Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:06:55 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 01/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU usual disclaimers. permission to archive to mel moser, thanks mel. comments to the author at vampwrtr@innocent.com FOREVER KNIGHT "Les Chansons des Roses" ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM DUSK LUCIEN LACROIX is sleeping the sleep of the undead....almost. He is very restless; tossing and turning. His forehead is covered with blood sweat. CLOSE on LaCroix, as we, DISSOLVE TO DREAM SEQUENCE: LACROIX' DREAM SEQUENCE A. A scene from the 13th Century Garden of the Castle de Brabant. LaCroix gives Fleur a rose, a thorn pricks her and he quickly brings her finger to his mouth, taking in her essence. B. Fleur pleads with LaCroix to take her. LaCroix kisses her. He tells her there is a way they can be together. C. Nicholas interrupts them, and exposes LaCroix to Fleur, in his true nature; but Fleur excepts LaCroix anyway. D. LaCroix kisses Fleur on the forehead, one final time. E. A funeral is in progress on a cloudy day. Protected by a large cloak, under the covered shade of a large tree some ways away, LaCroix stands, silently watching as they lower the body of his love into her grave. F. Fleur's decomposed face appears before him in his dream, demanding to know how he could let her turn to dust.... CUT BACK TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM CONTINUOUS LaCroix wakes up suddenly, pulling a sharp intake of air into his mouth. He sits up and wipes his forehead. Slowly he exhales, trying to calm himself. Another dream of Fleur. Why? On LaCroix wondering what is going on, we, SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES INT. RAVEN NIGHT MAURICE is standing at the bar, entertaining the ladies, mortal and immortal alike; Maurice likes them all. CLOSE on Maurice as he catches sight of LaCroix, who is finally making an appearance. Maurice loses track of the conversation, moves toward the end of the bar, and stands there, wearing a frown. REVERSE ANGLE; LaCroix makes his way slowly toward the bar. He looks like death warmed up, even for him. More than that, there is a countenance about him; a sadness that is almost palpable to the viewer. It is in his walk, the way his head is angled; in his very being. He looks like a man, defeated. LaCroix catches Maurice watching him, and he glares. It's a glare, but there's no punch to it. MAURICE LaCroix, everything all right with you? LACROIX (curt) Fine. MAURICE The usual? LaCroix merely nods. MAURICE (CONT) Didn't see you go for your evening walk, I was wondering-- LACROIX (snapping) --I said I was fine. They hold a look, LaCroix just daring Maurice to push the issue. The Irishman says nothing. Without another word, LaCroix grabs his 'wine' and disappears. Off Maurice, we, CUT TO: EXT. INTERSECTION TORONTO STREET NIGHT A four way intersection is roped off with police tape. Police and media are swarming all around. In the middle of the street, lies a body, covered. CLOSE ON DETECTIVE JEFFREY PLATT. PLATT What took you so long? I thought you'd never get here... KNIGHT (O.C.) Patience is not one of your virtues, is it? REVEAL DETECTIVE NICK KNIGHT grinning at his partner. PLATT This one's bad, Nick. (off his look) Young woman, approximately 25 or so, mowed down while she tried to cross the street. Hit and run driver. KNIGHT Any witnesses? PLATT A few, but so far, nobody saw the driver, and nobody got a license plate number. There's nothing in this neighbourhood, except storage depots and offices. KNIGHT Great. Nick is suddenly distracted. We FOLLOW his gaze over toward the body, and we see DOCTOR NATALIE LAMBERT bending over it, beginning her exam. ANGLE Nick; his face takes on a look of absolute uncertainty. Jeffrey picks up on it. PLATT What's wrong? KNIGHT Nothing. PLATT Really? KNIGHT Can it, Jeffrey. Platt turns and walks away, but we can hear him muttering the whole way, which in turn causes Nick to smile. PLATT (O.C.) Oh sure, 'can it, Jeffrey.' Never tell me anything important that's going on, no problem, I'm just your partner.... Platt's voice fades away, along with Nick's smile. Nick turns his attention once again to Natalie. She hasn't noticed him yet. Maybe he should just get out of the way. Maybe he should go, now, before she sees him, and avoid any unpleasantness. Maybe he should just walk over there and talk to her. Maybe he should just walk on over there and kiss her. Maybe he should just crawl under a rock and stay there for the next century. ANGLE Nat; she sees him. Whoops, too late now... They hold a long and frosty look. Nick finally walks over to her. KNIGHT Hi Nat-- NATALIE --The victim appears to be around 25, death was immediate, upon impact with the pavement. I'd say she's been dead about an hour, and I won't know anything more until I have a chance to get her to the lab and do a full exam. She starts off. Nick is stunned, but he gathers his wits, and he grabs her arm as she wizs past him. KNIGHT Nat, c'mon.... Her stare is positively icy. She glares at him, then at his hand, which is on her arm. He removes it. She intends to stay all business. She moves off again. KNIGHT (CONT) What, so that's it? We can't even be civil to each other now? (beat) Fine....I'll have my girl call yours and *they* can have lunch... Cops around the scene are beginning to stare at Nick, and he shuts up. Platt comes into frame and stares at Nick; what was that little display? KNIGHT (CONT) What are you staring at? PLATT What was that? KNIGHT What? Knight starts to walk away, but Jeffrey follows him. PLATT What's going on between you and Nat? KNIGHT Absolutely nothing. PLATT C'mon, Nick.... Nick stops and stares into Jeffrey's eyes. Nick looks hurt, and his voice is very firm when he finally speaks. KNIGHT Nothing is going on between us. ANGLE Nick; not even friendship..... PLATT Yeah, right... Platt heads off, shaking his head. We FOLLOW Nick to his Caddy. He gets in and drives off. We, CUT TO: EXT. TORONTO STREET/CADDY NIGHT Nick is driving, at this point, just to think. He turns the radio on, to hear the Nightcrawler. LaCroix' voice is velvety soft, almost demure, which is a bit odd, but Nick is so wrapped up in his own hurt, he doesn't hear it. As a matter of fact, he doesn't even really hear LaCroix' words. LACROIX (V.O.) En Une Seule Fleur. INTERCUT: INT. SOUNDBOOTH CONTINUOUS LaCroix is sitting at his console, a white rose in front of him. We don't need to guess who he's thinking about. He is reciting a poem. LACROIX It is we who did propose you fill up your chalice. Enchanted with this contrivance, you ventured the deed. You were rich enough to become a hundred times yourself in one single flower; such is the plight of one who loves - nor did you think otherwise. EXT. TORONTO STREET/CADDY CONTINUOUS Nick makes a decision. He turns his car around. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. MORGUE NIGHT Natalie is performing the autopsy on the female victim from the hit and run. She is speaking into a tape recorder as she works. NATALIE Female victim, identified by her driver's license as Maria Rainer. 25 years old. Contusions and lacerations cover her legs, arms and face. Impact with the vehicle was at hip level, shattering her pelvis on impact. Nick enters. Natalie just glares, but says nothing. She keeps right on doing her thing. NATALIE (CONT) Her left leg is shattered down to the ankle. There is a massive contusion at the point of impact-- KNIGHT --Nat-- NATALIE --The long scrape marks on her back, indicate that the victim was dragged for several feet before her body was torn loose from the vehicle-- KNIGHT --Natalie-- NATALIE --Her cranium shows-- KNIGHT --NATALIE, please stop and listen. NATALIE And why should I do that? KNIGHT Because I'm asking you to do that. NATALIE That's not good enough. It's not even close. KNIGHT Is there no chance at friendship between us? NATALIE (laughs, sarcastic) Friendship? You wanna be FRIENDS? That's a good one... (beat, serious) Are you going to leave, or do I need to call security? KNIGHT You wouldn't. NATALIE Try me. KNIGHT Natalie, be reasonable. NATALIE No. She moves to the phone and picks it up. NATALIE (CONT) Next step is security. What's it going to be? KNIGHT Fine, I'll leave. Jeffrey will come by for the report later. Nick exits. On Natalie, who, for all her tough acting, looks as though she may cry, we, CUT TO: end part 01 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:07:14 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 02/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU INT. PRECINCT NIGHT Nick and Platt are standing just outside the Captain's office. CAPTAIN JOE REESE and a MAN are in the Captain's office, and the man looks blown to pieces by what Reese is telling him. PLATT Man, that poor guy. He was her fiance. (beat) How would you like to come home to some beat cops and find out the only woman you've ever loved is gone. Forever. ANGLE Nick; oh yeah, I feel like having *this* discussion right now. KNIGHT I think I'd want to walk into the-- Nick stops himself. He almost said it. Jeffrey just stares at him. KNIGHT ...nearest oncoming train.... Platt just looks at Knight; man this guy's weird. Off Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. SOUNDBOOTH NIGHT LaCroix, long finished with his show, is just sitting in his chair. He seems to be concentrating quite hard on something. A feeling. He's trying to hold onto it, but he can't put it quite into focus. He looks very disturbed. He picks up the phone and dials a number. On a RING, we, INTERCUT: INT. PENTHOUSE NYC NIGHT Janette picks up the phone and it's LaCroix... LACROIX Bonsoir, ma cherie..... JANETTE Mon pere! Quel aimable =E9tonnement! LACROIX Oui. Entendre ta voix, c'est bon. ANGLE Janette; that's a bit sentimental for LaCroix.... JANETTE Is everything all right? LACROIX Mais, naturellement. No, she can hear it in his voice. Besides, he called her. He actually called her. Something must be wrong. JANETTE LaCroix, what is it? (off his silence) Disais-moi, s'il vous pla=EEt. (beat) Is Nicolas all right? ANGLE LaCroix; why did he call her? LACROIX Everything is fine. I just called to see how you are. JANETTE LaCroix, you never call just to see how I am. LACROIX =C9coutes-moi; tout est bien. Comprends-tu? A long beat goes by. Janette doesn't believe him, but he's not going to tell her why he really called. She gives in. JANETTE Oui. LACROIX Tres bien. JANETTE LaCroix? LACROIX Oui? JANETTE I....miss you. LACROIX Je connais. (beat, uncomfortable) I must go, Janette. (long beat) Take care of yourself. JANETTE Et tu... The line goes dead. Off Janette, we, CUT TO: EXT. RAVEN NIGHT The Caddy pulls up, outside the Raven. On Nick getting out of the car, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN NIGHT It's a heavy crowd. Lots of dancing bodies, drinking, smoking and partying. We PAN through the club and land on the door as Nick enters. He walks through the crowd, a few women here and there try to entice him; he smiles at them, but keeps going. Nick is obviously looking for LaCroix, but doesn't find him. He walks up to Maurice at the bar. KNIGHT Is he here? MAURICE Still in his soundbooth. Nick looks at his watch and frowns. KNIGHT His show ended two hours ago... MAURICE So it did. Knight heads away. We FOLLOW him through the bodies, to the back of the club, down a hallway, winding up in front of the window to the soundbooth. Nick's POV; LaCroix sitting in the soundbooth, staring at the rose in front of him, not moving. Nick shakes his head, and enters. LaCroix doesn't move. Nick closes the door. KNIGHT Planning on staying here all night? LACROIX And if I am? The silence just lies between them. Finally, LACROIX (CONT) I assume you have a reason for coming here? KNIGHT No, no, I just.... (off LaCroix' look) Yes. LaCroix leans back in his chair and sizes up his son. Nick, completely wrapped up in his own problem, has failed to notice that LaCroix isn't quite himself. LACROIX Your mortal universe has been rocked to its core, Nicholas. I've told you time and again not to become entrenched with them; it only leads to pain and suffering for all involved. KNIGHT I choose not to live as you do, I thought you were finally beginning to understand that.... LACROIX Understand it? No. (beat) Have patience for it? Yes. (off his look) Eventually, Nicholas, you will outgrow this particular incarnation, as you have so many others in the past. Perhaps this is just the beginning of the end of your time here. (beat) I have all the time in the world to wait. KNIGHT I'm not ready for this to be over. LACROIX We don't always have a choice, Nicholas. Sometimes, circumstances have a way of moving us forward, whether or not we desire it. (beat) I take it that your Doctor Lambert is still not speaking to you? KNIGHT (beat) I don't know what to do, LaCroix. I knew she would be angry when she discovered the truth, but this.... LACROIX Nicholas, there is nothing you can do. You cannot force her to remain in your life. KNIGHT (beat) And I suppose that this amuses you to no end, doesn't it? ANGLE LaCroix; no, not really. Nobody knows better than he, what it feels like to love a mortal and have her ripped from your heart. LACROIX Nicholas, while I have never been happy regarding your choice to live within the mortal confines of life, please do not transfer that to anything else. KNIGHT (struggles) LaCroix, I....love-- LACROIX --I know. (off his look) I have always known. KNIGHT (confused) But our agreement.... LACROIX (beat) How can you have known me all of this time, and still not know me? (beat) Dr. Lambert is still alive, Nicholas. That should tell you something. LaCroix looks at his son; will he ever get it? Nick looks at LaCroix; just when you think you've seen all of him, there's still more in there waiting to surprise you. LACROIX (CONT) Dawn will be here soon. KNIGHT LaCroix? LACROIX (patient, barely) Yes? There is an uncomfortable moment that passes between them. Nick is just now taking a good look; LaCroix does not look quite normal, but Nick can't put his finger on what's wrong. KNIGHT Are you all right? You seem, I don't know...a little odd. LaCroix turns away; he doesn't really want to discuss Fleur with Nicholas. LACROIX I'm fine. ANGLE Nick; Whatever it might be, the old Roman's not telling. KNIGHT (beat) Good night, LaCroix. LACROIX Good night, Nicholas. Nick exits. On LaCroix, we, CUT TO: EXT. RAVEN ALLEY PREDAWN A VAMPIRE lands in the alley. She is not very tall, dark blondish hair. We can't see her, as the camera is right behind her shoulder. We FOLLOW her into, INT. RAVEN CONTINUOUS Still shooting from her POV, we walk through the club, and wind up at the bar. The club is empty, as the patrons have left to beat the coming dawn. Maurice is trying to hurry, to get out himself. Vamp's POV; Maurice smiling at her. MAURICE We're about to close, lass, can I help you? VAMPIRE (O.C.) I'm looking for Janette DuCharme. I was told that she owns this club. MAURICE Well now, I'm afraid that your information is a little out of date. VAMPIRE (O.C.) Is there anyone here who might tell me where I can find her? MAURICE And just why would you be looking for Miss Janette, lass? VAMPIRE (O.C.) She is the one who created me. I.... need to see her. MAURICE I was unaware that Miss Janette had any children about.... (beat) Give me a moment, I'll see if I can find someone who can help you. Maurice goes over to a phone on the wall, picks it up, dials a number and wa= its. MAURICE (CONT) Boss, sorry to disturb you, but I've got a lass down here who says she's looking for Janette. (beat) Boss....she says that she is Janette's child. Maurice hangs up the phone and comes back to the Vampire, whom we still cannot see. MAURICE (CONT) The boss is coming down to talk to you. He might be able to help you. VAMPIRE (O.C.) Thank you. LaCroix enters from behind the vampire; Maurice nods to LaCroix, and exits. LACROIX (to Vampire) May I be of assitance? The vampire turns to face LaCroix, and we REVEAL FLEUR (formerly VAMPIRE). She is twenty years older than when we first met her; approximately the age she would have been when she *died*. ANGLE LaCroix; this cannot be. He does not move for a moment, unable to think. He is so stunned, a feather could knock him over. He grips the bar for support, his legs feel as though they will give out on him. LACROIX Fleur...... On LaCroix, we, FADE OUT: END ACT ONE end part 02 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:07:25 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 03/08 To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. RAVEN DAWN The sun is just rising above the roof of the Raven. CUT TO: INT. RAVEN DAWN LaCroix is gripping the bar for dear life; and his face betrays his astonishment. It can't be her, it just can't be, and yet it is; and of this, he is quite certain. Fleur's smile fades; how does he know her name? FLEUR I'm sorry, have we met? ANGLE LaCroix; she doesn't recognize him. How could she not know him... We see the inner fight quite clearly playing itself out on his lips, and in his eyes. When he finally answers, it is quite difficult for him. LACROIX No, no, we've never met. FLEUR How did you know my... of course, Janette must have mentioned me to you. ANGLE LaCroix; Uh, no, no, Janette has *never* mentioned you to me. LACROIX Yes, I'm sure that must have been it. LaCroix is fighting himself for control. It is too much too fast: All of his love for Fleur; the fact that he would like to throttle Janette at the moment - it rises to the surface, and is barely being hidden. Fleur stares at him for a long beat; there is something slightly familiar about him. They hold a look, before he finally recovers. LACROIX (CONT) (smiling slightly) Forgive me, I am Lucien LaCroix, owner of this club. He watches her closely for any recognition of his name, but there is none. FLEUR Fleur de Brabant, but I guess you already know that. Fleur extends her hand to shake his; he takes her hand between both of his own, and, never breaking eye contact with her, brings her hand to his lips, to kiss. They hold a long look. She smiles at him, as he releases her hand. FLEUR May I ask how you know Janette? LACROIX Janette is my....daughter. FLEUR Really? She's never told me about you. ANGLE LaCroix; I'll bet she hasn't. He forces a smile upon his face. Throughout the following exchanges, LaCroix cannot help but look at her with love and appreciation. To him, it is as if the almost 800 hundred years of separation have never happened. LACROIX You say that Janette is the one who created you? FLEUR Yes. LACROIX When, may I ask, did she do that? FLEUR In the year 1246....I was ill. (beat) She saved me from certain death, though I had to give up my family. LACROIX And where did you meet Janette? FLEUR She was a friend of my brother's, and they visited the house once, when I was still quite young. LACROIX Really...and your brother? FLEUR Long dead, I imagine. (off his look) Janette said it was better that I didn't reveal my nature to him. She said he wouldn't understand, and that it was better for him to believe I was dead. LACROIX How.......interesting. FLEUR Where is Janette? LACROIX I'm afraid that Janette is not in Toronto. May I ask why you wish to find her? FLEUR (covering) I'm afraid that it is a matter between Janette and myself. (off his look) Do you know where she is? LACROIX No, I'm afraid that I do not. (off her look) But you are, of course, welcome to stay here, until you can locate her. FLEUR I couldn't possibly impose upon you. LACROIX It is no imposition, believe me.....Besides, you're practically...family. (off her smile) Then it's all settled. Come with me, I have an apartment upstairs. (off her look) It has several rooms. She smiles at him. ANGLE LaCroix; his face is a jumble of barely disguised emotions, the least of which seems to be utter confusion. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. NATALIE'S APARTMENT DAY Natalie, wrapped in her comfy bathrobe, is sitting on her couch, a cup of tea in hand. Sleep is eluding her. She is thinking about Nick. After all they have been through; all that she thought they meant to each other....how could he have deceived her for so long? Nat picks up the photo album on her coffee table, and lazily begins thumbing through it. Several pictures from the past six years haunt her. We CLOSE on a picture of Nat and Nick from the Policeman's Ball; she in her azure blue gown, and he in his black tie and tails. What a handsome pair. Nat tries to stave off the tears, but it is no use. They begin to flow freely. So much has been lost. On Nat, we, CUT TO: INT. NICK'S LOFT DAY Nick, clad in a black silk robe, is sitting on his couch, a glass of cow in hand. There is no sleep to be found here either. He is thinking about Natalie. How did they allow it to come to this? It is his fault; of this he has no doubt. Even LaCroix, for all of his interference, cannot be put to blame for the outcome. Nick reaches over to the silver box on his end table. He carefully extracts the watch and pill box that Nat gave him. He holds them in his hands, looking at them. It has all fallen to hell. His entire existence: Perhaps it is there it will all remain. On Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT DAY Fleur is sound asleep in Janette's old room. The door quietly opens, and LaCroix peers around the edge of the door. Deciding that she is not a light sleeper, he enters the room. He walks over to the bed and stands there, staring at her. It is his Fleur; she looks almost the same. A little older, yes, but still, *his* Fleur. The emotions are all there, on his face; love, sadness, happiness, confusion. All the centuries of waste, of despair; and here, the fulfillment to it all. His love, who does not have a single memory of him. LaCroix closes his eyes. It is too cruel. Too cruel to get her back, only to discover that the passion which once existed inside her; her passion for him, no longer lives. It died in dreams long ago, only to be cherished and loved by him, alone. His eyes slowly open, and he squeezes the wetness that has formed in them, away. She should have been his, to love for an eternity. She should have been his to taste; no one else's. His hand moves toward her hair, to stroke it, but he thinks better of it, and pulls it back. LaCroix turns, and quietly exits the room. On the close of the door, we, MATCH CUT TO: CLOSE on a door opening into, INT. CAPTAIN REESE'S OFFICE NIGHT Platt is entering Reese's office, and CAPTAIN JOE REESE is standing behind his desk. PLATT You wanted to see me Cap? REESE Yes...where the hell is your partner? Has he booked off? PLATT I...don't know. I haven't heard from him. REESE Well just maybe, Jeffrey, you oughta think about giving him a call... PLATT Right. Platt starts out. REESE Hold it. Platt stops and turns. REESE (CONT) I don't remember saying that was the extent of it, Jeffrey. PLATT Sorry. REESE Anything further on the hit and run from last night? PLATT I'm waiting for Natalie's report, but so far, our witnesses have come up with nothing much for us to go on. (beat) Some remember a white car, some a maroon one. Others say it was blue. REESE Great. PLATT I'm hoping that Natalie might find something on the victim. REESE If you're expecting her to tell us the make and model of the car, Jeffrey, I think you're going to be SOL.... PLATT Nothing that elaborate, but maybe a tire tread. That is, if the car ran over the body at some point. REESE A tire tread? PLATT Yeah Cap. (off his look) Haven't you ever seen Quincy? On Reese's 'please save me from this man' look, we, CUT TO: INT. FLEUR'S ROOM/RAVEN NIGHT Fleur is just waking up, to discover that the entire bedroom is covered in wall-to-wall bouquets of white roses. They are everywhere; including petals upon her duvet. She smiles; they remind her of growing up at Castle Brabant. Her smile fades, and is replaced by a slight frown. Who could know that white roses are her favourite? On Fleur getting out of bed, we, CUT TO: INT. SOUNDBOOTH NIGHT LaCroix looks as though he hasn't slept; and he has not. A white rose sits in a vase in front of him, and he stares into it as he speaks. Round two of LaCroix reciting Rilke poetry.... LACROIX Contre Qui, Rose....against whom, rose, did you take on these thorns? Was it your sheerest joy that forced you to become this arm=E8d thing? But from whom does it protect you, this exaggerated weapon? How many enemies have I removed from you, who failed to fear it? On the contrary, from summer through autumn, it is you who wound the affections that they bestow upon you. LaCroix senses someone near; it is she. He looks up and Fleur's reflection comes back at him through the window. He smiles at her, but she does not return it. He flips a switch on his console, gets up, and goes to the door. We FOLLOW him into the hallway. LACROIX Did you sleep well? FLEUR Where did the flowers come from? ANGLE LaCroix; she seems upset, that was not his intent. LACROIX You do not like them? FLEUR White roses have always been my favourite. (off his smile) How could you have known? LACROIX A lucky guess. (beat) I have given considerable thought to your dilemma, and have decided that I will find Janette for you. (off her look) I have many connections, and it will be...easier. ANGLE LaCroix; besides, this is a way that I can keep you here with me, while I "look" for Janette.... FLEUR You have already been too kind, Mr. LaCroix. LaCroix positively cringes at her use of his last name. It sounds so twisted coming from the lips that he wants nothing more than to kiss..... LACROIX Please, Miss de Brabant, you must call me Lucien. FLEUR If you will call me Fleur. LACROIX I would be most honoured. Off Fleur smiling at him, we, CUT TO: end part 03 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:07:41 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 04/08 To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu EXT. TORONTO STREET NIGHT A young man is about to cross the street. He looks both ways, the intersection is clear. He steps off the curb, and gets about ten feet into the street, when a car, parked at the side of the road, suddenly accelerates toward him. The man SCREAMS as the car strikes him, hard. The car never even tries to slow down; it rips through the intersection at a mad pace, his body having been thrown several feet, from the impact. The car speeds away. Off the body in the street, we, DISSOLVE TO: EXT. TORONTO STREET LATER Reese and Platt are standing around the covered body. Natalie has just finished her prelim. No sign of Nick. REESE (to Platt) Did you reach Nick? ANGLE Nat; she bristles at the mention of his name, but it goes undetected by the two men. PLATT Not yet. REESE Damn him. NATALIE Captain, the victim is a male, approximately 30 years of age. Looks like the car hit him full force. I hope to find out more back at the lab. PLATT Any connection with last night's hit and run? NATALIE Don't know yet. REESE Jeffrey, you have a theory? PLATT Don't know, but doesn't it strike you oogey that we have two hit and runs in as many nights, and in the same area of town? REESE Could be a coincidence. NATALIE Love to see the odds on that happening... PLATT Not to mention, that nothing goes on in this neighbourhood at night. REESE Nothing that you know of, you mean. (off his look) Something for you to check on, Jeffrey. PLATT Right. (beat) I'll come by later for the report, Nat, if that's all right. NATALIE I'll try and have it ready for you. Natalie exits. Nick suddenly appears and enters. Speaking of odd coincidences... REESE Knight, where the hell have you been? KNIGHT Sorry Cap, I overslept. I, uh, haven't been sleeping well. REESE See that it doesn't happen again. KNIGHT Okay, sorry. Reese exits. PLATT You sure know how to get his knickers in a twist. KNIGHT Years of practice. PLATT Where were you, really? KNIGHT I overslept, Jeffrey. ANGLE Platt; yeah, right. PLATT Fine. Never tell me any of the good stuff...two can play at that game, Mr. Lock Jaw-when-ya-wanna-be... Platt starts away, and Nick tries to follow him. KNIGHT Jeffrey, details...the hit and run....hey, Jeffrey! Off Platt's slightly evil grin as he walks away, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN NIGHT LaCroix and Fleur are sitting in a quiet booth at the back of the club; a bottle of LC's finest vintage on the table, each has a wine glass. LaCroix is sitting fairly close, but still at a 'respectable' distance. LACROIX There are so many mysteries in the world that have yet to be solved. One of our greatest advantages, is that we have nothing but time. We never have to be in a hurry to get to a conclusion. No mystery will ever take too long for our kind. FLEUR Exactly. We can enjoy the journey. It is so gratifying to find someone who envisions the world as I do. She looks deeply into his eyes; he so understands her feelings on things. LaCroix is smiling a lover's smile at her. She can't shake the feeling that all is not on the level here. FLEUR (CONT) Forgive me, Lucien, but I keep having the feeling that you know me. And yet, I am certain that I have never met you before. ANGLE LaCroix; each time she says that she does not know him, it cuts him deeply. He tries to cover with a smile. LACROIX Perhaps we did, in another life.... FLEUR Reincarnation? Don't tell me you believe in that? LACROIX Not really, no. (off her look) It sounded good though, didn't it? They smile at each other. LaCroix takes her hand in his and holds it. She allows him to for a moment, but then pulls it back, as she looks down. LACROIX (CONT) Is something wrong? FLEUR No.... (beat) I'm just a little tired. LACROIX Of course, do forgive me. He stands and offers her his hand, which she takes lightly. He cannot help gently caressing the hand in his; this sets her slightly on edge. We FOLLOW them as they wind their way through the club, LaCroix leading her by the hand. We FOLLOW them up the back staircase, through a door, and then into the hallway that leads to LaCroix' apartment. He takes her to the door, and unlocks it, opening the door for her. As she steps past him through the threshold, he stops her most gently with a restraining hand on her arm. As she turns her head to look at him, he bends down and lightly kisses her mouth. It is a fairly short kiss, and Fleur doesn't really respond to him. They hold a look. LACROIX (CONT) I have wanted to do that since.....well, since I met you. Fleur says nothing, she just smiles weakly at him. Tenderly, LaCroix puts both his hands on either side of her face, and kisses her forehead. She goes through the door, and closes it. LACROIX (CONT) (whispering) Sweet dreams, my love. On LaCroix, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN NIGHT Nick enters as LaCroix is returning to the club from the back staircase. ANGLE LaCroix as he sees Nick; he cannot allow Nicholas to know who is upstairs. LaCroix quickly approaches Nick, who smiles when he sees the ancient. KNIGHT LaCroix-- LACROIX (curt) --What are you doing here? (off Nick's look) Don't you have to be at your mortal job or something? ANGLE Nick; this is extremely odd. KNIGHT I've booked off for the rest of the night. (off his look) I thought perhaps we could talk.... LACROIX I'm sorry, Nicholas, but I'm afraid that I have no time this evening. ANGLE Nick; what? KNIGHT No time? LACROIX I...still have a portion of my show to do.... KNIGHT That's all right, I can wait. ANGLE LaCroix; oh, joy. He smiles at Nick, who is occasionally as thick as, well, you know... LACROIX Nicholas, perhaps we could do this some time next week, Mmmm? KNIGHT Are you trying to get rid of me, LaCroix? LACROIX (duh) Of course not, Nicholas, it's just, well, I'm afraid I am rather tired this evening, and... KNIGHT (smiling) You have a hot date upstairs or something? LaCroix glares. KNIGHT (CONT) You do. Hah! Who is she? Not a mortal LaCroix.... LACROIX Nicholas... Knight heads for the staircase, and is shocked when LaCroix grabs him quite hard. KNIGHT Ow...LaCroix, you're hurting me. LACROIX Good. (off his look) Perhaps you should mind your own business. KNIGHT If you're about to have a mortal for dinner, LaCroix, then it is my business. LACROIX Nicholas, please... Angered, Nick breaks LaCroix' hold, and takes off, up the staircase. LACROIX (CONT) Damn... On LaCroix going after him, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT NIGHT We FOLLOW Nick through the apartment, as he searches room to room, to save some mortal who does not exist. He opens Janette's old room. Nick's POV; Fleur sound asleep in a room full of white roses. REVERSE ANGLE; Nick is shocked. He just stands there, staring into the room. LaCroix enters behind him, but obviously, it's too late. LACROIX Nicholas... KNIGHT (fury) What is this, LaCroix? What sick game are you playing? Who is she? LACROIX Nicholas-- KNIGHT --No. Tell me what putrid sort of trick this is that you are perpetrating. LaCroix quickly moves past Nick and closes the door to the room. He tries to move to Nick, who roughly shoves LaCroix away. ANGLE Nick; he is disgusted beyond belief. KNIGHT (CONT) Tell me! LACROIX Nicholas, as absurd as this may sound, that is your sister. KNIGHT It can't be; I saw her buried 752 years ago. I raised her son. Fleur is dead, LaCroix. I've no idea how you found someone who looks so much like her, but-- LACROIX --Nicholas, use your senses. Do you hear a mortal heartbeat? Nick listens. Nothing. He looks at LaCroix. KNIGHT So you've brought her across for your own morbid purpose. You disgust me. Nick starts past LaCroix, who grabs him by the arm. When he turns Nick around, the latter is vamped out, snarling at LaCroix. In turn, LaCroix vamps out, and the two of them are squared off in the hallway, ready to do battle. The door to the bedroom opens, and Fleur appears. FLEUR Lucien, what is.... Her voice dies away as she sees Nick. At first, she can't believe her eyes, but then she smiles widely at him. FLEUR (CONT) Nicolas!! (beat) But...how? I thought you were.....dead... KNIGHT That makes two of us. On Nick, who is confused to say the very least, we, FADE OUT: END ACT TWO end part 04 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:07:55 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 05/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT DAWN Nick and Fleur are sitting in the living room, on the couch. LaCroix is several feet away, not really in their conversation. An outsider in his own house, and an outsider in a conversation that will greatly affect him. KNIGHT Why didn't you find me, or tell me? FLEUR I did not know you were one of us. ANGLE Nick; you just don't *remember* that I am 'one of us'. KNIGHT You're sure that LaCroix had nothing to do with this? FLEUR Why do you keep asking me that? I've already told you that I never met him before last night. ANGLE Nick; she really doesn't remember LaCroix. He glances over at LaCroix, who quickly looks away. FLEUR (CONT) Nicolas, you must not be upset with Janette. I wanted to live, and this was the only way. KNIGHT Janette had no right-- FLEUR --Are you saying that you would rather I was dead? KNIGHT No...no, it's just...Fleur, to be condemned to this darkness....you were so innocent. FLEUR And I would be a dead innocent. (beat) I like the night, the stars. I always have and I always will. (beat) You are also a child of Lucien's, like Janette? KNIGHT Yes. FLEUR The time you visited, after the crusades, you were like this then? KNIGHT Yes. FLEUR Where was Lucien then? KNIGHT He....had other business, elsewhere. LaCroix shoots Nick a glare to end all glares. Nick can't really even meet LaCroix' eyes. FLEUR Nicolas, I am very tired. Will you be here so we can talk later? KNIGHT (nods) The sun is already up, so I will have to stay here for the day.... Fleur kisses her brother, then walks over to LaCroix, and kisses his cheek. He can only smile, slightly. She exits. Nick walks over to LaCroix. KNIGHT (CONT) I don't know what to say. LACROIX Then please do not say a word. KNIGHT LaCroix....I honestly thought-- LACROIX --I know what you thought; that I had gone back on our agreement. (beat) You really *don't* know me, do you? Nick looks at LaCroix; the ancient is so hurt, that even he cannot cover it up entirely. Nick is partially responsible; and then there's Janette... KNIGHT LaCroix, have you spoken with Janette? LaCroix snorts derisively. LACROIX Hardly. I sincerely doubt that I could keep from killing her through the phone line. KNIGHT Why, because she did what you wanted to do? LaCroix looks as though he might strike Nick, but he doesn't. LACROIX (growling) I don't expect you to understand. (beat) You never did recognize my love for Fleur. You didn't then, and you still don't, do you? ANGLE Nick; LaCroix has a point. KNIGHT I'm sorry, LaCroix. (off his look) I know you love Fleur. The fact that you have remembered her and obviously cherished her memory all of these centuries, tells me as much. ANGLE LaCroix; to hear it voiced hurts him even more. A long beat goes by, then; LACROIX It is ironic, is it not, that I am suffering because a woman doesn't remember, and you are suffering because one does? KNIGHT (beat) LaCroix, what will you do? LACROIX What can I do? She does not remember me, or what we shared. Nor does she have any recollection of how it felt to be....in love with me. (beat) I cannot force her to remember, anymore than you can force Natalie Lambert to forget. KNIGHT You look tired, LaCroix. You should try to sleep. LACROIX Perchance to dream... KNIGHT Make sure it's of happier times, if you do. LACROIX Good night, Nicholas. KNIGHT (nods) LaCroix. LaCroix exits. Nick makes sure his father is gone, then moves to the desk and the rolodex. Quickly he finds Janette's number, picks up the phone and dials. We hear a RING, and a pick-up. KNIGHT Janette...it's Nick. You'd better have one hell of a reason for condemning my sister into this hell of eternal darkness. On this, we, CUT TO: INT. NATALIE'S APARTMENT DAY Another sleepless day. When will this ever stop? Natalie is sitting on her couch, watching a movie, though she isn't really watching it. Her mind is filled with her newly acquired memories. He almost killed her. And then he lied about it. Covered it up. On the other hand, she did beg him to take a little at a time...... Nat reaches for the phone. Then she slams it down. Then she picks it up. Then down. Then up. Then she flings the receiver across the room. Nat gets up and heads to her bedroom; she rifles through her clothes, and grabs some. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT DUSK Nick is asleep on the couch. LaCroix enters the room, quietly. He watches his son for a moment; then he walks over to the heavy draperies. He takes a little peek; it's almost evening. Being sure that no rays hit Nick, LaCroix pulls the curtains back. For the most part, this time of day, one of his age can take a little light. He looks at the sun setting, and without thinking, moves too close to the window. He is so intently staring into the skyline, that he does not notice that he is smoldering ever so slightly. ANGLE Nick; what is that smell? Smoke? He bolts upright and sees the smoking figure in the window. KNIGHT LaCroix! Nick goes to LaCroix, and pulls him out of the light. KNIGHT (CONT) What were you thinking? LACROIX I wasn't paying attention. KNIGHT Obviously. (beat) Are you hurt? LACROIX No, not really. Nick lets out a breath of air. Parents; what a pain. KNIGHT Whatever possessed you to stand in the window? LACROIX I couldn't sleep. I can usually tolerate a small amount of light at this time of day. Nick looks LaCroix over. It's clear that he still hasn't slept. KNIGHT Not without rest you can't. When was the last time you fed? LaCroix frowns and shrugs; he doesn't remember. Nick makes a face at him: Great. KNIGHT (CONT) (beat) I need to talk to you. LACROIX About? KNIGHT Janette. LACROIX Nicholas... KNIGHT LaCroix, she is on her way here. ANGLE LaCroix; absolute fury on this face. LACROIX What have you done? KNIGHT I called her. (off his look) Before you say anything, just hear me out. (beat) I do not believe that Janette ever intended for this to happen. LACROIX Are you standing there telling me that you condone what she did? KNIGHT No. But I can understand her reasoning at the time-- LACROIX --After you so vehemently objected to my bringing your sister across, I would expect a slightly stronger reaction. KNIGHT What's done is done, LaCroix. I cannot change it, and neither can you. (beat) Are you really so angry? You have another chance. LACROIX She has no memories of me, of...us. KNIGHT (smiling) And you have eternity with which to build new ones. ANGLE LaCroix; he does appreciate the attempt on his son's part to lift his heavy heart. KNIGHT (CONT) Just do me a favour... (off his look) Don't kill Janette if she arrives before I get back, okay? LACROIX Where are you going? KNIGHT I have something I have to take care of. Nick starts to leave. LACROIX Do give the good doctor my best regards. Nick just smiles at LaCroix, then exits. Off LaCroix, we, CUT TO: end part 05 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:08:10 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 06/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU INT. MORGUE NIGHT Natalie is sitting at her desk, thinking. If she thinks much more, her head might explode. Nick enters, carrying a huge bouquet of white roses. She stares at him. KNIGHT Natalie, I'm not taking anything but yes for an answer; we are going to talk this out. NATALIE Pretty flowers. White roses, aren't those a favourite of LaCroix'? KNIGHT Yes, he sent regards, by the way. NATALIE How nice for him. Maybe you should take the flowers to him, Nick. You two deserve each other. KNIGHT Nat, this has got to stop-- Terrible timing, but Jammin' Jeffrey enters. PLATT Hey, hey....Nick, nice to see you. Great flowers. =46or me? You shouldn't have... Nick and Nat just stare at Platt, who suddenly gets that his timing was not such a great thing. PLATT (CONT) Am I interrupting? I'm sorry...I can go out, and come back in again...later... NATALIE It's all right Jeffrey. I have the report. (beat) If you're interested, Detective Knight, this may concern you as well. (off their looks) It was the same car that killed both victims. KNIGHT How do you know that? NATALIE The bumper left an impression in both victims at the place of impact. I took pictures, then put them into the computer for analysis. Computer says they're a perfect match. PLATT Just like Quincy. KNIGHT Who? NATALIE Quincy...oh, never mind. PLATT Come on, Nick, we have work to do... KNIGHT But... PLATT No, 'buts' - Reese will have your head on a plate if you don't start showing up for work. Nick hands Nat the flowers, smiles sorta, and leaves with Platt. Natalie silently walks over to the trash can, and dumps the entire bouquet into it. As she brushes her hands over the can; NATALIE I am not going to make this *that* easy, Mr. Knight. Off the roses in the can, we, CUT TO: CLOSE on a perfectly shaped white rose. WIDEN TO REVEAL; INT. SOUNDBOOTH NIGHT LaCroix is holding a white rose as he speaks into the mike. LACROIX La Rose Compl=E8te....I am so conscious of your being, perfect rose, that my mind makes no distinction between you and my heart in celebration. I breathe you in as if you were, rose, all of life itself, and I feel myself the perfect friend of such a friend. LaCroix suddenly looks up to find Janette staring at him through the window. His face takes on a dark countenance. Janette knows that a storm is coming her way. She takes a deep breath, and enters the soundbooth. LaCroix angrily flips a switch on his console. He glares at her, waiting. Janette walks toward him, unsure of what to do. He does not help her in any way. Finally, she sits in a chair several feet away. Maybe a safe distance; maybe not. They hold a long look. Finally, JANETTE Does it matter what I will say, or should I just save my breath? This catches him slightly off-guard. He wasn't expecting such directness. He says nothing. JANETTE (CONT) Are you going to try and kill me, or have you grown tired of that? LACROIX Do not tempt me, Janette. JANETTE Ah, he speaks. (beat, serious) LaCroix, I'm sorry-- LACROIX --You're sorry? Sorry? That is to make up for what you have done to me? JANETTE What, exactly, have I done to you? Brought back the one you have mourned for the past 800 years? This stops him in mid tirade. He just looks at her; then finally, LACROIX Do you know what it feels like to have her say she does not know me? That she has no recollection of us? (beat) She remembers meeting you with Nicholas at Brabant, but no memory of me. (beat) Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? ANGLE Janette; yes, she knows. She moves to him and touches his shoulder, but his glare causes her to pull her hand back. JANETTE (gently) LaCroix...mon pere; I brought her across for you. (off his icy glare) I knew how much you were hurting, though you never would have voiced such feelings to me. (he looks away) I did not think of it until she became ill. You were so devastated, and yet, again, you said nothing. (off his look) I felt your pain, LaCroix. It was so strong, even you could not entirely block it out from those around you. I thought if I brought her across, that Nicolas could have his sister, and you, well, you would have your lost love. LACROIX (glaring) How...touching-- JANETTE (angry) --Accordes-moi finir, s'il vous pla=EEt. (beat, softer) LaCroix, I truly believed that I could restore her memory after I brought her across. I did not know that she would never recall her time with you. LACROIX And so you kept her a secret from both her brother and myself. =46or 800 years. JANETTE Once I realized that I could not restore her memory, I knew that I had to keep her away from both of you. (beat) I had no wish to hurt you by destroying what you did have of her: Your memories. LACROIX And now? Janette turns away from him, not wanting him to see the tears that have welled up in her eyes. JANETTE (CONT) I could not stand by and watch you languish through eternity. (beat) So I left both of you and went to her. I trained her, and then I realized that it could not be the way I envisioned-- LACROIX --So you left her. JANETTE Not alone, no. (beat) Aristotle-- LACROIX --Is there anyone not involved in this little deception of yours? JANETTE He is the only other to know, LaCroix. She turns back to face him, the tears that had appeared, are gone. She goes to him and gently caresses his face. He just stares at her. JANETTE (CONT) Hate me if you must; but I did it out of love for you. It was no more misguided than some of your own moments regarding Nicolas. LaCroix can barely stifle a chuckle at her last remark. In so many ways, she is so much his child. More than Nicholas ever could, Janette embraced the life that LaCroix provided. She obviously learned some of the lessons too well. His anger has mostly dissipated; she did it for him, but it backfired. LaCroix' been down that road a few times himself. His look softens as he stares into her sad eyes. LACROIX And now you believe I hate you? Her eyes well up again, and she can only nod. LaCroix gently holds Janette's face with his hands. He bends down and tenderly kisses her on the mouth. Then he encircles her in an embrace, rocking her as a father would a small child. LACROIX (CONT) (beat) It will be some time before I forget what you have done, Janette. JANETTE (sad) Je connais. He pulls back slightly, to look her in the eyes. LACROIX Connais-tu aussi; je t'aime, eternellement. (beat) Tu peux ne le changement. In answer, Janette pulls him closer by tightening her arms around his waist. Off this, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN NIGHT Maurice is puttering at the bar. Business is slow, and he doesn't have much to do. LaCroix enters and walks over to the bartender. LACROIX Maurice, pick a good one for me, please. MAURICE You look like you need it, boss. LACROIX Women....they will eventually be the death of me. Of this I have no doubt. MAURICE They surely can be a handful - especially that lot of yours. LaCroix merely raises an eyebrow in question at Maurice. MAURICE (CONT) No offense boss. LACROIX (smiles) I know, Maurice. I suppose I have to agree... Nick enters, looking a bit worse for the wear. MAURICE What can I getcha, Nick? Nick starts to wave off Maurice, as always, but then he changes his mind. He looks at LaCroix' glass, picks it up, smells it, then sets it back down. KNIGHT I'll have what he's having. This elicits a look from both LaCroix and Maurice, but neither says a word. LaCroix nods at Maurice, who pours Nick a glass, then Maurice leaves the two men, in privacy. KNIGHT (CONT) I take it that Janette is still in one piece? LACROIX Of course. KNIGHT And Fleur? LACROIX She is with Janette, upstairs. They are having a 'girl talk', whatever that means. KNIGHT I have a feeling that it means we are much happier down here. LACROIX That was my thought on the matter as well. (beat) Still, they have been up there a long time. KNIGHT Worried? LACROIX (glares) Don't be daft. KNIGHT Think about it: Janette and Fleur. They're probably talking about you. ANGLE LaCroix; he hadn't considered that before. He frowns. LACROIX What is there to talk about? KNIGHT Oh please...it would fill a telephone book. LACROIX Don't get cheeky, Nicholas. It's not very attractive. Nick laughs. LACROIX (CONT) Come to think of it...why are you here? Shouldn't you be out, saving the mortals from themselves, or whatever it is you do? KNIGHT Not anymore. (off LC's look) I quit. ANGLE LaCroix; What? This just gets curiouser and curiouser, don't it? Back on Nick, we, =46ADE OUT: END ACT THREE end part 06 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:08:21 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 07/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. RAVEN DAWN LACROIX What do you mean, you 'quit'? KNIGHT Just that. It's over. You were right, it's time to move on. Something is *really* wrong with this picture. On a stunned LaCroix, we, CUT TO: EXT. TORONTO SKYLINE DUSK The sun sinks below the Toronto skyline.... CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT NIGHT Platt is at his desk, looking through his notes. Reese enters. REESE What's new on the hit and run case? PLATT I did some checking, and found out that there's a support group for people who've lost a spouse and or significant other to a violent crime. It meets in the area of the hit and runs. REESE And? PLATT And both of our hit and run victims were part of it. REESE Bingo. Good job, Jeffrey. PLATT Too bad Nick's not here-- REESE --Listen, I'm reassigning this case. PLATT What? REESE Relax. No reflection on you, I just want you to have a clean start, that's all. (beat) Your new partner is on her way in. PLATT New partner? (nickel drops, beat) *Her*? You're puttin' me with a....a... REESE Woman. Yes Jeffrey, your new partner is a female. PLATT Man, this sucks. REESE Jeffrey, try and maintain normalcy, just for the first night. I don't want you scarin' her off. PLATT If she scares that easily, why is she a cop? REESE (mutters) My mother told me there'd be days like this... On Reese, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN/SOUNDBOOTH NIGHT Another Rilke poem? This is gettin' slightly freaky... LACROIX Dirait-on.... (beat) Unrestraint overwhelmed with unrestraint, fondness touching fondness...It's your inner-self that never ceases caressing itself, or so they say; caressing itself by its own nature, by its own sparkling reflection. Thus do you forge the image of Narcissus praying, or so they say. On LaCroix, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT NIGHT Platt is still at his desk. He's waiting. *She* hasn't arrived yet. He's playing with everything. First the pencil, 'til it breaks; then the light, 'til it goes out; then the computer, 'til it crashes; then the desk drawers.... thank heaven, Natalie enters. NATALIE Jeffrey....what's up? PLATT Waitin' for my new partner... ANGLE Nat; What do you mean *new* partner? What happened to the *old* partner? PLATT (CONT) I'm sorry....he didn't tell you did he? NATALIE He who? PLATT (rollin') Nick...he just quit last night. Boom, turned in his badge and his gun, that was it. Gone, poof, vanished like the tidy bowl man, split like bad hair, walked the plank, sang his last song, drank his last cup o' Jo', made like the Titanic-- NATALIE --Jeffrey?-- Nope, he's on a roll. PLATT --Read his last lines, off like a bad suit, floatin' like burnt milk flotsam-- NATALIE --Jeffrey... He finally looks at her. NATALIE (CONT) I get it. Did he say why? PLATT I was gettin' there. (off her look) Said it was time to move on, whatever the hell that means... ANGLE Nat; she knows just what that means. On Nat, we, CUT TO: INT. NICK'S LOFT NIGHT The place has been dust-sheeted, and Nick is packing a few personals in a bag. Natalie enters, and we ANGLE her as the reality sinks in; he's really leaving. NATALIE Were you going to say good bye? He looks up at her, but then returns to what he is doing. KNIGHT I didn't think you really wanted me to. NATALIE I don't know what I want anymore. KNIGHT It's time to move on. NATALIE So you just quit your job, and you're outta here? KNIGHT Something like that. He zips up his bag and heads toward the door. NATALIE Your master calleth? KNIGHT He's my family. (off her look) Shut the lights out when you leave, and lock the door, will you? She glares at him. Nick exits. This is just *so* wrong. On Nat, looking around the dead loft, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN NIGHT Fleur is at the bar with Maurice. MAURICE It's none of my business, of course, Miss Fleur, but, does LaCroix know? FLEUR No, only Janette. That's the real reason I came here to speak with her. ANGLE Maurice; he doesn't wanna be around when LaCroix finds out. Fleur finishes the last of her 'wine'. FLEUR (CONT) Well Maurice, if you'll excuse me, I must go speak with Lucien, and say good bye. MAURICE Miss Fleur, it was lovely to meet you....I hope it works out between you and your young man. A-ha, that's what this has been about.... FLEUR Thanks Maurice. We FOLLOW Fleur as she winds her way through the club and winds up in the hallway outside the soundbooth. The red light is off, so she KNOCKS on the door. There is no answer. She enters anyway. CUT TO: INT. SOUNDBOOTH CONTINUOUS LaCroix is sitting in his chair behind the console, just staring at nothing. Fleur enters. He looks up and smiles at her. He never tires of looking at her beauty. He stands and walks over to her. FLEUR Do you have a moment? LACROIX For you, I have many. She smiles. They hold a look. Wordlessly, LaCroix takes her face in his hands and kisses her lightly on the lips. She doesn't really respond wholeheartedly, but some part of her *knows* him, and responds to his touch. He kisses her again, harder, and after a brief hesitation, she does respond. LaCroix' arms wrap around her in an embrace, as the passion builds. We hear an animalistic GROWL from the door to the soundbooth, and shortly thereafter, a blur flies at LaCroix, yanking him from Fleur's body. LaCroix recovers, vamps out, and sees CHARLES TROTTIER, late 30's, quite handsome, though vamped at the moment, staring at him. LACROIX (C0NT) (snarling) Who are you that you dare to break in here and interrupt a private moment? Trottier does not answer, instead he lunges for LaCroix. Fleur screams at the two of them to stop, but they do not. LaCroix is by far the older and more powerful, and quickly has Trottier by the neck. Very shortly Trottier is going to be quite dead. Fleur tries again to stop them, but they just shove her away. Janette enters. JANETTE LaCroix! No! LaCroix glares at her with glowing eyes. JANETTE (CONT) You must not. LACROIX This is not your concern, Janette. Fleur is crying and Janette has a protective arm around her. JANETTE If you love her, you will listen. LaCroix scowls and looks at the two women, though he does not let go of the now cowering vampire in his arms, but he has momentarily stopped any action. Janette takes a breath, for she knows her words will hurt him. JANETTE (CONT) LaCroix, he is her mate. She came her to discuss with me the feasibility of committing to one of our kind for eternity. ANGLE LaCroix; No, no, no, he must have heard her incorrectly.... He looks from Janette to Fleur, for confirmation. FLEUR Lucien, it is true. (beat) Please let him go. LaCroix' eyes have reverted to blue, the pain in them quite evident. Slowly, wordlessly, he lets go of the man he is holding. Trottier crosses to Fleur and takes her in his arms. LaCroix looks away, unable to beare it. A beat goes by, then with a heavy heart, LaCroix starts out of the room, never having said a word. As he gets to where Trottier is standing, still holding Fleur, he stops and looks the young vampire in the eyes. Then, carefully, tenderly, he cups Fleur's face with his hand. LACROIX She is not made to be the admiration of all, but the happiness of one. My only regret is that I am not that one. LaCroix exits. Fleur, on the verge of tears, starts after him, but is restrained by Janette. JANETTE No, ma cherie. I think it best that I go. On Janette's exit, we, CUT TO: end part 07 vampwrtr@innocent.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 14:08:40 -0400 Reply-To: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: vampwrtr@INNOCENT.COM Subject: Les Chansons des Roses 08/08 To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT NIGHT Janette enters the living room to find Nick sitting on the couch. He stands. She goes to him and they kiss quickly. JANETTE Is LaCroix... KNIGHT Yes, he's in his bedroom. Should I even ask? He wouldn't say a word. JANETTE Your sister is downstairs. Nicolas, she is with her lover. ANGLE Nick; well, that explains LaCroix' mood. KNIGHT He isn't taking it well. JANETTE Would you? KNIGHT No, I suppose not. He lost her once... JANETTE And now he has lost her again. It is too much for anyone to beare. Janette starts toward the bedroom and Nick tries to follow. She stops him. JANETTE (CONT) No, Nicolas, I think this might require....a woman's touch. Off her exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM NIGHT LaCroix is standing in front of a window, staring out. Janette enters, quietly. He does not stir. JANETTE LaCroix? He does not acknowledge her. He is standing as stoically as a statue. She goes to him, cautiously, and stands next to him. JANETTE (CONT) Please say something. LACROIX What would you have me say? JANETTE (beat) Is there nothing I can do? LACROIX I think you've done quite enough already, don't you? ANGLE Janette; whoa, heavy guilt. To that, she can say nothing. He looks at her, and we can see that he spoke out of anger and hurt. He looks away again, quickly. He didn't mean it, they both know it. CLOSE on Janette's hand, as she gently takes his hand into her own. WIDEN as LaCroix, slight surprise at the gesture registering on his face, looks down at her hand holding his. He scowls slightly, but does not let go of her hand. It is the only thing she could think of to do, to try and comfort him. He will not grieve in front of her; but she knows comfort is what he needs now. Sometimes the touch of a loved one's hand is enough. Sometimes not; but it is the gesture which will count in the end. On the two of them, standing hand in hand, gazing out the window, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN LATER Nick and Fleur are standing, smiling at each other. Trottier is standing nearby. Janette is watching them from the bar. KNIGHT Must you go, Fleur? =46LEUR I won't be far, Nicolas. But yes, I think it will be better if I am not near Lucien. KNIGHT Don't stay a stranger. =46LEUR I won't. (beat) I need to go say good bye to him. KNIGHT Is that wise? =46LEUR It would be too cruel any other way. =46leur turns and they all watch her go. JANETTE I hope he can take this kinder, gentler way... On Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' APARTMENT/RAVEN NIGHT LaCroix is sitting in his leather wing-backed chair, reading his copy of "Romeo and Juliet". Fleur enters. They hold a long look. Silently, Fleur walks over to him, removes the book from his hands and examines it. =46LEUR (re: book) An interesting choice. He says nothing, he just continues to look at her, the love in his eyes, plain. She removes the blue ribbon which is serving as a choker around her neck. Carefully, she places the ribbon in between the pages of the book, marking his place for him. She smiles as she sets the book down on the table by his chair. LaCroix looks rather unsure of the whole situation. She holds her hands out to him, and he takes them as he stands up. Gently, she guides him to sit on the couch. =46LEUR (CONT) Janette has told me about you; about...us. He frowns and looks away. Tenderly, Fleur puts her fingers under his chin, and pulls his face back to hers. =46LEUR (CONT) Why didn't you tell me? LACROIX What was I to say; that I fell in love with you 800 years ago? It was rather clear that you had no recollection of it, and I did not wish-- She stops his explanation, by placing her mouth gently over his in a kiss. He cannot help but respond, by pulling her a little closer to him. After a moment or two, they part. He looks into her eyes, and finds an admiration there; a kinship, but not love. His brows furrow; it is a painful reminder of what he will never have. LACROIX (CONT) Janette explained it all to you, but you do not remember the feeling of it, do you? She touches the side of his face; it's a sweet touch. =46LEUR I'm afraid I don't. You seem....familiar to me, but I don't remember the events that Janette told me of, nor do I remember how it felt to love you. (off his look) I'm sorry, Lucien. He gets up from the couch; their close proximity now feeling like a knife in his heart. LACROIX It is not your fault. You have nothing for which to be sorry. She goes to him and takes his hands in hers. =46LEUR Unless we remember, we cannot understand. He smiles at her. LACROIX E.M. Forster. (beat) Another of my more favoured authors. =46LEUR And mine. (beat) There is another old saying, Lucien. (off his look) Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. LACROIX Santayana. =46LEUR If someday, I am condemned to repeat meeting you, and we fall in love, I will consider it my great fortune. He leans in to kiss her, but stops himself. He shouldn't, and he knows it. She smiles at his gentlemanly courtesy. =46LEUR (CONT) Lucien, I would very much appreciate a kiss good bye. ANGLE LaCroix; he is very touched by her kindness, and he is very much in pain. He takes her in his arms, for what he knows will be the last time, and pulls her to himself. Slowly, so that he can live on the memory of it for eternity, he takes her mouth with his, in a very passionate kiss. When they finally part, they keep their faces very close. He whispers to her. LACROIX The way to love anything, is to realize that it might be lost. And that living with that loss is part of the love. =46LEUR And you have carried our love across the centuries, for both of us. LACROIX It was never in doubt. She kisses him lightly once more. Her eyes well up with tears, and as they part, their enclosed hands, remain so, until they can no longer reach, as she moves toward the door. On LaCroix as she leaves him, we, CUT TO: INT. SOUNDBOOTH NIGHT LaCroix as the Nightcrawler... LACROIX De ton r=EAve trop plein. (beat) Drowsy in dream, flowers a-plenty within, wet as a weeping woman, you stoop toward dawn. Your soft strength, sleeping in vague desire, reveals the tender contour of cheek or breast. (beat) A lost or happy dream, mes amis, may shed its light upon our waking hours, and the whole day may be infected with the gloom of a dreary or sorrowful one; yet of neither may we be able to recover a trace. It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today, and possibly, the reality of tomorrow. Nick enters and LaCroix hits a button on his console. KNIGHT Are you okay? LaCroix does not answer him. KNIGHT LaCroix? Are you all right? On LaCroix, sitting in his chair, we, MATCH CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' LIVING ROOM NIGHT LaCroix is in his leather chair, covered by a throw blanket. On the table next to him, a white rose and a copy of "Romeo and Juliet". He is obviously having a nightmare, given the way in which he is tossing in the chair. Nick wakes from the couch and goes to LaCroix. LACROIX (asleep) =46leur....Fleur? ANGLE Nick; Fleur? He's dreaming of Fleur? Nick gently takes him by the shoulders and shakes him. KNIGHT Are you okay? (beat) LaCroix? Are you all right? LaCroix' eyes snap open, and he stares at Nick, looking almost frightened by the images that were in his head. KNIGHT (CONT) (concerned) Take it easy. You were having a dream. LaCroix looks around; same old apartment. He looks at his son. LACROIX I....thought.... KNIGHT (quickly) You were dreaming about =46leur... LaCroix glares. KNIGHT (CONT) You called out for her. LaCroix looks away, embarrassed. Nick squeezes his shoulder. KNIGHT (CONT) I take it, you were having more of a nightmare? LACROIX Apparently. (beat, checking) Tell me, Nicholas, you haven't quit that waste of a mortal past time of yours, have you? KNIGHT You mean my job? (off his nod) No. LACROIX And Janette? KNIGHT In New York still... LACROIX You and Dr. Lambert? KNIGHT (smiles) She hasn't forgiven me yet, but I'm working on it. Satisfied? (beat) You were really having more of a fantasy, weren't you? LaCroix glares yet again, and Nick smiles, confident that the ancient is all right. He pats LaCroix' shoulder. KNIGHT (CONT) I'll get you something to drink. It might help you relax. Nick exits. LaCroix, still shaking himself from the images he so vividly saw, picks up the white rose and smells it. He smiles, a smile of sorrow. He then picks up his copy of "Romeo and Juliet". As he opens it, a blue ribbon falls out, onto his lap. ANGLE LaCroix; uh-oh..... On his slightly off balance look, we, =46ADE TO BLACK: THE END end part 08 vampwrtr@innocent.com