as hell do,” he nodded as he planted a kiss on her breastbone. “Because this? Sucks.”

“There are other things we could do…” she suggested coyly as she turned out the light.

[fluffysmom]

I'm really glad that Victor was understanding with Philip. Philip seemed surprised by the conversation with Victor. I liked Philip and Chloe relaxing and enjoying the snowfall. I'm sooo glad that she's back at Kmansion.

[Kpatch]

Everyone is growing up! I'm so glad Victor told Philip that he's proud of him. It's about time! And I was so glad that Philip reacted maturely to the news that Brady was coming on board at Titan. My favorite part was the end where Philip was frustrated about not being able to kiss his woman, and Chloe had some alternatives in mind.

Great chapter! Thanks Fifi.

[felineflash]

Chapter 110 - Hold That Thought

“Hey!” Philip exclaimed, switching his lamp on, “Not that I don’t appreciate your creativity, but if you want me to get rid of my contagions, I’m going to have to take my medicine,” he laughed, reaching for a bottle of cough syrup. Chloe watched as he downed the cough syrup, followed by two pills and a swig of water. “Ah,” he grinned, “all drugged up and at your mercy.”

“At my mercy? Are you implying that I’m domineering?” She teased.

“Not in the least,” he replied, tugging at her nightgown. “You got a padlock on this thing, or what?”

She lifted herself up so that he could slip the nightgown over her head, then drank in his scent as he kissed her neck and worked his way down. His body wash, a wonderful, masculine, outdoorsy smell…toothpaste tinged with cough syrup…the smell of his shampoo. She ran her fingers through his shower damp hair and kissed his chest.

He looked up, smiling, “Do you have anything to do tomorrow?”

“We’re done until the new year, since Tristan and Isolde got pushed back to February,” she answered mildly.

“You’re bummed about that, huhn?" he asked, nibbling her neck.

“A little, yeah. It’s an incredible part…some people say that the role of Isolde is the best you can get.”

“But the show’s still on, right?” He asked, kissing her ear.

“Yes,” she giggled, shivering slightly, “Only it’s in February now. Stop it, that tickles!”

“Well, if you’ve got nothing to do,” he mumbled, tracing her jaw line with his tongue, “I was wondering if you’d do something with me. Something important…something that benefits you.”

“Ooh, something important that benefits me? How so?” She laughed as her fingers trailed down his stomach.

He shivered and answered, “I need somewhere to put your Christmas present, and we don’t have a tree. So…will you go tree shopping with me tomorrow?”

Chloe’s breath caught…He’s asking me to go get a Christmas tree. After all this, after thinking we were done forever, now we’re planning holidays together. “I’m going to need somewhere to put yours, too, so…I’d be happy to go,” she smiled.

“Wonderful. Now…” He dipped his head and kissed his way down her abdomen.

Oh, oh… “Philip…”

“Yes, Chloe,” he answered in a schoolmaster’s tone.

“Hold that thought…please,” she laughed as she scampered from the bed into the bathroom.

Five minutes later, when she returned, it was clear Philip hadn’t held that thought, or any, as he was fast asleep. She smiled and pulled her nightgown back on, snuggling in to fit next to him like a spoon.

At some point in the night, Philip awoke. Emotions took over him as he gazed at Chloe sleeping beside him, and he sat up, then quietly hopped to the window, pulling the curtain back. He gazed out at the snow…The world is white. It’s pure. It’s new. We start over, no one’s perfect. We’ll make this work. He broke out in a lopsided grin, let the curtain fall back, and hopped back to bed.

[fluffysmom]

Loved the chapter FF. It's wonderful to see both Chloe and Philip happy and preparing to celebrate Christmas together. Poor guy...falling asleep before Chloe returned from the bathroom. I hope he gets well really soon!

[MrsM]

Aw. What a sweet chapter!!!!

[Kpatch]

So happy this chapter picked up where the last one left off. Thank you! I really enjoyed that. So nice to see them happy together and making plans for the future. And neither one of them is taking that for granted.

[felineflash]

Chapter 111 - The Search

When Chloe awoke, Philip’s side of the bed was empty and cool. She stretched and savored the comfort of the warm bed, then rose and went to the bathroom to dress. Philip was forking pancakes into his mouth when she entered the dining room. He nodded at her as he chewed, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Have you been up long?” She asked as he swallowed.

“About an hour,” he took her hand and pulled her close to kiss her cheek in return. “Sorry about…not holding the thought last night.”

She chuckled, “You passed out cold.”

“And I’m still kicking myself for it,” he grumbled.

“We’ll catch up later,” she winked as she helped herself to pancakes and coffee.

“Woah,” Philip looked up as Brady sauntered in. “What the hell happened to you?” He asked referring to the dark circles under Brady’s eyes.

“I think that’s called a film noir hangover,” Chloe laughed.

“Eight hours straight. And I think Nicole watched at least one more movie after I left,” Brady nodded, pouring coffee. “It was fun, though,” he shrugged as he sat down. “It’s about time it snowed, huh? I was beginning to wonder if we weren’t going to have a white Christmas.”

“Speaking of that,” Philip refilled his coffee cup, “I need to borrow your Cherokee.”

“I’m sorry?” Brady raised his eyebrows. “Why do you need to borrow my car? And seeing as it is my car, do you think you could manage to be a little less pompous when asking to borrow it?”

“Sorry,” Philip wiped his mouth, “Brady, would you mind terribly if I borrowed your cherished vehicle today?”

“You still haven’t told me why. What’s wrong with your car?” Brady growled as Chloe watched in amusement.

“Nothing. I just can’t toss a Christmas tree on the roof of a Porsche. At least, I’d rather not try,” Philip told him.

“I thought I was going to get the tree,” Brady grumbled.

“Nope,” Philip shrugged.

“Hey, why don’t we all three go?” Chloe suggested with a smile.

“I could probably use an extra set of hands,” Philip agreed.

“I’ll drive,” Brady stated.

“Good. We’ll give you time to eat,” Philip told him as he rose.

“Do you guys mind if we stop at the Inn while we’re out? There’s something I want to pick up,” Chloe asked. I don’t know what he’s going to think of the other gift, but at least I think he’ll use the cuff links.

“Hey…do you mind if I invite Nicole?” Brady wondered.

“Why not? The more the merrier,” Philip answered as he walked out of the room.


The four of them sat in slightly uncomfortable silence as Brady pulled into the tree lot. He and Nicole exited first, leaving Philip and Chloe somewhat further behind. “What do you make of that?” Philip asked, taking Chloe’s hand.

“What, Brady and Nicole?”

“Mmm.”

“Are you asking if I think they’re getting back together?”

“Uh huh,” he answered, looking at her.

“It sort of looks like they’re heading in that direction, doesn’t it?” She responded as they watched Brady put a protective arm around Nicole.

“And?”

“And, what?” She arched her eyebrows.

“Well, how do you feel about that?” He asked cautiously.

“Philip, Brady’s not my husband anymore. I think…if it happens, it’s good. I want him to be happy. And, oddly enough, I want Nicole to be happy. They seem to be making each other happy, so…I’m not jealous, if that’s what you’re asking, Philip.”

“Good,” he nodded and picked up the pace so that they caught up with Brady and Nicole.

“What are we looking for?” Brady asked as they joined them.

“A Christmas tree?” Philip retorted.

“Size, shape, etc. Come on, man,” Brady groaned.

“Big,” Philip answered, taking off between a row of trees.

“And that really helps…” Brady muttered as he wandered off.

Chloe went in yet another direction, the snow crunching under her feet as she walked away. Philip let his attention wander from the trees and looked down the row at Nicole, who was standing still, head down. He walked up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. “You OK?”

“Of course,” she answered, forcing a smile. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you don’t look it,” he replied softly.

“Christmas tree shopping just aint my thing. I’d rather be shopping for a pair of Manolo Blahniks than a big shrub,” she laughed.

“There is a difference between a shrub and a tree, you know,” he chuckled. “Come on, you can’t tell me you hate Christmas tree shopping.”

“Maybe it’ll grow on me,” she wrinkled her brow, looking at the tree in front of her. She shook her head, “nah, don’t think so.”

“Grow on you? This is not the first time you’ve been tree shopping!” He argued.

“Actually,” she sighed, “it is.”

“Oh, come on, you had Christmas trees growing up,” he said, shaking his head.

“Yeah, an ugly aluminum one. Looked like a few feet of shredded tin foil. But it’s not like we gathered ‘round, sang carols and spread good cheer. Christmas was just another day, albeit with an ugly ass tree. This Christmas was supposed to be special,” she trailed off, then forced another smile.

Damn. Way to go, Philip, that’s the way to make her feel better. “Why don’t you get yourself a tree?” He asked.

She barked out a laugh, “Philip, I don’t think the Salem Inn would appreciate my bringing a Christmas tree into the suite…which…um…you’re still paying for.”

He shifted uncomfortably, “Yeah, about that…”

“Don’t worry. Now that I know what Chloe’s going to do, I’ll switch it to my account,” she smiled.

“Thanks. I mean, I like you…”

“But not that much, huh?” She chuckled. “I understand.”

“Still, maybe you can find a wreath or something…something to get you in the spirit.”

“Oh, yeah? Maybe. Where would they have those? In that shack?” She pointed to the big top tent several feet away.

“That’s a tent, Nicole. But yes, that’s probably where you’d find them,” he laughed.

“Tent, shack, what’s the difference?”

“There is a difference.”

“Whatever,” she snorted, heading over to the tent.

Philip resumed browsing the trees. Suddenly, he heard Chloe call out, “Philip, Brady! I think I found it!” He looked in the direction of her voice and saw her through the trees, jumping up and down, waving her arms excitedly. “Over here!”

[MrsM]

Awww poor Nicole.

[fluffysmom]

I liked the four of them shopping for a Christmas tree together. I think Brady was really hoping to cheer Nicole up. Thanks FF. I really enjoyed the chapter.

[Kpatch]

I remembered this chapter from the first time I read it and it was so memorable and vivid. It was so nice to see the foursome getting along, doing something normal, yet knowing it was so special. I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to spending Chistmas at the mansion.

[felineflash]

Chapter 112 - The Taming of the Shrub

Philip joined Chloe as Brady walked up, and they all observed the tree. “It’s big,” Philip said.

“That’s an understatement,” Brady laughed. “It’s huge!”

“Will it fit?” Chloe asked.

“Sure,” Philip smiled. “It’s perfect. I’ll go tell the guy we found one.”

He was back a few minutes later, Nicole, carrying a small potted tree, hot on his heels. The tree was paid for, prepared for its trek to the Kiriakis estate and loaded onto the roof of the Cherokee, and they all piled back in. “Are you guys going to be able to handle that monster?” Nicole asked.

Brady and Philip rolled their eyes, “Of course,” Philip replied.

“No problem,” said Brady.

Nicole smirked and looked out of the window, “If you say so,” she smiled.

Halfway to the Salem Inn, as Nicole was musing about what color lights she would get for her tree, she gazed out the window and frowned. “Guys, we’ve got a problem.”

“What?” Philip asked, eying her in the rearview mirror.

“The shrub’s listing starboard,” she replied.

Chloe looked out of her window and shrieked, “Oh, my God, Philip! Stop!”

“I can’t just come to a screeching halt in the middle of the road,” Philip grumbled, changing lanes and pulling over onto the shoulder. “What’s the problem? Oh, damn!” He exclaimed, looking out of the passenger side window, where half of the tree was clearly in view. He and Brady got out and began wrangling the tree back onto the roof.

“I really like this little thing. What do you think, pink lights?” Nicole asked Chloe over the thumps, grunts and scraping.

“I think pink would look great. Should we help them?”

“Nope,” Nicole shrugged.

“We’re going to scratch the paint, man,” Brady was complaining.

“You want to stop standing there and tie this thing down before my arm falls off?” Philip retorted.

“It doesn’t sound like it’s going so well,” Chloe remarked to Nicole.

“Just wait until you get back to the house and they have to haul it in. That’s when the fun will really begin,” Nicole laughed as the men got back in the car.

“Did you get it?” Chloe asked Philip, noticing the fresh scratches on his hands and his flushed face.

“Sure, no problem,” he answered gruffly as they got back on the road.

They dropped Nicole off at the inn, and managed to make it back to the house without further incident. “Do you need help? Should I get Henderson?” Chloe asked as they parked.

“Nah, nah, we’ve got it,” Philip assured her, hopping out, “besides, Henderson would throw his back out with this thing.”

It took several minutes, but the men finally managed to free the tree, which proceeded to tilt, slide and finally crash to the ground. “Oops,” Philip mumbled.

“Well, that was easy,” Brady said. Chloe grimaced and hoped that the tree would look the same as it did in the lot when they were done with it.

“You get the front, I’ll get the back,” Philip said as he grabbed the trunk of the tree.

“I hate going backwards,” Brady grumbled as he picked up his part of the tree. “You ready?”

“Ready,” Philip answered, “go.”

“Why do I have to be the one going backwards?” Brady asked, irritated.

“Who said you had to go backwards? You can go forward if you want,” Philip told him.

“It’s harder to hold that way. You should be the one going backwards.”

“My footing is bad. It’s on you, dude.”

“Are you guys sure you don’t need my help?” Chloe asked, as they hadn’t budged yet.

“No,” they answered in unison. “Just get the door,” Philip told her.

She sighed and took her post by the door, waiting for them to approach before opening it.

“So, go, Brady,” Philip prodded.

“Alright, alright, let me get a better grip,” Brady growled. “Alright, come on. Ow! Damn it, man, don’t impale me!”

“You said go,” Philip fumed.

Brady began to move forward while Philip stood still, and Philip lost his grip and dropped the trunk while Brady dragged it. “I thought you were coming!”

“You were standing there bitching, I didn’t know you’d started moving,” Philip yelled as he bent to pick the tree back up. “OK, on three. One, two, three…” Haltingly, they began to make their way to the door. They cursed, grunted, dropped it half a dozen times, Brady nearly tripped twice, Philip did trip once and fell to his knees, but eventually, they got the tree through the door, where they promptly dropped it on the floor.

“I think it looks great right here. Just like that,” Philip sighed.

“Me too,” Brady agreed, and they started to leave.

“Hey! No way. You’re not just going to leave it lying there. Besides, no one can get past it!” Chloe complained.

“I’m done,” Philip shrugged.

“Fine, then, I’ll do it,” she huffed, trying to drag the tree across the floor, but unable to move it.

“Stop,” Brady grumbled. “I’m taking the trunk. Deal with it.”

Philip scowled and took the top of the tree, and they managed to wrestle it into the parlor. They fit it into the stand and stepped back. “Finally,” he sighed.

Brady cut away the wrapping, and the branches sprang free, relatively unharmed. The scent of pine overtook the room, and they all stepped back to admire the tree.

“It’s beautiful,” Chloe gasped, smiling. “Now we need to trim it!”

“Ugh,” Philip groaned. “I need a drink.”

[MrsM]

I agree with Philip. Getting a tree requires a drink. Lol.

[Kpatch]

I'm glad that getting a tree is stressful for everyone. I thought it was just me and my husband. When Brady said he hated going backwards, I was yelling turn around dum dum, and then Philip said almost the same thing. I think the decorating part is on Chloe.

Cute lighthearted chapter. Thanks Fifi. Loved the title, "Taming of the Shrub." I can't wait to find out what Philip and Chloe bought each other for Christmas.