Disclaimers:  I don't own any of the characters set forth in this story. 
They belong to Sony/TriStar, JP and whatever other PTB.  I am certainly
not making any money from this, I just do it, because I love it.
Posting Permission:  Permission given to post and/or archive on Mel's
fkfanfic site, the ftp site, the JADFE site and anywhere else you might
wanna put it.  Just let me know first.
Warnings: This is an ADULT Nick/Nat story.  Explicit sexual situations
ahead... you have been warned!


Surprises
Part One
by KC Smith 

   Natalie picked up her overnight bag and purse, when she heard the bell
ring.  Her heart gave a light flutter, as she once again marveled at the
fact that Nick had asked her to pack a bag for an overnight excursion,
after he first took her to dinner. She hoped that she wasn't reading more
into the invitation than was there, as she usually did.
 Nick's smiling face greeted her on the other side of the door.  "Hi,
Nat.  Ready?"
 Nat nodded, as Nick took her overnight bag from her.  "Yep.  Where are
we going?"
 "Ah-uh." Nick chided, wagging a finger at her.  "It's a surprise.  But I
think you'll like it."
 Natalie laughed.  "Okay, you win.  I won't ask you, again."
 Nick kissed her softly on the lips.  "Nat?  I'm glad you agreed to
this."  He said, softly.  Taking her hand, he led her down to the car.
 
   Natalie accepted Nick's hand as she stepped out of the Caddie.  He
handed the keys to the waiting valet and then led her through the doors
of the Xandria Hotel.  
 Leading her through the lobby, Nick went to the front desk and checked
in, before taking Nat to the elevators.  He pushed the button for the top
floor and then placed his arm protectively about her waist.
 "I thought we were going to dinner first?" Nat asked.
 Nick smiled. "We are.  The restaurant is at the top of the hotel.  It's
got a beautiful view."
 Nat nodded.  She had thought that perhaps they'd leave Toronto, but this
was pleasant, too.
 They stepped out of the elevator into an elegant restaurant. 
 "Reservations for DeBrabant." Nick informed the Maitre'd.
 The man nodded and bowed slightly.  "If you'll follow me, sir."
 They followed him to a secluded table near a wide window and Nick pulled
Nat's chair out for her, after the Maitre'd had taken their coats.
 Nat looked around at the plush surroundings.  "This is lovely, Nick."
 Nick smiled at her. "Not as lovely as you."
 Nat blushed, as she opened her menu.  "Are you joining me?"
 Nick shrugged.  "I may try a bit."
 
   They spent the evening wining, dining and dancing, and thoroughly
enjoying one another's company.
 Natalie noted that Nick seemed so much more at ease, since LaCroix's
death, nearly six months prior.  He had mourned his master's passing, and
had even avenged his death by killing the vampire responsible, but he no
longer had that imminent darkness surrounding him.
 Nick had stolen soft kisses and gentle caresses through the evening,
making Natalie even more hopeful that this night would be truly special.
 Finally, Nick took Natalie's hand in his and kissed her fingers.  "Are
you ready to go?"  He asked, eyes sparkling.
 Nat smiled and nodded.  "Yes."
 Nick stood and pulled her chair out for her, then took her arm and led
her to the front of the restaurant.
 "Good evening Monsieur DeBrabant, Madame." The Maitre'd smiled, as they
approached.  "I trust you enjoyed your evening?"
 Nick nodded. "Yes. Thank you." He helped Natalie into her coat and then
accepted his own.  Then he took Nat's hand and led her out the door.
 Natalie wondered when Nick had paid the bill, assuming that it must have
been while she was in the ladies room.  She smiled as she leaned against
him, resting her head against his shoulder.

   The elevator came to a stop on the fifth floor and Nick led Natalie
down the hallway to room 501.  He used the electronic key to open the
door and then let Nat enter ahead of him.  Once inside, he placed the 'Do
not disturb' sign on the door and closed it.
 Natalie allowed Nick to take her coat and hang it in the closet near the
door, as she gazed at the extravagant suite that Nick had rented for the
next few days.  She noted the kitchenette in one corner and the dining
area in another.  There was also a sofa, chair and coffee table, as well
as a television and full stereo system and a large fireplace.
 "Wow, Nick. This place is incredible." Nat said, taking in her
surroundings.
 Nick smiled at her.  "You haven't even seen the bedrooms, yet."
 Nat's heart nearly sunk at the word 'bedrooms'.  Plural, as in, more
than one.  Perhaps she had read more into this.  She smiled at him,
though, determined not to let it ruin her wonderful evening.
 Nick took Nat's hand and led her down a short hallway to the bedrooms. 
The first one had a king-sized bed and a night table, as well as a desk
and a large recliner.  There was a television in a cabinet, as well as
the dresser.  The bathroom had a large, sunken tub with whirlpool jets
and there was also a television in there.
 Next, they toured the 'master bedroom'.  This one had a king-sized bed
and two night tables, with lamps on either one.  There was a full
entertainment center on the wall opposite the bed.  A smaller,
semi-separate room held a fully furnished office.  The bathroom consisted
of a dressing area where the dresser, vanity and double sink was located,
then a door led to the main bath.  This, too, had a large sunken tub with
whirlpool jets and a television, but it also had a separate glass and
brass shower with a number of shower heads.  The toilet was in a smaller
room, separate from the rest of the bath.
 "Nick, this is wonderful." Nat said, smiling. 
 Nick nodded his agreement, as he pulled a white box with a large red bow
from the closet and handed it to her.  "I'm going to light a fire.  Why
don't you open this and then join me?"
 Nat looked at the large box with a curious smile.  "What is it?"
 Nick motioned for her to open it.  "You'll see."
 Nat opened the box and pulled back the tissue paper to reveal a deep red
satin negligee and matching robe.  Eyes wide, she looked up at Nick. 
"This is beautiful, Nick.  Thank you."  She smiled, as she kissed him
softly.  "I'll put it on and join you."
 Nick smiled in relief and nodded.  Then he stepped out of the room and
closed the door behind him.

  Detective Donald Schanke looked at his Captain in disbelief.  "You
want me to do what?"
 "I want you to lead the vice team in this raid."  Cohen told him, again.
 "Nick is on vacation for the next few nights, so I think this is a good
opportunity for you to practice some leadership skills."
 Schanke sighed.  "Oh, all right.  What's the deal?"
 Cohen looked at him, as she handed him a folder.  "There have been a
number of complaints about 'high class' call girls using the Xandria
Hotel.  They meet with their customers in the bar, then give them the
room numbers.  The johns wait for a bit, then join them upstairs.  The
bartender has agreed to give us the room numbers of a few of his more
frequent patrons, in order to put a stop to this."
 Schanke nodded.  "All right. So what? I just go down there and bust open
a few doors and arrest these people?"
 Cohen glared at him.  "I have search warrants prepared, so you just have
to find out which rooms they are using.  The manager has agreed to issue
us master keys for the rooms, so we can let ourselves in and catch them
'red handed'."
 Schanke winced as he thought of what Myra would say about rushing in on
people in the middle of sex.  "And you're sure these are call girls and
not some poor clueless guests?"
 Cohen nodded.  "We've identified all three suspects.  This is all very
routine."
 Schanke sighed and stood.  "Okay.  So where is this team I'm supposed to
lead?"

   Schanke watched from the corner of his eye, as the woman at the far
end of the bar wrote something on a napkin and passed it to the man next
to her.  The bartender casually glanced at it, as he wiped down the bar
in front of the man.
 The woman left and the man continued to drink for another fifteen
minutes, then he paid his tab and left the room.
 Schanke casually sidled up to the bar and ordered a refill of his
'drink'.  In actuality, it was only iced tea, but it looked enough like
scotch to fool any casual passersby.
 The bartender handed Schank the glass and made sure no one else was
listening.  "She told him to meet her in room 214."  He told him.
 Schank nodded and tossed a tip on the bar, then went back to his seat. 
He made some show of drinking down his beverage, before heading out the
door.  Once inside the elevator, Schanke pulled out his radio.  
 "Team two, this is 81 Kilo.  We have a number.  214 is a go.  Repeat,
214 is a go."  Schanke said.
 "Team two responding.  Roger that."  A male voice filtered through the
static filled speaker.
 "Meet you there." Schanke replied, placing the radio back in his pocket
and stepping out of the elevator.  He pulled his gun and met up with his
second team of the night at the door to the room.  "You got the key?" 
 Morrie held up the master key the manager had given him.  "Sure do."
 Schanke motioned for everyone to get ready.  "Okay.  Let's go."

   Schanke finished filling out the notes on his second arrest of the
evening, then met his third team in a conference room.  "Any word yet on
our third winners?"
 Irons shook his head.  "Morrie said he'd let us know, as soon as he
found out."
 Schanke sighed.  "I'm going to the bathroom.  I'll be right back."
 Irons nodded and took another sip of his coffee.
 When he returned a few moments later, Morrie was waiting for him.  
 "We got it." He told him.  "The guy was sitting at the end of the bar,
so the bartender saw the room number in the mirror."
 "Well?"  Schanke asked impatiently.  He wanted to get this wrapped up as
quickly as possible.
 Morrie smiled as he held up a piece of paper.  "Room 501."

  Schanke opened the door with the master key and silently motioned his
team into the room.  They glanced around the enormous suite, looking for
any signs of their perps.  Schanke went to the first door, listening for
any signs that there was someone in there.  He quietly pushed open the
door and peered inside.  
 Nothing.   
 Moving down to the next door, he listened in.  He could hear the
telltale sounds of moaning and gasping, and the slight sound of squeaking
bedsprings.  Nodding his head, he motioned for his team to stand back.  
 He suddenly burst through the door, gun held at the ready.  "Freeze!
Police!"  He shouted.
 His mouth dropped open at the sight of the two startled faces before
him.  "Oh, shit..."

 Nick was busily stirring the fire, smiling at the memories from the
day before.
 <flashback>
  "*You* want to take a couple of vacation days?" Cohen asked in
disbelief.
 Nick smiled sheepishly.  "Yeah.  That is, if it's okay.  I mean, we
don't have any outstanding cases and all our paperwork is caught up.  If
it's a problem, I'll understand."
 Cohen smiled at him.  "Nick, if anyone deserves a few vacation days
around here, it's you.  By all means, take them.  It'll give you a four
day weekend, so enjoy it."
 Nick smiled in relief.  "Thanks, Cap."
 "Don't mention it." Cohen said, still smiling.
 Nick stood and headed out of her office, seating himself at his desk. 
He picked up the phone and dialed the morgue, fervently hoping Nat would
agree to this.
 "Natalie's Bed and Breakfast." Nat's cheery voice greeted.
 Nick smiled to himself.  "Hi, Nat. What's up?"
 "Not much.  It has been soooo slow around here.  I've done all my
paperwork, cleaned my desk, taken inventory and cleaned out the samples
'fridge.  How about you?"
 "About the same.  If I have to listen to Schanke tell me one more joke,
I'm probably going to drain him." He smiled.
 Nat laughed.  "So, is this a social call?"
 "Actually, Doctor, it is.  I was hoping that you might be able to take a
few vacation days and make this a four day weekend.  I already talked to
Cohen and she gave me the go ahead.  I thought we could go out to dinner
and maybe you could pack a bag for a few days?" 
 Nat was silent for a moment, but Nick could hear the slight increase of
her breathing.  He smiled to himself.  "Uh, sure. I'll talk to Kerry and
see if that's okay. Can I call you back?"
 "Sure.  I'm on until five.  I'll talk to you later, then?" Nick asked.
 "Yeah. Later. Bye." Nat answered.
 
 Later...
  Nick stopped by the Coroner's Office on his way home.  Cohen had
ordered him to book off early, since there was nothing left for him to
do.  He knocked on the door to Nat's lab, before entering.
 Nat turned and smiled at him.  "Hi.  I was just trying to call you."
 "Cohen told me to go home, so I thought I'd stop by here.  Did you get
to talk to Kerry?" Nick asked, leaning against the edge of her desk.
 "Yeah.  He was shocked that I want to take a few days off.  He told me
to go and not even think about work for the next four days." Nat smiled.
 Nick laughed. "I got the same reaction from Cohen."  He took her hand
and kissed it.  "I'm looking forward to this weekend."
 Nat smiled, her legs feeling like jell-o.  "So am I."
 Nick pulled her close to him and kissed her lightly.  When she didn't
resist, he deepened the kiss, pulling her against him.  When he finally
released her, his eyes were tinged with gold.  "I'll pick you up tomorrow
night at seven?"
 Nat nodded. "Yeah... seven."
 Nick smiled and kissed her temple.  "Don't forget to pack an overnight
bag."  He whispered, before disappearing out the door.
<End flashback>

  Nick turned at the sound of the bedroom door opening and saw Nat
standing there in the deep red satin robe.  Her hair hung loosely about
her shoulders, softly framing her face.  He smiled at her, as he set the
poker aside.
 Nat looked at Nick, smiling shyly at him.  She was always so worried
about her appearance whenever she was around him.  Being around someone
that never aged and always looked perfect was a bit hard on one's
self-esteem.
 Nick walked over and pulled her close to him. He looked deep into her
eyes, as he leaned forward and captured her mouth with his.  He kissed
her deeply for several moments, wrapping her silky hair around his hand.
 Natalie gave herself into his passionate kiss, as she pressed her body
close to his.  He had changed into his silk pajamas and robe while she
had been changing. She loved the feel of him so close to her.
 Nick pulled away and looked into Nat's eyes, searching for any hint of
fear or uncertainty.  He found none of either.  Smiling, he led her to
the sofa and handed her a glass of wine, placing one arm comfortably
about her shoulders.
 Nat accepted the glass from Nick and sipped at the wine, snuggling into
his soothing embrace.  They sat in silence for a long time, enjoying the
wine, the fire and each other's company.
 At last, Nat sighed.  "This is nice."
 Nick hugged her lightly. "Yes, it is."  
 He turned slightly to look at her, caressing her face with his palm.  "I
love you, Natalie."  He said softly, his voice full of emotion.
 Nat's eyes widened a bit and she smiled.  "I love you, too, Nick."
 Nick leaned forward and kissed her, lightly pressing his body against
hers.  The kiss deepened and intensified, until Nick had pushed Nat to a
semi-reclining position beneath him.  Their tongues dueled and tasted one
another, as their bodies built into a frenzied passion.  Nick pulled away
and sat up, looking at Natalie.  She was breathing heavily, her mouth
deliciously swollen from his kisses.
 "Nick?" Nat asked in confusion.
 Nick smiled at her and took her hand.  "Let's take this somewhere a
little more comfortable, shall we?"
 Nat stood and smiled, nodding her agreement.  Her heart was pounding and
she felt as if her stomach suddenly had a life of its own.
 Nick lifted Natalie into his arms, kissing her as he carried her down
the short hallway to the master bedroom.

 Nick gently set Natalie on her feet and wrapped his arms around her,
kissing her hungrily.  He moved his kisses along her jawline to her ear,
tracing the outline with his tongue.
 Nat shivered as Nick lightly licked, kissed and nipped at her ear and
then moved to her neck.  She moaned in pleasure as he sucked on her neck,
just over the pulsing vein.  Wrapping her hands in his hair, she pulled
him closer to her.  
 "Nick..." Nat whispered, thoroughly enjoying the sensations coursing
through her body.
 Nick reluctantly moved away from her neck, pulling her close to him in a
tight embrace.  "Nat, trust me... trust me to make love to you..." He
whispered in her ear.
 Nat's answer was to pull his mouth back to hers in a deep, passionate
kiss and run her hands along his hard body.
 Nick untied the belt of the robe she wore and slipped it from her
shoulders.  He ran his hands along the smooth column of her throat, down
across her silky shoulders and arms, then back up again.  He looked into
her eyes, smiling as she removed his own robe.
 Natalie pushed the black silk off of him and began to work on the
buttons of his pajama top.  She kissed each inch of flesh she exposed. 
She licked his neck, sucking lightly, and was rewarded with a low growl. 
Smiling, she pushed the pajama top off of him.
 Nick grinned wickedly at Nat, as she pushed his top from his shoulders. 
Kissing down along her neck, he pushed the first strap aside as he kissed
all the way to her arm.  Then he did the same with her other arm,
allowing the deep scarlet to fall down around her waist.  
 Natalie blushed, as the negligee fell down around her waist, baring her
breasts to Nick's hungry gaze.  She averted her eyes, embarrassed.
 Nick turned her face back to him.  "Natalie... you are so very
beautiful.  Don't be embarrassed."  He leaned forward and kissed her
again, then licked his way down her neck to her left breast, suckling at
it.  
 Nat tossed her head back and moaned, as she tangled her fingers in the
soft waves of Nick's hair.  "Oh, Nick..."
 Nick smiled, switching to the other breast and giving it equal
treatment.  He pushed the negligee down her hips, allowing it to fall to
the floor and pool around her feet.  Giving her a gentle push, he laid
her on the bed and kissed his way down her abdomen, gently parting her
legs.  He knelt at the end of the bed, nuzzling her musky warmth.
 Nat sighed, as Nick laid her on the bed and made his way towards her
quivering sex.  She had been waiting for this for so long, she thought
she would pass out from sheer pleasure.  As Nick lightly probed her
cavern with his cool tongue, she bucked her hips upward towards his
willing mouth.
 Nick continued to pleasure Natalie, licking and sucking at her clit. 
Sticking his tongue into her hot, wet cavern, he began thrusting his
tongue in and out of her. 
 Natalie matched his rhythm with her hips, panting in shallow gasps.  Her
entire body stiffened and she grabbed the blankets in a death grip, as
her orgasm washed over her.
 Nick kissed her clitoris one more time, before kissing his way back up
her body, stopping to kiss each breast, then moving to her mouth.
 Natalie sighed, as Nick kissed her deeply.  She could taste herself on
his mouth, as he gently thrust himself into her. She shuddered in
pleasure, wrapping her arms tightly around Nick's neck as he began to
thrust into her.
 Nick groaned in pleasure, as Natalie wrapped her legs around his and met
his thrusts.  Their passion quickly built, and Nick could feel the
vampire surface.  Looking into Nat's eyes, he watched her as she neared
her second release.
 Nat looked into Nick's golden eyes.  When she was close to release, she
turned her head, baring her neck to him.  As Nick's sharp fangs pierced
her skin, she gasped in ecstasy, her release consumed her.
 Nick could taste Nat's release and it triggered his own.  Thrusting hard
into her, he drank of her life, marvelling in her love.  He released her
neck and kissed the wounds closed.  He looked at her with blue eyes, a
contented smile on his face.
 Nat smiled up at Nick, fully aware of his love for her.  She ran her
fingers through his silky soft curls, as Nick lightly caressed her face
and hair.
 Suddenly, the door burst open and a voice cried out.  "Freeze! Police!"
 They both turned their heads, shocked expressions on their face.  They
saw Schanke standing there with his gun drawn.
 When Schanke saw that it was them, his eyes opened wide and his jaw
dropped.  "Oh, shit..."  He murmured.

 Schanke whirled around, his face and neck flaming.  "Oh, geez, I, uh,
I'm sorry..."
 Morrie stuck his head around the corner.  "Hey! That isn't them."
 "No, really?"  He asked sarcastically.
 Morrie's eyes grew wide in recognition.  "Detective Knight, Doctor
Lambert?"  He asked, as Schanke pushed him away from the door.
 "Schanke! Close the door!" Nick shouted.
 Schanke covered his eyes with one hand and blindly reached for the door
handle with the other.  "Right, sorry."  He said, pulling the door
securely shut.
 Nick's eyes were blazing gold, as he looked down at Natalie's red face. 
"Are you all right?"
 "Other than the fact that I may die of sheer embarrassment, yeah, I'm
fine."  She looked into Nick's golden eyes, as Nick started to move off
of her. 
 "Nick? Don't hurt him."  
 Nick just nodded grimly, as he threw on his robe and belted it. 
Covering Natalie up to her chin with the comforter, he kissed her.  "Stay
here."
 Nat nodded.  "Don't worry. I don't think I could face them."
 Nick opened the bedroom door and stalked out to the large sitting room,
glaring at the group of officers.  "Schanke!  What the hell is going on?"
 Schanke winced at the tone of his partner's voice.  "Well, you see,
there's been a really funny mixup.  You're going to get a kick out of
this!"   He laughed nervously.
 Nick stared hard at his partner.  'I promised Nat not to hurt him.'  He
reminded himself.   "Enlighten me."
 "Well, see, Cohen thought I could use some leadership experience, so she
told me to lead the vice sting operation to catch some 'high class' call
girls that have been working this hotel, and the bartender was giving us
the room numbers, 'cause he could see them writing them on a napkin and
giving it to the johns, and  he told us the last room was 501.  Crazy
mixup, that's all."  Schanke realized he was rambling.  "What are the
odds, though, huh?  Kinda funny, if you think about it...."  He trailed
off, as he realized Nick wasn't laughing.   "We'll, uh, we'll just, uh, 
go, now."
 Nick nodded.  "Do that.  And Schank?  We're on vacation time.  You
didn't see us here."
 Schanke nodded, as he ushered his team out.  "Right.  I have no clue how
to reach you."  Schanke paused, after the last member of the team was out
the door.  "Uh, Nick?"
 "Yeah, Schanke?"  Nick asked, exasperated.  
 "I'm really sorry.  For what it's worth, though, I am really glad to see
that you and Nat are finally together."  He quickly left and shut the
door.

   Nick grabbed a half empty bottle of blood from the small refrigerator
and quickly downed it.  Then he went back into the bedroom.
 Nat looked over at him and raised an eyebrow.  "Are they gone?" 
 Nick nodded.  "Yeah.  I don't think they'll be bothering us, again."  
He grinned.  "You should have seen the looks on their faces.  I don't
know if they were more embarrassed, or terrified."
 Nat smiled, then threw the comforter off of her and held her arms out to
him.  "Good.   Now, come back here."
 Nick laid down partially on top of her, kissing her deeply.  Then he
wrapped his arms around her and turned over, so that she was lying across
his chest.  They lay there quietly, just enjoying the feeling of being in
one another's arms.  
 Nat smiled contentedly, as she rested her head against Nick's chest. 
She felt safe and secure and totally loved for the first time in a very
long time. 
 Nick smiled and kissed the top of Natalie's head.  He loved the feeling
of having her in his arms.  
 They lay there for a long time, just holding each other and Nick heard
Natalie's breathing deepen, as she drifted off to sleep.
 
   Natalie awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and looked groggily up from
her pillow.  She saw Nick standing beside the bed, grinning at her.
 "Good morning, beautiful." Nick said.
 Nat pushed her hair out of her eyes and squinted at the bright light. 
"Morning?"  
 Nick nodded, as Natalie pushed herself to a sitting position.  "Yes,
well, for us, anyway. Late afternoon, for everyone else.  I brought you
breakfast."  He indicated the silver tray he was carrying.
 Nat smiled sleepily, as Nick set the tray before her and lifted the lid.
 A delightful ham and cheese omelet was on the plate in front of her, as
well as hash browns and toast.  A bowl of fresh fruit, a glass of milk
and a glass of orange juice, as well as the steaming cup of coffee,
complemented the wonderful meal.
 "I hope its enough." Nick told her, as he sipped at his glass of
nourishment.
 "Yes, it is.  Thank you."  Nat sipped at her coffee and then dug into
her breakfast.
 Half an hour later, Nick carried the tray out into the small kitchenette
and then went back into the bedroom.  "Would you care to join me in the
bath?"  Nick asked, his eyes twinkling.
 Nat grinned.  "Absolutely."  She climbed out of bed and headed into the
bathroom.  She drew the bath water, pouring a liberal amount of scented
oil into the tub.  She was just about to go find what was keeping Nick,
when he entered and tightly shut the bathroom door.
 Nick removed his bath robe and helped Nat into the steaming tub.  He
flipped on the whirlpool jets and then climbed in beside her.
 Nat turned and leaned back against Nick, sinking into the hot, bubbling
water.  She let her head rest against his cool shoulder, as Nick's arms
wrapped around her.  "So, what are our plans for the day?"  
 Nick grinned at her.  "I thought we could just spend it in bed."
 "Mmmm.  I think that's doable." Nat sighed, as Nick began to lightly
massage her neck and shoulders.  
 They sat talking and relaxing, until the bath water had cooled too much
for Natalie. Nick helped her out of the tub and led her into the large
shower.  Turning on a warm spray, he gently washed her and then washed
her hair.   Natalie repeated the favor for Nick, then they dried off. 
Then Nick picked Nat up and carried her back to bed.
 Natalie laughed, as Nick lightly tossed her onto the bed and flopped
down beside her.  She was enjoying this time with him.  No phones, or
pagers, or dead bodies.  
 Nick grinned mischievously at Nat, as he grabbed two silken cords from
the nightstand drawer.  
 "Nick! What are you doing?" Nat exclaimed, as Nick tied first one hand,
then the other, to the bedpost.
 "Fixing it so you can't escape." Nick said, grinning.  He pulled out two
more silken cords and tied both ankles to the posts at the foot of the
bed.
 Nat's eyes grew wide.  "Nick... what are you planning?"
 Nick just grinned.  "Oh, a few surprises."

  Nick reentered the bedroom carrying a silver tray.  He grinned at Nat,
as he set it on the bedside table and then lay down beside her.  He
leaned over and kissed her deeply.  "Nat, do you trust me?"
 Natalie looked into his eyes.  "Yes."  She said, completely certain.
 Nick nodded, as he reached behind him and pulled an item from the tray. 
"I'm going to entice and arouse you in a number of ways.  Just relax and
enjoy yourself."  
 Nat smiled and closed her eyes.  She trusted Nick not to hurt her.
 Nick took the feather in his hand and lightly ran it around and behind
her ear, then down her cheek and neck.  He continued to trail it down to
her breasts, lightly teasing each nipple with it, then continuing down
her stomach to the inside of her thigh.  He continued lightly stroking
her body with the feather for several minutes, then stopped and retrieved
another item. 
 This time, the sensation was coarse and it lightly scratched, but it
wasn't painful.  Nick smiled, as he watched Natalie's expressions.  He
varied the items he used.  Cotton balls, felt strips, ice cubes (which
elicited a startled screech from Nat), a paintbrush dipped in warm water.
 Every time, he teased and titillated Natalie, until she was writhing in
pleasure.
 "Nick! Please... enough.  I need you." Nat begged.
 Nick smiled at her as he used his hands and mouth to pleasure her this
time.  He kissed his way down her flat stomach to the wiry thatch of
curls at her pubic bone and nuzzled her.  He nipped at her clit with his
teeth, then began sucking at it.  
 Natalie moaned in pleasure, as Nick continued to lick and suck at her
engorged clit.  He slipped two fingers through her wetness into her warm
body and began moving them gently in and out.  Natalie couldn't take
anymore.  She cried out his name, as she finally fell over the edge and
into her orgasm.
 Nick quickly untied her and then moved to lay on top of her.  He kissed
her gently, caressing her face.
 Natalie pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him.  She wrapped
a soft hand around his thick shaft and guided him into her, moaning as he
filled her.
She moved her hips in a gentle rhythm, setting the pace for Nick's
thrusts.  In a few moments, she was grabbing the headboard and riding him
for all she was worth.  She cried out, as another orgasm swept over her.
 Nick felt Natalie's muscles tighten around him and he sat up, pulling
her tightly into his arms.  Thrusting a few final times, he sank his
fangs into the pliant flesh of her neck, releasing his seed deep within
her.
 They collapsed onto the bed, rolling onto their sides and holding each
other tightly. 
 Nick looked deeply into her eyes.  "I love you, Natalie."   He said,
softly.

 Natalie's eyes filled with tears at the depth of emotion in both
Nick's eyes and voice.  She knew that he was telling her the truth, and
it both elated and frightened her.   "I love you, too, Nick."  She
whispered.
 Nick pulled her close to him and hugged her tightly.  "We'll be together
forever, Nat, I promise."
 Nat nodded, unable to speak, as Nick continued to hold her and caress
her hair.
 They spent the rest of the day (or night, depending on your viewpoint)
in bed, talking, laughing, sharing, holding each other close and,
periodically, making love.  They were both happier than they'd ever been,
before.  Both knew that they'd finally found the missing halves of their
souls.
 Finally, close to dawn, Nick pulled an envelope out of the night table
drawer and handed it to Natalie.
 "What's this?" Nat asked.
 Nick just smiled.  "It's a surprise.  Open it and see."
 Nat opened the envelope and pulled out two first class airline tickets
to Paris, France.  She looked at Nick in confusion.  "Nick?"
 "I know we both have more vacation accumulated than most of the police
force and coroner's office combined.  I thought we could take a tour of
Europe, starting in Paris."  Nick asked, anxiously awaiting her answer.
 Nat's eyes widened.  "Oh, Nick... This is wonderful.  I'd love to travel
Europe with you."  She smiled, hugging him close.
 Nick smiled, as he removed another item from the night table drawer. 
"There's just one other thing, Nat.  I was hoping..." He held a small
jewel box in front of her, handing it to her.
 Nat's breath caught, when she saw the small box.  She took it from him,
carefully opening it.  An exquisite diamond ring was lying against the
stark velvet of the interior of the box.  She looked up at Nick, eyes
sparkling with unshed tears.
 "I was hoping that it could be our honeymoon trip." Nick finished. 
"Natalie, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?  My
*eternal* wife?"
 Natalie looked deeply into Nick's eyes, the implications of what he was
saying, clear.  She had hoped and prayed for this moment for so long. 
"Yes, Nick.  I would love to be your wife."  She kissed him softly and
then added,  "Your *eternal* wife." She smiled.
 Nick hugged her close, then slipped the ring onto the ring finger of her
left hand.  "Thank you, Nat.  You have just made me the happiest man on
this earth." Nick pulled her to him and kissed her deeply.  Then, he
settled into bed and pulled her close to him, sighing in contentment.
 They fell asleep in each other's arms, dreaming of their future
together.

   Nick walked over to his desk and rifled through the stack of papers in
his 'in' box.  He set the most urgent things on his desk and tossed the
others back into the box, studiously ignoring the whispers and snickers
of his fellow officers.  He looked up, as Captain Cohen called him into
her office.  He stood and headed over there, sitting in a chair across
from her desk.
 "Nick.  I wanted to apologize for what happened Thursday night."  She
stated.  
 "Don't worry about it, Captain.  I understand that it was just a mixup. 
What I don't understand, is how the bartender got our room number." He
frowned in puzzlement.
 "He saw the room number in the mirror by the bar.  Apparently, the room
number was 102.  The way she wrote the two, and seeing it in a mirror,
made him think it said 501."  She spread her hands in apology.  "I really
am very sorry."
 Nick smiled.  "Right now, Captain, very little could make me angry. 
It's okay.  Really."
 Cohen raised an eyebrow.  "I take it that you and Dr. Lambert are
getting along well?"
 Nick's grin broadened.  "Yes.  So well, in fact, that we're getting
married."
 Cohen smiled.  "Congratulations, Detective.  I guess that explains this
request for three weeks vacation time I received.  You are going to get
married that soon?"
 Nick nodded.  "We don't want a very big wedding, so we figure six weeks
is plenty of time to get everything in order.  I don't want to waste any
more time."
 Cohen nodded her understanding.  "Well, I wish you both the best of
luck, then."
 "Thank you, Captain."  Nick said, as he stood and headed out the door.
 Schanke was sitting at his desk, glaring at a small group of officers,
as Nick returned to his own.  He looked at Nick.  "Hi, partner.  We are
still partners, right?"
 Nick smiled innocently.  "Of course we are, Schank.  Why wouldn't we
be?"
 "Well, after the other night... I thought you might be out for blood."
Schanke said.
 Nick grinned.  'If only you knew, Schank.'  He thought to himself. 
"Nah.  Cohen explained it.  It was just a mixup."  He glanced at the
group Schanke had just been glaring at.  "I take it some of the other
officers spilled?"
 Schanke snorted in disgust.  "Yeah.  Some people.  They have no respect
for other's privacy."  
 Nick nodded, as he set to looking over one of the many papers cluttering
his desk.  He looked up, as a group of officers began whistling and
making cat calls, and saw Natalie approaching, her face flaming.  He
stood and glared at them and they were immediately silent.  Nick walked
over to her and kissed her forehead.  "You okay?"
 Nat nodded.  "Yeah.  I've been getting that, all evening."  She said,
annoyed.  "You'd think they'd show a little more maturity than that."
 Nick grinned. "What do you say we put an end to it?"
 Nat smiled, as she realized what he was suggesting.  "Absolutely,
Detective."
 Nick wrapped an arm around Nat's waist, glaring at the few snickers, and
then loudly cleared his throat.  "Okay, everyone, listen up!  It is
obvious that *someone* around here doesn't know how to keep their mouths
shut.  For the record, Natalie and I *were* at the Xandria Hotel this
weekend, together.  Enough said."  He glared at everyone around the room,
daring them to comment.  "We would like to formally announce that we are
engaged to be married."
 Schanke's mouth dropped open and a round of applause went up throughout
the precinct.  There were murmurs of 'congratulations' and hugs and
handshakes.  A few even apologized to Natalie.  Finally, Cohen came out
and, after congratulating the happy couple, ordered everyone back to
work.

  Nick handed Natalie a glass of red wine and settled next to her on his
large bed.  He and Nat had made a trip over to the Coroner's Building for
a speech similar to the one at the precinct, then they had separated and
gone back to work.
 "Did things settle down, after I left?" He asked.
 "Yes.  Well, not right away.  Grace had to give me the third degree,
then I could finally get back to work."  She laughed.
 "Yeah, Schanke did the same thing to me." Nick chuckled.  
 "I'll be glad when this is all over and we can get back to our normal
lives, again." Nat sighed.
 Nick set his glass on the table beside him.  "Actually, Nat, that's
something we need to discuss."  He turned to her, as she set her glass on
the table on her side of the bed, then took her hand.  "Things are never
going to be 'normal' again.  After I bring you across, or maybe before
that, we'll have to leave Toronto.  We can not remain in our old lives. 
I figure we have a few years here, before I have to bring you across.  We
need to plan this, carefully.  I don't want you to regret this decision."
 Nat nodded.  She had figured as much.  "I know, Nick.  I've already been
preparing myself to move on.  Don't worry.  I won't ever regret choosing
a life with you."
 Nick sighed in relief.  Then he leaned over and kissed her.  "Are you
ready to go to sleep?  We've had a busy night."
 Natalie grinned.  "Nuhuh.  I think I can find a reason to stay awake, at
least a little longer."
 Nick returned her grin. "Hmmm. Let me see... we could watch t.v.?"  He
laughed, as Nat smacked him on the arm.  "No?  Okay, then.  How about>" 
He stopped abruptly, as Natalie stuck her hand down his pajama bottoms
and fondled his testicles. 
 "Getting the idea?" Nat asked, as she began to stroke his quickly
enlarging penis.  
 "Um,  yeah."  Nick said, closing his eyes and enjoying the sensations. 
His eyes popped open, as Natalie suddenly crawled under the covers,
undoing the snaps of his pajama bottoms and surrounding him with her warm
mouth.  "I am definitely getting the idea."
 Natalie chuckled,  murmuring something that he couldn't quite
understand.
 "What was that?  Didn't your mother ever teach you not to talk with your
mouth full?"  Nick laughed.
 Nat moved the covers off her head and looked him in the eyes.  "Nick?" 
She said, sliding up his body, so that they were face to face.
 "Yeah, Nat?" Nick asked, raising an eyebrow.
 "Shut up and kiss me." She whispered.
 Nick happily obliged.
 
<The End> 
KC Smith
tigrlady2u@juno.com
Nick/Natpacker with Dark Knightie tendencies.
"I've never met a chocolate I didn't like."