Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 12:55:50 -0700 (PDT) From: Vicki Pasek Subject: Story Hi everyone. Believe it or not, THIS is my first attempt at FKfanfic, even though I have submitted a number of shorts before this was finally done. Let's see. First of all, this is an ADULT, ROMANTIC N/N tale. If you are under 18, or if sexual situations offend you, you have been warned, please leave now. Warning to Dark Knighties. LaCroix snuffs it early on, and this tale is a romantic fantasy of "What if Nick finally became mortal? What would he do first?" If THIS offends you, well, you have your own fiction, right? ;-) "Black Buddah" happened (the Don is dead), but Tracey and her Vaquero are still alive and well. And note. Jeanette's cure has not been used here. But fear not, it's plenty erotic!;-) Boilerplate. I do not now, nor have I ever owned...you know the rest. No infringement intended. Honest. The Olympic Peninsula and Hurricane Ridge are actual places in the state of Washington. Similar vacation spots exist, but the one I mention is not real. Summer Blonde is a registered trademark of the Clairol corporation; Noxema belongs to Noxell, Inc. (I think) and Kmart belongs to, well, Kmart. Permission to archive at JADFE, Mortal Love, Mel's fiction page and the fkfanfic site. All others ask; I am easily bribeable (with the right amount of chocolate). Comments to pasvee@yahoo.com. Lastly, the title of this story is based on a song by the 70's Toronto rockers, Lighthouse, which is (in my opinion), an ignored masterpiece. I have always loved the words, but only recently realized how perfectly they fit this situation. One Fine Morning By Mistress V "One fine morning, girl, I wake up; wipe the sleep from my eyes...go outside and feel the sunshine, then I know I realize...that as long as you love me, girl, we're fine... And on that morning when I wake up, I see your face inside a cloud...see your smile inside a window...hear your voice inside a crowd..calling 'come with me baby, and we'll fly...' And on that morning when I wake up, we'll go outside and live our dreams; I'll buy you candies made of stardust, and little dolls dressed up in moonbeams... And everywhere we go, we'll laugh and sing...I'll kiss you morning noon and night...and all the universe witll smile on us, 'cause they know that our love is finally right... Fly---yeah, we'll fly. Fly to the east, fly to the west, no place we can't call our home...fly to the north, fly to the south, planets will become our own..." Lighthouse, 1971 "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for flying with us. Our flight path to Vancouver will take just over three hours, and looks smooth all the way." Natalie looked across at Nick, who was staring out the window. She touched his arm and he turned. "How you feeling?" she inquired. Nick grinned. "Never better, Doc!" he replied. Returning to her laptop, Natalie marvelled at the fact that Nick---yes, *NICK*--was sitting next to her, on an airplane, in broad daylight, and was actually looking for the sun. She thought back over the last few months. So much had happened to bring then to this scenario...Things had started rolling at Halloween. She and Nick had mat at the Raven---over LaCroix's "lifeless" body. Vachon filled them in on the details, which would have to be altered...substantially. It turned out that Herr Lucien had finally made a fatal mistake with one of his young protoges. The "adolescent" vampire quickly developed delusions of grandeur, but had been an irrational soul as a mortal. He'd defied Lacroix once too often, and when Lacroix tried to curb his Napoleponic tendencies, he had turned on his master. One well-placed thrust of a stake was all it took. It had all happened so quickly that the look on LaCroix' face was one of stunned surprise. No one could save him. LaCroix was no more. The coverup had been massive. An intrepid local newshound, who had been at the club--as a civilian-- for its Halloween bash, had refused to let the story go. It had received an embarrassing amount of local, national, and even international coverage as the US networks picked it up. New technologies had made it more---not less---difficult to hide a vampiric transgression of this magnitude. Nick, Natalie, Vachon and Tracey had all worked closely, but separately, with the Enforcers (Nick's identity was preserved that way), earning them their gratitude. It took weeks to make everything right again, and the Toronto vampire community schismed as the Raven was shut down for good. Nick received a message from the Enforcers. "Yours and Dr.Lambert's assistance will never be forgotten. We are in your debt. Go in peace." He and Natalie speculated about the mysterious missive. "Well," Natalie mused, "Lacroix made no secret of knowing your plans for mortality. Maybe they've decided to let the grass grow over the dead, once and for all. Pardon my pun," she said, and Nick had actually smiled. "Best to put it behind us, Nat," he sighed. He'd taken Lacroix's passing with mixed feelings. On the one hand, he had despised his master's manipulative ways...but on the other, they HAD developed a rapport over the centuries. Natalie asured him this was an absolutely mortal reaction. She continued treating him with an agressive set of new therapies, which Nick submitted to without a peep. Slowly, subtly, things began to happen. Nick's demeanor changed. He laughed, really laughed, alot. His moody cloud seemed to life a bit more each day. He'd even looked forward to the holidays and had willingly escorted Natalie to several Christmas parties. The turning point had come on Boxing Day. He and Natalie had both worked an impossibly busy, understaffed holiday shift, but had made plans to watch videos the next night. Nick had arrived to find Natalie busily creating a leftover-special sandwich. "Sorry," she apologized as she carved turkey slices, "but this is the first time I've been able to eat since Christmas eve. There's the usual---"she indicated the fridge---"in there." To her utter amazement, Nick had picked up a sliver of meat and popped it into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed. "Mmmmmm." Natalie's jaw dropped. Nick's fingers reached for another morsel. "Nick?" she breathed. He raised an eyebrow, but kept right on eating. The silence was absolute. Finall, he spoke. "Is someting the matter, Nat?" he asked innocently. "You look terribly pale!" Natalie shrieked and dropped her sandwich. Nick broke into a delighted grin and spun her around the kitchen. "I've been hungry for days now," he said, "for FOOD. I can't stomach blood anymore." He kissed her stunned face. "Merry Christmas, Nat!" The doctor in Natalie then galvanized into action. he sat Nick down and questioned him closely, taking readings and making notes. Thermometer notwithstanding, Nick continued his details. "I watched the sun set today, and look!" He thrust out his arms. There was just the merest hint of a sunburn. "That's as burned as I got!" he crowed, nearly getting an unwanted dose of mercury into the bargain. Natlie just stared. "I don't believe it!" she said. She'd been skeptical, but after that day, Nick hadn't looked back. He improved at an almost visible rate as his supernatural powers slowly ebbed away. They had taken slow, careful steps. It was like training a newborn in many ways, but Nick never complained. He gradually began eating, starting with, yes, baby food. Conscious that his metabolism would change, Nick began workin out, strengthening his mortal body. He swam, ran, rowed, mountain biked---and loved it all. As the twilights began to lenghthen, he and Natalie occasionally rollerbladed onthe waterfront before work. "Was that DETECTIVE KNIGHT I just saw--*rollerblading* in spandex leggings?" Reese asked one evening, incredulous. "I nearly ran the car into a tree!" Tracey shrugged. "Maybe the real Detective Knight's been kidnapped by aliens?" she ventured. Reese chuckled. "Let's hope they keep him. I like this one better." Nick gradually increased his exposure to sunlight. Apart from some initial minor sunburn (which Natalie had lovingly treated with NOXEMA, while Nick had acted like the typically male--mortal--infant), he showed no ill effects. He and Natalie had an extraordinary Valentine's morning. He'd walked her to a coffee shop for breakfast and had eaten a full meal. As the spring days deepened, Nick's blonde locks soon bore the bleached highlights of an outdoorsman. "Nick, who's your hairdresser?" Tracey teased. "I like this look on you!" "SUMMER BLONDE, same as you," Nick replied, not missing a beat. Tracey sputtered. "Can he say that????" she demanded of no one in particular. Reese smiled, patting his hair. "I wouldn't know," he replied, "I go for the natural look myself." "Look Nat---I'm getting a sunburn!" Nick announced one day, preening shirtless in front of his mirror."Welcome to the mortal world, Nick," she replied, handing him a tube of high-protection sunblock. For Natalie's birthday, they celebrated with outdoor brunch. Nick had vacuumed his plate twice, and they both drank some champagne. Afterwards, they played minigolf. Nick had lost miserably ("They didn't HAVE golf when I was a kid," he whined) and had sulked good-naturedly for days. Another milestone in his mortality. By May, there was no more doubt. Nick was mortal again. Natalie was flabbergasted but delighted. She guessed it was a combination of things that had precipitated the cure. Nick didn't care. "You have made me a happy mortal man, Dr. Lambert," he told her as they tangoed down the morgue's coridors. "And me a happy mortal woman," she replied as he expertly dipped her. "Uh oh." From her upside down view, she could clearly see Grace's amused face. And it was so. every test Natalie ran---blood, Dna, bone marrow, sprem count (THAT had beem an embarrassing moment, Natalie never questioned HOW he'd produced the, er, large sample) were all human in their readings. Natalie secretly ran an HIV test, after the "fever" scare, she was anxious, but it came back negative. "OK, Lambert," she told herself jokingly, "now you just need the opportunity." Almost as if reading her mind, Nick asked brightly, "So, can I be a dad, then?" Natalie laughed. "Sure," she said. "K-Mart is having a Blue Light special this week..." Nick had chuckled, but had looked at her thoughtfully. Nick's fangs receded, leaving behind a healthy set of canines, which he trotted off to a dentist for inspection. "No cavities, Nat," he informed her, "but I'd better be extra careful wiht my teeth from now on..." Natalie sighed. He'd made this observation while scarfing a lethal-looking ceese danish. Nick's new attitude had not gone unnoticed around the precinct. He and Captain Reese dissected the Stanley Cup statistics vigorously over coffee. One day, nick breezed cheerily into the squadroom. "Donuts!" he announced, producing a large pink box. He opened the lid and selected a chocolate specimin, then took a large, satisfied bite. They'd nearly had to call the paramedics in for Tracey. Grace remarked she'd never seen Nick look so good. "Is he in love?" she asked. Natalie had laughed, but yes, he was. With life. The softening of Nick's character touched all areas of his life. he an Natalie went out frequently and spent many happy days off exploring daytime Toronto and discovering all its cluinary and scenic wonders. Even his wardrobe relaxed. He'd stunned Natalie one day by calling for her in shorts, Maple Leafs jersey and trainers. Nick??? TRAINERS????SHORTS??? "Do I know you?" Natalie asked the handsome vision on her doorstep. His legs looked so good that she'd wanted to take a nibble there and then, but settled for the feel of his hips firmly against hers during a motorcycle ride. A few weeks after Natalie's birthday, Nick had suggested a small vacation. "I want a REAL go at my mortality," he declared, "away from Toronto and people that know me." He took her hands and kissed them. "Come with me, Nat, I want to share it with you." Natalie agreed that a short jaunt was just the ticket. They chose the West Coast, as Natalie's med school friend, Katrina, also a pathologist, worked in Vancouver, so help would be close by if need be. She and Katrina emailed each other over arrangements, and Natalie made sure to pack emergency supplies, just in case. Nick was childlike in his anticipation. Natalie knew it would be another turning point in his recovery. And for them? She had no speculationon *those* odds. So far, it had been quite chummy, with overtones of affection, even passion, but all very innocent. He'd been a bit apprehensive of flying as a mortal. It was his first "real" trip, and after Schanke's demise, he was nervous. She gave him a mild sedative before departure, which soothed his tenseness. And here they were. Natalie glanced up from her screen. Nick was dozing against the window, the sunlight framing him like a halo. So far, so good. The PA broke into her thoughts. They were landing. Nick stirred sleepily, reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze. The landing was a perfect three-pointer. They picked up their rental car, a sturdy SUV, and headed south, towards the freeyport. "Where are we going?" Nick asked. "Across the straits," Natalie replied, "no far." Nick yawned and drifted off again. On the ferry, Nick shook off the last effects of the tranquilizer. He wandered the decks with Natalie, breathing the sea air and delighting in the view. "Nat," he said, "I haven't been this happy since..." "1228?" she smiled. "Something like that," he replied, holding her close. TO BE CONTINUED. HONEST. Comments, etc. to pasvee@yahoo.com "One Fine Morning" by Mistress V. Part 2. Disclaimers, etc. in part 1. Comments, chocolate covered cherries, etc. to pasvee@yahoo.com I have mentioned the following songs: "Hungry Like the Wolf", "Feel Like Making Love", Midnight Hour", and "Relax". All belong to their respective TPTB, and no infringement is intended. After clearing cusotms, Natalie pulled into a supermarket. Nick follwoed her through the aisles, gazing hungrily at the shelves of booty. "Talk about sensory overload," he sighed as they re-joined the highway. He delicately bit into a frozen yogurt bar and grinned at the sensation. "You'll get used to it, " Natalie laughed. Presently, they turned down a rural lane, heading towards the sea. Nick watched the scene, transfixed. "So green," he enthused. "Yeah. It gets about 6 feet of rain a year," Natalie said wryly, "but it's really peaceful and unspoiled." A small hamlet appeared, hardly more than some homes, a B&B, and a seafood restaurant. "Here we are," Natalie announced as a sign came into view. "Sur la Mer," it read. She parked the SUV. "Nat---you remebered, I speak French!" Nick laughed. Natalie leaned her head against the steering wheel for a moment. Four days of *this*? she asked herself. Nick got out, stretching and taking in the view. "where are we?" he asked, breathing deeply. "Just across from BC, not far," Natalie replied. "This is the Dungeness Peninsula, outside Seattle, on the Olympic coast. I came here awhile back." Nick's face clouded over. "With *Katrina*," she continued, relishing his very mortal reaction. "It's a great place for a getaway. We studied for final exams here." Nick picked up their bags and they started towards the office. The manager greeted them. "Not much traffic this time of year, except for Easter," he told them as they walked towards the cabins. "But it's quiet and the days are long." Natalie smiled. "Just what we want. We've been working way too hard lately." "There's a storm due in tonight for tomorrow," the manager continued as he handed her a key, "but the rest of the week looks ok. Plenty of firewood. Have a pleasant stay!" They surveyed the cabin. Natalie immediately moved to the large fireplace and busied herself with a fire. Nick joined her. "Happy?" she asked. Nick kissed her lightly. "You bet," he said. The flames brought a welcome warmth to the cabin. Natalie rocked back on her heels and stood up, crosing into the bedroom. A pine king size bed, piled high with fluffy eierdowns, greeted her gaze. Her stomach lurched. How would Nick react? Nothing had been said about sleeping arrangements, let alone sharing a bed. "What side are you?" Nick appeared at her shoulder. Natalie turned, puzzled. "What?" He launched himself onto the bed and settled back on the pillows. "I usually favor this side," he indicated, "but I'll concede if necessary!" Natalie flushed, turning back to the fire. "That's fine," she mumbled, adding more tinder. What else could she say? They would be sleeping---together! Nick came up behind her and gave her a hug. "Now how about dinner?" he suggested. "I'm starved!" Relief flooded through her. "Me too, " she agreed. "Do you like seafood? The Crab Shack is famous for it!" Nick grinned. "Ahh, yes. The last seafood I had was in Constantinople, back in 12---" Natalie slugged him, gently. "I get the picture!" she laughed. The meal was excellent. Nick delighted in studying the menu in great detail, marvelling at the choices. When the food arrived, he ate slowly, savoring every mouthful. They split a bottle of good local wine; Natalie secretly loved watching the flush spread across Nick's cheeks when he had a drink. Nick pushed his plate away. "C'est magnifique," he sighed contentedly. The waitress appearde. "Dessert?" she inquired. Nick opened his mouth, but Natalie answered. "No, we have a special treat back at the cabin. C'mon Nick," she admonished, "get a move on!" Eyes closed, Nick leaned back onthe sofa, slowly licking his fingers. His soft sigh turned into a moan. "Nat.....Nat...." Natalie looked at him, sucking on her thumb. She cleared her throat and swallowed. "Nick?" "Nat...WHAT do you call these?" "S'mores." Natalie deftly skewered more marshmallows, then thrust them into the flames. "They are standard campfire fare." Nick watched, fascinated, as she tranformed the charred stickiness into the delectable morsel. "They are WICKED is what they are," he replied, accepting the proffered treat. He eagerly licked at the gooey sweetness. They watched the flames for awhile. "So many new sensations," he remarked when he'd finished, "just waiting to be experienced." Natalie felt herself blush. She quickly asked Nick about desserts from his childhood, and they contentedly discussed the merits of profiteroles versus the chocolate chip cookie. Sometime later, Natalie got to her feet, yawning. "I'm beat," she declared. "You?" Nick rose. "Yeah, me too. I never thought I'd get used to sleeping at night, but I'm beginning to enjoy it." In the bathroom, Natalie slowly undressed, putting on a cotton nightshirt. "Now what?" she asked herself softly, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Nick was already under the covers, sleepily gazing at her as she climbed into bed beside him. He reached out and stroked her face. "Sleep well, my love," he said, kissing her lips with the gentlest of touches. Natalie returned the kiss just as softly. "You too, Nick," she replied as she turned out the light. During the night, it began to storm. Thunder rumbled acoss the straits, rousing Natalie from her slumber. She woke with a start. Instinctively, Nick encircled her with his arms, placing his cheek next to hers. "It's just the rain, love," he murmured. "Don't worry, I'm here. Go back to sleep." Contentedly, Natalie leaned into him and closed her eyes. "I love you," she whispered, knowing he could not hear above the patter of the rain. "You, too," he whispered back to her sleeping form. Natalie awoke to the steady dripping of the promised rainstorm. She stretched luxuriously, then rolled over to greet Nick. Her eyes focused on the empty side of the bed, then saw the note. "Gone for a run. Back soon. Love, Nick, xxx" With a last stretch, Natalie got up and wandered into the kitchen. As she rummaged through their supplies, she couldn't help smiling. Nick was certainly taking his mortality seriously, even on vacation. Now, she thought, I'll grab a shower while the coffee brews. The warm water soothed away the last cobwebs of sleep. Natalie allowed herself to ponder the fact that she and Nick were at last Alone Together. Sharing a bed. But there had been no overt mention of anything of a sexual nature. So far, Nick had been the perfect gentleman, his touch light, his kisses soft. But both of them knew a raging passion was simmering just out of reach. Enough of that, she told herself, turning off the water and reaching for a towel. She slipped into her bathrobe, then headed in the direction of the coffee's enticing aroma. Ahh, she thought as she imbibed the fresh brew, at least THIS feels right. The door suddenly opened and Nick burst in, shaking himself like a wet Labrador. He brightened visibly as his eyes met Natalie's. "Whew!" he declared, "it's WET out there! Glorioulsy wet! I've never FELT so alive"! He scooped her into a hug and kissed her resoundingly. "Nick!" Natalie squirmed, giggling. "You are soaked!" "Very observant," he replied, giving his locks a final shake in her direction. Natalie ducked, laughing. "C'mon, Nick," she said, "you don't want to catch pneumonia, do you? Let's get you out of those clothes..." Nick's eyes opened wide, "and into a hot shower. Now!" Obediently, he took her hand and kissed it. "Oui, mon docteur," he replied, disappearing into tha bathroom. "Save me some coffee!" Natalie poured herself a second cup and walked to the window. The view was gorgeous, despite the rain. Across the straits, the Canadian headlands beckoned. From the road in front of the cottage, pineclad bluffs tumbled towards the beach. The storm seemed to make everything more starkly beautiful. She suddenly became aware of Nick's presence. He was standing behind her, warm from his shower. Gently, he pressed against her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "How was your run?" she asked quietly. Nick kissed her hair lightly. "Invigorating," he replied. "It's so wild and beautiful on the beach, Nat! I'll take you there later!" Natalie opened her mouth for a witty comeback, then realized that Nick's pelvis, pressed against her butt, felt, well, different. Was he aroused? She decided to change tactics. Almost imperceptibly, she stepped back closer into his embrace. Yep. Something had come between them. "Dunno." She gestured out the window. "It's raining a little too much right now for my liking. Any other ideas?" Nick fairly quivered. His mouth found her ear, licking its hollows seductively before nibbling at lobe. "Uh huh," he whispered, "lots." He turned Natalie to face him, drawing her so close she could feel his erection press against her stomach. It was like steel, and Natalie shivered as he gently rubbed his pelvis against hers. "I've wanted to ask you this forever, Nat," he said. "May I make love to you?" Natalie had been waiting for this moment as well, yet she could not look him in the eye. She thought she might faint. Nick's hands gently slid the robe from her shoulders so that it fell from her body. Hardly aware of her actions, Natalie reached for the towel covering his slender hips and pulled it away. Stark naked, they gazed at each other, hardly daring to breathe. Who moved first? Natalie had no idea. They just lunged at each other. She felt Nick's warm, probing tongue seeking her own and took it deeply into her mouth, nibbling and sucking. Nick growled deep in his throat purely from lust. Natalie glorioulsy ran her tongue over his teeth, revelling in the fact that, at last, they were devoid of fangs. Nick broke free for a moment and pulled her down on the bed beside him. His blue eyes searched her own. "Nat," he said in a hushed tone, "I love you---so much. "And you too," she replied, just as reverently. Nick continued. "I've waited so long for this moment, and I want it to be special---for both of us. Nat, I'm afraid...I don't know if I'll remember how to love you like a mortal man..." his voice trailed off. Nastalie kissed him and held his face in her hands. "I love you, Nicholas B. Knight," she declared, "and I don't care WHAT we do right now. I'm just glad we're here, together. Nick..." she stroked his forehead softly, "just do what your heart tells you to, and you'll be fine. I love you." Nick gathered her very close. "Nat," he murmured, "I love you so much for understanding. Actually, there IS something I've been aching to do..." Suddenly shy, he leaned into her ear and whispered. Natalie spoke. "I'm afraid that's impossible." Nick jerked his head away to stare at her. Silence. Finally, Natalie spoke. "Sydney's in Toronto," she replied in a puzzled tone, "and I don't understand why you'd want to..." "NAT!!!" Nick shook with laughter. He collapsed onto Natalie and all their anxieties evaporated in a healthy gale of giggles. To be continued.....! Honest! One Fine Morning by Misterss V Part 3 Disclaimers, etc. in part 1. BTW, Mt. St. Helen's emeralds do exist. I own a pair of earrings. Comments, razzberries, stink bombs to pasvee@yahoo.com CAUTION...the REAL adult stuff begins...now. Nick recovered after a bit. "Let me rephrase that," he began anew as his lips moved towards Natalie's breasts, "in body language..." With no worries about hurting her with an errant fang, Nick meticulously teased each nipple into perfect, agonizing hardness. He ran his tongue down each curve, each valley, taking time to discover her sweetness. His teeth nipped at her skin playfully, and he thrilled in the sensation of biting solely for erotic pleasure. Natalie stroked his blonde hair, sighing. Was this finally happening? Slowly, Nick began blazing a trail of fire down her stomach, nibbling lightly at her smooth skin. Natalie moaned, barely able to contain herself, as Nick continued his path. The warmth of his lips, his tongue, ignited a flame in her that screamed out to be doused, yet she wanted to prolong this moment as long as possible. Nick's mouth eventually found the downy tangle between her thighs. He buried his face in it, inhaling deeply. "Nat, you smell delicious," he murmured, licking the soft hair. Natalie trembled, realizing that her fantasies were about to become reality. Nick looked up at ther. "I've been waiting for this, Nat," he whispered as his fingers spread her cleft wide. He hesitated for a moment, breathing hard as he gazed at her secret place, then reached out with his tongue. It caressed her soft folds, teasingly flicking across her clit. Natalie moaned his name. "Nick...please, don't stop," she begged. "I don't *intend* to," he replied, sliding his tongue deep into her center. Natalie felt him shiver with pleasure, which only fanned the flames below. Nick gently thrust his fingers where his tongue had been, while his mouth returned to her throbbing bud, licking, teasing, sucking. His fingers slid in and out of her scalding wetness. Natalie's arousal soon became unbearable, and she found herself at the brink. She inhaled sharply. "Nick--oh--god--I'm---" she cried, then gasped as his front teeth closed around her clit and gently bit down. His tongue flicked once, twice---and then at last, he knew her pleasure. Natalie shouted his name over and over, shuddering against his still-questing tongue. The release was electric---she thought she would spontaneously combust from the waves of heat. Nick licked her frantically, lapping at her cum like a starving man, groaning in pure erotic pleasure. She surrendered to the dizzying sensations and closed her eyes. "Nat." Nick gently nuzzled her into consciousness. She opened her eyes, meeting his. He kissed her, lips and face wet with her offerings, and she felt a final tingle of pleasure below. "So," he asked shyly, "did you like that?" Natalie shivered against him for a moment, still unable to speak. "Yes, my love," she whispered, "it was worth the wait." Nick folded her into his arms, sighing. "For me, too..." he said. "I've wanted to do that for so long, but I was afraid of the beast in me...and then I was afraid of the 800 year old virgin in me.." Natalie looked at him. "*Virgin*?" Surely not! Nick smiled. "Ok, ok, maybe not *exactly* a virgin," he admitted, "but I sure feel like one! It's like I'm writing a brand-new chapter of my sexuality." "You're doing fine, Nick," Natalie kissed him. "Just fine." "Let's work on that chapter some more," he replied throatily, running his hands down her body. Natalie let her fingers trail through his chest hair, then wander lower. She wasn't disappointed with her find. Her hand brushed over his massive erection (8 inches? more? I need a ruler, she thought), and she marvelled at the heat his mortal body could generate. Nick closed his eyes and gasped, covering her hand with his own. He moaned her name, trembling in her grasp. "Oh Nat...I want you so much..." "Take me, Nick," she encouraged, stroking him gentl, "all of me." Almost as if in a dream, Nick eased her onto her back, then knelt above her. He parted her thighs, kissing their abalster perfection, and ran his hands over her mound, sliding his fingers therough her wetness. His eyes never left her body. Natalie blushed and squirmed under his gaze. "No, Nat---" he cupped her chin gently and kissed her. "Please, don't hide yourself from me. Let me look at you." Nick slid between her thighs, seeking. "Nat," he whispered, "let me in. Show me the way." Gently, Natalie guided his rock hardness into her warmth. Nick gave a strangled sob. "Oh *God*, Natalie...you feel so *good*" he gasped. He began to move tentatively within her. His face flushed with passion and emotion, as long-forgotten sensations washed over him. His movements became more seeking. Natalie caressed him, murmuring words of encouragement...and lust, which only made Nick get harder inside her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, enflamed with her own needs. Nick's breathing became ragged as he sought to push both of them over the edge. Natalie gnawed hard as his shoulder, lost in the waves of passion she was experiencing. Suddenly, Nick threw his head back and thrust a last, impossibly deep time. "NAT!" he shouted, collapsing against her as he felt her body begin to spasm. "YES, my Nick, fill me up!" she gasped. Nick surrendered to his orgasm, feeling 800 years of pent-up sexual tension finally release itself. Exquisite relief. Spent, Nick rolled over and pulled Natalie against him. Still joined, they contemplated the aftermath of their union, lost in afterglow. "And..? Natalie ventured after awhile. "How are we feeling?" Nick gave a contented sigh. "Very much in love," he replied, "and still amazed at what I just felt. Unbe*liev*able..." He captured her mouth in a kiss while his hands moved leisurely over her body, enjoying the senasations. Abruptly, he stopped. His eyes widened as he felt himself hardening again within Natalie's body. "Nat--" he asked timidly, "is this normal? Can I???" Natalie laid a finger across his lips while she clenched her internal muscles firmly around his growing member. "Take me again, Nicholas du Brabant," she whispered. Nick didn't need a second invitation. They drowsed afterwards, wrapped around each other. Presently, Natalie woke and began running her fingers over nick's delightfully muscled shoulders. She suddenly gasped---then giggled. Nick's eyes opened. "Nat?" Natalie touched his shoulder. "Oh dear," she smiled ruefully. Nick squirmed around to look at his reflection in the mirror. A vivid purple-blue lovebite was visible from his collarbone to his shoulder. Natalie kissed the bruise softly. "Sorry," she murmured. Nick laughed. "You can nibble on me anytime, Nat," he told her. "Oh?" Natalie looked at him with a wicked smile. "Where?" Then they both looked down in astonishment as Nick's manhood rose once agin from its slumber. "You're worse than a 13 year old!" Natalie said, giving it an affectionate caress. "And how many thirteen year olds have you known?" Nick demanded, pretending to be jealous. It didn't work. "You're the first," she replied, kissing his abdomen. Nick lay back on the pillows, anxious to experience another lesson in mortal passion. Natalie stunned him into silence, showing him just how *oral* she could be. "Mmmmmm," Natlie sighed contentedly afterwards. "Now I know what they meant by *afternoon delight*." Nick drew her into his arms and they slept awhile, lulled by the sound of the rain against the windows. Sometime later, Nick suggested they experiment with underwater lovemaking. By the time the water grew cool, the bathroom resembled the Johnstown flood scene. Hunger won out over desire. "Feed me, or I shall swoon," Natalie demanded as they towelled each other. Nick's eyes twinkled. He drew his wrist to his mouth and pretended to bite. "NICK!!" "As the lady says," he bowed low. "I'm starving too. For food, that is..." They braved the tapering storm for a walk to the restaurant. Dinner was a leisurely affair, crowned with an exquisite chocolate mousse, and too much champagne. Nick enjoyed being tipsy and used it as an excuse to let his hands wander. "You taste better than anything else I know," he moaned loudly. Several nearby diners looked over at them. "Nick!" Natalie hissed. "STOP THAT!" "Shhhh, Milady," he commanded in a stage whisper as he slid his hand up under her denim skirt. Suddenly, falteringly, he stopped. "NAT?" his eyes were popping out of his face. Now it was her turn to shush him as she took his hand and placed against her slippery, hot, and very naked crotch. Nick turned beet red, then pulled her face next to his. "You harlot," he growled, "I'll have to teach you a lesson." "Thank god for tablecloths," she sighed, arching onto his questing fingers. Natalie had never slept so blissfully. She and Nick had made love yet again---they'd lost count of how many times that day--in front of the fire, for hours. Then he carried her to bed and wrapped himself protectively around her, murmuring in French. The morning dawned bright and sunny. Nick stretched, then tickled Natalie into wakefulness. "So, Nat," he asked,"what's on the agenda for today?" He stroked her butt playfully. "I thought we'd go up to Hurricane Ridge and see the view. It's a perfect day for that," she replied, investigating a protuberance that had been making its presence known. Nick drew back the covers and kissed her inner thigh. "I like the view right here," he declared, slowly licking upwards, "but a hike sounds great. Later." Natalie gave an exasperated sigh. "Give it a *rest*, Knight! I'm not used to this---I'm---" she stopped, just a little mortified. Nick looked up from his oral activities. "You're--?" he asked curiously. "I'm *sore*," Natalie grumbled good-naturedly. "Aren't you?" "Thirteen year olds are at the height of their sexual peak," Nick stated with a wink, "or so I've been reading. But I guess I'll just have to kiss your owie and make it better." His tongue found a crevice to explore. Natalie smiled. She couldn't fault his logic. The ride up the mountain was breathtaking. Nick eagerly leaned out of the window, drinking in the view at every turn. When Natalie finally parked at the summit, he leaped out, then collapsed agains the door. Alarmed, Natalie raced towards him, all sorts of horrible thoughts running through her head. "Nick???" He turned her around, holding her close, to face the staggering vista ahead. "Look at that," he breathed. "So beautiful." They hiked the lower trails, careful not to overdo it. Patches of snow contrasted with glades of spring flowers, creating an idyllic setting. "Daylight is amazing," Nick remarked. "It has so many things to experience I'd almost forgotten about." Natlie packed a snowball and smiled. "Shall we play?" she suggested. Nick happily obliged, and they cavorted like a happy pair of toddlers. "Whew!" Natalie called a halt to their fun. "Let's rest. We're at altitude, and you're not Olympic caliber, not yet..." She collapsed happily onto a bench. Nick straddled her lap and kissed her. "As I was saying about daylight," he licked her upper lip slowly, "let's make love, Nat." Natlie choked. "HERE? NOW? We'd get frostbite!" "C'mon, Nat," he continued, seductively gyrating his hips against hers. "Where's your sense of adventure?" "It died of hypothermia," Natalie grimaced. Nick was undeterred in his ardor. "Please, Nat," he persisted, sliding his hands under her sweater. "No one would even know." Natalie covered her mouth, giggling uncontrollably, and pointed over his shoulder. "They would." Nick whirled around, seduction out the window. Five white-tailed deer observed them placidly from a distance. "Still want a quickie, studmuffin?" Natalie inquired, amused. Nick gave her a soft kiss. "Naah. I'm not an exhibitionist, honest." They drove into otwn for a late lunch of pizza ane beer. Afterwards, Nick took her to the beach where he'd been running. Natalie understood why he loved it---just dunes, wildflowers and the sea. They sat and talked of everything and nothing. Nick told her of his childhood in France. "It's like the Camarague," he remanisced, "where the white horses run." Natalie tried hard to picture the scene. "There aren't horses here," she told him, "but later in the season, you can see orcas and beluga whales." Nick sighed happily. "It's so unspoiled," he said. "Not like Toronto at all. " He stroked Natalie's cheek. "I could get used to it here..." "I don't know, Nick," Natalie remarked thoughtfully. "This isn't even a half-horse town. Aren't you a little too worldely for somewhere like this?" Nick looked into her eyes. "How about you, Nat? Could you live here?" At that moment, a flock of pelicans drifted by. They both turned to watch the birds arc and dive towards the water. Nick insisted on taking Natalie to a local dance club after dinner. For a former 800 year old, he certainly had plenty of energy. His dance movements became more and more erotically suggestive, thanks to the DJ's selections: "Feel Like Making Love," "Midnight Hour," "Hungry Like the Wolf." During "Relax," Natalie had hauled him off the dance floor, fearing the vice squad would be summoned. Then they made love in the back of the SUV, in the parking lot, like a couple of teenagers. "Isn't this illegal?" Natalie asked as Nick pulled her onto his erect member. "I'm a cop, I can fix it," Nick groaned. "But we're in *America!*" Natalie protested, but not too much. "I can see it now on TV. Reese will have a coronary!" Nick silenced her with a kiss. The SUV rocked back and forth, much to the amusement of two local beat cops who were having a late night snack at the diner across from the club. "Horny kids," one said to his partner. They both laughed. Nick and Natalie sat awhile in front of the fire, happily sated. "Tomorrow we head back to BC," Nick remarked. He massaged Natalie's shoulders lovingly. "Mmmmmm," Natalie replied. "Bright lights. big city. Bet you'll be glad to get back to civilization." "I know," he frowned, "but---" "Nick, you sound disappointed," Natalie teased. "Don't you want to go back?" Nick sighed. "No." He held her quietly for a long time before he spoke again. Natalie tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Nick's mood change disturbed her, and she was pretty certain what was wrong. Now that he was mortal, the idea of moving on was even more appealing. He'd finally be able to experience the world as a human. After 800 years of darkness, who'd want to stay put? She closed her eyes, wiping away tears, as she realized that with changes of scenery would come changes of women. It was only natural. This trip was Nick's way of saying thank you...and goodbye. She'd been so stupid not to see this coming. Nick slept soundly next to her. Natalie longed to touch him, hold him in her arms, kiss him for the rest of her days. Only now that it was at last possible, she couldn't. Moaning, Nick slid his arms around her shoulders and kissed her. Neither asleep nor awake, he pressed against her, seeking the haven of her body. Wordlessly, Natalie took him into her loins, but it was not a joyful coupling for her. "I love you, Nat," he whispered afterwards. Natalie turned her face away from him and wept. TO BE CONTINUED....HONEST. Comments, kleenex, chocolate, aresenic to pasvee@yahoo.com One Fine Morning by Misterss V Part 4 Disclaimers in Part 1 Disney and Disneyworld are registered trademarks of the Disney corporation. Comments, critiques, Oreos, whatever to pasvee@yahoo.com (Oreo is a registered trademark...never mind. Once a lawyer, always a lawyer...) The next morning, Nick was cherful enough. After he disappeared for his run, Natalie hurriedly showered and changed, then busied herself with packing for their return. When Nick got back, he tried to lure her to bed. She slapped at his hands with forced playfulness. "Stop it, Nick, we have a ferry to catch!" she admonished. Nick pressed his hips against hers suggestively. "Oh, so I can take you on the high seas, then?" Natalie removed his hands...and his pelvis. "NO." And that was that. Fortunately, the ride to the ferryport was punctuated with moronic drivers, so lucid conversation was impossible. Nick dozed contentedly. Natalie's heart was slowly breaking, but she said nothing. Her dark glasses hid her swollen, red eyes. Once on board the ferry, she pulled out her laptop. "I haven't checked in for days," she announced, much to Nick's disappointment. "I need to see if the world is still turning. Oh look--" she indicated her screen. "Katrina wants to see me this evening, if that's ok?" Actually, Natalie had sent a frantic email early that morning to her friend, begging to meet. This was a confirmation. "Oh." Nick sounded sad. "I wanted to take you out on the town this evening, and show Vancouver my woman." Natalie managed a sympathetic "ohhhhhhhhh". "I haven't packed anything suitable," she apologized. "Anyway, weren't you going to stop by the police HQ here?" "I'd rather spend the night with you," Nick admitted, "but I understand, you haven't seen your friend in awhile. I'll hang at the precinct awhile, you wake me when you get back. And there'll be plenty of other nights, right?" He kissed her. Natalie tried to smile. How could he be so cool? She loved him so much it hurt... The journey to Vancouver was tedious but short. Natalie dropped Nick at the hotel and went to return their rental car. By the time she returned, it was nearly 4, which left her about an hour to get ready for her dinner with Katrina. Nick was out on the balcony, enjoying the waterfront view. Natalie surveyed the room. Thank god, she thought, two beds. "Hey Nat!" Nick called to her. "Come join me for a drink!" "Just a quick one," she replied as she walked onto the terrace. Nick handed her a cold iced tea and pulled her against him so they could admire the sunset. "Are you sure I can't accompany you?" he asked. "What are you looking for Knight, a threesome?" Natalie laughed. "I'm not that kind of coroner." Nick kissed her. "Never," he said gently. "I want you all to myself." I'll bet, Natalie thought, until the next woman takes your fancy. The kiss deepened, so she extricated herself from Nick's embrace and hurried into the bathroom. "Gotta fly!" she called. "Love you," Nick said to her retreating form. Natalie was pleased to see her friend, but after they exchanged pleasantries, she couldn't help herself. She burst into tears. Katrina handed her a tissue...and a brandy. "So." Katrina regarded her friend. "Who *IS* this guy?" Natlie spilled out an edited version of her story. Katrina listened thoughtfully. "You love him?" she asked. Natalie nodded miserably. "And he loves you?" "Uh-huh," Natalie hiccuped. Katrina frowned. "Ok, let me get this straight. You two love each other, but you're spending the evening with me? Not that I'm not glad to see you and all, but...?" More tears poured down Natalie's cheeks. "That's why. We work together. He's gone through more women than I can count, there's no way this will work." "Bull-loney!" Katrina stuck her finger in Natalie's chest. "Listen to me, kiddo...would you decide not to bother doing any more autopsies because all corpses are dead anyway?" "That's not the same," Natalie said sulkily, snuffling into her tissue. "Yes it is," Katrina sighed. "Natalie, in our profession, it's easy for a woman to get lost in her work. Look at me. A grumpy old maid coroner at 35. No one wants to mess with us, it's too macabre. People think we have formaldehyde in our veins! No, Nat," she shook her head. "You have a man who loves you. Go love him." Natalie bit her lip. "OK." "Good, now that we've solved that, fill me in on the rest of your life! How's Sydney?" Katrina smiled as she saw her friend relax. It was nearly midnight when Natalie returned to the hotel. Nick was asleep in one of the beds, oblivious to her presence. She looked at him a long moment, torn. Tears clouded her vision. Despite Katrina's good advice, she knew she couldn't stand in the way of his mortality. He needed to get on with his new life, and she needed to live hers. Separately. Sure, it might have been nice. But holding him back wouldn't do either of them any good. Natalie undressed quietly in the dark, then climbed into the other bed. It was about an hour later when she woke. Nick was holding her, kissing her shoulders. "Nat, I woke up and missed you! Why are you sleeping here alone?" he asked, distressed. She struggled to compose herself, but it was no use. She collapsed against Nick, sobbing. "Nat?" he held her at arm's length, then drew her close again. "Darling, what's wrong?" Unable to speak, Natalie wept helplessly against his shoulder. After awhile, she found her voice. "Nick," she began, "I know you need to start living now..." Nick interrupted. "What are you talking about?" "You're mortal now," Natalie shrugged. "And that means maybe leaving Toronto, your job....or me. " Nick tried to slience her, but she continued. "Nick, listen to me. We need to kiss this goodbye, before it gets too complicated. Go live your life! You don't need any ties now! You're finally free..." Nick took a deep breath and kissed her forehead. "Nat," he said slowly, "how could you possibly say that? I love you as *much* as I love being mortal, so I have a dilemma. Don't you see? If I stay in homicide, I could end up on your slab, for real this time. I want to *live* as a mortal, not die as one next week! And I want you to be part of that life!" "But you love being a cop," Natalie said. "HA!" Nick laughed bitterly. "The beast loved the homicide angle, not me. I'd rather work bunko. Or run a bookstore. Or go back to archaeology. How do I know?" Natalie said nothing. "Nat?" "Nick, we can't think at this hour. It's late," Natalie said as she turned away from him, "and I need to rest. Good night." A dim grey light was coming into the room when Natalie awoke. To her surprise, Nick was lying next to her, propped up on an elbow. "Hi," he began tentatively. She closed her eyes and moaned. "Oh NO!" Nick held her close. "What is it?" he asked. "HOW could I be such an idiot?" Natalie muttered. "Only you know what you want to do with your life. I can't decide that for you. I was just trying to protect myself, because I thought you'd leave, and I didn't want to get hurt. And now I ruined our last night here." "I wouldn't say that," Nick replied as he kissed her softly. "Checkout's at noon, our plane's at 3, and it's not even 6 yet. And as for being an idiot, that makes two of us. We've got to take this one day at a time or we'll go crazy....but that doesn't mean I don't want us to spend the rest of our lives together." "Oh Nick," Natalie begged, "can you forgive me? I don't care if you end up running a roadhouse in Yellowknife. I want to be there, if you'll have me." Nick chuckled. "Oh, I intend to have you...right now." He made love to her twice, with a passion so strong yet so gentle it amazed her. They ordered room service and ate out on the balcony, enjoying the sunshine. Natalie kept staring at Nick, sitting there in the early morning light. In his sweatshirt and jeans, he looked like he'd always been mortal. Their eyes met as he sipped his coffee. "Nat?" She shook her head, smiling. "I'm just admiring the view. You. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I'd see you drinking coffee in broad daylight." Nick grinned. "Nor I, " he agreed, "and certainly not with such a glorious vision before me!" He slid his bare foot suggestively up her leg. "And I have lots of plans---for the daylight." He winked, then took her hand. "C'mon, let's grab a shower and go for a walk before it gets too late." Needless to say, Nick seduced her right into the shower. Although they nealy drowned from laughing, it was the most intensely loving joining between them. Nick carefully dried Natalie off, paying special attention to the moisture between her thighs. "800 years of sucking have left me a bit orally fixated," he admitted. Natalie laughed seductively. "I don't mind," she said. They strolled down to the waterfront. "This is beautiful, Nat," Nick said as they looked out over the harbor. "I could live here, maybe make a new start." Icy claws grabbed at Natalie's heart, but she swallowed hard. "Ok Knight," she said sternly, "What's up? You've been hemming at something for days. Out with it!" Better she know now. Nick handed her a small velvet box. "What? for me?" she began. "Open it, please, Nat," Nick told her. She exclaimed in delight at a platinum ring set with an exquisite green gem. "What is it, Nick? " she asked. "I've never seen anything like this before!" Nick took her hand. "It's a Mt. St. Helen's emerald," he said. "Very special. It was formed in the aftermath of the eruption. That's why I got it for you---to show you that I know that sometimes it takes fire and destruction to transform things...but the end result is precious." Tears formed in Natalie's eyes as he continued. "Nat---you've stuck by me through more idiocy, pain and suffering than anyone, mortal or not, should ever have to endure." His voice broke as he struggled not to cry. "And I just wanted to tell you how much I love you." "Oh---Nick!" Nick took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger. The stone twinkled in a sunbeam. "I hope you'll let me replace this with a diamond when we get home," he said. Natalie hugged him hard. "Never," she said. "I love it just as it is, like I've *always* loved you." Nick kissed her. "Well, then," he began, " I want to do this right, so---" he dropped to one knee. Natalie's eyes grew wide and her legs threatened to transform into limp pasta. "Natalie Lambert, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Natalie fell to her knees beside him and burst into tears. Nick held her very close, kissing her hair. "Is that a yes, then?" he ventured after a moment. Natalie looked into his eyes and saw in them all the love she would ever need reflected back at her. "Yes, Nick. I will." The flight back to Toronto was smooth. Nick once again had a window seat and he avidly stared out at the view. Natalie happily perused her laptop, absently fingering her ring from time to time, to assure herself this wasn't a dream. Suddenly Nick grabbed at her hand. "Honey," he said anxiously, holding his nose, "honey, I have a nosebleed!" So agitated was his tone that she leaped to her feet in alarm...then she caught his wink. "Oh NO, darling," she improvised, knowing *exactly* where this was leading, "we'd better get you to a bathroom." Nick was obviously gunning for an academy award. He tottered pathetically up the aisle, groaning into his handkerchief. A flight attendant stopped them. "Anything wrong?" "Minor catastrophe," Natalie assured her. "My, er, husband has a nosebleed. He gets them pretty badly this time of year, from the pollen, you know. Don't worry, I'm a physician, so I'll make sure he's ok. He faints at the sight of his own blood." Nick snorted loudly, splattering red goo down his chin. Natalie shoved him into an empty bathroom, then locked the door behind them. "Oh Knight," she laughed helplessly. "Where did you GET that?" Nick rinsed the gelatine from his face with a satisfied smirk. "At the precinct last night. It's a training prop." "You PLANNED this?" she gasped in mock fury. Nick pulled her against his hips. "Uh-huh," he replied as he gently thrust something hard into her pelvis. "Take me, Nat, take me now..." "Isn't that supposed to be *my* line?" she asked as she unzipped his fly. She was amazed to discover he wore no briefs. Was this *her* Nick? Nick pushed the denim off his hips and sat down on the closed lavatory, pulling Natalie onto his lap. His smile grew wider as he realized *she* wasn't wearing underwear, either. "Harlot." "Studmuffin." They remained in character as they left the restroom. "There, there, honey," Natlie cooed. 'It's just a little *blood*, that's all. Try not to think about feeling sick, you'll be ok." Passengers looked at them sympathetically. Nick moaned, then his shoulders began to shake. "LaCroix should have seen this," he whispered. Natalie stepped on his foot, hard, bringing the heel of her boot firmly onto his instep. "OUCH" he hissed. Fortunately, the pilot announced their final descent into Toronto. Back to reality. Nick settled into his seat, then took Natalie's hand. He kised the ring first, then her palm. "Thank you," he whispered. "For what?" "For making me so very glad to be alive.." "Juices like wine, and I'm hungry like the wolf..." "GOOD MORNING TORONTO! This is your favorite oldies station. Hey, sorry to rain on your plans, but this storm..." Natalie sighed as she turned off the alarm. More rain. No weekend, then. She closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep. Awhile later, she became aware of Sydney's whiskers. They tickled. She shifted positions. So did that blasted cat. Grumbling to herself, Natalie sat up to chase the frisky feline form her bed. A pair of strong, loving arms pulled her very close. A ha. Sydney wasn't the one under the covers with her. "Morning," Nick whispered, letting his fingers trail through several very erogenous zones. "Morning," she replied. She kised his shoulder. "It's raining." "Uh-huh." Nick pulled her onto his chest. "Let's try to re-create that first rainy morning, remember?" They kissed, lost in memories. The early morning stillness was shattered abruptly. "MEEEEEOOOOOWWWW!" Sobs. Natalie's eyes flew open. "MoooooooMMMMMMM!" a young male voice yelled. "Fleurey pulled Sydney's tail agaian and he hissed at her!" Juvenile sobs floated up the stairs. She and Nick looked at each other and began to laugh. Maybe this would resolve itself, Natalie prayed. "MooooooMMMMMMM!" Nope. "Your children are calling," Nick observed placidly. "DaaaaaaDDDDDDDDDDDD!" the voice persisted. "You PROMISED you'd take me to get my hockey skates fixed today!" His sister joined in. "Dadda, kitty scare me!" Natalie tickled him. "MY children?" she asked. "Let me explain something to you---*dear*" she lunged for him. Nick countered with a pillow, and they tussled happily for a moment. Then Nick touched her in that special way of his, the one that meant he wanted to... "When?" he asked softly. Natalie sighed in frustration. "Not now, studmuffin, your audience awaits. C'mon, UP!" Nick thought a moment, then picked up the phone and hit a button. "Hello---Vachon? Hey man, how's it going? Look, something's come up. Could you and Tracey take the kids today? Well, Nat and I need to strip some things down..." He gasped as a questing mouth closed over a part of his anatomy. "And we don't want to expose the kids to anything, er, unusual...You will? for the night? Oh, you're all going to the new Disney film? Great man, we owe you. Yeah, see you in a bit." A few miles away, Javier Vachon hung up the kitchen phone and took a drink of orange juice, grinning. Tracey looked over at him with a puzzled expression on her face. "Pas devant les enfants," he said, indicating two figures engrossed in their sugar-coated breakfast bombs. (Not in front of the children) He pulled Tracey close. "Once a Knight isn't enough for Nick," he improvised wittily. Tracey slapped his butt. "Or you, mijo," she laughed, nodding towards the table. "Now," Nick continued as he pulled on a sweatshirt, "why don't you start working on that explaination while I get the kids over to Uncle Vachon and Aunt Tracey's?" Natalie winked as she finished dressing. "I promise I won't start without you," she purred, thinking ahead to the candlelit bubblebath she was planning. Nick tousled her hair lovingly. "I'll hold you to it," he said. Natalie thrust her hips out. "You'll hold *what* to *what*?" she asked. Lord, she *still* loved watching Nick blush. "OK, horribles," Nick cried happily as he opened their bedroom door, "what's the problem?" Two small forms engulfed him, laughing. Nick looked over his shoulder at his wife and blessed her. Natalie looked at her reflection in the mirror. No spring chicken, she agreed, but not bad, not bad. She adjusted the folds of her dressone last time and walked to the bureau. It was covered in framed photographs. Ordinarily, she didn't give them a second glance, but now, she studied every one. Where had the years gone? She felt a lump rise in her throat as her fingers touched the familiar images. She and Nick up on Hurricane Ridge. Their wedding day, flanked by Tracey, Grace, Reese and Vachon. Their honeymoon---in Barrow, Alaska, at midsummer. Natalie smiled. 24 hours of sunlight and they still needed two days to get out of bed. In the garden of their new home, at the party to celebrate Nick's promotion. At the hospital after Richie was born. Their trip to Disneyworld, when Richie was 3. The cruise on the French Rivera where Fleurey was concieved. And on and on... Time had run away from them. So much taken for granted, so many things left unsaid and undone. And now this... The door opened and Richie stood before her, so grown up, so much like... "Mom?" he said. "What's wrong?" "Nothing," she replied. "You remind me so much of your uncle sometimes." He smiled. "C'mon, Mom, it's time." He offered his arm and they went down the stairs. Natalie looked at the house. It had never seemed more peaceful, yet her life, as she knew it, was ending. Someone touched her shoulder. It was Nick, resplendent in his grey morning suit. He looked more like a dilpomat than the police comissioner he was. He kissed her. "You look gorgeous," he said appreciatively. "And you," she replied, giving his cravat a final once over. "Where's Fleurey?" "I'm here, Mom," their daughter replied as she came through the doorway. Natalie and Nick turned as one to admire her beauty. Her ivory dress, cut in the style of her namesake's era, was stunning. Nick couldn't help remembering his sister, almost 900 years later. Fleurey was the image of her. "Well," Nick said, kissing first Fleurey, then Natalie, "I guess this is it! PLaces, everyone!" Richie took his mother's arm and started towards the garden, where the guests awaited. Nick and Natalie looked at each other and felt the happiness and love of the last 30 years wash over them. For Fleurey, it was all just beginning... Nick caught his wife's hand and kissed her ring, which now bore two matching diamond baguettes to symbolize their children, and a matching eternity band. Their eyes met as they remembered that day in Vancouver. It hadn't been a bad few years...