Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 09:35:30 -0700 Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: clark Subject: Joy (01/??) To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Thanks to Kathy for technical assistance on this story and the previous one. Thanks also to Shelia for the title suggestion. Feedback, virtual mangoes, or time machines are all welcomed. This is follows seven other stories I've written, "Hope," "Faith," "Charity," "Peace," "Love," "Understanding," and "Care." Due to some language and descriptions, "Hope" was posted under an adult header. All the previous stories are available on my website, http://www.best.com/~sclark/fk/. Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website and the FTP site. No other permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse. If you're interested drop me a line. This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine. Thanks to TPTB for their use. "Joy" (01/??) by S. Clark Natalie wandered into the nursery. This had become a standard activity when she couldn't sleep, especially when Nick was away at work. Grace had invited a crew over a couple weeks before for a shower. But Natalie hadn't yet unpacked the gift boxes, or even set up the room past the basics since Nick had it built and painted. She knew the hesitation was due to concern over the child's health. Margaret had given a positive report after the most recent exam. But this didn't completely allay Natalie's fears. Nothing would do that, except the birth of a healthy child. Natalie wandered back into the main room of the loft. She felt a chill draft, one that raised the hair on her arms. "Good evening, Doctor." She turned, and found herself not five feet from LaCroix. The child kicked. Natalie took this as a mirror of her own apprehension. "LaCroix." She managed a weak smile, trying to appear friendly. Or, at the least, not show fear. "Please, call me Natalie." The ancient vampire returned the smile. "Lucien," he said, but made no other move. Natalie gestured towards the couch. "Would you mind if I..." Within an instant LaCroix was at her side. He placed a hand around her back, and the other under her arm. "Of course." While still feeling trepidation about his presence, Natalie was glad for the support. Neither spoke until they were both settled upon the couch. "Nicholas is working?" Natalie nodded. "Yes. He should be here within the hour." "You haven't called him?" "Not tonight, no." "Do you think it's wise to delay, given you're in labor?" Natalie rubbed her abdomen. She'd had enough false contractions, including two episodes that had provoked trips to the hospital, that she was fairly wary that this could, indeed, be the real thing. "I have plenty of time." She'd been keeping track of the interval between the contractions. They were still ten minutes apart. She didn't feel a need to call Nick home early. They would have plenty of time to reach the hospital before dawn. LaCroix held out his hand. "May I?" Nat was hesitant, but gave him a nod of assent. LaCroix placed a hand upon her stomach. Natalie took a light grasp of his wrist, and guided it lower, to a place where he could feel activity. "It's a remarkable process." He left his hand in place. "Have you used your modern science to determine the child's sex?" "We've decided to be surprised. Nick's hoping for a girl, though." LaCroix raised an eyebrow. "A daughter. And you?" Natalie's eyes dropped. "I just want the child to be healthy." "Of course. I understand you've recently had cause for concern. I trust all is well?" Natalie could feel her throat tighten. "We believe all is fine, but we won't know for sure." LaCroix removed his hand, and placed it upon Natalie's shoulder. She felt the tears rising, but then surprised LaCroix by bursting out into peals of laughter. "Damn hormones," she said through the laughter. "I cry at the drop of a hat these days." "I imagine it's all quite unnerving." Natalie nodded. She found LaCroix's presence, his words, oddly comforting. "If you'll excuse me, I have matters that require my attention." He stood, but motioned that she should stay seated. "Should you need assistance before Nicholas returns, please contact Janette or myself through the Raven." "I shall. Thank you LaCr..." Natalie stopped herself. "Lucien." LaCroix took her hand and placed a kiss on the back. "I await the birth of your daughter. I'm sure she'll be a joy to her father, as all daughters should be." With that, he was gone. At the start of the next contraction, Natalie looked at her watch and frowned. This was going to be one long day. ### Disclaimers in part 1. "Joy" (02/??) by S. Clark Nick steered the caddy back towards the loft. The whole drive had become a rote process lately. With each trip home, he wondered if this would be the day his child would make her entrance to the world. "So, one of the other benefits of this whole baby thing..." Then again, maybe everything wasn't exactly the same tonight. Namely, the company of his partner, Don Schanke. Schanke held his hands cupped at his chest, palm up. "...it tends to make 'em a trophy rack, if ya know what I mean." Nick rolled his eyes. "Schanke." "C'mon, buddy, you had to have noticed." Nick chose not to respond. He'd noticed, all right. He'd noticed many changes in Natalie. Many wondrous changes. Most of the changes increased his desire for her. As such, none of them made living with her any easier. "Yeah, yeah," Schanke prodded Nick's arm. "You noticed." Nick glanced at the odometer. Only 2.3 miles. "Of course, it may be a while before you get your hands on 'em. Or, you know, back to havin' the full meal deal. Women tend to blame the husband for the whole birth thing. And they don't soon forget." Nick turned on the radio. LaCroix's shift was long over for the evening, but CERK was still the station of choice. They were playing a classical selection, something by Mozart. Nick hoped that if he focused on the music, would it be enough to keep him calm for the remainder of the journey. "Hey, you know if Nat's gonna breast feed?" Nick glanced at his partner. At last, Schanke was showing some amount of concern for the health and well-being of the child. Of course, coming from a different time and place, Nick wondered at the whole breast feeding debate. Back when he was a child, this wasn't questioned. True, it was likely that in his family, the task would be given to a wet nurse. But that was a different matter entirely. "I think so." Schanke gave a chortle. "That's great for you, partner." He gave Nick another slap on the arm. "No gettin' up for the feedings." So much for Schanke's period of enlightenment. Sometimes, Nick needed to remind himself that he really did like this man. After all, he was taking Schanke to the loft so his partner could borrow the caddy for the day. Schanke's car was in the shop, and it wasn't likely Nat would want to drive this car over hers, especially in her condition. Nick glanced at the odometer, and accelerated. ### Natalie jumped at the sound of the lift. Wedged into the crook between the arm and the back of the couch, she started pushing herself forward so she could get to her feet. "Hey Nat." Schanke? She turned, and Nick's partner, with Nick trailing behind. She gave her husband a supportive smile, which helped to soften his pained look. "Give me a hand?" She asked, holding out her hand for the first man who could get to her side. "Sure." Schanke rushed forward to assist her. "Wow! You look like you could pop at any time. Any idea how soon?" "Very soon." "Yeah. I can tell." "No, I mean, very soon. Nat looked over at Nick. "We've got to go, Nick. Would you mind grabbing my bag? It's next to the bed." It took a moment for that thought to sink in. "Geez, Nick, we've got to get to the hospital." Schanke returned to Nat's side. "Where's your coat?" She motioned towards the table. "Over there." Nick had the look of a vampire caught in the headlights. "Are you sure?" "I'm sure. And, if we want to get there before dawn..." He nodded, and headed towards the stairs. Nat grimaced as she felt another contraction starting, and leaned against the arm of the couch. Nick changed course and started towards her, but she waved him towards the stairs. After a moment's hesitation, he bolted, back towards the bedroom. In fact, he bolted a little too fast, but not that Schanke would notice. He was otherwise occupied. "Natalie, Do you think we should call an ambulance?" If there hadn't been so much going on, she would have laughed. She could swear Don Schanke was almost as pale as her husband. She looked down at her watch. "We're not in that much of a rush, Schank. But thanks." Then a thought crossed her mind. "But if you don't mind doing a favor, Schanke, would you mind taking a look for a yellow bunny? I think it's in the nursery." "Bunny?" he muttered. Then he shrugged, "whatever," and headed towards his task. "In the crib," she shouted over her shoulder. Natalie turned her attention to Nick, who'd returned to the lower level. "Get over here," she hissed. He put the bag down and approached her, a dazed expression on his face. "With the bag," she added. "Pack your supplies in my bag." It took a moment before the light bulb lit, but Nick got the idea. He snatched her bag, then went to the fridge. He grabbed two bottles. Then, giving her a sheepish grin, added two more. "Good idea," she whispered, giving him a nod. Nick had planned to be in the room for the delivery, and Nat wanted him fully sated for the experience. Schanke walked back towards them, his arms loaded with furry friends. "I didn't see any bunnies, Nat. But anything else here look good?" Nat gave Nick a wink. "Sorry, Schank. My mistake." She started towards the lift. "We've got to go." Schanke dumped the plush pile on the table and hurried after Natalie and Nick. At the rate his partner was hurrying Natalie along, it almost seemed to Schanke as if his partner wanted to leave him behind. But Don knew better. Nick, first time father, was just anxious to get to the hospital. And who better to give him help and advice than someone who'd already been through the process. ### Nope, I haven't forgotten I've left Nat in labor. Sorry, been busy. Joy (03/??) by S. Clark Nick pulled the caddy out of the garage, and stuck the flashing light on the hood. "Hold on," he warned, as he pulled out into the street. Fortunately, the roads were not heavily traveled at this time of the morning. "Hey partner, we're not in that much of a rush," said Schanke. He was seated in the back, due to logistics. Nat gritted her teeth and held on. She knew they were racing the sunrise more than the baby. A patrol cruiser joined in behind the caddy. As Nick slowed to make his way through an intersection against the light, the cruiser pulled up along the passenger side the caddy and looked in. Nat recognized the cops in the cruiser. They both had big smiles on their faces, and waved at her. She reluctantly waved back. The cruiser pulled out into the lead. Within a matter of minutes, the caddy was joined by two motorcycles cops, and three more cruisers. Schanke laughed. "Wanna turn on the radio? I'd like to see what dispatch is saying about this?" "No," Nick said, in a tone that indicated this wasn't a topic for discussion. Natalie smiled at the interplay between the two. Poor Nick. He'd always tried to lead such a quiet life. Now here he was, part of a motorcade, trying to get his pregnant wife to the hospital. So much for low key. Natalie felt another contraction begin, and put a hand on Nick's leg. He gave her a quick glance, and picked up the pace. When they arrived at the hospital, several staff members came to the door to check out the commotion. An attendant was already waiting with a wheelchair. "The officers called ahead," he explained. Nick helped Nat from the car, and into the chair. He tossed the keys to Schanke. "It's all yours," he said. Schanke looked at the keys in his hand. "Do you need me? For anything? I can help." Natalie had her hand raised in a wave as Nick wheeled her into admitting. The contingent of officers milled around, wondering if they should follow the couple in. They looked to Schanke for guidance. "What? Aren't there any crimes this time of the morning?" Schanke tried appear as if he hadn't just gotten snubbed. "Look, guys, thanks for the escort. Follow me to Tim Horton's, and the donuts are on me." Now all Schanke had to figure out was how to get the donuts reimbursed by Nick. That, and the location of the closest Tim Horton's. ### Hey, all. If anyone's still reading, thanks for the patience. I ran into a busier than expected real life. (Say it ain't so!) Disclaimers in part one. Joy (04/??) by S. Clark From admitting they were sent to a birthing room. Once there, Natalie had her initial examination. "Two centimeters," the nurse announced. Nat released Nick's hand, realizing she was holding, or rather squeezing, his. At this point, he seemed even more pale than his norm. As soon as they were left to themselves, she gave his hand a tug. "Hey you." Nick absently nodded. Then, he gave a wan smile. "Yeah." "If you can't do this, Nick, tell me now." Her words were curt. She tried not to let the tension seep into her voice, but with the pain she was now feeling, restraint was impossible. "There is no going back from this point." "I know," he whispered. "I'm here." He brushed the hair back from her forehead. "I promise," he added, responding to her look. "Do you want anything? Water? Anything?" Nat shook her head, and squeezed his hand again as another contraction began. He rubbed her back. "That's it, just relax. Breath." "You make it sound easy," she said, through gritted teeth. He gazed around the room. Friendly, but still sterile. "I don't think that for a minute. But it's a far cry from what my Mother endured." "Only in some ways," countered Natalie. He placed a hand on her abdomen, and felt the baby move within. "True." "One thing, Nick." "Hmm?" "If I threaten to kill you, I'm probably joking," He noted that she said the words without cracking a smile. ### Natalie found some comfort in the fact Nick stayed by her side. He helped her walk, helped her sit. Whatever was most comfortable for her at that moment, he would assist in any way possible. The labor unit was equipped with a jacuzzi, and she had spent some time in that, finding relief. But it was only temporary relief. Nick kept trying to keep her relaxed, trying to help her through the pain. He even tried to hypnotize her. The process didn't work, even though she focused upon him, trying to will it so. Through it all, the day progressed slowly. Periodically, a nurse would come in to check on progress. Hours later, she was still at four centimeters. It was then she asked for Margaret to authorize an epidural. She could see the disappointment in Nick's eyes. She thought she understood pain, and what a human body could tolerate. But she hadn't expected it to be like this. ### After the epidural was administered, and the monitor set up, Nat had grown quiet again. This was what concerned Nick the most, that she was shutting him out. He took her hand, caressed the back of it. "Penny for your thoughts." "I'm just..." Her words tailed off. He didn't want to rush her, but she was clearly disturbed about something. A tear rolled down her cheek. "I'm just thinking," she looked up at him, "that I wish my mother was here." He rubbed her hand against his cheek. "I wish my mother was here, too." He gave her a smile. "She'd like you." "Are you sure?" "She'd love you." He bent forward and kissed her cheek. "Just as I do." With a quick turn of her head, Natalie placed her lips over Nick and kissed him, hard. It wasn't a kiss of great passion, more one of desperation. He was surprised by her action, but understood her need. He let her to pull away, not wanting to break the contact. She lie back in the bed, and closed her eyes. He held her hand, and waited, ready to attend to whatever she needed next. It's been so long I'm almost afraid to post this one. But I'm even more afraid not to. Thanks to Kathy for all the help! Thanks, also, to those who wrote and reminded me that I wasn't quite done; at least I know you're out there reading. Disclaimers in part one. "Joy" (05/06) by S. Clark Natalie took in a deep breath, and released it slowly. Getting the epidural meant loosing the freedom to walk, effectively leaving her confined to the bed. But she found being tied down an easy trade given the relief she felt. The fetal heart monitor was now attached. She found its steady beeping sometimes annoying, sometimes comforting. It wasn't unlike the feelings she currently had for Nick. He was trying his best to be comforting. He'd spent the last few hours talking, telling her about time and lives past. But despite his best efforts, anything he did seemed to be the exact wrong thing at that moment. He touched her shoulder and she tensed. It had suddenly dawned on her. Her ultimate act of callous stupidity. She had a vampire, a predator, present at her child's birth. Natalie started sobbing. Nick again tried to comfort her. "Get away," she snapped. "Get away from me." "Nat?" His voice was low. He sat next to her. Close, but a respectful distance. She rolled to face him. He was seated, hands folded across his lap. His forehead was knotted in a look of concern. Natalie wiped a tear from under her eye. "Was this a mistake?" Before he could answer, a nurse entered the room. "Let's see where we're at," she announced, voice chipper. The nurse could see the tears in Natalie's eyes. She was used to women experiencing every emotion possible during the birthing process, and tried to be supportive, but not intrude if not necessary. She conducted the exam. "Seven centimeters. We're almost to transition. How are you feeling?" Natalie managed a wan smile. "Better, now." The nurse nodded. "It won't be long." With that she left the room. "No." Natalie turned towards Nick. When the nurse entered the room he had backed away. But while he might have been delayed in his answer, he wouldn't be stopped or shut out. "This is right, Nat." "But us, Nick. You? Can you do this? This is a child. A helpless child." A myriad of emotions played through Nick's eyes. "That was the plan," he finally said, following with a smile. In spite her earlier fear and anger, she found herself smiling. Nick took her hand. This time she didn't pull away. "We can do this Natalie. We've come this far, haven't we?" She gripped his hand tighter as another contraction hit. With teeth clenched, she nodded. While there wasn't pain at this point, there was the pressure, the feeling of the contraction. "We're into the home stretch." Nick placed his hand on the expanse of her belly. "We can do this." Natalie met his gaze and nodded. The only sound between them was that of the fetal monitor. A reminder of the life between them, of what was to come. ### "Natalie, you've got to push." Margaret's voice was steady. Natalie panted. "Can't. Too tired." She felt the contraction begin. She was laying on the table, legs drawn up. A nurse was supporting on leg, Nick had the other. "Push," Margaret again ordered. Natalie tightly gripped Nick's hand, and bore down. "That's it," Nick whispered. "Breathe." The epidural had allowed Natalie to get some rest, but also somewhat dulled her ability to push. The fatigue, of course, added to the difficulty. Labor had been continuing for well over twenty hours, and she'd been pushing for close to two. "Natalie, the baby's head is crowning." Margaret stood up for a moment so she could meet her friend's eyes. "Hang in there." As the baby entered the birth canal, the stress caused the heartbeat to slow. "What's wrong?" Natalie demanded. She, as all others in the room, could hear the beat on the monitor. "Just birth," Margaret answered. "It's a little disconcerting, but one or two more pushes, and we'll be done." They didn't have to wait long, as the next contraction hit Natalie. "That's right," Margaret encouraged. "We're almost there." Natalie blew out a few breaths. "You keep saying that," she snapped. Margaret monitored the baby's progress. "And it keeps being true. One good push now." Nick was amazed with the actual delivery. There was more to the baby than he expected. Once the head was out, the rest just seemed to keep coming. Margaret placed the child on Natalie's abdomen, and clamped the cord. "Meet your daughter," she announced. The infant took in a deep breath, and let out a loud wail. It was slick with blood and mucus from the delivery. with the crying, her color changed from a pale gray to a deep pink. Natalie stroked the tiny being, her vision blurred by tears. "Oh my," she said. "Nick, do you see?" Nick wasn't having quite as easy a time, given the blood. It had been hours since he had fed, and he was feeling the stress of trying to keep control. He gave Natalie a quick peck on the temple. "It's amazing," he said. With that, he wandered out of the room. Margaret glanced over her shoulder. "He really does get faint at the sight of blood, doesn't he." She remembered that much from her first meeting with the detective. "Mmm hmm," Natalie responded absently, most of her attention focused on the child. A nurse picked up the child. "We need to dry her off," she explained. "And do an Apgar." Natalie watched as they took the child to a bassinet at the side of the room, and started to take the first set of statistics. "How is she?" Natalie's voice rose slightly. She could still hear the child, who had yet to quit crying, and hoped that was a good sign. Still, a list of conditions related to polyhydramnios lingered, nagging at her thoughts. Margaret grasped her friend's hand. "All signs are good. She's healthy. And a good set of lungs." She gave Natalie a smile. "Congratulations." Disclaimers in part one. "Joy" (06/06) by S. Clark Nick entered the waiting room. "Is there a party?" he asked. Several friends, Schanke, Grace and others, were waiting. Schanke looked almost apologetic. "We heard things were getting close." Nick gave his partner a momentary skeptical look. But at this time, holding that feeling was impossible. He felt his heart would burst from happiness. Grace touched Nick's arm. "How is she?" "Fine," Nick replied. "They're both fine." "So?" Schanke pressed forward towards Nick. "So?" Nick met his inquiry with a smile. "Boy, girl, what? Give us the scorecard." Nick grinned. "Girl. I'm afraid I don't know all the rest." The group around Nick laughed. Most had never seen the detective so apparently flustered, they were used to him being cool and in control. Nick accepted the congratulations of those around him. But his eyes met someone at the back of the room. There, sitting quietly, was Janette. He approached her, and took her hands. "Congratulations, Nicolas." Nick bent down and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." He gave her hands another squeeze, and kissed the other cheek. Janette pulled her hands from his and stood. "I must return to the club." She gave his cheek a quick kiss. And With that, she was gone. Nick, lost back amid the throng of well-wishers, didn't see her leave. He didn't notice the tear in her eye. ### Nick watched with fascination as the child latched on to Natalie's breast. "It's amazing," he said. Natalie looked up at him. "She's perfect, Nick." Nick nodded absently. He stroked the back of the child's head. "You had quite a fan club waiting for you." "Who won the pool?" asked Natalie. "Pool?" Natalie narrowed her eyes. "You can't tell me there weren't bets on this." Nick just shook his head. Somehow, Schanke had managed to keep the pool from his partner. Natalie laughed at Nick's uncertainty. She moved the child so it's head was resting against her shoulder, and rubbed the infant's back gently, trying to coax a burp. "May I?" asked Nick. Natalie placed the small bundle into his hands. The girl, although average size, looked so tiny in Nick's steady hands. Nick held her out before him. He grinned as she yawned. "I think she looks like me." Nat leaned forward. "A little, maybe." She ran a hand over the light tuft of hair on the child's head. "She's a blonde." Nick held the child against him, but frowned as he felt her shiver. He carefully handed the child back to Natalie, hoping his discomfort didn't show. "So, what's next?" Natalie cradled the child, now asleep. "I think a name might be appropriate." She looked into Nick's eyes. "You can't tell me you haven't thought of any." Nick reached towards the child, then pulled his hand back, remembering the chill. He said something, but Natalie couldn't quite hear the word. "Nick?" He leaned down and kissed Natalie's forehead. "Hope," he repeated. "Hope deBrabant Knight. What do you think of that?" Natalie asked her daughter. The child slept on. "No complaints from our daughter," she said, glancing down at the child. "I think we can consider that a good sign." Nick slumped into the chair next to Natalie's bed. "I never thought..." he started. "It's a miracle." Natalie again gazed upon her child. "That she is." She gave the girl a kiss on top of her head. "Aren't you, Hope?" The child remained asleep, safe in her mother's arms. Safe under her father's protection. To all appearances, a birth like any other. But to those involved, so much more.