Changes, Fate and Love

     *Captain Joe Reese walked out of his office and looked around the squad room. Spotting
Detectives Schanke and Vetter, he headed for the pair of desks where they were seated.  "Well,
I hope that the two of you can handle the caseload for a week." He said to them, as he
approached. "Your partner just called. Apparently Natalie has finally started talking about what
happened to her and doesn't want to be left alone, so Nick has decided to take a week off to
help her through this."
    "Well, at least she's opening up. I talked to Nick a couple of days ago, and he said any time
he even mentioned the explosion, or her attack, Nat would close in on herself and retreat to her
bedroom." Schanke told them.  "I took some brownies Myra made for her over, and she did
*not* look good. Maybe talking to Nick will help her."
    "I think just *being* with Nick has helped her." Tracy said with a smile. "I've never seen two
people more in love than they are. I just wonder why they never do anything about it."
    Schanke shrugged. "Who knows? They've been dancing around each other since I've known
them. Four years is a long time to waste. You'd think they had eternity, or something."
   Captain Reese looked at them. "Well, maybe all that's happened will put some perspective on
things for them. They're still young enough to start a family, if they want."
   Tracy grinned at them. "Well, they'd better get started, if they're going to. It's not like they
have forever."
*      *      *
   *Natalie looked up at the full moon and smiled. It was a beautiful summer night. She looked
down at the water, sparkling beneath her and took a deep breath, before diving in, head first.
Nick looked up from his book, at the sound of the splash. He grinned, as he watched Nat swim
several laps across the pool. Coming to Rio had been a good idea. Nat was looking a lot
healthier, and he liked the way she looked in a bathing suit. Of course, he preferred the more
natural look, but this was good, too.
   Nat climbed out of the pool and grabbed her towel. She hadn't realized how much she
missed getting some exercise, especially when it was something she enjoyed, like swimming.
She looked across the pool and saw Nick watching her, and she smiled as she walked towards
him. Silently, she removed the book from his hands and placed it on the table beside him, then
moved into his arms. "Why is it, every time I turn around lately, you're watching me?" She
asked, still smiling.
   "Because you are so very beautiful. And because I love you, so very much." Nick told her. "I
can scarcely believe that you still love me, after knowing all that I've been and done. Everytime
we make love, I feel how much you love me, and I sense your faith in me, in us, and it astounds
me."  He kissed her tenderly, then leaned his forehead against hers and grasped her hands. "In
800 years, I have never known such joy, as I have found in you. In your love, in us. Tell me you
will never leave me, for I could not bear to exist without the light you have brought to my
darkness."
   Natalie tenderly kissed his forehead, then placed the palms of her hands against his cheeks,
feeling the slight growth of beard. She looked into his eyes, as she softly caressed his face,
letting her love and warmth wash through the link they now shared. She watched his face,
recognizing the exact moment that he felt it the strongest, then whispered against his lips. "I will
never leave you. Whatever identity you assume, be it Nicholas deBrabant, Monsieur Nicolah
Chavalier, or Detective Nick Knight, you will always be the man I love." She placed her lips
against his own, and felt his response. Their kiss was soft and cherishing, and full of love.
   Nick wrapped his arms around her waist, placing the palms of his hands against the bare skin
of her back. He tightened his embrace slightly, deepening the kiss. The warmth he felt through
their link gave him comfort, and he closed his eyes and pushed into it, allowing himself to be
submerged in it.  The light of her love was as bright as the noonday sun, covering him,
encompassing him, making him whole. He basked in the light and warmth, allowing it to renew
his self-esteem, cleanse his tarnished soul, and heal his broken heart. When they finally broke
the kiss, Nick looked at Natalie in awe. 'How is this possible?' He asked in silent wonder.
   Nat's eyes widened slightly, then she ran her fingers through his silky blonde curls and smiled.
'I don't know. But it is. Just accept it as a gift, and make love to me.' She sent back silently.
Nick looked at Nat, a surprised, puzzled frown creasing his brow. "Nat, did you-?"
She grinned at him. "Yes, I did. I don't understand it, anymore than you do, Nick. But I don't
care. I love you and I want you, and if this is what it takes for us to be together, so be it." She
leaned forward and kissed his neck, then whispered in his ear, "Take me Nick. I want you to
make love to me. I want feel your love for me, in the tender way you kiss me. In the gentle way
you touch me. I need to feel the intense pleasure you give me, as you use your hands and mouth
to drive me insane with desire. I want to feel your love in every thrust into me you make; be it
the slow gentle movements when you first fill me, or the mind shattering, pounding when we're
close to release. I need you, Nick."
   Nick could feel his desire growing with every word she whispered to him. The seductive
quality of her voice fueled the fire, and he wrapped his fingers in her still damp hair, pulling her
mouth to his. The kiss they shared this time was rough and hungry. Their hands sought out now
familiar paths, as they fanned the flames of their desire. Nick picked Natalie up, then flew them
to their room on the sixth floor of the hotel.
   On the balcony of their room, Nick sat in a chaise lounge and pulled Nat on top of him. He
kissed her again, as his hands fumbled with the ties on the back of her swimsuit. Once he had
them undone, he pushed Nat up to a sitting position in his lap, and began massaging her firm
breasts. The rose colored tips were puckered from the breeze, and her skin was cool to the
touch.
   Nat leaned into Nick's touch, relishing the way his hands felt on her body. She gasped in
pleasure, when his lips found their mark; then laughed lightly, when he used his tongue to swirl
small circles around the taut buds. She entwined her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, urging
him to continue the gentle suckling. She used her left hand to undo the buttons on his shirt, then
explore the firm plane of his chest.
   As Nick released Nat's breasts from the moist cavern of his mouth, he helped her to remove
his clothing, then pulled her suit the rest of the way off of her. She stood before him, one leg on
either side of the lounge chair.  Nick trailed kisses down her firm, flat abdomen, until he reached
the triangle of dark curls. Placing his hands firmly on her bottom, he leaned forward and moved
his tongue searchingly closer to her core.
   Natalie grasped Nick's shoulders for balance, then threw her head back and moaned. As Nick
licked, then sucked on, her now throbbing clit, her breathing increased. She lost all rational
thought, as she ground her hips closer to him, seeking the release he could give her. Just before
she reached the peak, Nick pulled his head back, and grasped her hips, impaling her onto his
erection. Natalie gasped for air, as Nick began moving her hips with his hands, in a gentle up
and down motion. Each downward thrust brought them closer to fulfillment.
   Nick felt the pressure in his groin building to an almost painful intensity. He thrust with his hips,
even as he helped Nat move hers. He moved one hand, using his thumb to exert a gentle, but firm,
pressure on the center of her pleasure. He watched in fascination, as her face contorted into the
expressions that mirrored the painful pleasure she was experiencing. Again, the vampire surged
forth, demanding that he obtain the complete surrender of his lover. He knew, however, that it
would be him, to surrender. Still, he had to try.
   "Nat, beg me to release you. Come to me. Surrender to me."
   Nat smiled. So, it was time to play this game again, was it? "No, Nick. I won't surrender to
you. I want you to release me. Now."
   Nick, too, smiled; his eyes now golden, his fangs descended. He captured her gaze, in an
attempt to bend her will. "Natalie, surrender to me."
   Nat raised her head slightly. "No. If you want me to come to you, you must release me."
   The vampire flared for just a moment, the action reflecting in the feral red of Nick's eyes. But
they quickly turned golden again, as the vampire submitted to her. Nick leaned his head back
and growled, as he increased the pressure and movement of his thumb on Nat's clit.
   Nat felt the vampire give in to her, and she began to move faster. She felt the muscles in her
upper thighs burning, as she placed a hand on the back of the chair to steady herself. As she
neared her release, she leaned closer to Nick. "Take my blood, Nick. Come with me." She
gasped out his name, as his fangs entered her flesh, and she felt every muscle in her body tense
with the pleasure of it. Even as she felt the hot rush of fluid from her own body, she felt the
sudden burst of cold flowing into her from Nick, as he, too, found his release. With a shuddering
breath, she collapsed onto him.
   Nick felt the gentle urge to stop, and withdrew his fangs from her neck, as she fell on top of
him. He felt the joy and contentment she was experiencing, through their link, and he shared it.
   Nat looked up into Nick's eyes. 'At last, you are whole again.' She said silently.
   Nick stroked her soft curls, then caressed her face. "Yes." He said to her. "I am." Then he
wrapped his arms around her and carried her inside to the bed. He laid down next to her, pulling
her close. In a few short minutes, they were both sound asleep.
*      *      *
   *Natalie sat at the kitchen table in the loft, eating an enormous breakfast, as she listened to
Nick play the piano. The lift motor engaged, and he stopped, frowning. "What's wrong?" She
asked him.
   "I don't recognize the heartbeat of the person on the lift." He told her.
   "Then how did they get past the security system?" Nat asked, also frowning.
   "I don't know, but I intend to find out." Nick stated, as he moved to stand near the lift door.
   Nat watched as the door came open, and stopped at the surprised look on Nick's face. A
beautiful young woman stood in the doorway. She had hair the color of polished copper, and
eyes the color of the sea.
   "Hello, Nicholas. Natalie." She said, inclining her head.
   Nick looked at Nat, then back to the woman. "I'm sorry, have we met?" Nick asked her.
   She smiled a radiant smile. "No. But I have been waiting a *very* long time for the two of you.
Please, call me Aliyah."
   Nick's look of confusion turned to one of shock, and Nat felt it reverberate across their link. The
force of it made her grasp a chair for support. "Nick?" She looked at him.
   Nick moved to Nat's side and helped her to be seated. "Sorry, Nat. It's just- Well, I-" He
looked at Aliyah. "I thought you were a myth."
   She laughed lightly at that. "So many of your kind do. I assure you, I am very real. Shiloh sent
me, to help Natalie cope with the changes she is experiencing." She looked intently at Nat for a
moment. "Oh, my. You're further along than I thought."
   Nat shook her head. "Further along?  I don't understand." She stood, staying close to Nick.
  Aliyah smiled. "No. I wouldn't expect you to. Please, have a seat, and I will try to remedy that."
She looked at the food on the table. "I suppose we should start with that."
   As Nick and Nat sat at the table, they looked at one another. 'You okay?' Nick asked silently.
   'As long as you don't go anywhere, yes. Besides, I get the feeling this affects you, too.' She
answered.
   Aliyah looked at them, one eyebrow raised. "You've already figured out how to communicate
telepathically? My, my. You really *are* further along than I thought."
   Nick and Nat looked surprised, then concerned.
   "Don't worry. The link you share is yours, I can not intrude on that. I simply sense when you
are communicating, not what you say." She assured them. "Natalie, I suppose that lately, you feel
as if you can not get enough to eat? So you eat almost anything you can get your hands on?"
   Nat looked a little guilty. "Uh, yeah. I'm going to weigh 300 pounds, if this keeps up."
   Aliyah smiled gently. "No. I assure you, you won't. If anything, you will probably lose a few
pounds. You see, your metabolism is speeding up. That is why you're ankle healed completely in
only six weeks. That is why the scars on your back are not as noticable as they should be. And
why you feel you need to eat so much.  Your body is trying to compensate, because it is using
so much energy." She looked at Nat sympathetically. "There may be times, when you feel as if
your stomach is on fire. It can be extremely painful, and extremely draining. I have brought
something that you can drink, when the hunger gets that bad, that will ease the pain and help you
regain your strength. I will show you how to make it yourself, so that you will not have to rely on
me to supply it."
   Nat frowned a bit in concern, then nodded. "What's in it?" She asked.
   "Some herbs and vitamins, and lots of iron and protein. You can obtain everything you'll need
to make it at either a health food store, or from a holistic herbalist." Aliyah looked quizzically at
Nick's mirthful expression. "Something amusing, Nicholas?" She asked.
   Nick assumed his 'innocent little boy' look. "No. No, no."
   Nat eyed him. "He's just gloating. For once, *I* get to suffer through the protein drinks." She
smiled ruefully, and rolled her eyes.
   "I see." Aliyah said, uncertainly. "Well, Nicholas, do not gloat yet. You see, since you take her
blood every time you join with her, you must also drink something special." She smiled at his
crestfallen look, then winked at Nat. Growing more serious, she continued. "Natalie, even though
you are not becoming a vampire, the time will come when you will, on occasion, need to ingest
blood."
   Nat stopped, cold. "Ingest? As in, drink?" Her revulsion at this thought apparent.
   Aliyah nodded solemnly. "Yes. But not human, or even animal."
   Nat looked confused. "Then what..." She trailed off and looked sharply at Nick, then back to
Aliyah. "You mean-?"
   "Vampire." Aliyah confirmed, nodding her head. "Specifically, Nick's. Do not worry, Natalie.
When the time comes, you will do what is instinctive. There will be no revulsion, or hesitation.
And you won't need it very often. Maybe once a month, maybe less."
   Natalie looked at Nick. She saw the concern in his eyes. Concern for her. "Won't taking my
blood eventually bring her across?" He asked.
  Aliyah shook her head. "No. You see, Natalie is already immortal. The change happened faster
than I expected."
  Nick shook his head. "I don't understand. If Natalie is not a vampire, how can she be immortal?
Why is it that her metabolism is speeding up? Why will she eventually need my blood? How did
this happen?"
   Aliyah raised a hand to silence any further questions. "Please, Nicholas. I will explain it all to
you. Just be patient."
   Nat laid a hand on Nick's arm reassuringly. "It's okay, Nick. Give her a chance to explain first,
then we can ask any questions we have left." She leaned over and kissed him. "I love you."
   Aliyah watched the exchange between them. She smiled at the calming affect Natalie had on
Nicholas.
   Nick touched Nat's face tenderly. "I love you, too. I'm just worried about you, that's all."
   Nat squeezed his hand and nodded. She looked at Aliyah. "Please, continue."
   Aliyah nodded. "6000 years ago, shortly after the Creation of the world, a human made a deal
with the Evil One. In exchange for immortality, he would lose his soul, should he ever die. The
Evil One granted him immortality. He was the first vampire. You see, he began drinking the
blood of the people he killed, convinced that it was what would sustain him. Since finding his
victims was easier at night, he took to hiding and sleeping during the day, and 'hunting' at night.
After a few hundred years, he became despaired, for he was the only one of his kind. He
implored the Evil One to teach him the way to make others like himself, so he would not be
alone. So, he listened, and he learned. Soon, there were a dozen creatures like himself. He taught
each of them how to make others like themselves, and before long there were hundreds, then
thousands. Each followed his ways, the drinking of blood, staying away from the light.  1000
years after he had made the deal with the Evil One, the First became restless and frustrated. For
though there were now thousands like himself, he was still lonely. Further, the deaths he had
caused weighed heavily on him. He determined to atone for his sins.  He worked diligently,
seeking a 'cure' for the affliction he suffered, but none was to be found. For another thousand
years, he worked to atone for his sins, and try to find a cure. Then one day, seemingly by chance,
his path crossed that of a young woman. From the very moment when they met, he loved her. He
did not desire to kill her, or harm her in any way, but feared he may do so, anyway. Even though
he feared harming her, he could not resist the need to be near her. For several years, he struggled
with his feelings for her. She was fully aware of what he was, and what he did, yet she was unafraid.
In fact, she loved him, in return. This astounded him.  One day, she came to him where he slept,
and told him that regardless of the risk to herself, she wanted to be with him. He was fearful of her
life, but she convinced him. They made love, and he took just a little, because something in her
blood caused him to pull away in confusion. He had never encountered it before. She began to
change, slowly at first. But each time they made love, the changes became more rapid. Before long,
she found that she could do things that she never dreamed. But the most astounding thing, to her,
was the fact that 'vampires' had to obey her. No one could explain it. Her love and light restored
the First, and he began to rule over the others.  He established a High Council, and set rules, to
keep the mortals from learning about them. And with her at his side, he became stronger. Though
most vampire's are evil, a few are not. And over the centuries, the First, and his bride, have
remained among the few that revere and respect life."
   Nick looked at Aliyah. "I thought it was only legend. Like you."
   Aliyah smiled. "No, Nicholas. You see, I am the bride of the First. It is very true, I assure you."
   "You?  Then who is the First?" Nat asked.
   Nick looked sharply at her. "Nat! No one asks that."
   Aliyah smiled. "She does. You see, Nicholas, even *he* must obey her. She can not be killed.
Not by humans. Not by vampires. Any vampire who dares try and harm her, forfeits his life. Even
you."
   Nick sat in stunned silence. Nat would be safe. Safe from those in the Community that did not
like her, or him. Safe from those seeking revenge against him, mortal and vampire. Safe from
LaCroix. "Then we can truly be together?" He asked Aliyah.
   She smiled and nodded. "Yes. In fact, you are fated. You see, it was foretold that 'One Who
Searches' would arise from amidst the Community. And at the appointed time, the 'One Sent From
God', would come to restore him. Your name, Nicholas, in the Old language, means 'One Who
Searches'. And your name, Natalie, in the Old language, means 'Sent From God'." She smiled as
she watched the two of them digest this information, noting the way they looked at one another.
   "In answer to your question, Natalie, you have already met the First. He is called Shiloh. He
wanted to meet you, to see if it were true.  He was very impressed with you." Aliyah told her. "I
believe, Nicholas, that like Shiloh, you once prayed for a sign of your redemption. You did not ask
for the return of your mortality, for you believed that that would be the sign you were looking for.
But like Shiloh, you have been given not only a sign of your redemption, but a companion to help
keep you from falling back into the darkness. Natalie *is* a gift from God. She was sent here to
soothe your soul and be by your side for eternity. Do not hurt her, Nicholas. And I don't mean
physically, because that is impossible. You tend to have a wandering eye and grow restless easily.
You could hurt her very badly, and if you do, the consequences are severe. The link the two of you
share is very unique. Not even two vampires can share what you can. Use it to help and guide you."
She looked at her watch. "I must go soon. I will tell you all you need to know, then I must go.
Please, listen carefully."
   Nick took Nat's hand and placed a tender kiss on the top of it, then pulled her closer to him.
   Nat smiled at him, and laid her head on his shoulder, as she listened to Aliyah tell her of all the
things she would now be able to do.  She could still go out in the sun, if she chose. She could still
eat solid food. Vampires had to obey her. She could telepathically communicate with Nick. She
couldn't die, though, like Nick, to keep from being discovered may one day have to move on if it
appeared that she died. Because she and Nick were linked, at some point, she would need his
blood. She may gain some of the vampire abilities, such as increased strength, sharper senses,
and the ability to 'whammy' people. Nat smiled at this last statement. "The best of both worlds."
She said softly.
   Aliyah nodded. "Yes. You won't be able to have children naturally, though you may adopt, or
even foster children."  She smiled her radiant smile again. "Shiloh and I have found great satisfaction
in raising children, that would otherwise not have a home."
   Nick looked at her in surprise. "You have done it? Successfully?"
   "Yes. We have lots of children. A few of them are in their late 80's." She grinned.
   Natalie's eyes widened. "How can you do that, if they mustn't know of your existence?"
   "We get them young, and we teach them the truth, and the rules. We have never had a bad
experience. It all works out." She stood then. "I must leave you, now. I will keep in touch." She
handed Nat a card. "Though you can reach me, if need be, without mortal means, here is my number.
Feel free to call if you need anything, or if you have any questions."
   Natalie took the card. "Thank you."
   Aliyah stepped to the door, then handed Nat a sack. "Here is some of the protein drink you will
need, along with instructions on how to make it.  I've also included Nick's. Enjoy." She smiled, then
turned to the lift. Once inside, she turned to face them. "Good luck, Nicholas. Natalie." The doors
closed, and the lift engaged.
   Nick watched Nat open the container with her name on it. She smelled the contents, then took a
tentative sip.
   "Well?" Nick asked.
   Natalie smiled. "Chocolate. My favorite. It's really good!" She laughed at his slightly disappointed
look. "I know, you were hoping to exact revenge at last. Sorry to disappoint you."
   Nick grinned. "Well, let me try mine." He reached for the container with his name and took a sip.
  "Well?" Nat mimicked his earlier actions.
  Nick grinned at her. "It actually tastes good! Please tell me she left you the recipe?"
  Nat looked in the bag, then nodded. "Yep. One for each of us."
  Nick set his container on the counter, then pulled her into his arms. "I love you, Nat.  I can hardly
believe that any of this is real. At last, we can be together. And not even LaCroix can stop us." He
kissed her tenderly, then took her hand and led her to the stairs.
   Nat followed him up to his room, smiling as he pulled her into his arms and inched her closer to the
bed. "You know, I have a million things to do before I go back to work tomorrow night." Nat said
to him.
   Nick nuzzled her ear, then pulled off her blouse. "I know."
   "I'm not going to get much accomplished in here, you know." She said, sighing as he sucked on
her neck.
   "I know." He said again, as removed her bra.
   "Nick! Are you listening to me?" She asked, as he pushed her down onto the bed and began
suckling at her left breast.
   Nick looked up momentarily. "Did you say something?" He asked, a playful grin crossing his face.
   As Nick removed her jeans, she shook her head and laughed. When he placed two fingers into
her hot center, she gasped and closed her eyes. "No. Nothing important. It can wait." Nick's mouth
replaced his fingers and Nat sighed. "After all, we *do* have eternity."
*      *      *
    *Nick and Natalie walked hand in hand into the 96th precinct. Nick had said that everyone
wanted to see her on her first day back. As they entered, the precinct seemed almost deserted.
   "Where is everyone, Nick?" Nat asked.
   "I'm not sure. Tracy said they'd be here." Nick told her.
   Nat stretched out with her newly enhanced senses, and noted that there were several other
mortals in the area. She smiled as the realization struck. "Let's see if they're in the interrogation
room."
   Nick raised an eyebrow, and still holding Nat's hand, followed her.
   Suddenly, people popped out from nowhere, all screaming "SURPRISE!!" at the top of their
lungs. Nat acted pleasantly surprised, as Nick moved to stand right behind her.
   "Aw, gee, thanks, you guys!" Nat said to the assembled crowd, admiring the cake that said
'Welcome Back Dr. Lambert' on it. She glanced at Nick and grinned. 'Should we tell them now?'
   Nick met her eyes, then grinned himself. 'One surprise deserves another, right?'
   Natalie leaned against Nick, then looked at the faces of her, of *their*, assembled friends. Their
family. One day they would have to leave them behind. But not today. Today, they would share
their happiness.
   Schanke looked at Nick and Nat. They seemed to be standing a lot closer to each other than
usual, and Nick was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. And Natalie was almost *glowing*.  One side
of his mouth curled up into a grin. "Gee, Natalie, I'm glad you're back. I've *so* missed your
unique scent. You know, 'Ode de Formaldehyde'." He said to her, leaning forward to hug her.
   Nat returned the hug. "Well, somebody has to keep an eye on you deadbeats." She said, laughing.
   "Speaking of 'deadbeats', who's going to keep an eye on this joker, now that you're moving out
of the loft?" Schanke asked, indicating Nick.
   Nick and Nat exchanged looks. "Actually, Schank, that won't be a problem. Nat isn't moving out
of the loft." Nick said.
   Silence descended upon the room, as all eyes turned to regard the two before them.
   "Oh?" Schanke asked. "Why not?"
   Nick kissed Nat on the cheek. "Because Nat and I are getting married. As soon as possible."
   Schanke's mouth dropped open, and everyone else let out startled cheers. "Well, partner. It's
about time." Schanke said to him.
   As Nick and Nat accepted hugs and congratulations from their assembled friends, a lone figure
stood on the sidelines watching.
   Natalie hugged Grace, then turned to look at LaCroix. As their eyes met, Natalie stood for a
silent moment. Then she reached around and took Nick's hand. "Nick," she said to him. "Your father
is here."
   All eyes turned to LaCroix, as Nick looked sharply at Nat. 'It's time to put it aside, Nick. Please.'
   Nick looked at Nat, then at LaCroix. "Everyone, this is my father. Lucien LaCroix. Though he is
more commonly recognized, as the Nightcrawler."
   As everyone voiced their greetings, and a few dared to shake his hand, LaCroix moved closer to
Nick. "Nicholas." He acknowledged. He turned to look at Natalie. "I hear congratulations are in
order."
   Nat walked over and tentatively took LaCroix's hand. 'I haven't won, LaCroix. It was never a
contest. I love him, and so do you. That's all that matters.' "Hello, LaCroix." She said aloud.
   LaCroix's face registered his surprise for only a moment. 'Can you hear me, as well, Dr.?' "Hello,
my dear."
   Nat smiled. 'Yes.' "I'm glad you could make it."
   LaCroix's cold smile answered. 'We're not finished, yet, you and I.' "Thank you. I trust that you
are feeling better?"
   Natalie sighed. Why had she expected this to be easy? 'No, I suppose we aren't. But it's between
us. Leave Nick out of it.'  "Yes. I am. Thank you."
   Nick watched the exchange between Nat and LaCroix carefully. On the outside, they appeared
to be a father-and daughter-in-law to be exchanging pleasantries. But he could tell there was much
more going on.
   Nat removed her hand from LaCroix's, then moved to stand next to Nick. She looked at him and
smiled. 'Stop worrying about me. I can't be killed. Not by mortals. Not by vampires. And any
vampire that dares to try to harm me, forfeits his life. LaCroix wants to play, okay.  I can play
hardball with the best of them.'
    Nick looked into Nat's eyes. 'He can't kill you, but he *can* kill me.'
   Nat's eyes hardened for just a moment. 'Trust me, Nick. He *doesn't* want to do that. It's okay.
I know what I'm doing. Don't ask me how, I just do.'
   Nick shook his head, then leaned forward and kissed her, eliciting several comments from the
crowd around them. He pulled away and grinned.
   Schanke had been watching the two of them. It was almost as if they could communicate without
speaking. His eyes narrowed, and he looked at LaCroix. Nick had said that he didn't have any family.
That meant that things between him and his father weren't all comfy/cozy. He saw the predatory way
that LaCroix looked at Natalie, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
   Nat looked at Schanke, then walked over and hugged him. "Don't worry, Schank. His bark is
worse than his bite." She said quietly.
   Schanke looked at Nat, an unspoken question in his eyes.
   "You're one of the best, Schank. You don't get there without good observatory skills." She kissed
him on the cheek. "Don't worry. He won't hurt me."
   Schanke took her hand. "I hope not, or he'll answer to Nick *and* me. Just holler if you need
anything."
   Nat smiled. "Thanks, Schank. I will." She looked around at the crowd in the room. "Okay
everyone! I think maybe we should get back to work. I know I'm anxious to." She smiled at the few
grumblings.
   Captain Reese came up and hugged her. "Natalie, glad you're back. I know you and Nick will be
very happy. You two are really good for each other."
   Natalie smiled. "Thanks, Cap. You're right. We are good for each other, and we'll be very happy
together."
   Nick came up and stood beside Nat. "You need a ride to the Coroner's Building?" He asked her.
   She smiled. "No. I'm going to ride back with Grace. But I do need a date for my dinner break."
   Nick grinned at her. "I'm there. Just tell me when."
   "I'll call you and let you know." She told him.
   "Okay. See you soon. We got a call, so I have to run." He kissed her quickly on the lips.
   "Where's LaCroix?" She asked.
   "He left. Has to start his show. He said we'll 'discuss this matter, later.'" He shrugged.
   Nat nodded. "Translation: You're not off the hook, yet."
   Nick touched her face. "No. Not yet."
   "Yo, Nick! Let's go already!" Schanke called.
   Nick kissed her again. "Gotta go. I'll call you." He turned to leave.
   Nat watched him a moment, then turned to pick up a file on his desk. She jumped when she
felt his arms around her waist. "Forget something?" She asked him.
   "Yes. I forgot to tell you something." He grinned at her.
   "What?" She raised an eyebrow.
   Nick pulled her closer to him, and kissed her tenderly. He broke the kiss, then looked into her
beautiful, blue eyes. "I forgot to tell you, I love you. With all I am. Or could be. Every day, every
minute, every second. I love you."
   Nat's smile faded, as tears filled her eyes. She could feel the truth in his words, through their link.
She took a deep, shuddering breath. "I love you, Nick." She sent out all of the emotion she felt,
letting him feel her love.
   They stood there, silently looking into one another's eyes, for several moments.
   "NICK!!" Schanke called.
   Nick released his hold on Nat and quickly kissed her cheek. "Gotta go!" He said, as he ran out
the door.
   Natalie laughed, shaking her head. They were acting like lovestruck teenagers. She knew it.She
didn't care. She hoped that even after a hundred, or eight hundred, or two thousand years, they still
acted the same. She loved him. And he loved her. And for once, all was right in the life of Dr.
Natalie Lambert.

<>KCSmith