As the idea of a scavenger hunt comes together in Frodi's mind, she begins to feel excited by it. She smiles to herself, thinking of all the places she could send Nick to... all the clues she could leave for him. She leaves the shop, and locks up, with so many ideas buzzing around her head.
MALE VOICE: Hi there.
Frodi jumps. She was so lost in thought, she hadn't noticed anyone else. She looks up at the person who spoke to her.
FRODI: Luca... hi.
LUCA: Haven't seen you around for a few days. Everything okay?
FRODI: Yeah, I've just been busy.
LUCA: *looks at the burnt-out toy shop* What happened here?
FRODI: *doesn't know about the spy cameras* Someone set fire to our shop.
LUCA: How horrible. Who would do such a thing?
FRODI: I dunno.
Frodi starts walking down the path, wishing Luca would leave her alone, so she can get on with planning Nick's scavenger hut. But Luca walks alongside her. She looks at him out of the corner of her eye.
FRODI: How's Trina?
LUCA: She's fine. She's at home resting. *long pause* Hey, I've idea. Want to go for a refreshing drink somewhere?
FRODI: Sorry Luca, I can't. I have a ton of things to do... *thinks quickly* then I'm meeting Nick for lunch.
LUCA: *stops in his tracks* You're meeting... Nick? Um... okay. I should be going anyway. There's something I'm working on in my workshop. See you later then.
Did Frodi see a flash of anger in Luca's eyes? She's not sure. Something has changed in Luca - he's not the quiet, shy man she was friends with before. Something about him makes her feel tense. And the way he looks at her sometimes... as though he's staring right into her soul. Frodi shudders. At least he's gone for now. Frodi's thoughts turn back to the scavenger hunt. First thing's first - she'll need someone to look after the kids.
Bing & Alessea's House...
All is quiet in Bing & Alessea's house. Aurelius and Cassima are upstairs doing their homework, Alosrin is happily playing with his toys, and the adults are talking in the living room.
DING DONG... DING DONG
ALOSRIN: Muuuummm, someone's at the door.
ALESSEA: I'll get it.
Alessea goes to answer the door, and sees Frodi standing there. She invites Frodi into the living room.
FRODI: I'm sorry to bother you all. I wondered if you and Bing were available to babysit tomorrow? It's just... with everything that's happened recently, I wanted to do something nice for Nick. He's been through so much recently. And I had the idea of a scavenger hunt, followed by some time alone with him.
BING: Of course, Frodi. We can look after the kids for you.
GONDIEN: It is always a pleasure to see those adorable children you have, Frodi.
Frodi smiles gratefully at them. With the babysitting taken care of, she can now set to work on planning the scavenger hunt.
Sein Dor Hotel...
That evening, Nick & Frodi decide to get Room Service for their tea - meals are brought up to their suite.
FRODI: Hey kids... how do you fancy spending the day with Uncle Bing & Aunty Alessea tomorrow? It'll be like a wee holiday. You'll also get to see uncle Gondien and uncle Aurelius.
Nick looks at Frodi with surprise.
Lilla and Michael look at each other, and roll their eyes. Their old enough to realise, this means 'Mum wants some alone time with dad'.
Rosie, Vincent, and Eurus squeel with delight.
The next day...
The next day, Gondien arrives to collect the children. He winks at Frodi, hoping her plan works out. After everyone has left, Nick pulls Frodi onto his knee.
NICK: Okay Frodi Zarano... what are you up to? You've been acting all weird since yesterday.
FRODI: *innocently* I don't know what you mean.
NICK: Come on... out with it. *pretends to scold her* Or I'll revoke your ice cream & coffee powder privilages.
FRODI: *giggles* Oh! I seem to have left something in the bedroom... on the bed. Could you get it for me?
Nick gives her a funny look, then goes through to the bedroom. He sees an envelope lying on the bed, with his name on it. He opens it.
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Solve all the clues, and you shall meet a great reward.
1. The BEST pudding ever created... EVER!!!
Nick grins. Coming from Frodi, this can only be one thing - coffee powder and ice cream. He walks back through to where Frodi is sitting, and sticks his tongue out at her. Then he walks over to the coffe cups and drinks (there's no freezer in the hotel suite, so it can't be the ice cream part), and picks up the jar off coffee powder. Sure enough, there's another envelope with his name on it. Again, he opens it.
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2. Where is the Boogie Man?
Nick chuckles. He goes back through to the bedroom, and looks under the bed. Sure enough... another envelope.
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3. A hobbit guards this.
Nick is chuckling to himself. This is crazy! He walks back through to Frodi, who is sitting in a chair.
NICK: *grins* Are you enjoying this?
FRODI: Oh yes! *giggles*
NICK: Good. Now get up.
FRODI: *trying not to laugh* Why?
Nick leans down and kisses her, then lifts her up. His suspicians were correct - Frodi was sitting on the next envelope. He opens it.
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4. I never promised you a rose garden.
Nick thinks. Could that mean the rose bush in the hotel grounds? He looks at Frodi.
NICK: I'm married to an insane hobbit. It's the only explanation. *grins*
FRODI: But you love me anyway?
NICK: *pulls her into his arms, and kisses her* Definately! *smiles*
Nick pats her bum, winks at her, and grabs his jacket.
NICK: I'll be back.
Frodi waits 10 minutes. He should be far enough away from the hotel by now, and he'll be gone for several hours. She heads out to buy some last-minute items. Meanwhile, Nick is travelling all over town, looking for the clues.
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16. This scavenger hunt is pretty long. Why don't you sit down, and have a rest? You can feed the ducks, while you're at it.
That could only be the park bench!
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24. Nice view of the beach.
Must be their beach house.
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29. As in any circle, you end up where you began.
NICK: *laughs* I guess that means, go back to the hotel.
Nick heads back to the hotel room. Stuck to the door is an envelope.
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30. Put this on, and come inside.
Nick opens the envelope... and finds a blindfold. He does as he is told, he puts on the blindfold, and feels his way into the room.
NICK: Frodi? Are you there?
FRODI: Welcome back Nick. Did you have fun?
Frodi is naked, but Nick can't see that, cos of the blindfold.
NICK: Hehehe. THAT is the most INSANE thing you've ever done! I loved it!
FRODI: I'm glad. But there's more to come. No peeking now!
Frodi pulls faces at Nick, to make sure he can't see. When she's satisfied, she slowly unzips his jacket, and throws it to the floor. Then she unbuttons his shirt, and kisses his chest.
NICK: HEY! That tickles! And... are you trying to seduce me?
FRODI: Maybe. *licks his chest*
Frodi unbuckles his trousers, and pulls them down.
FRODI: *takes both his hands* Now step forward.
Nick steps forward, away from his trousers. He's now only wearing a pair of boxers. Frodi takes Nick's hands, and leads him to a chair. She sits him down, and ties his hands behind the chair.
NICK: *grinning* What's going on?
FRODI: Oh... nothing.
Frodi sits on his lap... her bare skin against his bare skin. A huge grin appears on Nick's face.
NICK: Are you naked?
FRODI: That's for you to decide. *kisses him*
Since Nick has the blindfold on, he can't see the tray of food lying next to them. Frodi picks up a can of squirty cream.
FRODI: Open wide.
Nick opens his mouth, and Frodi puts a strawberry to his mouth. He bites into it, and the juice runs down his chin, making them both laugh. She feeds him a few more strawberries, with him biting half, and her taking the other half.
FRODI: You like that?
NICK: *nods* Mmmm, tastes good.
FRODI: Of course, you can't have strawberries without...
Frodi picks up a can of squirty cream, and squirts some into his mouth.
NICK: Why don't you squirt some of that on yourself, and I can lick it off? *grins*
FRODI: *giggles, and kisses him* Maybe later.
Frodi squirts cream onto his chest, then licks some of it off.
NICK: *laughing* Yeah, attack me when I'm tied up and defenceless... you little cheater. Just wait till I'm free.
While his mouth is open, Frodi pops another strawberry in. He bites it, and more strawberry juice runs down his chin, mixing with the squirty cream.
NICK: You know what I'd really like next? A kiss from my crazy wife.
Frodi touches his face, and kisses him passionately - a long, loving kiss.
NICK: Now THAT was the best thing on the menu!
FRODI: I've got something special for you now. Chocolate chip cookie.
Frodi breaks off part of the cookie, and pops it in Nick's mouth. Nick closes his mouth on the cookie, sucking Frodi's fingers at the same time. Frodi laughs, manages to free her fingers, and strokes his cheek as he munches the cookie.
FRODI: Do you remember, many years ago, we were in a hotel room. You had a cookie, and the crumbs got stuck in your beard?
NICK: *swallows the cookie* I remember. Then I sprinkled some crumbs in your hair.
FRODI: Heehee. Now it's time for my revenge. *sprinkles some cookie crumbs in his hair*
NICK: Well, that's my supper sorted out then. *grins*
FRODI: *puts her arm around him* Back then... I never dared hope you could have feelings for me.
NICK: And look at us now! *smiles, and tries to kiss her*
FRODI: I'm so much in love with you Nick. *leans in for another kiss*
NICK: Me too. Love you with everything I have. *kisses her* Even though you do tie me up, and blindfold me.
FRODI: *licks his chin* Speaking of which, you're covered in food.
NICK: And who's fault is that? *sticks his tongue out*
FRODI: Come on.
Frodi unties Nick, making him promise to keep the blindfold on. She leads him through to the bathroom, where a nice bubblebath is waiting for him, then she climbs in after hiim. She gently washes him all over, and he washes her bump.
After the bath, she helps him out, and dries him off. Still with the blindfold on, she guides him through to the bedroom, and sits him down on the bed.
FRODI: Now this is the best part. *smiles* I'm your sex slave. You have to tell me what to do, and I'll do it. *takes his hand*
Frodi's excited. She's never done this before. She's already wet, from them washing each other in the bath, and she's full of anticipation how this 'sex slave' thing will work out. She kisses Nick's hand, waiting for him to say what he wants her to do.
As Nick & Frodi lie in bed, she looks into his eyes, and smiles. She has so much love for this man. She would give her life for him. She strokes his face, and gently kisses his soft lips.
FRODI: Sleep well?
NICK: Yeah. Best night's sleep I've had in ages!
Nick pushes her hair behind her ears, and plays with her pointy, hobbity ears.
NICK: You?
FRODI: *nods, and smiles at him* I always sleep better when you're next to me.
They kiss again. Then Frodi snuggles into his arms, and rests her head on his warm chest. Her fingers run lovingly up his chest... she feels so good in his arms.
FRODI: I had a dream last night. About Emily. *still in his arms, looks up at him* She was happy, Nick. She was with her family again... her parents, and her brother. And she was happy.
NICK: What was done to her... first Joker, and now Franco... was a tragedy. It's a nice thought that she's with her family again.
They lie in each other's arms for a while, just holding each other.
NICK: Speaking of psychotic, demented fucks... you were pretty impressive with the crossbow the other day, when you were facing Olon. *smiles*
FRODI: Well, he was trying to kill you, and I just saw red. NO-ONE hurts you, and gets away with it! *clasps Nick's hand tightly, their fingers intertwining*
NICK: *smiles, and kisses her forehead* Remind me never to get on your bad side.
FRODI: *leans up on one elbow, and looks at him* If you do, your punishment will be much more severe. I'll tie you to a chair, and *thinks* make you eat ice cream and coffee powder. *giggles*
NICK: *laughs* Oh, god, no... please... have mercy!
Nick tickles Frodi, and she dissolves into fits of giggles.
Trina & Luca's House...
Trina & Luca are already up, and having breakfast. Things have been tense between them, since Luca called out Frodi's name, while making love to his wife, although he's been trying to get back in her goodbooks, ever since.
LUCA: How is my beautiful wife this morning?
TRINA: ...
LUCA: Would you like some coffee?
TRINA: Yes, thankyou.
Luca gets up to pour her coffee. He puts the cup in front of her, and she takes a sip.
LUCA: Why don't we go to the park today? It's nice outside, it will be fun, just the two of us.
TRINA: I'm not in the mood.
LUCA: *sighs* Baby, are you still mad at me?
TRINA: What do you think? *throws the coffee over Luca, and slams the cup down*
LUCA: ... Okay, maybe I deserved that.
TRINA: *shouts* Maybe? How about definately! You called out Frodi's name, while we were making love! I love you, and you call out someone else's name! Were you thinking about her, while you were touching me? Your wife! Have you any idea how that made me feel?
LUCA: *looks down* I'm so sorry Trina. I don't know what made me do it. If I could turn back time, and spare you that pain, believe me, I would!
Luca pulls Trina's chair round, away from the breakfast table. He kneels down in front of her, takes both her hands in his hands. He kisses her gently.
LUCA: I love you, baby.
TRINA: And what about Frodi?
LUCA: What about her? You're the one I want, Trina. You're the one I love. You know that.
Luca kisses up and down her neck, stroking her hands as he does so.
LUCA: Baby, you saved me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I need you, baby. I love you.
He cradles her face with his hands, kissing her lips, her cheeks, neck, shoulders.
LUCA: You and me... we belong together. Us against the world. Isn't that what we promised each other?
Luca's kisses become more passionate, and Trina's breathing becomes heavy, as she begins to succumb to his advances. He wraps his arms around her, and nibbles her ear.
LUCA: You're all I have. Please baby... don't turn your back on me.
TRINA: I would never do that, Luca.
Trina closes her eyes, feeling his hot breath on her face. She still loves him. She runs her fingers through his hair, feeling herself get wet.
LUCA: *whispers in her ear* Make love to me?
Trina leans her head back, lost in the moment.
LUCA: Make love to me? I need to feel you inside me, baby.
TRINA: *trembling with anticipation, but also, some fear* Why? So you can call out *her* name again?
LUCA: ...
Luca stops. He pulls back, and looks at her sadly. That remark cut him deep. He stands up. Trina opens her eyes, and sees the pain in his face.
TRINA: Luca, I'm sorry...
Too late. Luca is already heading for the kitchen door. As he reaches the door, he looks back at her sadly. Trina sees a tear form in his eyes, as he turns, and walks out the room, closing the kitchen door behind him. Moments later, she hears the front door open, and then slam shut.
TRINA: AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Trina screams loudly, pain and anguish filling her voice. She stands up, picks up her coffee cup, and throws it at the door, smashing it to pieces, then breaks down into a fit of tears.
Bing & Alessea's House...
Bing & Alessea have a full house, with themselves, 3 children, and Gondien, and Aurelius. And they couldn't be happier. Alessea is absolutely thrilled to have her father and her brother back. Little Alosrin quickly formed a bond with his grandfather, and Aurelius and Cassima, although older, still love Gondien as much as ever.
Bing & Alessea are cuddling together in bed.
ALESSEA: Have I told you lately how happy you make me? And how much I love you?
BING: Yes, but it's always nice to hear. *kisses her*
VOICE FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR 1: Carry me on your shoulders, grandfather? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Pleeeeeeaaaaaaasssssseeeeee?
VOICE FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR 2: You wish to carry me on your shoulders? *teases* Well... I don't know...
VOICE FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR 1: Heeheeheehee. NO grandfather. I want YOU to carry ME on your shoulders.
VOICE FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR 2: Well... you have to promise to hold on tight.
VOICE FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR 1: I promise, grandfather.
ALESSEA: *looks at Bing* I think my father, and Alosrin are up.
BING: It sounds like it. *chuckles* But I want another kiss from you, before we join them.
Alessea smiles, and kisses him. As she does so, her hand reaches up to his ear, and she gives him an ear-rub, causing him to let out a sigh of happiness.
BING: Ooooh, I'm like putty in your hands, when you rub my ears like that, Alessea.
Alessea just smiles.
Luca's Workshop...
An hour has passed. Luca has started on a new painting, clearly angry and frustrated over the incident with Trina. It's too early to tell what the painting is though - it just looks like sploshes of red and black paint. But as Luca becomes increasingly angry, his brush strokes become increasingly erratic. He begins stabbing the painting with his brush, then eventually, picks up the whole canvas, and brings it down over the top of the easel. The loud RRRRIIIIIIPPPPPPP is heard echoeing throughout the workshop.
Sein Dor Hotel...
Nick & Frodi sit in their hotel room. The kids have gone to school, so Nick & Frodi are alone. They sit on the edge of the bed, kissing each other. Nick has his hand on her bump.
NICK: I was thinking Frodi. Staying in this hotel is all well and good, but it's not very homely, is it?.
FRODI: It's fine Nick. *strokes his hair* Besides, we can't go home, anyway.
NICK: No, but we could move somewhere a bit nicer than a hotel room. Why don't we move into the beach house for a while?
Frodi looks at Nick, a smile playing on her lips.
FRODI: *excited* YES! I would LOVE to move into the beach house. I love the beach house! But not as much as I love the man who bought it! *throws her arms around him, and kisses him passionately*
Nick smiles, and nuzzles her neck. He thinks about his other surprise - that he plans to build their dream house. But he decides to keep that surprise for another day.
BZZZ BZZZ..... BZZZ BZZZ... BZZZ BZZZ
NICK: Damn! That's my mobile.
Nick answers his mobile - it's Nolan, calling him into the office to discuss something with him.
NICK: Will you be okay, until I get back?
FRODI: Yeah, I'll be fine. I'll probably go for a walk. Maybe go and see Anna.
Nick grabs his jacket, kisses Frodi goodbye, and heads out the door.
A Darkened Room, Somewhere...
Luca is sitting at a desk. It's quite dark, and he has a lamp on the desk, so he can see what he's doing. He has some photos in his hands, and he smiles as he flicks through them. The camera zooms into his hands, and we see... the photos are all of Frodi - mostly at the toyshop, either in front of the shop, or through the window looking into the shop. But there's also photos of Frodi & Nick in the town square, at the New Year celebrations. We also see photos of the shop on fire lying on the desk, although Luca's cameras were not able to catch who did it. Luca touches Frodi in one of the photos, tracing her outline.
LUCA: My queen! I know you love me, even if you don't know it yourself yet. But don't worry, I won't give up on you. Our love is too important. *touches Frodi's bump in the photo* And Trina must never know... the baby you're carrying... is mine... when we made love in your shop.
Luca looks up, as does the camera... and we see a wall of monitors. All focused on the toyshop. Some views are zoomed in on the front entrance door, some on the path leading up to the shop, some looking in through the window. Frodi & Nick have no idea that Luca had planted spy cameras on trees and walls around the shop. One monitor is of particular interest to Luca - it shows Frodi and another woman approaching the toyshop.
LUCA: So... the wannabe detective is sniffing around? No matter... she will not come between me and my queen.
As the camera pans out, we see he is still in his workshop, but he has used tall screens to divide this part of the room from the rest of the workshop, so it's hidden from view. This is what he is so glad Trina hadn't noticed, the day she came into his workshop.
Wonderland Toy Shop...
Frodi and Anna stand in front of the burnt-out shop.
ANNA: So Nick's been called into NolCorp?
FRODI: Yeah, Nolan called him this morning, and asked him to come in to the office. I think he wants to discuss something with Nick.
ANNA: *looks at the shop* I'm so sorry this happened, Frodi. I know how much the shop meant to you and Nick. *puts a supportive hand on Frodi's shoulder*
FRODI: I'm just glad none of us were in the shop, when it happened.
ANNA: Do you know who did it?
FRODI: *shakes her head* Don't know for sure. Although I have a strong suspicion it was one of Sauron's men. *pause* Anyway, enough about that, what about you? I can't tell you how glad I am to see you, and Danny, and Alfred again. How are you coping, though?
ANNA: *smiles* Wonderfully! *looks up at the sky* We were locked up in the dark for so long, I honestly thought I would never see daylight again.
FRODI: Are you excited to be starting up your new detective agency with Mallory and Sherlock?
ANNA: You know what... I kinda am! *smiles*
Silence for a few minutes...
ANNA: *points to the shop* Shall we go inside then?
FRODI: Yeah, I guess so.
Frodi unlocks the entrance door, and her and Anna enter the shop. As they stand in the shop floor, the full extent of the damage hits home to Frodi. Most of the stock is either ashes, or extremely charred. The walls are black from the fire, and the counter has also been damaged. Doors leading to the backshop, and Nick's workshop, burnt up in the fire. Frodi walks over to the counter, and touches it, remembering her & Nick making love.
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Flashback...
Nick & Frodi are lost in their own world. Nick holds her head down, as she sits on the counter, sucking him. She fondles him all round that area, as she sucks hard. Nick closes his eyes, and leans his head back, letting out a gasp, enjoying the sensation. Frodi glances up.
FRODI: *stroking and massaging him* Enjoying this? *smiles*
NICK: *still with his eyes closed and head leaned back* Uh-huh!
Frodi kisses his belly button. He opens his eyes and looks at her, stroking her hair. His other hand slowly unbuttons her shirt, fondling her breasts. Their moans of passion become louder... more urgent... as they become harder and wetter.
NICK: Fr... Frodi... come here.
Nick pulls her up towards him. They stare into each others eyes for a moment, then he kisses her passionately of the lips. His kisses travel along to her pointy hobbit ears, and down her neck and shoulders.
FRODI: N...Nick... *pants* Oh god, Nick... *kisses him desperately*
Frodi's arms wrap around Nick's body tightly. He reaches down, and fingers her below, feeling how wet she is. She moans deeply. She lies back on the counter, knocking another box to the floor as she does so. Nick climbs onto the counter, on top of her. She reaches down to squeeze him - he's rock hard. Then, both of them breathing heavily, he thrusts himself into her.
Frodi feels a hand on her shoulder, and she jumps, bringing her back to the present.
ANNA: Frodi, are you okay?
FRODI: Yeah. Was just thinking. It's sad to see the shop like this, but at the end of the day, it's just a building. I have my husband, and I have my kids, and THAT'S what's important! I love my family, Anna, they are my world.
ANNA: *smiles* Are you going to open the shop again... after it's done up, of course?
FRODI: *shakes her head* I don't have the heart to start all over again. Besides, I'd just have to close it again in a few months, anyway. *puts hand on her bump* This little one is gonna want a lot of love and attention. *smiles*
ANNA: Hehe. As I recall, you had rather strange cravings?
FRODI: Still have them! Ice cream & coffee powder. You can't beat it! *smiles* Although, for some reason, Nick doesn't share my opinion on that. *laughs*
ANNA: *laughs* Now I can't imagine why!!! Anyway, listen, I'm gonna check in with Mallory and Sherlock, and see if we can get some leads on this fire, okay.
FRODI: *nods* Okay. Take care.
Frodi and Anna hug, then Anna leaves. Frodi makes her way to the back shop, where the stock was kept. Her special dolls are gone. Suddenly, Frodi has an idea. She doesn't know where it came from - it just jumped into her head from out of nowhere. But now the idea is there, she LIKES it! She likes it a lot. Nick has been through a lot recently - this could be a fun way to show him how loved he is. It will take a bit of planning, but she is looking forward to it. She'll create a scavanger hunt for Nick. She'll leave clues in various places, leading him to the next clue, which will lead him to the next clue, and so on. Ending with a big reward from Frodi. She smiles to herself, as she works it out in her mind.