Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website as well as FTP site. No other permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse. If you're interested, drop me a line. Love it/hate it/whatever, feedback is always welcomed and greatly appreciated. This story is based on characters, situations and music that isn't mine. Thanks to TPTB for the use of the FK characters. "Save Tonight" by Eagle-Eye Cherry is the property of its copyright holder. No infringement on any of these properties is intended. "Aftermath" by S. Clark Nick pushed the button to light the fireplace. He'd wanted to have the loft lit by only the soft glow of candles. But, the he had to admit that might not be the best of ideas. It'd taken him several days to convince Natalie to come over for a video night, their first since the end of the meteor scare. Enough was happening without the appearance of a romance he knew could not be. He made sure she had a selection of snacks. And he'd picked out several of her favorite movies. He wanted it all to be right. Tonight, of all nights, it had to be right. Go on and close the curtains 'cause all we need is candlelight You and me and the bottle of wine and hold you tonight Nick smiled as Natalie emerged from the lift. "I'm not too late, am I?" She took off her jacket, placing it across the back of a chair. He shook his head 'no' and smiled. "Yes." She gave him a nervous look that didn't abate until he walked over and took her hand within his. "Of course not." Nick led her across the loft to the couch. "Work go okay?" "Fine," she said. She sat down, pulling her hand from his. "Just fine." Nick nodded. Things had been very awkward for them since that night in her apartment, the night he had killed Spark. Nick walked back to the kitchen. Can I get you something to drink? I've got water, wine, various soft drinks. "I think a white wine would be nice," she responded. Nick returned with a glass of chardonnay. He wanted a glass of his own vintage for himself. But he held off, not wanting to upset her, to remind her of what he was. He'd fed well before she'd arrived. More than she'd allow. He felt it necessary, though. He needed to keep in control. Well, we know I'm going away And how I wish, I wish it weren't so so take this wine and drink with me let's delay our misery... "Have you selected what we'll be watching?" He'd laid out the choices on the coffee table. She grinned and held a box up for his approval. He smiled in return. "Always a classic," he said. He took the box from her and started the tape. Nick smiled as he watched her. They'd seen this movie, 'A Night At The Opera' with the Marx Brothers, over a dozen times. It was one they turned to whenever either of them needed a laugh. Nick wondered who was trying to cheer up whom with the selection. Save tonight fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow Tomorrow I'll be gone He sat back against the cushions, savoring her nearness. He wanted a memory of all of her. Her scent, the way she laughed when she forgot he was there, the way her heart beat faster when he moved closer and she couldn't help but realize how near he was. He edged closer still. He'd hoped she'd pick something slow and weepy. She'd get all teary-eyed and turn to him for comfort, for closeness. They might tell everyone they were only good friends. They might even tell that story to themselves. He knew deep down neither of them truly believe it, truly wanted things to stay as a friendship. So they danced their dance and played their game. Stolen glances, stolen touches told their secrets. There's a log on the fire and it burns like me for you Tomorrow comes with one desire.. to take me away This time she was the one who edged closer, snuggling against him. She yawned as she did so, barely able to keep her eyes open through the stateroom scene. He knew she must really be tired, it was her favorite part of the whole movie. "Nat?" he said, quietly, trying not to disturb her. "Hmmm?" It was more of a hum than an actual response, purred against his chest. "Should we talk?" She sighed. "I can't." She looked up at him, blue eyes soft with fatigue. "Not yet, anyway." He planted a tender kiss on her temple. "I understand. I just don't want to leave this," he didn't want to elaborate, her physical responses made it more than apparent she knew what he was talking about, "hanging between us." She nodded her head. He felt the dampness of her tears against his chest. "Someday, Nick. Someday." It ain't easy to say goodbye darling please don't start to cry 'cause girl you know I've got to go and Lord I wish it wasn't so Nick nodded and held her securely. Her tears soon dried, sobs giving way to the steady breathing of sleep. And he continued to hold her. Through it all, he knew it was best this way. It was the only way. That thought brought tears to his eyes. He continued to hold her until he, too, found sleep. Tomorrow comes to take me away I wish that I, that I could stay but girl you know I've got to go, oh and Lord I wish it wasn't so Natalie awoke and smiled, realizing the two of them were still on the couch, limbs entwined. He fidgeted as she worked herself free from his grasp, but then settled back into a deep sleep. She brushed back a stray curl from his forehead and placed a kiss in its stead. It never failed to amaze her, he always looked so innocent as he slept. Innocent, yet desirable at the same time. Once again the tears threatened but she held them back. Save tonight fight the break of dawn Come tomorrow Tomorrow I'll be gone Natalie didn't, couldn't, look back at the loft as she pulled away. She wished she'd had the courage to explain things to Nick. But the memories were too fresh. She knew she couldn't continue with things between them as they were. It was seven o'clock. Past sunrise, but still two hours before the movers arrived. By noon her apartment would be completely empty, as if she had never been there. She hoped one day he'd forgive her for leaving. That one day he'd understand.