Well, here we go, again! I have a few days off, so I think I'll make good use of them! Nick/Nat and the rest belong to TPTB, Sony/TriStar :-( I'm just borrowing them. Permission to post on fkfic-l and Mel's fanfic site. Some parts of this story will have an ADULT header. Just to warn you. Enjoy!! More Than Friends Part One *Nick sat at his desk, listening to Schanke rave on about Jenny's performance in the school play, when he heard a familiar heartbeat approaching. He looked up and grinned. "Hey, Nat!" He said, turning his chair, to look at her. Schanke stopped talking and frowned. "How did you do that?" Nick looked back at his partner. "Do what?" "How did you know that Nat was here? You couldn't have seen her." Nick shrugged his shoulders casually, thinking quickly. "I saw her reflection in... that window." He pointed at the office window across the room. Schanke was about to reply, when Nat grinned at them. "Well, boys, I see you're on overtime, again." She sat on the edge of Nick's desk. "Yeah, well, we've got five outstandings. The Crown is on the Captain's back, so that means she's on ours." Schanke whispered conspiritorally. "And I'll remain there, until those cases are wrapped up, Detective." Captain Cohen's voice sounded from behind him. Schanke winced. "Uh, hi Cap." "Good evening, Doctor Lambert. I see you brought the Massikoshi report with you." She took the file from Nat's hand. Nat smiled. "Yes. I'm headed home, for some food and a hot bath. Thought I'd drop these by on my wa--- what the?" Nat cut off, as she felt someone pull the scrunchie from her hair. She turned first to the left, then to the right, finally spotting the culprit. "Geoffrey!?!" She exclaimed in surprise. "Oh, migod! Geoffrey!!" She launched herself off of Nick's desk, into the waiting arms of the man. "Hey, 'Talie. How are you?" He asked, swinging her in a small circle. He pulled away slightly, to look at her. "You look great." Nat looked into his eyes. "God, I've missed you." She said, softly. Suddenly realizing they weren't alone in the room, Nat turned and looked at her startled friends. "Um, Geoffrey, this is Captain Amanda Cohen, Detective Don Schanke, and Detective Nick Knight." She indicated each one in turn, taking his hand. "This is Geoffrey Crusher." Geoffrey nodded his greetings to the assembled group, noting the way Nick looked at him. He frowned slightly, then smiled at Captain Cohen. "I believe I'm to report to you, as soon as possible, regarding the Courtney case." Captain Cohen nodded. "So, you're the rookie they're sending to handle this one." "'Fraid so, Captain. I can only promise to give it my best." Nat looked back and forth between them, confused. "What's going on?" Geoffrey looked at her, grinning. "I work for the FBI. We're collaborating with the Canadian government, to apprehend a murder suspect." Nat shook her head in disbelief. "The FBI? *You*?" Geoffrey laughed. "Yeah. Hard to believe, I know. But it's true." Captain Cohen looked at the two of them. "I take it, you two are well aquainted?" Nat smiled at her. "Yes. His mother, and my mother, were best friends. We were born within days of one another. We literally grew up together." Geoffrey grinned at Nat. "Yeah, we had all of our 'firsts' together. First steps, first teeth, first baths... First--" He grunted as Nat jabbed him in the ribs. "Let's not go there, okay?" She said, blushing furiously. He laughed at her. "Okay." He looked at Captain Cohen. "Do you want to start briefing me now, or tomorrow?" Cohen looked at her watch. "Tomorrow. I have to be somewhere, in a bit. I want to see you, at nine o'clock tomorrow night." She turned to leave. "Don't be late." "I won't, Captain." He turned his attention back to Nat. "Feel like reminiscing about old times?" Nat smiled. "As long as I get something to eat. We can go to this place down the street. They make the best club sandwiches." She looked at Nick and Schanke. "See ya!" After they left the precinct, Schanke grinned at Nick. "I get the feeling they were more than 'friends'. Nat turned beet red, when he--" He stopped at the look on Nick's face. Nick looked ready to kill someone. Nat and Geoffrey had spent two hours at the all night coffee shop, talking about old times. After hearing that Geoffrey hadn't found a place to stay, yet, she offered to let him stay at her place. He agreed, although a bit reluctantly. He didn't want to inconvenience her. They walked into Nat's apartment, and Nat indicated the spare room. "You can put your things in there. I'm going to take a long, hot bath. Make yourself at home." She put her things away, then headed for the bathroom. Geoffrey placed his things in his room, making sure the drapes were securely closed. He closed the bedroom door, then placed one of his suitcases on the bed. Earlier, he had told 'Talie that he wasn't hungry, but that was *not* true. He pulled out a dark brown bottle, opening the cork with his teeth, then guzzling the thick, red liquid inside. Closing his eyes, he savored the taste of the mortal who'd given the blood donation. Recorking the bottle, he hid it back amongst his things. He didn't know how he was going to keep this secret from his closest friend. He wondered about Detective Knight, how well 'Talie knew him. He needed some answers, in order to know how to proceed, but he knew he had to be very careful. Nick stalked into the Raven, face like a thundercloud. The few patrons left in the club, silently cleared a path for him. "Nicolah, if you're going to come in here, kindly do not frighten away my other guests." Janette said to him, seating herself on a barstool. "Tell me, mon cher, what is troubling you?" Nick turned to face her. "Have you heard of any new fledgling's in town, say, ten years or less?" Janette nodded slightly. "Oui. I believe his name was 'Geoffrey'. Nice looking young man. I do hope he hasn't been causing trouble?" Nick took a long drink from his glass, then turned back to her. "Not yet. It appears, he's an old friend of Natalie's." Janette raised an eyebrow. "And you are jealous, no?" Nick turned to glare at her. "He's one of us, now, Janette. Nat doesn't know it. I don't want to see her hurt." Janette turned to her own drink. "She's a big girl, Nicolah. She does not need you to take care of her." Nick slammed his glass down, cracking the stem. "She does, Janette! Where any of our kind are concerned, she *does*!" He turned and stalked from the club. Nat looked up at the smiling face before her. "Hey, you. What time is it?" She asked, as she stretched and yawned. "Oh, about six-thirty. I didn't mean to wake you." Geoff leaned forward and kissed her forehead." Nat smiled. "That's okay, I need to get up, anyway." She brushed her hair from her eyes. "I must be a mess." Geoff kissed her hand. "Nope. You're as beautiful, as ever." Nat blushed, then sat up. "I'm starving. What would you like to eat?" Geoff stood up and walked towards the door. "Oh, I've already eaten. I can get you something, though." Nat shook her head. "Nah. I'll just grab something, after my shower." Geoff nodded and left the room. He walked out into 'Talie's livingroom, surveying the area. This place was so typically 'Talie. He admired the pictures she had scattered here and about. Pictures of her parents, her brother and his family, and of a few others he didn't recognize. He stopped, staring at the picture of 'Talie and Detective Knight. They appeared to be at some sort of picnic. He had his arm around her shoulders, and she was holding his hand. Both were smiling for whomever had snapped the picture. Nat came out of the bedroom, half an hour later. "So, how long are you here, in Toronto?" Geoff turned at the sound of her voice, putting the magazine he'd been browsing through, on the coffee table. "Oh, I don't know. At least until this case is wrapped up. Could be a few days, could be a few months." Nat nodded, heading for the kitchen. She fed and watered Sydney, petting him behind the ears, then fixed herself a bowl of cereal. As she munched on the cereal, she rummaged through her mail, then checked her messages. "Nat? It's Nick. I just thought I'd call, to say 'hi'. I need some more of those vitamins, and I'm all out of protein shakes. Call me, huh?" Nat frowned at the tone in Nick's voice. He sounded... worried. She wondered what could be up, but decided to talk to him about it, later. Geoff had listened to the message. He could hear the underlying tone in the other's voice, and wondered just how well the two of them knew one another. "So, are you and Detective Knight good friends?" He asked her, hoping it sounded casual. "Yeah. We've known each other about four years, or so. I'm sort of treating him, for his sun allergy." She looked at her empty bowl, then stood and headed for the kitchen. Geoff caught the discomfort in her voice. She knew. She knew what Nick was, and was... what? Trying to cure him? He frowned. "So, he's your patient, and your friend?" He put on a teasing tone. "Anything else?" He saw the hurt and sadness flash in her eyes, momentarily, before the mask fell back into place. "No. We're just friends. Nothing more." She repeated the same old mantra she had perfected over the last few years. Geoff looked silently at her. He knew there was more, but he didn't know what. "How's that kid brother of yours?" He asked her. Nat froze, looking away. "He died, Geoff. Last year. He was shot." "Oh, geez, 'Talie. I'm sorry. I had no idea." He put his arms around her. "You need to talk about it?" Nat shook her head. "No, thanks, anyway. I'm okay." She headed for the livingroom. "I have to get to work. Don't be late, meeting with Cohen. She's really a stickler about being on time." She smiled at him, then kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you, later." She turned and left. Geoff stood and stared at the closed door. "So, 'Talie. You haven't changed, have you?" He whispered. Geoff walked into the precinct, headed for Captain Cohen's office. He was stopped, by Detective Knight. "Mind if I have a word with you?" Nick asked. Geoff shook his head. "Not at all." He followed him into an observation room, closing the door securely, behind him. "Let me guess, you want to talk about 'Talie." Nick glared at him. "Yes. What have you told her?" "Nothing, yet. She obviously knows we exist, but I haven't said anything to her, about me. So far, she hasn't put it together, but she's bright, and she will." He looked at Nick. "How do you know, she knows about 'us'?" Nick asked. "She told me that she's trying to cure you, of your 'sun allergy'. I obviously know what you are, so I kinda figured it out. Do you have any idea how much danger she's in?" He frowned. Nick nodded. "Yes. I've been able to protect her, so far. She's helped the Community out, a few times, so I think that, too, has kept her safe." Nick folded his arms across his chest. "What do you plan on telling her?" "I think the truth, is only fair. She already knows we exist. She'll figure it out on her own eventually, anyway. It's better to be honest with her now, than face her wrath, later. Trust me on this one." Geoff grinned at Nick. Nick nodded. "Yeah, I know. Believe me, I know." He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't want her hurt." Geoff looked into Nick's eyes. "I don't, either. I love her, Detective. I always have. I know she loves you, but if at all possible, I'm going to win her over." "And turn her into one of us?" Nick asked, angrily. "I won't allow it." "Won't *allow* it? Who the hell do you think you are? It isn't your decision to make." Geoff, too, was angry. "I've known her, our whole lives. I love her. I won't hurt her, nor will I allow anyone else to. It's obvious that you don't feel the same way about her, as she does about you. Why should you care?" "That's where you're wrong! I *do* love her, as much as she loves me. It's because I love her, I don't want to see her condemned to this life." Nick stood his ground, resisting the urge to tear apart this young vampire. Geoff stopped short. "If you love her so much, why aren't you with her?" "Because I'd kill her. Mortals and vampire's can't be anything more than predator and prey. You know that." Nick took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Besides, there is another, in the Community, that would kill her, should I tell her how I feel." Geoff frowned. "Who?" "My master. My creator. LaCroix." Nick said, disgustedly. Geoff's eyes widened in surprise. "Well. That does make a difference, I suppose." He turned towards the door. "I have a meeting with your Captain. Just so you know, Detective, I *do* plan on trying to win 'Talie back. Whether or not she comes across, is her decision." He turned and left. Nick's eyes narrowed, as he stared at the closed door. "Not if I have anything to do with it." He said, quietly. Nat looked up from the report she was working on, smiling at her visitor. "Hi. What's up?" Nick tried to avoid making eye contact. "Hi. Nothing. I just came to visit, that's all." Nat raised an eyebrow. "First, you called 'just to say hi', now you're here, 'just to visit'? Nick, what's going on?" She stood and moved to stand by him. "Is everything okay?" Nick nodded. "Yes. I just..." His voice trailed off, as he looked into her concerned blue eyes. "Sorry. I'm just feeling sort of restless." He took her hand. "Want to watch a video at my place today?" Nat looked down at their hands. "Um, actually Nick, I already have plans for today. Geoff and I were planning on going through some old photographs and home movies." She looked up into his eyes. "Care to join us?" Nick debated for a moment. "No. I don't want to intrude." Nat smiled at him. "You wouldn't be intruding." She really wanted to share this with him, but knew she couldn't push him. "It's okay, Nat. I need to get some work done, anyway." He released her hand. "Cohen wants to see me and Schanke about the Courtney case. I have to go." Nat nodded, trying not to show her disappointment. "Oh, okay. I'll see you later?" Nick shrugged, turning away. "Yeah, later." Nat stood, silently staring at the door for several minutes after he left. Finally, she sighed, then turned back to her desk. Sitting down, she started back on her report. Nick looked over at Schanke, as he took a seat in Cohen's office. "Any idea what this is all about?" Schanke shrugged. "All I know, is it has something to do with the Courtney case." Nick nodded. "That's what she told me." Cohen entered her office, Geoffrey Crusher right behind her. She waited until Geoff had shut the door, then motioned for him to take a seat, next to Schanke. "Gentlemen, I think that what's happening with this case, takes precedence over everything else. As of now, all of your other cases have been reassigned. I want the three of you working on this case, twenty-four/seven, until it's solved." She folded her hands on her desk. "Any questions?" Nick looked over at Geoff. He had to work with him? "Captain, what makes this case top priority?" Cohen looked at a file in front of her. "The woman killed, was the daughter of one of the States' Senators. She was vacationing here, but there is some speculation that she was here on an 'assignment' for her father. If that's true, there's going to be a full scale investigation. As it is, the Senator is angry and wants to know what's being done, to find his daughter's killer. We can't afford an International incident." She looked at Nick. "Geoffrey is on the task force assigned to getting to the bottom of this. He has some vital information to the case. I want you both to give him your fullest cooperation." Nick glared at Geoff. Then looked at Cohen again. "Can't you assign another team?" Cohen looked at Nick, then looked at Schanke. "Don, excuse us a moment, please?" Schanke nodded and quickly retreated. He had felt the tension between Nick and Geoff, all evening. He knew it had something to do with Nat. As soon as the door closed, Cohen looked at the two men before her. "Well? Either of you care to fill me in, on what the problem is?" Nick shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It's nothing, Captain. Just a personal disagreement." "Over Dr. Lambert, I presume?" She arched an eyebrow. "Look, I don't know what either of your personal relationships with the doctor are, and frankly, I don't care. You have a job to do, and I expect you to get it done. Is that understood?" Nick looked at her. "Yes." Geoff nodded. "Yes, ma'am." Cohen nodded once. "Good. Now, get to work." She picked up another file, then went to it. Nick and Geoff stood, reaching the door, at the same time. Geoff stood back, allowing Nick to open it and exit. Then, he followed him out. "Well, she got straight to the point, didn't she?" Geoff said. Nick glared at him. "She's good at her job. I respect her, and I do what she tells me to." Geoff looked calmly at Nick. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Look, Knight. I don't want you to be angry at me. Okay, we disagree over 'Talie, but there's no reason we can't be professional about our jobs. Besides, your mortal partner isn't going to be much help with this case." Nick looked sharply at him. "What are you talking about?" "Renee Courtney was a vampire. She was killed, by a Hunter. Her father is my sire. He sent me here, to find out who did this, and to put a stop to it." Nick frowned, considering this new bit of information. "Great. Just what we need, right now." Geoff nodded. "I agree." He looked at Nick a moment. "I don't want 'Talie involved in this, any more than necessary. She's in a lot of danger." Nick nodded. "At least we agree on that." Nat looked up, as Geoff entered the morgue. "Hey, 'Talie. Ready to go?" Nat smiled and nodded. "Yes. I just finished. Let me get my stuff." She turned and started loading her briefcase. "Hey, Nat, I was wondering, where's the..." Grace's voice trailed off, as she entered the morgue, noticing Geoff. "Oh, hello. I didn't mean to interrupt." Nat smiled knowingly at her friend. "Grace, this is Geoff. He's an old friend of mine." Geoff smiled, taking Grace's hand. "Hello, Grace. Nice to meet you." He lightly kissed the top of her hand. "Ooh. Thank you." She grinned at Nat. "Well, I see you're on your way out. I'll come back, tomorrow." Nat rolled her eyes. "What'd you need, Grace?" "Um, well, I was wondering if you have the DNA results, on the Courtney case. Captain Cohen just called for them." She moved to stand by Nat's desk. "No. They're still over at the lab. I didn't get over there, tonight." Nat said, closing her briefcase. "I could go, now, if you'd like." Grace shook her head. "No. I'll go. You enjoy your next couple of days off." Nat smiled at her friend. "Thanks, Grace, I will." She took Geoff's hand, then nodded towards the door. "Ready?" He grinned at her. "Yep. I think you said something about a surprise?" Nat laughed. "Nice try. You'll see, in a bit." They left the morgue, leaving Grace behind with a huge smile on her face. Once outside, Geoff followed Nat to her car. It was cold and icy out, and Nat nearly fell on a patch of ice. Geoff caught her, holding her tightly in his arms. Nat looked up into his green eyes. "Thanks." She said, finding that her heartrate had severely increased. She wasn't sure if it was from her near-fall, or being in Geoff's arms. Geoff smiled down at her. "My pleasure." He turned her to face him. Searching her face for any sign of resistance, he leaned forward and kissed her. Pulling her body closer to his, he deepened the kiss. After a moment, he pulled away. He placed a hand on the side of her face. "God, I've missed you." He whispered to her, kissing her again. Nat dropped her briefcase and black bag, wrapping her arms around his neck. She pulled him closer to her. Geoff broke the kiss, keeping his eyes closed a moment, until the gold receded. When he opened his eyes, he saw her smiling at him. "Let's go back to my place." She said, softly. "It's awfully cold out here." Geoff picked up her things, smiling at her. "Lead the way." As they climbed into the car, a silent figure watched from the shadows, a few yards away. His eyes glowed an angry red. With a growl of anger and frustration, Nick took to the air. Nat allowed Geoff to open the door to her apartment, then followed him in. She took her things from him, then put them away. "Hungry?" She asked. "Not really." He shrugged. "I need to go change. I'll see you, in a few minutes." Nat nodded. "Okay." She turned and headed for the kitchen. Geoff went into the bedroom, removing his shoes and shirt. He opened the closet, pulling out a green bottle. Opening it quickly, his eyes turned golden, as he caught the scent. He took a long drink, then stopped a moment to savor the taste. "Geoff, I wondered if--" Nat stopped midsentence, as she saw his golden eyes, and the bottle in his hand. She frowned, then tears welled up in her eyes. "Oh God, no." She turned away, heading for her bedroom. Geoff quickly recorked the bottle, then went after her. "'Talie! Wait!" He followed her into her room, where she stood, her back to him. "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked, quietly. She turned to face him. "Nick knows, doesn't he? That's what's been bothering him!" She was suddenly angry. "I bet you two were having a good laugh. I know all about Nick, but I couldn't see it. Real funny." "No, 'Talie. It isn't like that. I was going to tell you, today. I wasn't sure you knew about Nick, until earlier tonight. I swear to you. I would never laugh at you." He moved a bit closer to her. "I'm sorry. Really. Nick's been upset, because I told him that I..." He stopped, realizing what he'd almost said. "That you what?" Nat asked quietly. She turned to look at him. "That I still love you. That I was planning on trying to win you back. That I felt that whether or not you choose to come across, is up to you, not him, or me." He looked down at the floor. Nat stood staring silently, her eyes wide. "You still love me?" She asked quietly. Geoff nodded. "Yes. I love you, 'Talie. It took me a long time to realize it, but I do." Nat turned away, wrapping her arms around herself. "What took you so long?" "Well, first I met up with my sire. The one that made me a vampire. That was just after I left Toronto. It took me about a year, before he felt I was ready to venture out on my own. I went to Seattle, on business for him, and I met this girl. She was wonderful. And, she was dying. I offered to bring her across, but Kandi refused. I went back to my master, asking him if there was any way for us to be together, without me killing her or bringing her across." He sat down on the edge of her bed. "He taught me a lot of things, over the next few weeks, then I went back to her." He swallowed hard. "We were lovers, for over a year, before she died." He looked over at Nat. "I returned to Washington, where I got involved in the FBI. My sire played a big part in that. I heard about some stuff happening, here in Toronto, and I started thinking about you. I did some research, to find out where you were, what you were up to. I didn't want to place you in any danger, so I stayed away. The more I thought about you, the more I realized what I'd lost. I *do* still love you, 'Talie. I don't want to see you hurt." "Why didn't you write, or call? You just disappeared." Nat asked, sitting down next to him. "I wasn't sure if you even wanted to see me. After all, we parted on sort of uncertain terms. I thought you were angry with me." Nat looked over at him. "I was. At first. I got over it, though." She smiled. "I guess I just felt a bit used." He frowned. "Oh, 'Talie. That was never my intention. I loved you. When you said you wanted to go to school in California, I was hurt. I thought you wanted to leave me, for good. It took me awhile, to realize that you were trying to escape your grandmother's control." Nat nodded. "So, what do we do, now?" Geoff looked at her. "That's up to you. I know how you feel, about Nick. I've seen the way you look at him. Hell, he even told me. I would like you to give us a second chance, but is that possible?" Nat looked away. Was it? Could she put her feelings for Nick aside, and give her and Geoff a second chance? She was placing her life in danger, yet again. "You said you and Kandi, were lovers? How? If she was mortal?" He smiled. "It is possible, 'Talie. I'm actually surprised Nick hasn't ever told you." Nat frowned. Why hadn't Nick told her? Could it be, the things he told LaCroix on Valentine's Day, were true? She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She had wanted a relationship with Geoff, when he was mortal. Wanted to share his life, have his children. But now? Was she willing to risk her life, her soul, to be with him? She had been willing, for Nick. Hell, she still was. Was it fair to Geoff, to try to establish a relationship with him, while her feelings for Nick were so strong? She pinched the bridge of her nose, with her forefinger and thumb. "I need a drink." She said. "I'm sorry, 'Talie. I can leave, and give you a chance to think." He stood, preparing to leave. Nat caught his hand. "No. Don't go." She stood, looking into his emerald green eyes. "I can't promise you, that I can completely put aside my feelings for Nick. But it's obvious to me, that he doesn't feel the same for me, as I do for him. He kept the fact that we could be lovers from me, probably because he doesn't want us to be." She swallowed hard, fighting back the tears. "You and I have a history. I still feel something for you, but I'm not sure if it's more than friendship. But, I think I *would* like to try." Geoff pulled her into his arms. "Are you sure?" Nat nodded. "Yes. I'm sure." She stood on tiptoe, capturing his lips with hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Geoff released her, then smiled at her. "Let me go 'eat' something, then I'll show you just how much I love you." Nat smiled shyly, then nodded. "Okay." She stood silently, watching him retreat from her room. "I'll be back. Why don't you get comfortable?" Geoff said, smiling. "All right. Hurry back." When he had left the room, Nat made sure the blinds, and the drapes, were securely closed, then went into the bathroom. She showered, then brushed out her hair, put on a light coating of makeup and brushed her teeth. She went into her room, pulling the birthday gift she had received from her coworker's last year out. She slipped into it, then crawled into her bed. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She didn't know why she was so nervous, she and Geoff had made love, before. What was she thinking? Of course she knew why. Before, they had both been mortal. Now, he was a vampire. She knew he was going to have to bite her, but how would that feel? Would it hurt? Could he control himself? He had before. She looked up, when she heard a noise at her door. "Are you sure this is what you want?" Geoff asked, sensing her nervousness. Nat looked up at him. "Yes." Nat smiled as Geoff came over to the bed, and sat on the edge. She held her arms out to him, pulling him on top of her. "'Talie, I'll understand, if you want to change your mind. Up until the point of entry, for which there is *no* going back, if you want me to stop, tell me and I will." He kissed both of her eyelids. Nat nodded in understanding. "Thanks. I needed to hear that." He smiled, as he kissed her face, then her ears, then moved to her neck. He placed feather soft kisses at the base of her throat, moving his way down to the top of the lace teddie. He captured her lips with his own, devouring their sweetness, kissing her hard and passionately. Nat returned the kiss, slipping her tongue into his mouth. She tasted all of him, until her lips were swollen and she could no longer breathe. She pulled away, panting softly. She gasped, as his lips once again found her neck. Closing her eyes, she tangled her fingers in his soft black hair, whispering his name. "I love you, 'Talie. God, how I love you." He said, licking his way down to the tops of her breasts. He pushed the lace aside, gently caressing her shoulders. "Just as beautiful, as I remember." He whispered. "Your skin is so soft. You taste so wonderful." He continued blazing an icy path with his lips and tongue, to the tips of her soft, full breasts. Kneading them gently, he placed light kisses around the edges, slowly working his way towards the center. He stuck his tongue out, lightly licking the rosy tips. Nat gasped and arched her back, pushing further into his exploring mouth. She sighed, as he pulled first one tip, then the other, into his mouth. "Oh, don't stop. That feels wonderful." She smiled as she felt his lips moving even lower. "Mmmm." Geoff lightly nipped at her hip, as he pulled the teddie the rest of the way off. "As cute as this looks, I think you'd be more comfortable, without it." He moved down to the foot of the bed, slipping it over her feet. Geoff lightly tickled the soles of her feet, smiling at her squeal of laughter, then began rubbing her feet and legs, kissing them, along the way up. He stopped, when he reached the soft triangle of hair, between her thighs. He lightly nuzzled the area, then stuck his tongue through the folds, jabbing at her now erect clitoris. Nat's breathing and heartrate had skyrocketed, gradually increasing with each new sensation. She lifted her hips slightly, to give him better access. As she felt his tongue exploring her innermost secrets, her breathing came in short, shallow gasps. She grabbed a handful of his hair, pushing him further into her. She could feel herself on the verge of release. Geoff tasted the tangy fluids from Nat's body, and felt the slight tensing of muscles. He smiled, as she cried out in passion. Moving swiftly, he positioned himself on top of her. "'Talie, this is it. Tell me if you want to stop now, because there will be no going back." Nat moved her hips up to meet his. "Geoff, if you stop now, I'll stake you myself." Geoff chuckled lightly, then slipped inside her. "Oh, 'Talie, I've missed you, so much." Nat wrapped her legs around his, pushing herself closer to him, whimpering slightly. As their thrusts became faster, more intense, Nat looked up into his golden eyes. She turned her head to the side, giving him full access to her neck. "Please..." She whispered. Geoff kissed her neck, thrusting hard into her twice, before sinking his fangs into her. At the first sweet taste of her blood, he found his release. After a few more swallows, he released her. Nat felt an explosion of images, when Geoff drank from her. His memories of his life, of which she'd shared a great deal. His love for her. It was all a rush of confused, fragmented images. When he released her, she looked up into his eyes, smiling dreamily. "That was wonderful." She sighed, after several moments. Geoff kissed her nose. "It certainly was." He moved off of her, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you, 'Talie." Nat smiled at him. Then she looked away. "Geoff, I don't think I can-" "I know. You don't have to. For now, this is enough." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep now. You'll need it." Nat nodded, allowing her eyes to close. She drifted off, in just a few minutes. Geoff looked down at her sleeping form. He frowned slightly, at the images he'd seen in 'Talie's blood. She was doing her best, to keep it from him, but she didn't know about the knowledge one gained, drinking from someone. He would have his work cut out for him. He kissed her lips, lightly. "It's okay, 'Talie. In time, I'll make you forget you ever heard of Nicholas Knight." Nick paced the loft, glaring at the open windows, and the daylight that prevented him from going to Nat's. He carefully avoided the sun, as he moved to the phone. He picked it up, then stared at it. Nat had said that she and Geoff were going to be going through old photographs, then watching old home movies. What harm could there be in that? If he called her, without a legitimate excuse, Nat would come over, wondering what was up. Nick contemplated that a moment. Would that really be so bad? But then Nat would get upset, when she found out that nothing was wrong. No. He had to let things run their course. If he tried to interfere, Nat would get angry, and things would quickly deteriorate. Maybe Nat would be angry, when she found out that Geoff was a vampire. If she found out that he'd been keeping it from her, she might not want to see him, again. At the very least, she would write off any chance of a relationship between them. Nick smiled to himself. One way or another, things would work themselves out. Better not to interfere. Nat looked up, into the face with the angry golden eyes, and razor sharp fangs. For the first time, she was truly afraid. "You have betrayed me. I trusted you. I loved you. Now, you both will die!" Nick grabbed her by the throat, sinking his sharp fangs into her neck... Nat sat straight up in bed, gasping for air. She looked around, trying to get her equilibrium back on track. Shaking away the fog, she noticed the note on the table beside her bed. "My love, I had some necessary errands to run, before I report in to the Captain tonight. I shall see you, in a few hours. All my Love, Geoff." Nat crumpled up the note, throwing it across the room. She climbed out of bed and headed for the shower. As she entered the shower, she scratched absently at the side of her neck. She quickly washed, then stepped out, wrapping the towel around her. As she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her teeth, she suddenly had a flash of Nick, from her dream. She dropped her toothbrush into the sink. Standing there, shaking, she closed her eyes tightly, trying to push away the image. It wasn't the Nick she knew. He would never do something like that. Sure, maybe in the past, but not now. Besides, for all she knew, he didn't even feel the same for her, as she felt for him. That was why she was trying to make it work with Geoff. She was tired of being alone. Since the only men that seemed attracted to her were clinically dead, then she'd take whatever she could get. She scratched again, then began applying her makeup. After the fourth scratch, she frowned and turned her head slightly, to see what was causing it. When she saw the two small puncture marks, her heart about stopped. She moved into her room, sitting on her bed and shaking like a leaf in the wind. "What am I doing? I had sex with a vampire. I could be *dead* right now!" She placed her hands over her eyes, trying futilely to ward off the throbbing in her head. "I don't have time for this. I'm going to be late." She stood up, and quickly dressed in her black pants and black turtleneck. That, at least, would keep anyone from noticing it. Grace walked into the lab, to find Nat with her palms covering her eyes, elbows resting on her desk. "Nat? Sweetie, are you okay?" Nat turned weary eyes on her friend. "Yeah, Grace, thanks. I just have a killer headache." "Did you take something for it?" Grace asked her. "Yes, I took some ibuprofen, about an hour ago. I'm just waiting for it to kick in." Nat rubbed her eyes, then absently scratched at her neck, again. "I was going to ask you for the Robertson file, but I think I'll go after it, myself. Why don't you relax for awhile? It's been pretty quiet around here." Grace filed her stack, as she spoke to Nat. Nat smiled at her friend. "Thanks, Grace. I may just pull up a slab, and turn out the lights for a bit." Grace walked over to Nat's desk, picking up two more finished case files. "You do whatever you need to." Nat nodded to her friend. Grace walked out, turning out one set of lights. "Take it easy for a bit, I'll be back to check on you." Nat smiled, as Grace exited. She scratched, again, then laid her head on her desk. Nick walked into Nat's lab, noticing that the lights were dimmed. He saw Nat, her head covered in a towel, lying on her desk. "Nat? Are you all right?" He asked. Nat sat up quickly. "Nick?" She looked into his concerned blue eyes. "Um, yeah. I just have a headache. I'm using an old method my mother used to, to get rid of it." She told him, absently scratching her neck. "Wrapping your head in a towel?" Nick asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. The towel is heated, the heat is supposed to alleviate the pressure. In my case, it's not working." She rubbed at her temples. "At this Point, nothing's working." She scratched, yet again. Nick frowned slightly, then moved to stand behind her. "Here, let me try." He moved to touch her, but Nat jumped up out of her chair. "No! I mean, that's okay. Really. Thanks, anyway." She gave him a painted-on smile. Nick's frowned deepened. Her heart was racing. "Nat? Is something wrong? Did I do something?" Nat shook her head. "No. It's just, my nerves are a bit frazzled. This headache is taking it's toll on me." She scratched at her neck, then turned to a file. "So, what brings you down here?" Nick looked down at the floor a moment, then back to her. "I came to see if you've finished the Courtney file?" Nat frowned in concentration. "Uh, I think so. Let me check." Nick watched, as she scratched once more, then searched the mess on her desk, for the file. He tilted his head to one side. "So, how was the trip through memory lane, last night?" Nat froze. "The...uh...trip?" She asked. "Yeah, you know. You and Geoff were going to go through old photos and watch old movies?" He could hear her heartrate increase, even more. "Um, well, we...uh, we never got to the pictures and stuff." Nat said, avoiding his eyes. Nick stood absolutely still. "Why not?" He asked, softly. Nat swallowed, hard. "Because I found out that he's a vampire." "He told you?" Nick asked. "Not exactly. I walked in his room, looking for something, and I saw his eyes, and he was drinking blood." She looked down at her desk, then scratched. "And?" Nick prompted. "And... At first, I was angry. Angry that he kept it from me. Angry that you knew and didn't tell me. Angry that..." She stopped, then shrugged. "I got over it. He told me why neither of you said anything. He didn't know what I knew. You didn't think it was your place to tell me. Both of you are concerned for my safety." She shrugged again. "It's okay, now." 'Sort of.' She thought. Nick nodded slowly. "Then what?" He frowned, as she scratched her neck, again. He walked over to her, and gently touched the area. Before she could stop him, Nick had pulled the collar of her turtleneck down, exposing her neck, and the slightly enflamed puncture marks. She could feel his anger. Nick stiffened, as his eyes met hers. "He did this to you?" Nat forced herself to meet his eyes. "Yes." Nick released her neck taking a step away from her. "I'll kill him." Nat grabbed his arm. "No! Nick, don't!" Nick brushed her off of him, moving towards the door. "Nick!! I asked him to!" Nick stopped, his back to her. "You what?" He asked quietly. Nat looked at the floor, then at his stiff posture. "I asked him to." She whispered. Nick turned to face her, his expression a mixture of hurt and anger. "Why, Nat?" Nat swallowed the lump in her throat. "Because he said he still loves me. Because he wanted to make love to me." Nick's eyes narrowed. "That's impossible. We can't mate with mortals." Nat closed her eyes, then looked back at him. "It *is* possible, Nick." "How would you..." He stopped, as he realized the answer. "No..." He suddenly felt, as if the world had stopped. Nick stood, silently staring at her. He couldn't believe what she'd just told him. It wasn't possible! Was it? "Why, Nat?" Nick asked, looking at her pain stricken face. "Didn't you know he could have killed you?" "I don't know why. Yes, I knew he could kill me. At that point, I was just so happy to hear a man tell me he loves me, I didn't care about the rest." She turned away from him. "A man! He's a monster, Nat! We all are!" He nearly snarled at her. Outside, Grace and Schanke were coming up to the door. They heard Nick and Nat, and stopped, holding the door open, just enough to hear the conversation. "Nick, you are *not* a monster!! I've seen you, for the past four years, helping people, making a *real* difference! Whatever happened in your past, it is just that--in the past. Maybe, if you'd stop wallowing in your angst and guilt, and self-hatred, and see that you are a kind, compassionate, loving, *man*-- then maybe it would have been you, that had made love to me last night, and not Geoff!!" She stopped suddenly, realizing she may have just pushed too far. Her headache was getting worse by the second. Grace and Schanke looked at one another in total disbelief. Schanke looked ready to say something, but Grace silently shushed him. Nick felt as if he'd been struck. Hearing her admit that she and Geoff had been able to accomplish, what he hadn't dared try, hurt him more than he could tell her. He knew she was right. He turned to leave. "You're right, Nat. I'm sorry. Schanke and Cohen are probably looking for me about now, so I'll just go. Maybe we can talk, later." He said the words, quietly. He needed some time to think. Nat took another step towards him, wanting to tell him that *he* was the one she wanted. *He* was the one she loved. Suddenly, she felt a burst of pain through her skull, and she saw bright lights flashing behind her eyes. "Nick..." She said, just before she fell, sending a cart of equipment toppling over. Nick turned around, just in time to see Nat hit the ground. "Natalie!" He rushed to her side, cradling her head in his lap. "Nat! Nat, wake up! Tell me what's wrong!" He grabbed her wrist, feeling for a pulse. Grace and Schanke had heard Nick telling Nat he was leaving, and had been prepared to act as if they were just arriving. They heard the sudden clatter, and Nick's panicked shouts, and they rushed in. "Nick, what's going on?" Schanke asked his partner. "I don't know, Schank. She was just standing here, when she suddenly collapsed. Call for help!" Nick was desperately listening for a pulse. Not finding one, he gently laid her head on the ground, then moved to start CPR. "Schanke! She's not breathing! Help me!" Schanke took over doing CPR, while Nick did mouth to mouth, at every fifth count. "Come on, Nat!" Nick begged. "Don't leave me. Not like this!" Another breath. "Please, Nat..." Nat took a deep, gasping breath, but still lay unconscious. Nick once again, felt for a pulse, listening with his enhanced hearing. He finally heard it; faint, but steady. "She has a pulse, but it's weak." He told Schanke. "I'll go meet the ambulance." Grace said. She ran out of the room, trying to dry the tears from her eyes. Schanke looked at Nick. "You okay, partner?" Nick was holding Nat's wrist, listening to the faint sound of her heart. "I will be, Schank, if she lives." Schanke nodded, then went to the phone. He called Myra, to fill her in, just as the paramedics burst through the door. Nick sat by Nat's bed, in the darkened room, holding her hand. He wondered why Geoff hadn't shown up, yet. He listened to the sound of her heart, still weak, but still steady. Other than the strange puncture marks on her neck, and her low blood cell count, the doctor's couldn't find any reason for her headache, or for her heart stopping. Nick kissed her fingers again, then brushed her hair out of her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Nat. I never meant for anything to happen to you. I love you, more than my own life." He caressed her palm, with his cheek. "Please, don't go. I love you." He whispered. "My dear Nicholas, you don't *have* to let her die. Bring her across." LaCroix's smooth voice said from the doorway. Nick stood suddenly, still holding Nat's hand. "What are you doing here, LaCroix?" LaCroix just smiled. "Checking up on you. You have been quite distressed, for the majority of the evening." Nick glared at his master. "Get out of here." LaCroix simply chuckled. "Nicholas, Nicholas. My dear boy. I knew you were lying, that night at Azure." He walked over, to stand on the other side of Nat's bed, taking her other hand in his. Nick's eyes turned slightly golden. "Let go of her." LaCroix simply shrugged and released her hand, allowing it to fall. Nick gently laid the hand he was holding down, then walked around the edge of the bed, to stand between her and his ancient foe. "If you knew I was lying, why did you stop me?" LaCroix's mouth curled into a sinister grin. "Ah...You see, Nicholas, *that* has been my revenge. Knowing how she feels for you, but being powerless to do anything about it." He chuckled lightly. "Poor, poor, Nicholas. Instead of trying to defy me, as you usually do, you simply gave in. And your Natalie sought refuge, in the arms of another of our kind. How terribly ironic." Nick growled slightly. "What do you know about that?" LaCroix simply smiled. "Nothing, really. I know that Geoffrey and the Good Doctor, were, how shall I put this?, *intimate*, last night. He had to have her blood, in order to finish the act, but it was accomplished. I only heard about it, because he was at the Raven, and he called his master, from there." Nick frowned. "Where is he now? If he cares so much for her?" "Oh, but you see, *that* is the reason your Natalie lies here, now, clinging to life. Once we mate with a mortal, Nicholas, it is for life. Theirs, anyway. There is a bond, much like the one we share, that connects us to that mortal. You see, Geoffrey has been found, and captured, by the Hunter. Most appropriate. He is being slowly tortured to death, and hence, your Natalie is *also* dying." "Where is he, LaCroix?" Nick hissed. "What will happen to Nat, if he dies?" LaCroix turned away momentarily. "It is highly possible, Nicholas, that she will die, too. It doesn't necessarily mean that she will, for certain. She could live, if you call *this* state-" He indicated Nat's unconscious form- "*living*." "What if I bring her across?" Nick asked. LaCroix grinned at him. "Honestly, Nicholas, as if you would seriously consider it." "I am serious! Damn it, LaCroix! Answer me!" Nick wished he had a stake, about now. LaCroix raised an eyebrow. "In this state, Nicholas, it would be most unwise to bring her across." Nick turned to face Nat. He gently took her hand, kissing the palm. "Tell me where he is." To save Nat, he would have to save Geoff. "In the old abandoned church, on Front St." LaCroix stated, simply. Nick glared at LaCroix. "If I find out that you had *anything* to do with this--" "Threats, Nicholas? From you? Really." LaCroix simply turned and left. Nick kissed Nat on the lips. "Hang on, my love. I'll save him...for you." He kissed her again, then quickly left the room. LaCroix reentered Nat's room, silently watching her. "Such carrying on, over the life of a mortal." He said, taking her hand. "I wonder Doctor, are you worth it?" He sliced open the tip of her finger, with one of his fangs, lightly sucking on it. After a few moments, he released her. Smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Yes. I can see, that you are." Nick flew as quickly as he could, to the old abandoned church on Front St. Dawn was quickly approaching. He landed on the roof of the old building, entering from a service door in the bell tower. He quietly made his way down the stairs, listening with his vampiric senses on full alert. As he came to the bottom of the staircase, he could hear voices on the other side of the door, that led to the main sanctuary. "Tell me, or I will kill you!" A man screamed. "Kill me, then. You'll get nothing from me." Geoffrey said, weakly. Nick quietly opened the door, looking through the crack, to see a tall man with dark hair and grey eyes standing over Geoff with a cross and a bottle of holy water. Nick winced, as the man splashed some of the water onto Geoff's bare chest, then pressed the cross to the skin. "Tell me!" The man shrieked, again. He stopped momentarily, waiting for Geoff's cries of agony to cease. He went to a table nearby, digging through Geoff's coat pocket. He found a picture inside, then looked at Geoff. "Is she one of you?" Nick saw the picture the man held. It was a picture of Natalie. His eyes narrowed, and he growled, softly. "No. She's a mortal. She knows nothing." Geoff gasped. The fear was evident on his face. "Ah, at last I have found something that affects you! You care for this woman, don't you?" He smiled a cold, evil, smile at him. "Leave her out of this! She knows nothing of this!" "Tell me what I want to know, and I will leave her alone. If you do not cooperate, I *will* kill her." He leaned closer to Geoff. "Tell me who and where your master is!" Geoff looked once at the picture of 'Talie. Swallowing hard, he closed his eyes, tightly. "No." Nick couldn't believe his ears. In refusing to give this man the information he wanted, he placed Nat in danger. "Then I'll find out who she is, and kill her." The man told him, once again rummaging through Geoff's things. After a few minutes of searching, and cursing, he looked up. "Dr. Natalie Lambert." He said, smiling. "How charming." He picked up a few items. "I'll give her your regards." Nick waited, until the man was far enough from Geoff, but not too near the exit, before he jumped out from behind the door. "Police! Stop right where you are, and place your hands where I can see them!" The man stopped, then turned around. He smiled, as he aimed his gun, and fired at Nick. Nick stood his ground, taking two bullets in the chest. When he looked up, his eyes were feral red and full of rage. With inhuman speed, he pounced upon the man, pinning him to the floor, then pulled out his handcuffs. Visibly shaking from the effort to not drain the man, Nick jerked him to his feet. "Give me a good reason to kill you, and I will." The man looked with hate filled eyes at Nick. "The sun is up. Unless you and your friend wish to become ash, you're stuck with me for the day." Nick could sense that the sun was already high in the morning sky. He reached into his jacket pocket, for his cell phone. It wasn't there. Then he remembered, he had left it at the hospital. "All the more reason, not to piss me off." He said quietly to the man, pushing him into a pew. He moved to where Geoff was tied to the altar, to free him. "Thanks, Nick. I guess I owe you." Geoff said, sitting up and rubbing his head. Nick's eyes narrowed at Geoff. "Don't be too glad to see me, just yet. I may stake you, myself." Geoff looked up at Nick. "Why?" "Natalie nearly died, tonight. Because of you." Nick growled. Geoff quickly stood, but then fell back onto the altar. "What are you talking about?" He asked. "In taking her blood, you created a link with her. Your being tortured, and nearly killed, almost killed her." Nick turned away from him. "She's in the hospital, barely alive." He whispered. Geoff sat numbly, for several minutes. "No. I didn't mean to. I never wanted her hurt." Nick turned, to see Geoff's tortured gaze. "We never mean to." * * * * * * * * * Natalie's mother was sitting cross-legged on the floor. "Say, 'Geoffrey', Natalie." Natalie looked at the dark-haired toddler across from her and frowned. "No." "Please? For mommy? Say, 'Geoffrey'." Her mother said, again. Nat reached for her doll. "No." "Natalie, please!" Her mother said, exasperated. Natalie turned big blue eyes on her mother's beautiful face. "Why?" Her mother threw her hands up, then stood. "Sorry, Missy. She's just so darn stubborn." The other mother smiled. "It's okay. They're just toddlers. They'll learn to say each other's names, in time." Nat clutched her doll to her chest, her small legs running for the back door. She stopped and glared at the boy. "Geffy. Out." Nat's mother stopped and grinned. "You can say it! I knew you could!" She scooped her daughter up, swinging her around. Natalie laughed. Then she glared again, at the boy. "Geffy. Out." Geoff frowned up at her. "No. No, 'Talie! No, out!" They glared at one another for several minutes. Geoffrey's mother picked him up. "Geoff, say 'Natalie'. 'Na-ta-lie'." Geoffrey looked over at the offending creature with curly brown hair and big blue eyes. "'Talie." He said, smiling. His mother smiled. "Na-ta-lie." Geoff frowned at his mother, then nodded and pointed at Nat. "'Talie!" He beamed at her. His mother kissed him, setting him on the floor. "I wonder if he'll ever get her name right?" Nat's mom watched the two children, silently staring one another down. "I wonder if they'll ever get along..." Geoff held Nat tightly against him. "Did I hurt you?" He whispered. Nat smiled up into his face. "A little, but I'm not complaining. It's supposed to hurt, the first time." He kissed her forehead. "Oh, 'Talie. I love you, so much." He looked up at the stars, covering her more with the blanket. Nat snuggled closer to him, under the blanket. "I love you, too. But when are you going to stop calling me 'Talie? Everyone else, calls me 'Nat', or 'Natalie'." Geoff turned her chin up to him. "You'll always be my 'Talie, no matter what anyone else calls you. It's my special name for you." Nat grinned. "Okay." She looked around them, then glanced at her watch. "We shouldn't stay long. My parent's think we're at the movies." He nodded. "I know. I could hold you like this, forever, though." Nat smiled. "You're more than welcome to." He kissed her on the lips. "Good." * * * * * * * * * Nat awakened slowly. She looked around, not recognizing her surroundings. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up. She noticed the IV line, and all of the monitors on her. She was in the hospital. How did she get here? She pushed a button, to call for a nurse. The nurse entered and, seeing Nat awake and sitting up, went to find a doctor. The doctor came in, and smiled at her. "Well, hello. You gave us all quite a scare." Nat, still trying to shake off the memory-dreams, rubbed her eyes again. "What's going on?" The doctor moved towards her. "We were hoping you could tell us." Nat frowned, shaking her head. "Where's Nick?" "Nick?" "Nick Knight. He's a homicide detective." She couldn't understand, what was going on. "Let me go and see if I can find him. But first, let me check you out. Can you tell me, how you got those marks on your neck?" He began taking vital signs. Nat reached up, feeling the bites on her neck. The memories came rushing back, and she laid back on the bed, feeling dizzy. The doctor carefully checked her over. "You may feel a little disorientation. You lost some blood." Nat nodded. "Um, yeah." "Can you tell me, how? What happened?" He asked, making some notes on her chart. "No. No, I don't remember. I was at the lab. I had this really bad headache. Suddenly, my head hurt really bad, and... it was like seeing stars. Then, I'm here." She tried to shake off the dizziness. "It's okay. Let me go see what I can find out, about your friend." He turned and left the room, motioning for a nurse. "There was a nice looking young man in here, for quite awhile. He sat here, holding your hand. For some reason, he just left." She tried to make Nat more comfortable. "What did he look like?" Nat asked. "Blonde. Blue eyes. Absolutely gorgeous." The nurse smiled. Nat nodded. "Nick." She wondered where he was. Then, she thought of something. "What time is it?" The nurse looked at her watch. "Ten o'clock." "In the morning?" "Yes. You were out, for quite awhile." She opened the drapes a bit, but Nat winced. "Would you prefer them closed?" Nat nodded. "Yes. Please. I usually don't see the sun, much. I work nights." 'And I'm in love with a vampire.' She added, silently. "Oh, that's a shame. It's a beautiful day outside." The nurse turned to leave. "Call me, if you need anything." Nat nodded. "Some food?" The nurse smiled. "I'll see what I can do." Then she left. Nat sat, staring at the wall. Well, that explained where Nick was. But it didn't sound as if Geoff had made an appearance, at all. What was going on? Nat shifted in her bed, once again. She had been fed orange juice, peppermint tea, and soup, at around noon. At five, they brought her more tea, juice and soup, but added jello and crackers. She was hungry, and she was mad. No one, not even Schanke or Captain Cohen, had a clue where Nick or Geoff might be. She turned her head, when she heard the door to her room open. She frowned at the person, her heartrate increasing. "What are you doing here, LaCroix?" LaCroix looked calmly at the mortal woman. "My dear, I've been here, all day. I thought I'd give you a chance to rest, before I paid you a visit." He smiled his cold smile. "You've been here, in the hospital, all day?" The thought of LaCroix roaming at will through the hospital, with all of its helpless victims, made her shudder. "Don't fret, my dear. I found an untended supply room, and fulfilled my needs, there." He came and sat in the chair next to her. "What do you want? Where's Nick?" She asked, trying to conceal the fear in her voice. LaCroix smiled at her. "Nicholas is out, attempting to 'rescue' young Mr. Crusher. It appears the poor boy, went and got himself captured by a Hunter." Nat looked at him in horror. "No. Oh God, no. Where are they?" LaCroix raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid, Doctor, that you would not be able to help them." Nat glared at him. "Just tell me where they are." LaCroix steepled his fingers in front of him. "As you wish. They are in an old, abandoned church, on Front St." Nat frowned. "Why would a hunter want Geoff?" "It appears, that your Geoffrey, is into some rather nasty dealings. His sire is known amongst the Community, for causing difficulties. Honestly, I'm curious as to why the Enforcers haven't done something, by now." He glanced at his watch. "The sun will be setting, soon. I shall see you, Doctor." He made a short bow, then disappeared. Nat quickly climbed out of bed, heading for the cabinet in her room. She found the bag that contained her things, dressing in a hurry. She noticed a cell phone, sitting next to some flowers on a counter, and picked it up. She switched it open, noticing the number and the initials. It was Nick's. She turned the power back on, then slipped quietly out of her room. Nat moved down the hall, making sure no one saw her. She saw nurses making their evening rounds, and she quickly made her way to the elevator. Looking twice, to make sure no one saw her, she slipped out the stair doors. She took the stairs down two levels, before entering and using the elevator. Acting as casual as was possible, she headed straight for the lower parking areas. If she knew Nick, he'd flown to the church, so the Caddie would still be here. She searched a bit, looking around, when a security guard saw her. "Can I help you, Miss?" He asked. Nat suppressed the desire to run. "Um, well, this is going to sound silly, but I forgot where I parked." The guard smiled. "Not as silly, as you think. It happens, a lot. What sort of car do you have?" Nat relaxed. They didn't seem to have missed her, yet. "It's a teal Caddie, with fins." The guard's eyes widened. "That's yours? It's a beauty. A real classic. And in prime condition, too." Nat smiled. "Actually, it's a friend's. But he's loaning it to me, until he gets out of the hospital." "Wow, must be a close friend." He grinned. "I saw it, parked on level two. Not too far from the elevators." Nat nodded, smacking herself on the forehead. "Of course! Now I remember! Thank you, so much!" She waved, and quickly took the stairs down to the second level. Spotting the Caddie, she hurried over to it, then stopped. "Keys! Oh, man! I need... keys..." She trailed off, as she remembered Nick pulling a spare set out from the front grill, when Schanke had locked Nick's set inside. She hurried around the front, feeling inside, then found what she was looking for. A small, magnetic box, held the spare keys. She quickly climbed into the Caddie, starting the ignition. Nick would flip, if he knew she wasn't letting it 'warm up', but she had to hurry. She pulled out of the parking garage, waving to the security guard, then turned towards Front St. LaCroix stepped out of the shadows, near the parking area entrance. "Very good, Doctor. I am most impressed." He chuckled lightly, then stood back, away from the rays of the setting sun. "Sure was a pretty little thing, wasn't she?" The security guard asked, noticing LaCroix watch her leave. "Yes. And so very tenacious." LaCroix said, smiling. "Is she your daughter?" "Not yet." LaCroix said, softly, wondering *what* would make him think that the Good Doctor was his child. "Yet?" The man asked, confused. "She and my son, will soon be married." LaCroix said, covering. "Oh, well, congradulations!" The guard said to him. "You must be thrilled, to be getting such a prize added to your family." LaCroix turned and regarded the man a moment, then smiled again. "You have no idea." Nick and Geoff had taken turns that day, keeping watch over their prisoner. When the man had, at last, fallen asleep, they had spent some time, talking about Nat. "You know, Knight, she's with me, but it's you, she wants." Geoff said, quietly. "What?" Nick asked, looking at him. "It's true. She tried to keep it from me, but she doesn't know about the blood. How we can sense so much of the person. She's scared, and confused. She loves me, but more like a brother. She loves you, more than her own life." Geoff looked away. "It's hard to admit that. I love her, so much. I always have. But she doesn't feel that way about me, anymore. She wants you. Whether it's together, as mortals, or as vampires. As long as she can have you." Nick frowned. "Why are you telling me this?" "Because, Knight, if it ever comes down to it, I thought you should know. If something ever happens to 'Talie, where she's dying, and can't tell you herself. You need to know, she wants to be brought across." Nick swallowed hard. He was at once thrilled, and dismayed, at the thought. "She has no idea, what she'd be getting into." Geoff looked at him. "Yes, she does." At Nick's look, he hurried on. "No, really. I mean, she doesn't know what it's like to experience the bloodlust, personally, but she *does* understand it. She saw it, first hand, with her brother. She never imagined, that he could be capable of taking all those lives. Hurting all those people. He went after *her*, for crying out loud! She knows how much he loved her. She thought about it, and figured out that the bloodlust must be so strong, it can make you forget who even your closest friends, and family, are." Nick listened intently to Geoff's words. "Go on." "She understands that you have to fight the desire to kill, constantly. She doesn't know how we manage to control it. Especially you. You're around death and blood, every night. She admires you, a great deal, for that." Geoff looked at his watch. Sundown was in less than an hour. Nick sat, thinking about what Geoff had said. If faced with the choice, of letting her die, or bringing her across, which would he choose? He had never allowed himself to consider this. Even during the asteroid scare. The man on the bench, quietly worked at the lock to the handcuffs, with a stiff wire he had pulled out of one of the old pew's padding. He moved carefully, until he felt the cuffs slip open. Still pretending to be dozing, he gauged the distance to his crossbow, already preloaded with wooden bolts. He smiled to himself. He just had to wait for an opportunity to present itself. Nat skidded to a halt, jumping out of the Caddie, and hurrying up the steps of the old church. She burst through the doors. "Nick? Geoff?" She called. Nick and Geoff looked up. They stood, and hurried towards her. "Nat, are you okay?" Nick asked. "'Talie! Are you all right?" Geoff asked her. Nat regarded the two men before her. "What the hell is going on?" The man at the front, silently stood, and made his way to his crossbow. "Nat, what are you doing out of the hospital?" Nick asked. "I snuck out. LaCroix was there, and he told me how to find--" "Wait! LaCroix was there? What was he doing there?" Nick asked. "Did he hurt you?" Nat rolled her eyes. "No. Just wanted to annoy me. Nick, why didn't you call?" "I forgot my cell phone at the hospital, and it was past daybreak, when I got here." He explained. "You shouldn't be up." Nat glared at him. "I'm fine." "Nick's right, 'Talie. You should be resting." He moved closer to her. "Such concern. Too bad, neither of you'll be around, much longer." They turned, to see the Hunter, standing with a crossbow. He grinned at them, as he pointed it directly at Nat. "Perhaps I should kill her, first." He let loose the trigger on the crossbow, sending a bolt sizzling through the air. Nick grabbed Nat, pushing her to the ground, as soon as the Hunter fired. He landed on top of her, looking into her startled eyes. Geoff had moved in front of Nat, to try and protect her. He caught the bolt straight in the chest, the tip of the wooden shaft exploding into his heart. He cried out in pain, landing with a beside Nick and Natalie. The Hunter reloaded, taking aim at Nick and Nat. He smiled wickedly, as he prepared to fire. Just then, LaCroix came up from behind, forcing the shot to go high and wild. He grabbed the man by the throat, and quickly drained him. He turned golden eyes on the three on the other side of the room, as he let the man's body fall to the floor. Nick and Nat turned their heads to see Geoff. He was lying on the floor, hands wrapped around the bolt that protruded from his chest. Nick moved quickly to his side. "Here, Geoffrey. Let me pull it out." Nick said. Geoff looked at Nick, eyes red and slightly dazed. "No." He rasped. "It's splintered into too many pieces. You'll never get them all, in time." Nat rolled over, crawling to Geoff's side. She had a strange burning in her chest, and her head was pounding. "Geoff?" She asked, cradling his head in her lap. "Geoff, you've got to let us help you." Geoff smiled weakly at her, his fangs descending. "No, 'Talie. It's too late." He began coughing up blood. Nat took the scarf from her neck, gently wiping the blood away. She had tears streaming down her cheeks. "I won't let you die." Geoff looked at Nick, then back to her. "'Talie..." He gasped. "It's too... late..." Nat shook her head. "No. Geoff, you can't die. If you go, I'll be the only one left. I'll be all alone. Please? Don't leave me alone." She brushed his hair with her fingertips. "I'm too afraid, to be alone." She whispered. Geoff licked his lips, tasting the salt from her warm tears. "'Talie... I... love... you..." He closed his eyes, letting out a final breath. "Geoff?!" Nat cried. "Geffy, No! Please!" She was shaking uncontrollably. She suddenly grasped her head in pain, breathing in short, shallow gasps. She turned confused, stricken eyes on Nick and LaCroix. "It hurts. I can't--" She passed out, falling beside Geoff. Nick looked at LaCroix. "What's going on?" He nearly screamed. "She is still connected to him. If you don't help her, she, too, will die." LaCroix told Nick. "What do I need to do?" Nick asked, moving to Nat and gently picking her up. He laid her on one of the cushioned pews. "You must take some of her blood. She needs a connection to this world, in order to live. You and she must be bound by blood, in order to sever the link with Geoffrey." LaCroix told him. Nick turned pain filled eyes on LaCroix. "I can't. I'll take too much." "Then bring her over." LaCroix stated. "No! I can't do that, LaCroix." Nick said, angrily. "Then step aside, and let me." Nick looked down at Nat's still form. Her heart was slowing, her breathing more shallow. She would never forgive him, if he allowed LaCroix to do it. "No. I will. I'll do it, to save her." LaCroix nodded. "Hurry, Nicholas. She hasn't much time." Nick swallowed hard, closing his eyes against the pain in his heart. "Forgive me, Nat. I love you." He whispered. He leaned forward, sinking his fangs into her throat. Her blood burst into his mouth, and he was lost to the love he felt. Her pain at losing Geoffrey, because she was afraid of being alone. The fear that he didn't love her. The intense desire she had for him, man and vampire. He pulled away, not wanting to hurt her, forcing the vampire back under control. He found, strangely, that he felt calm and peaceful. LaCroix lightly touched her face, concentrating on the sound of her heart. It was gradually increasing in strength, as was her breathing. "I believe, Nicholas, she will live." Nick nodded in relief, pulling her into his arms and carressing her face. He placed soft kisses on her eyelids, cheeks, nose and lips, quietly calling her name. Nat's eyes fluttered open. "Nick?" She said, weakly. Nick smiled. "Yes, Nat. It's me." She nodded, closing her eyes. LaCroix moved away, watching Nick and Natalie. He frowned a bit, the pain in his heart resurfacing. He had had the chance, to have his revenge for Fleur. So, why hadn't he taken it? He turned and lifted the body of the Hunter. "I shall take care of this, Nicholas." Nick looked up from his study of Nat's face. "Thank you, LaCroix." LaCroix stood, regarding him a moment. Then, he headed out into the night. Nick sat by Nat's hospital bed, quietly watching her sleep. He had returned her to the hospital, knowing that she would be able to rest, and be well fed. He lightly stroked her fingers, lost in thought. Schanke and Cohen quietly entered. They saw Nick, sitting beside Nat's bed, gently caressing her hand. Schanke looked at his Captain and grinned. Cohen gave him a smile. "Nick?" Schanke whispered. Nick looked up at the two. "Hello." He stood and moved to stand by them. "How is she, Detective?" Captain Cohen asked. "She'll be fine. Just needs a lot of rest." Nick said, glancing back at Nat's slumbering form. "Man, oh man, partner. You should have called me. I coulda helped you." Schanke said. "I know, Schank. I appreciate your concern." He closed his eyes. "Has Geoffrey's family been notified?" "His parent's passed away, several years ago. He had no siblings or other relatives. Natalie was as close to family, as he had." Captain Cohen told him. "How is she handling it?" Nick shook his head sadly. "She won't talk about it. Just keeps saying, it's all her fault. She thinks that if she hadn't come bursting in there, he'd still be alive." He frowned. "That's just not true." Schanke looked at his partner. "How are you holding up?" Nick shrugged. "I'll live. Nat's the one I'm worried about." "Nick?" Nat called, softly. Nick turned back to her bed. "Yeah, Nat?" He walked over and took her hand again. "When can I go home?" She asked, trying to open her eyes. "In a few days. You need to rest." Nick kissed her hand. "Schanke and Cohen are here." Nat forced her eyes open. "Hello." Schanke came over and kissed her forehead. "You scared us half to death, kiddo. Are you all right?" Nat smiled weakly. "You know me. I'll be fine." Schanke shook his head. "Yeah, well, don't hurry back. Take as long as you need, to get better." Nat nodded. "Okay." Cohen looked at Nick and Schanke. "Gentlemen, can I have a moment alone with Natalie?" Nick and Schanke looked at one another. "Sure thing, Cap." Schanke said, pulling Nick out of the room. They stood just outside the open door. Nick leaned against the doorframe, then looked over at Cohen and Nat. He saw the Captain lightly brush Nat's hair from her forehead. "How are you, really, Natalie?" Cohen asked. Nat closed her eyes. "I'll survive, but it hurts." The Captain nodded. "You loved him, didn't you?" Nat nodded. "Yes. But not in the way he wanted me to. I loved him, more like my brother, or a close friend." She swallowed hard. "I got the feeling, you two were very close. A lot of history." "We grew up together. Did everything together." Nat looked at her hands, twisting the sheets. "He was the first guy to ever make love to me." She said, quietly. Cohen nodded. "I thought as much." She took one of Nat's hands, ceasing her twisting. "Natalie, you didn't kill him. It wasn't your fault." Nat looked into the Captain's eyes. Suddenly, she burst into tears. "I feel like I did. If I hadn't just shown up. If I'd just let Nick and Geoff take care of it... maybe he'd be alive." "Maybe that's true, maybe not. It doesn't change the fact that he's gone. You have to go on, you can't let it cripple you. Remember the fire? If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger. This is just another type of flame to survive. But you will. You have people here who love you, who need you. Don't let this tear you away from them." Nat nodded. "I know. But it doesn't make the pain any more bearable." Cohen nodded. "I know. In time, it will lessen. In time." She wrapped her arms around Nat, gently stroking her hair, allowing her to cry it out. After several minutes, she handed Nat a tissue. "Do you feel better, now?" Nat nodded. "Thank you." Cohen nodded, then stood. "I'll go now. I think you and Nick, have some talking to do." Natalie nodded again. "Yes, we do." Cohen walked to the door. "We'll be going now, Nick. Take a few days off. Make sure she's okay." Nick nodded. "Thanks, Cap." Schanke slapped him on the back. "If you need anything, partner, just holler." Nick smiled at him. "Thanks, Schank. I will." He watched, as they walked down the hall. When they reached the elevator, he turned and reentered Nat's room. Sitting back down beside her bed, he took her hand. "Feel better?" Nat smiled, though a bit wanly. "Yes." She looked into his eyes. "Nick? What happened? Why did I almost die?" Nick shifted a bit. "Because of the blood link, Nat." "Blood link?" She frowned. Nick nodded. "Yes. I think I'd better explain." Nat listened quietly, while Nick explained the blood link she had shared with Geoff, and why it had almost killed her. She frowned. "Then why am I still alive? If the link kept me connected to him, even to death, how am I still alive?" She asked. She saw him shift uncomfortably, looking away from her. "Nick?" Nick looked up at her. He hated himself for what he had done, because he had enjoyed the taste of her blood. In fact, he wanted more. Pushing that thought quickly away, he stood and paced around the room. "In order to break the bloodlink with Geoff, you needed a connection to this world." He told her. "A connection to this world?" Nat frowned. "And that would be?" "Me." Nick said, not daring to look at her. Nat thought this over a moment. She looked up at him, eyes wide in understanding. "You took some of my blood, in order to save my life?" Nick nodded, still not looking at her. "Ironic, isn't it?" He moved to sit by her bed again, taking both of her hands in his. He kept his gaze on their hands, afraid to see the loathing in her eyes. "Nat, please forgive me. I didn't have any other choice." Nat looked at him, a little awestruck. "What, exactly, does that mean for us?" Nick looked apprehensively into her eyes. Instead of the loathing and anger he expected, he saw love and surprise. "Well, it, um, it means that as long as you or I are alive, we are connected to one another. We'll be able to sense one another's moods. We'll know when the other feels pain, or pleasure. I've never been connected to a mortal, Nat, so I'm not exactly sure of what to expect. I don't know if it'll be more like my connection to LaCroix and Janette, or not." He watched her face, for any signs of disgust or anger. None came. Nat let out a breath, raising her eyebrows. "Wow." She said. Then, she smiled at him. "Thank you, Nick. For saving my life." Nick smiled back. "You're welcome. If you had died, Nat, I would have, too. You're everything to me. I love you." He kissed her softly on the lips. "More than my own life." Nat's eyes widened, as tears formed around the edges. "I love you, too." She whispered. "Oh, Nick. I'm so sorry. I used Geoff, to try and forget about you. I didn't know how you felt, and I was so lonely." Nick touched her face. "Nat, you have lots of friends, people who care about you. You've no reason to feel lonely." "Even when surrounded by people, Nick, it's possible to feel lonely and unloved." Nat whispered. Nick stopped, considering her words. How true they were! It was how he'd felt, for centuries. "As long as I'm able, Nat, I won't let you feel that way, anymore. I promise." Nat leaned forward and kissed him. "Thank you, Nick. For everything." She looked at the IV in her arm. "Can I go home, now?" Nick laughed. "Let me see what I can do." One month later, Nick sat at his desk, typing up a report. He stopped momentarily, glancing at the pair of tickets on his desk. He looked back up at Schanke. "You and Myra going to go?" He asked. Schanke looked up, frowning, then saw Nick looking at the tickets. "Yeah. Oh, come on, Knight. You enjoyed the picnic, once you got there. This'll be great. Best of all, everyone will be in disguise." Nick thought about it. "What are they planning to do?" "You know, the usual games and things. Most of it'll be for the kids. You and Nat can pass out candy, if you don't want to participate in any of the activities." Schanke told him. Nick considered it. "You think Nat would like it?" "Definitely." Schanke said, smiling. Nick looked once more at the tickets, then picked up the phone. "Hi, Nat?" He said, after a moment. "I was wondering... would you like to go to the Halloween masquerade with me?" He listened for a minute, then smiled. "Yeah. Okay. Great. I'll see you, then." Schanke grinned at his partner. "Well?" Nick placed the tickets into his pocket. "She said, she'd love to go." He stopped and looked at Schanke. "What are you going as?" Schanke grinned, again. "Count Dracula." Nick groaned. It was too late to back out, now. A few nights later, he walked up the stairs to Nat's apartment. He smiled, as he saw her handing out candy to a group of kids on her doorstep. "Thanks Dr. Natalie!" One of them yelled, as they headed down the hall. Nat grinned, waving to the group. "Be careful, you guys! And watch out for the little ones!" She saw Nick, and smiled. "Hi there. You ready?" Nick nodded. "You have your costume?" Nat nodded, as she led him into her apartment. "Yep. You?" Nick followed her, smiling. "Yep. I'm glad we agreed to change there. It'll be a surprise, for everyone." He saw her about to lift a large box. "Here, Nat, let me." He picked it up, and carried it to the door. "Come, milady, the dance awaits." Nat laughed, stopping long enough to lock her door. "I wonder what Myra and Jenny went as?" Nick shook his head. "Anything but vampires, I hope." They drove to the hotel where the Masquerade was to be held. There were two rooms reserved, one for men, one for ladies, in which the guests could change into their costumes. Nick and Nat carried their boxes into their respective rooms. Having arrived a bit late, because of Nick's 'allergy', they were pleased to find they had the rooms to themselves. They quickly changed into their costumes. Nick knocked on the door. "Nat? Are you ready?" Nat opened the door a bit, poking her head out. "Almost, Nick." She smiled at him. "I like it." Nick stood, dressed in a suit of black armor, a cape slung across his back and left shoulder. The crest of deBrabant was embroidered into the fabric, in gold and silver. Nick tried to peer around the edge of the door. "Well?" Nat grinned. "Just be patient. I'm almost through." She promptly closed the door. Nick sighed, waiting for Nat to finish. After ten more minutes had passed, she opened the door, but stayed hidden behind it. "Ready?" She called. "As ever." Nick replied. Nat stepped around the door, smiling shyly at Nick. "Do you like it?" Nick's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. "Oh, my, yes. Nat, it's incredible! Wherever did you find it?" Nat blushed. "A friend of a friend, is a costume designer for plays. He designed it for a play, but then the part was scrapped. He was just going to put it in a storage room. She thought it'd be perfect, for the Masquerade." Nick stood, staring. "She was right." Nat stood before him, dressed in a white, silk gown. It fit her slim shape perfectly, not too tight, but not too loose. It had long sleeves that hugged her arms, until about mid-forearm, then flared out to wide, triangular cut cuffs. Nat's hair was held partially atop her head, by a golden circlet, the rest cascading like a silken waterfall, to her shoulders. Golden glitter was sprinkled in her hair, and her feet were covered with dainty, silken slippers. But it was the wings, that really gave it effect. Nick carefully touched the soft wings. They felt so real. "Nat, what are these made of?" Nat smiled. "Goose down. At least, the outside layers are. Inside, it's just wire." She moved slightly. "It's going to take a little getting used to. They set me off balance." Nick nodded, still admiring her. "You look wonderful, Nat." "We'd better join the group." She said. Nick took her arm. "Your wish, is my command." Nat gave him an evil grin. "Hmm. Interesting idea." Nick arched an eyebrow at her. "You aren't perchance, hiding horns under that halo, are you?" Nat laughed out loud, kissing him on the cheek. "Oh, Nick, you have no idea." Nick was about to comment, when they walked into the banquet hall. All conversation ceased, and all eyes turned on the couple that had just entered. "Talk about making an entrance." Schanke said, whistling softly. "Wow." Captain Cohen walked up to the two of them. "Glad you could make it." Nick and Nat smiled at her, shifting uncomfortably under all of the stares. "Thanks, Captain." They said, in unison. Nick grinned at Nat, and she grinned back. At last, the others started making their way over to them, commenting on their costumes, and talking about their jobs. Later, after they'd passed out all of the candy, fussed over the kids' costumes, and visited with the Schanke's, Nick pulled Nat out to the dance floor. He placed his arm around her waist, being careful of the delicate wings, then looked down into her eyes. The soft flourescent light gave Nat an incandescent glow, and Nick held her close, mesmerized. "I love you, Nat." He whispered. "Come home with me, tonight. Let me show you, how very much I love you." Nat closed her eyes, smiling a dreamy smile. She nodded her head. "Tonight, Mr. Knight, I'm yours. Completely." Schanke turned in time to see Nick pull Nat into a passionate kiss. A slow grin spread across his face, as he grabbed Myra's camera, and snapped a picture. "Donny, what are you doing?" Myra asked. Schanke nodded towards the couple on the dance floor. "I knew it! I just knew it!" Myra smiled at Nick and Nat, admiring the way they seemed to glow. "Knew what?" She asked, looking back at her husband. "I *knew* they were more than 'friends'." He said. "And you know something? I'm glad I was right." Myra took his hand, leading him out to the dance floor. Nick and Nat never even noticed the stares and comments around them, they were too busy, staring into one another's eyes. >End