Return-Path: Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 22:54:37 -0700 Reply-To: clark Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: clark Subject: A Fall Without Grace (01/01) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU 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 always appreciated. This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine. Thanks to TPTB for their use. A Fall Without Grace by S. Clark Natalie Lambert was lying on her bed wrapped in her pink flowered flannel sheets. She heard a noise at the bedroom door and looked up into the cool blueness of Nick's eyes. Her desire for him was a physical force almost overwhelming her. "Nick," she whispered. "How could you possibly want me?" he asked. "This damned soul." She moved to her knees on the bed. "I love you, Nick. If only you could accept yourself as I see you." He moved a step closer. "Do not confuse what you see with my dead heart." "I love all of you, Nick. The totality of you." She smiled tenderly, but her voice had taken on a husky quality. "I want you." He moved another step closer. "I can't promise we can be together, as you want." She nodded and moved nearer to the edge of the bed. He removed his black leather duster and let it fall to the floor. Then he slowly kicked off each shoe. He took another step closer to her but failed to notice Sydney lying in his way. As Nick tripped over the cat Sydney let out a loud yowl and went flying towards Nat. Her feet got tangled up in the floral flannel sheets and she went tumbling from the bed. Nick tried to keep his balance and catch Natalie at the same time. He fell to the floor almost landing on top of her. "That was a suave entrance," she said. He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. "Shall we continue?" She tried to laugh but her eyes were damp with tears. "Maybe later, Nick. I think I broke my arm." Nick rushed Natalie to the hospital where she, along with a multitude of strangers, waited in the emergency ward for the opportunity to see a doctor. Nick placed his arm over Natalie's shoulder and let her lean against him for comfort. They were both surprised to see Don Schanke some rushing in. "Hey, Natalie. Partner." "Schank? What brings you here." Nick certainly hadn't expected to see anyone he knew. "I was driving home from the bowling alley and saw your boat parked outside." Nick took silent umbrage at this description of his beloved car but knew it wasn't the time or place to make a scene. "I figured something might be up with work. I thought you never got sick, Knight." "He doesn't," said Natalie, her arm resting on a pillow. Her face was puffy from tears. "Wow, Nat. You look different." She smiled weakly at him. "I know," continued Schanke, "nice robe. Fuzzy pink terry cloth. Myra has one just like it. Does almost as much for me as white kneesocks and plaid skirts, if you know what I mean." He elbowed her arm, causing her to wince in pain. "Yow!" "Schanke!" protested Nick. "Oh, I'm sorry," said Schanke. "I guess you're here about that," he motioned at her arm. She nodded. Schanke sat down besides Nick. Nick glared at him. "Don't you have to get home?" He shrugged. "It's ok. I'm sure Myra won't mind if she knows I'm out with you two." He smiled and turned to Nick. "Isn't that what partners are for?" Nick could feel the garlic from Schanke's breath assaulting him. But, for Nat's sake, he would remain civil. "Say Partner." "Hmm?" "How come you're not wearing shoes?" Nick rolled his eyes. Natalie stifled a laugh between her sniffles. Schanke looked at Nat. Then at Nick, still with the protective arm over her shoulder. Then back at Nat. Then Nick. They could almost see the wheels turning in Schanke's head. Natalie in a robe. Nick without shoes. In the emergency room on their mutual night off. Natalie prayed she'd be called into a treatment room before the wheels ground to a halt and came to the right conclusion. The color rose in Don Schanke's face and not just because his belt was too tight. "Ya know," he said, altogether too quickly, "maybe I should be heading home." "Good idea," agreed Nick. "Give my love to Myra and Jenny," added Natalie. They waited until he was gone. "I don't suppose this will stay out of the office gossip pool," said Nick. "Not a chance," replied Natalie. "Maybe we'd better come up with a story?" Nick shrugged. Natalie regarded him for a moment. "Embarrassed, Mister Knight?" "I just don't want people to get the wrong impression," he said. "About you," he added, giving a quick kiss to her temple. "I think my reputation can stand a little sullying. After all, won't they actually be getting the right impression." He tried hold her hand but grabbed the wrong one bringing more tears to her eyes. "I'm sorry, Nat." She patted his knee with her good hand. "That's ok, Nick. Just don't forget." She pinched his leg. "You owe me. I do expect you to finish what you started?" "Me?" He asked, wearing his best cherubic face. "Oh yeah." She smiled wistfully through the tears. "You owe me bigtime and I will collect."