Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:45:55 +0200 From: dce To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? Hi! I would like my story -Revenge Is Sweet?- to be archived here. It is an adult (violence) - xover (Highlander). This is a FK/HL xover. All the FK characters and concept belong to Tri Star Inc. and the HL characters and concept belong to Davis/Panzer Productions Inc. No infringement is intended. Rest of the cast and this story belong to and are copyrighted by me. This story does not fit in any particular time frame and all the characters are bent to fit the story, not the other way around. This whole story is being sent under adult header mostly because it contains some rather disturbing violence and brutality. So, consider yourselves warned. All and any criticism, comments etc. are extremely welcome. Please, bear in mind that this is my first ever effort in writing fanfic, so be kind. (And there is always such a thing as a delete button if you simply detest my efforts....) And last but not least, special thanx for my beta readers: Bob, Charl and Corie. REVENGE IS SWEET? (1/7) by Claudia Bart c. 1997 This little one intrigued LaCroix. She was sitting across the room at a far corner table just like she had done every night for the past three weeks. Every night she ordered a glass of ginger ale and just sat at her table, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. She never talked to or danced with the other patrons of the Raven but very little seemed to escape her notice. She was obviously waiting for something or someone. She was rather short and had short, black hair. She wasn’t really beautiful, one might have called her pretty perhaps, but it wasn’t her looks that had captured LaCroix’ attention. No. It was the look in her dark gray eyes. The look, he could recognize so easily - one of a hunter waiting for her prey. LaCroix took his glass of the house special with him and headed for the woman. Antonia sipped from her glass and wrinkled her nose a little as she tasted the now warm drink. She had been sitting there for a little over two hours already and it didn’t seem like she was going to get lucky that evening anymore so than she had the previous nights. Maybe the info she had was wrong. Maybe she was just wasting her time here. Maybe Garrett .... No, this was just the kind of place he would go for - loud and dark with a certain edge of danger in the air. Yes, Garrett would show up. All she had to do was wait. Antonia made a conscious effort to relax and took a deep breath. She had waited for over a year already, few more nights, or weeks, wouldn’t matter. She saw him walking towards her through the crowd which gave him way as if by magic. He was a tall and an impressive looking figure but his most striking feature were the cold, bright blue eyes that seemed to be able to look right through one’s being. Antonia knew he was the owner of the Raven and she had on few occasions even listened to his Nightcrawler persona on the radio. LaCroix stopped at the woman’s table. "May I join you?" he asked with his most polite manner. Antonia gave him a look from the corner of her eye and sighed inwardly. The last thing she needed was to draw attention to herself and he would do just that by sitting at her table. "Look, I don’t mean to be rude but you’re wasting your time, I’m not interested", she said keeping her eyes on the dancing crowd like that was the most interesting thing she had ever seen. LaCroix only lifted his eyebrow in response and graciously sat down. _That_ gave him Antonia’s full attention. LaCroix simply smiled at the annoyed expression on her face and lifted his glass to his lips. "Maybe I didn’t make myself clear....", Antonia started when LaCroix interrupted her. "There are certain advantages to being the owner of this establishment...." "Well, I’m not one of them". LaCroix let the corners of his mouth rise just a little bit at that and continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. "....and seating myself where I see fit is one of them." Antonia’s glare didn’t have any effect on him so she decided not to waste her energy, and since there were no vacant tables left to go to, she simply ignored his presence. This time it was LaCroix’ turn to be annoyed. This woman was a mere mortal and he would not tolerate being treated like air by her. Just then something seemed to happen. The woman didn’t move or change her expression in any way but LaCroix could smell the adrenaline rush through her blood. He glanced around to see what or _who_ had brought the change about. Antonia saw Garrett the moment he stepped into the club. He didn’t look exactly like he did in the picture she had seen of him but there was no doubt - it was Garrett. He was taller than she had expected and his reddish hair was shorter than before but the smug look on his face hadn’t changed one bit. Her eyes narrowed slightly as her gaze followed the lanky figure and she could feel her mouth water, just a little. Her heart was pounding as if she was running a marathon but she knew that no-one could tell what was going through her mind by just looking at her. LaCroix spotted the man almost immediately. Normally he wouldn’t have given him a second look, but now he studied the man carefully. Then he gave a sideways glance to the woman beside him. Yes, she wanted something from this man and it wasn’t hard to figure out what it was. Revenge. Her eyes hadn’t been all that warm to begin with but now they shone coldly with a look that would’ve given the chills to most people. LaCroix was *not* most people. "This could be interesting", he thought sipping his drink. Antonia saw Garrett take a look around the club but before she could act to on her plans he had found someone he found interesting. Obviously the feeling was mutual because before Antonia had even time to blink the pair was out the door and she almost ran the table down trying to get after them in time. She had forgotten all about the man sitting next to her and her only thought was not to lose the sight of Garrett. This might be the only chance she’d get. But the club was crowded and the couple she was after was long gone by the time she got to the door and out of the Raven. It took all she had not to scream out her frustration aloud. She just stood there for a while trying to get control over herself and slowly she could feel the adrenaline rush fade away. "Okay, ....it’s okay", she muttered to herself between deep breaths. So, she would have to wait for a little longer. Fine. At least she now knew that the info she had was correct. And Garrett would be back. He had to. She shivered slightly in the cool night air. The black, slinky dress she had on left little to imagination and didn’t offer much protection a gainst the sudden brush of wind. Antonia glanced at the Raven’s door but there was no reason to go back there tonight. Garrett wouldn’t be back until tomorrow night, if then. She started walking down the street and never saw the black figure that followed her. ********************** Garrett was back at the Raven three nights later. To Antonia the wait had been sheer torture. She had been a bit worried about the club’s owner becoming a nuisance but thankfully he hadn’t tried to approach her again. As soon as Antonia saw Garrett she made her move. She went to him and without a word led him to the dance floor. Luck seemed to be on her side that night for as soon as she wrapped herself around him the music changed. It was now perfect for seduction. LaCroix kept an eye on Antonia that night like he had the previous nights. He watched her move sensually around the red-haired man, her lace gloved hands taking liberties the man didn’t seem to mind one bit. With an amused smile on his lips, he realized the man didn’t really have a chance even if he had wanted to. He was being seduced very effectively. As LaCroix watched the little scene being played he felt his amusement abate and being replaced by another feeling.... It had been awhile since he had felt this way. By now his eyes were like glued on Antonia and he could smell her perfume and her blood. Antonia was determined in her task. It didn’t matter that the man in front of her made her feel sick inside. It didn’t matter that his hands were all over her like an octopus, that she already felt filthy. All that mattered was the thought that finally she had him and he would pay. Soon. Very soon.... She heard Garrett say something and snapped out of her thoughts. "You’re a hot little number, aren’t you?" Antonia simply smiled in response and tried to look like he had just given her the ultimate compliment and pressed her body even tighter against his. It wouldn’t be long now.... As if in cue Garrett whispered in her ear: "Why don’t we leave this joint. I have this place I know you’ll just love.” "Lead the way, baby...." Antonia whispered back and this time it wasn’t at all hard to sound enthusiastic. ********************* Garrett lived like a pig. It was the first thought that came to Antonia as she saw the little room he took her in. There were dirty clothes scattered around the room and the bed looked like it hadn’t been made for weeks. The small sink was filled with dirty dishes and judging from the smell Garrett hadn’t bothered to empty his wastebasket in quite awhile either. It didn’t matter of course since she wasn’t staying for long. Things were going well. Garrett had driven them to a shabby part of town where she wouldn’t have to worry too much about nosy neighbors. Garrett didn’t even bother to switch the lights on. As soon as he had locked the door behind them he was on her. "Well now, lets see what you’ve got". Antonia turned to face him and put her gloved hands on his shoulders as he grabbed her roughly by the waist. "As you wish", she smiled at him coldly and lifted her right knee with a force that matched the fury she felt at this man. Garrett howled like a wounded animal and dropped to the ground like a sack. Antonia watched him in disgust for a second or two. As Garrett tried to get up she kicked him, hard, on in the stomach. "How do you like the pain? Not quite the same as when you’re the one doing the beating up, now is it?" she asked sweetly. Another howl was the only answer. No, Antonia thought, that wouldn’t do. She had to make him shut up if she wanted to finish this in peace. She kneeled next to Garrett and wrenched his head back by his hair. When she was sure she had his undivided attention she snarled at him: "Did you really think you were gonna get away with it?!" Garrett tried to whimper something but Antonia didn’t really want to hear his voice ever again. As she tried to decide whether she should just finish it now or play for a little longer, Garrett swung his fist toward her head. "Now, that wasn’t nice now was it, honey?" Antonia spitted through her teeth as she easily avoided his blow. "Yeah, I know. You’d like to know what this is all about, wouldn’t you?" She threw his head away from her and stood up. She took a few steps back and watched Garrett slowly get up from the floor. "You little bitch! You’re dead!" he growled trying to ignore the pain in his crotch. Antonia felt a little dizzy as she realized that this was it. The time had come to end the pain, her pain. She watched Garrett move and felt her own counter move come naturally without really even having to think about it. She jumped and her foot landed solidly on his throat. She could hear his Adam’s apple crush and then he fell down on the floor again. Antonia watched the blood pouring from his mouth and saw the panic in his eyes. "How does it feel to know you’re going to die?" she asked venomously. "How does it feel knowing it’s no use begging for your life?" She liked the fear she saw in his eyes as he coughed, trying to breathe through his own blood. "Did she beg for her life?" she asked and laughed bitterly when she saw the question in his eyes. "You don’t even remember her, do you? Or did you and your buddy rape and kill so many that you lost count?" Her voice was tight and it trembled a little as she spit the words out. "Do you remember Elaine Devereaux?" She wanted him to remember, she _needed_ him to remember. Finally she was rewarded by a look that told her he did. She breathed out only now realizing she had held her breath waiting for his reaction. Her body started to tremble violently and she was unable to stop it. "How does it feel to choke in your own blood?" she whispered through clenched teeth as she watched him die. She watched him for what seemed like a long time. She breathed a bit more rapidly as it slowly dawned on her that it was really over. And then, "I just killed somebody!" As soon as the thought came to her she shook her head. "No, I killed a sick animal. I kept my promise, Elaine. He’ll never hurt another one again." Just then she heard the police sirens coming from a distance and she realized it wasn’t over yet. Maybe they weren’t coming her way. The thought flashed through her mind. Maybe. In any case, she had to get out of there and soon. Antonia glanced quickly around her. Everything was as it had been when they entered the apartment, except for the body on the floor. She had had her gloves on the whole time and there were no visible blood stains on her. So far, so good. She opened the door gingerly and checked the corridor. All clear. She almost got to the sidewalk when she knew her luck was running out. The police car _was_ coming her way and if she didn’t find another way out of there, soon, the cops would see her. She turned around and run behind the building hoping to find a way out. She cursed silently as she saw the high plank fence. There was no way she could climb over it or get past the police without being noticed. And it wasn’t like she could just blend with the crowd at that time of night. Just when she thought that it was the perfect time to panic someone pushed one of the planks out of the way from the other side of the fence. Antonia took the hand she was being offered and slipped through the narrow gap without a second thought. As soon as she was through, the plank was replaced and she heard the unmistakable voice of LaCroix :"Don’t you know that it really isn’t safe to be out alone at this time of night, especially in this part of the city?" ********************* end of part 1 -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers* http://www.dlc.fi/~dce/fic/index.html Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:47:21 +0200 Organization: Clinet Ltd. To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 2 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (2/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 ********************* LaCroix had easily followed Garrett’s car from the air and he had hovered outside the apartment’s window watching the game being played inside. He wasn’t really surprised to see the woman kill the man. Remembering the look in her eyes he had expected as much. But he was surprised by her method. He had expected her to shoot him, or maybe to stab him. He hadn’t expected her to kill him with her bare hands, or with her foot as the case was. He could smell the man’s blood as it poured from his mouth and felt his own mouth water. But before he had the chance to decide whether or not to have a taste of all that blood his acute hearing picked up the sound of sirens. LaCroix could tell the exact moment the woman heard the sirens. He watched her get out of the apartment and knew she was just a few moments too late to make a clean getaway. She had done so well, until now. It would be a shame to let her efforts end like that. He could hear her silent curse just before he removed the plank. Without a moments hesitation she took his hand and the way out he was offering. Antonia´s heart sank as she recognized the Raven’s owner. That was it. She was caught. Then she heard his voice saying "Don’t you know that it really isn’t safe to be out alone at this time of night, especially in this part of the city?" and she could breathe again. He wasn’t going to turn her in. "I don’t believe we have been properly introduced. Lucien LaCroix, at your service." Antonia could just stare for a second before she managed: "Elaine. You can call me Elaine." LaCroix smiled inwardly at her lie as he brought her gloved hand to his cold lips. "Enchanté." Releasing her hand he continued conversationally: "I suggest we leave now unless you’d rather wait for the...." "No!", Antonia cut him off quickly and decided to ignore the amused look which flashed across LaCroix’ face. "Why are you helping me?" she asked after awhile as they hurried away. "Why not?" was his only response as he stopped a taxi for them. "Don’t worry, he will be no threat", he assured her when she hesitated. Antonia looked into his blue eyes for a moment and even though she knew it was insane she believed him. She climbed into the car and gave her address to LaCroix. It didn’t matter, Antonia thought to herself. She wouldn’t be staying there anyway. She leaned back against her seat and closed her eyes. Funny, she had often imagined what it would be like, afterwards.... But now, she didn’t feel any of the joy and triumph she had always felt in her dreams. She just felt tired and empty... - and lost. She had spent the past year planning, dreaming and breathing for this and now that it was done she felt like she was just squeezed out of her very last drop of energy. She felt even too tired for tears. Where would she go from here? She hadn’t the slightest idea what she would do with her life, now. LaCroix regarded her weary form for a while before asking: "Care to tell me who he was?" Antonia didn’t know why she wasn’t surprised when he seemed to know about Garrett. Maybe it was because she had heard some of his Nightcrawler speeches. "I am the Nightcrawler, and I know everything." She opened her eyes slowly and gave him a glance. "The less you know, the safer you’ll be." "I can assure you, I am quite capable of taking care of myself ,my dear." "I’m sure", Antonia muttered and continued, "Then how about - the less you know, the safer _I´ll_ be?" That gave her a small chuckle and a slight nod from LaCroix. Antonia straightened herself on her seat a bit, glanced out of the window and snapped right out of her numb state. "Where are we going? This isn’t the way..." she turned to LaCroix with her eyes narrowed. LaCroix eyed her calmly: "Oh, we are not going to your place, Elaine. We are going back to the Raven." "What!!” Antonia couldn’t believe he could be that stupid. The Raven was the last place she should be right now. "I simply thought you could use a cast-iron alibi, my dear." "I don’t *need* an alibi", Antonia explained as if to a child, trying to control her voice,” ‘cause I was never here." The lifting of his eyebrow was LaCroix only reaction to her statement. "Do you really think I would do something like this and *not* think of a way to get out?" "I would be most disappointed if you hadn’t, but I like my plan better." Antonia just stared at him not believing her ears. Just who the hell did he think he was. "Excuse me?!" "Certainly, my dear. I’m sure you *think* you had it all planned out but when you think about it objectively you’ll realize that this is for the best." Antonia almost felt the steam coming from her ears as she tried to decide which was worse - his arrogance or the patronizing tone of his voice. She didn’t care anymore if the cab driver heard them or not as she sugar coded her voice: "So you think it’s best for me to go back to the place where countless witnesses saw me leaving with him? That’s your brilliant plan? Why not just tell me to go to the nearest police station to turn myself in, while you’re at it!" "You really should try to calm yourself down, and yes the plan is quite brilliant. You see, my dear, all those people saw *Elaine* leave the club, but she’s not returning there. *You* are." When Antonia drew a sharp breath he continued: "Really, my dear, I didn’t think you to be stupid and I’d appreciate if you returned the compliment. Naturally you will have to get rid of that wig as charming as it may be. And I think you would look much lovelier without all that paint on your face." When Antonia finally got her brain working again they had already arrived to the Raven’s backdoor and LaCroix was ushering her out of the car. As Antonia went to wait for him at the door LaCroix whammied the taxi driver to forget ever seeing and giving them a drive that night. After he had taken care of that matter, LaCroix led Antonia inside and took her to the second floor where his private quarters were. Once they were safely behind closed doors Antonia turned to face the man in front of her. "All right, what’s your game? What do you want?" She could’ve smacked him for the mildly amused look he again had on his face. "Game? I’m simply trying to help you not to get caught, my dear." "_I_ am_ not_ your_ dear_", Antonia snarled trying to get a hold of herself. "Like you said in the cab, I’m not stupid, so don’t give me that bull. You know exactly what happened at Garrett’s and yet you’re not going to turn me in. So, what’s in this for you?" "Nothing that would get in the way of your plans, I can assure you", LaCroix answered with a serious tone. When Antonia simply continued to stare at him with an incredulous look on her face he locked his eyes on hers and listened for her heartbeat: "Trust me. You will not be harmed in any way. You do not want to question my decisions." Antonia felt like she was drowning into those blue eyes and that hypnotic voice.... Yes, she wanted to do as the voice told her to, she wanted to hear more of that voice... No, wait... Antonia shook her head a little to clear it. What a hell was happening to her? She closed her eyes for a few seconds and felt the cobwebs clear from her mind. She gave LaCroix a sharp look and let out a short, mirthless laugh. "I do not want to question your decisions?! Think again!" LaCroix gave a small sigh. Of course, she *would* be a resistor. This must be Nicholas’ influence. He was the one who never got it right. ************************ Natalie was already hovering over the body when Nick and Tracy arrived at the scene. She scribbled something on her clipboard and stood up to face them. “Hi! You two are running a little late aren’t you? We’re almost finished over here.” “Yeah, we would’ve been here earlier but my partner was nowhere to be found when the call came in", Tracy said smiling at Nat. Natalie looked questioningly at Nick who just shrugged his shoulders and asked: “What have we got here?” “White male, late thirties. TOD, I’d say just an hour or two ago. That’s when one of the neighbors made the call complaining about the noise. Cause of death, suffocation.” “There’s a lot of blood if he died of suffocation,” Tracy noted looking at the body. “Well, that's because the blood was what suffocated him”, Natalie answered looking at Nick. For a while there he looked like he couldn’t get his eyes off of the blood spilled on the dead man's face. “You're O.K.?” she asked quietly. Nick nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. “Everything is under control, Nat.” She regarded him for a while before returning his smile. “O.K. Well, I'm finished with him over here. I'll have more for you guys after I get him on my table." As she was turning to leave she heard Nick call after her. “Are we still on for tonight?” “Yeah, if you guys can finish up in time.” “Well, I really don’t have much choice now, do I?” Nick grinned. “I'll be home before the sun up.” He watched Natalie walk to her car and gave a small sigh. Time to get his mind back to work. ************************** Antonia looked at herself from the bathroom mirror. She looked and felt more like herself, now. She had wiped out most of the make-up she had on. Her eyes looked softer, now that they weren’t filled with the black eyeliner anymore and the blood red lipstick was almost gone, too. It still wasn’t quite the color she’d normally use but at least it wasn’t as bright anymore. She didn’t know exactly what to do with her hair, though. She didn’t have anything to tie it down or to sweep it up with, so she just brushed it and let the straight, chestnut locks hang on her shoulders. She took a deep breath and straightened the dark, wine-red velvet dress LaCroix had handed to her. The dress wasn’t quite her usual style, either. It had a low-cut neckline but other than that it covered her to her toes. It didn’t show much of her but the cut was such that it was probably one of the sexiest dresses she had ever worn. Who ever it belonged to had a terrific taste. LaCroix was standing in front of the window when he heard her coming out of the bathroom. He turned to look at her and felt like someone had just punched him hard on his stomach. Yes, she looked different. Gone was the harsh make-up and the black wig. She looked younger and softer -- and innocent, somehow. She was wearing one of the dresses Janette had left behind. It looked different on her. She didn’t have the air that Janette had about herself but then, not many people had what Janette had. But she did have her own, unique kind of grace and elegance to her. Realizing he was taking his time measuring her up he composed the look on his face and said: "That’s better." Antonia had no idea what was going on in his mind but when she heard the verdict she simply lifted her right brow and let her amusement show. "I’m so glad you approve." "Now, what should I call you? We both know I can’t refer to you as ‘Elaine’ if and when the police come to ask their questions." Antonia took a hasty breath as something flashed through her mind. Do or die. Must have been from some movie she had once seen. But it was what she felt right now. She could either trust him or not. There wouldn’t be any middle ground, not about this. The cops would find about it anyway and she was in no hurry to help them point their fingers at her. And for some crazy reason she didn’t even know, she *did* trust him. Up to a point, at least. And right now, that was enough. Do or die. "Antonia. Antonia Jones." ************************** Nick spotted LaCroix at the bar almost immediately. Then he saw the young woman standing next to him, a mortal woman. He did recognized the dress she was wearing but not the woman herself. What was LaCroix up to? The thought came automatically. He had learned a long time ago that LaCroix plus mortals equaled trouble. Well, he would find out soon enough, right now he had a job to do. LaCroix felt Nicholas even before he entered the Raven and hid a satisfied smile. The fun was about to begin. As soon as Nicholas was close enough he turned to him: " Ah, Nicholas. So good of you to drop by." "LaCroix”, Nick nodded shortly before turning his attention to Antonia. "Nicholas Knight, Miss Antonia Jones", LaCroix made the introductions. Antonia extended her hand: "Please to meet you, Mr. Knight." "Likewise." His hands are as cold as LaCroix’ was Antonia’s first thought as she studied the man before her. This was definite hunk material, as Elaine would have said. His fair hair with the bright blue eyes gave an angel-like impression but there was something about him which made Antonia think there was more than met the eye with this one. "Dare I hope that this is a social call, or are you here for business?” LaCroix inquired. Nick returned his attention back to his master: “Business. A man was murdered tonight..” ”And naturally you thought of me....” LaCroix feigned a sigh. “...and his landlady mentioned that he was a semi-regular at the Raven”, Nick finished not bothering with the bait. “Raven is a very popular place as you well know, Nicholas.” “Yeah, well the deceased was a tall man in his late thirties. Brown eyes, reddish hair... “ Antonia didn’t hear their conversation. A cop, he’s a cop. That was all that registered to her. She could feel a cold knot forming at the pit of her stomach as she tried to keep herself in check. Idiot! So much for trusting your gut she thought glancing at LaCroix. Okey, so he had planned for this the whole time and she had swallowed it all eagerly enough. No time to wallow in that, now. Think Jones! Think! You’ve come far too long to let it all crumble around you now. She would get away even if it killed her. LaCroix heard her heart racing and he could feel a slight tremor run though her body as Nicholas was talking. He knew exactly what was going though her mind without looking at her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and let it rest there. Her tremor stopped as soon as it had started. Keeping his attention on Nicholas he answered his question: ”Yes, I believe I know the man you are talking about. He came here on few occasions and I believe he was here earlier this evening.” LaCroix’ gesture was not lost on Nick and he could hear the woman’s heartbeat pounding along the music that was swirling around the club. Ignoring LaCroix he concentrated on the woman. She looked relaxed enough and he would’ve bought the act too, if it weren’t for his ‘special skills’. But as it was he could smell the anxiety and the adrenaline coming from her blood. “How about you, miss Jones? Do you remember the man in question being here this evening?” Antonia turned her attention from the hand on her shoulder to the man standing in front of her. Making sure her voice revealed nothing she nodded: “Yes, I think I saw a man fitting to your description.” “Do you know who he was?” “No. Should I?” “I don’t know, yet. Did you happen to notice at what time he left the club, miss Jones?” Antonia shook her head lightly and lifting her hand to cover LaCroix’ hand on her shoulder she answered with just the right tone of voice to make the implication she wanted: ”No I didn’t. I must have been distracted at the time...” Only his age enabled LaCroix to keep a straight face at that. Antonia had no way of knowing that Nicholas would not buy her hint about the two of them, unless.... He decided to play along, if for nothing else, just to see Nicholas’ face as he would try to decide whether to believe them or not, would be worth it, and he drew her slightly closer to him. “You must excuse Nicholas for his lack of manners, my dear. He sometimes forgets that it is not appropriate to interrogate my guests like they were suspects at the precinct.” The slight warning edge in LaCroix’ voice did not go unnoticed as Nick looked at them. Who was this woman and what was she to LaCroix? They were not lovers, that Nick was sure of no matter how well either of them played their parts. And she was way too young to be one of LaCroix’ ‘old acquaintances’. What could she have that LaCroix would want? She was somehow involved with this murder, that much he was sure of, but how LaCroix fitted in all of this was anybody’s guess, as usual. Nick nodded his head slightly. “I may need to hear you again, miss Jones. Where can we reach you?” “She is staying with me for the time being, Nicholas. You can reach her through my private number,” LaCroix said before Antonia had even had the chance to think of her own answer and was rewarded with a flash of surprise on Nicholas’ face. ************************* end of part 2 -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers* Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:48:50 +0200 Organization: Clinet Ltd. To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 3 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (3/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 ************************* LaCroix regarded Antonia as she leaned to the bar and watched the dancers. To a casual observer it simply looked like she was having a good time listening to the music but LaCroix could almost feel her rage like it was some physical creature staring at him. “Do you want to say what you have on your mind here or would you rather wait until we get to my private quarters?” he asked conversationally. The glare Antonia threw at his direction could’ve turned a lesser man into a stone. Without answering she headed to the back of the club and continued to LaCroix’ quarters. As soon as LaCroix had closed the door behind them she let it all out. “Who the _hell_ do you think you are?! This may all be just a game to you but this is my life on the line buster! Just ‘cause you helped me a little tonight does _not_ mean you can do what ever you want and expect me to just go along with it.” She stopped to breathe and was further enraged as she saw how calmly LaCroix regarded her. “And I guess it never occurred to you to tell me that your buddy is a cop, either?” “I wouldn’t call Nicholas ‘my buddy’ ”, LaCroix said trying to decide how much more of this he would take from this mortal before she would indeed pay with her life. “As for the rest of you little speech, my dear, I think you go along exactly as far as I want you to go. In the long run you will see that it is for the best.” For a second Antonia thought she _would_ actually choke to her rage. “The best for whom?!” She stopped and at least tried to calm herself down. “Oh no, you’re not going to turn this around on me. Yes, you helped me but let’s not pretend that it is because you are some good Samaritan. This has something to do with you buddy, the cop.” She didn’t see him move a muscle but something about him had changed. Antonia felt more in control now that she knew she was on to him. “Yes, that’s it, isn’t it? This is a game to you - just not the game I first thought it was.” She watched at him for a while but his expression gave nothing away. “All right. I’ll play along,” she said “but only as far as _I_ decide I want to go.” LaCroix nodded ever so slightly and hid his smile. ************************* Nick liked the way Natalie’s hair spilled over his black satin sheets. He buried his head into her hair and inhaled deeply. He loved the way she smelled. Not just her perfume but the fragrance which was uniquely Natalie. He lifted his head to see her face. She was smiling like thousand stars and he again marveled that she would love him. He knew she did. “What?” Natalie asked softly. He had such a childlike look on his face. Like he knew a secret and did not want anyone to find out. Nick smiled back at her and leaned to kiss her. “Nothing. I love you.” “Say it again.” “I love you, Natalie.” She drew him closer and he was lost in the sensations. Then he heard her whisper something into his ear. “Nick, get your butt over here”. Funny, it sounded just like Tracy’s voice but that was impossible. They were at his loft and.... “Nick, I know your there. Pick up the phone.” It was Tracy. He had been dreaming. Talk about rude awakenings he thought as he went to the phone. “Yeah, what’s up?” “Finally! Really, Nick. You must sleep like the dead. I’ve been yelling at the phone for the last....” “Well, I’m awake now. Where’s the fire?” “They identified the body from last night. A David Garrett. It seems the FBI is _really_ interested in this one, so naturally Reese is breathing down on our necks. Anyway, the woman you talked to last night at the Raven.. hmmm...” “Antonia Jones.” “Right. It just happens that Garrett is one of the men who killed her sister, Elaine Devereaux, and Reese wants her down here for questioning. Pronto.” ************************** Nick closed the little room’s door and sat across Antonia at the table. “This is detective Vetter”, he nodded towards the blond woman standing next to him. “Detective”, Antonia nodded slightly an waited. This was their show and she would wait to see where they wanted to take it. Tracy looked at the small woman and thought she looked remarkably calm for someone suspected of murder. Well, they would just wait and see how long that would last. “Do you know a David Garrett?” she asked her then. Antonia regarded her for a while before answering. “Not personally.” “But you know who he is, correct?” “Yes, I know who he is.” “Did you know he was murdered last night, miss Jones?” Antonia shifted her gaze from Tracy to Nick. “Was he the man you were talking about last night, detective?” She was good, Nick had to hand it to her. Her questioning look and her tone of voice were just right. “Yes.” “Miss Jones”, Tracy cut in “you didn’t answer my question”. “No, I did not know he was murdered last night” Antonia said turning her attention back to Tracy. “You don’t seem too heartbroken from the news”, Tracy noticed. Antonia looked steadily into her eyes and let out a small mirthless laugh. “No. I’m glad he’s dead. The bastard deserved to die. I’m just sorry he lived as long as he did.” Tracy looked briefly at Nick to see what he thought of that but his face was a mask as always. “Why is that, miss Jones?” Antonia smiled bitterly as she regarded the two detectives in front of her. “Let’s cut the chase, shall we. We all know why I’m here, just like we all know why I’m glad the bastard is dead. He and his buddy raped and killed my sister and they both walked because the FBI wanted what they could deliver more than they wanted my sister to get justice. Now Garrett is dead and you bring me here. So, what else do you want me to tell you that you already know of?” “Did you kill him, miss Jones?” Antonia looked at Tracy and let the small smile stay on her lips. “No, I’m afraid you will have to find someone else to congratulate about that, detective.” “You have done quite a lot of traveling lately, miss Jones.” Nick said taking his turn at the questioning. He was simply stating a fact and Antonia waited for him to drop the other shoe, so to speak. “Do you expect us to believe it is a coincidence that you just happen to be in Toronto when the man you believe killed your sister is murdered?” “So, you think that I tracked him down and killed him. Is that it, detective?” Antonia let her voice reveal just the right amount of amusement. “You believe that I could accomplish what the FBI couldn’t. My, I guess I should be flattered.” “How did you know the FBI was looking for him?” Tracy asked quickly. “Like your partner just said, I have traveled a little lately and I do read. I was at the States not too long ago and FBI loosing their star witness was big news just then. I simply assumed that they would want him back.” Tracy saw Nick nod slightly. She had been in the States at that time. “Where were you last night, miss Jones?” “I was at the Raven. It’s a nightclub at the..” “Yes, I know the place”, Tracy interrupted her. “Were you there the whole night?” “Yes.” “Can anyone verify that, miss Jones?” “Of course. Wouldn’t dream of going out without an alibi in case someone is murdered and I am to become a suspect, detective.” This interrogation was beginning to annoy Antonia and she decided to let it show. Tracy said nothing and just looked at her like she had all the time in the world to get a proper answer from her. Antonia sighed a little:” It’s a nightclub. There were lots of people last night. Your partner saw me there.” “Yes, after the murder”, Tracy stated. “Anyone see you there before that, Miss Jones?” “Before the murder? I don’t know. What time was he murdered, detective?” Antonia knew she couldn’t lose it now but the blond, both of them, was getting on her nerves. She had already stated that she did not murder Garrett and now this alibi crap.... Plus she really wasn’t too eager to play her last card. Not if she didn’t absolutely have to. They both just stared at her. “Yes, someone saw me. I was with Lucie... Mr. LaCroix that night.” Nick thought the slip with the name was a nice touch. In fact, the whole performance had been excellent. Too bad he didn’t believe one word of it. Well, except for the part when she told she was glad Garrett was dead, of course. Now, that left him with a problem. If LaCroix confirmed her alibi, then what? Damn it, why couldn’t LaCroix just stay out of his life? **************************** LaCroix was waiting for them as their came out of the interrogation room. He walked straight to Antonia. “I found your message. Is everything all right?” Antonia couldn’t help herself. She looked into his face, and even though she knew better, for a fleeting moment she actually believed his concern was real. What an actor the world has lost in him, she then thought to herself. “Yes. Everything is fine.” Only then did LaCroix turn his attention to Nick and Tracy. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded to know. Like you wouldn’t know, Nick thought. It was too bad they had an audience and he couldn’t just say what was on his mind. And for once he was glad of the link he shared with LaCroix. He would just _think_ what was on his mind. But because of their audience and for Tracy’s benefit they would have to go through the motions. “Mr. LaCroix, can you verify the whereabouts of Miss Jones last night?” Tracy had beaten him to it. LaCroix turned his piercing eyes to Tracy. “Why? Is she a suspect in that murder case Nicholas was talking about last night?” Tracy wasn’t too crazy about this guy in the first place and she was glad they were at the precinct and not at the Raven. “Just answer the question, Mr. LaCroix.” “Yes, Miss Jones was with me last night. The whole night. Does that answer your question, detective?” Not waiting for her answer LaCroix turned to Nick: “Are we thought here, Nicholas?” He simply nodded. There wasn’t anything he could do, not right now anyway. He watched with Tracy as LaCroix walked away with Antonia. ************************* The music was loud and the Raven was packed as usual. Antonia watched down at the drink in front of her. She sighed deeply and turned to LaCroix. "Now what?" "Now, you go on with your life." "Somehow I don't think your buddy and his partner are quite through with me yet." "Do not worry about Nicholas. I can assure you, he will not break your alibi, " LaCroix said solemnly. Antonia shook her head slowly and smiled at him. "You know, I would _really_ hate to be one of your friends, Lucien." "Well, I do try, my dear, I do try." LaCroix smiled back at her wickedly and Antonia couldn't help a little laugh escaping from her. "Have you thought about what you will do now?" LaCroix asked after a moment. Antonia shrugged her shoulders. "I think I'll stick around for a while, I like Toronto. Other than that --- well, I never quite planned that far ahead." She stared into the distance for a while, sank in her thoughts. It was funny how empty her life seemed now. She had completed the mission she had set for herself but it hadn’t brought her the peace of mind she had hoped for. And it hadn’t brought Elaine back. She shivered from a cold that seemed to come from within but was mercifully brought back to the present as she uselessly tried to stifle a yawn. "Excuse me. Well, I think I better call it a night. I appreciate you letting me stay here for the night but don't worry, I'll clear myself out tomorrow." "There's really no rush", LaCroix replied graciously. Antonia got up from her seat and headed for the private quarters. "Good night", she wished over her shoulder. "Yes, I believe it will be", came the answer which brought a soft smile into Antonia's lips. *************************** end of part 3 Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:50:14 +0200 Organization: Clinet Ltd. To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 4 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (4/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 *************************** Antonia was actually quite surprised how easily she had found an apartment for herself. Granted, it wasn’t the most glamorous of apartments and it’s location could’ve been better but it was available and the rent was quite reasonable. That had been three weeks ago and Lucien had stopped by almost every evening since. Antonia wasn’t exactly sure why he kept in contact but she was glad that he did. She really didn’t know anyone else in the city and she found his company - stimulating. Yes, he was wicked and down right spooky at times but she found that she actually liked it. She had also developed a habit of listening to his radio show before she went to sleep. She had to admit it was a weird show and she couldn’t really understand why some of the people who called in did so since Lucien had a habit of verbally shredding them into little pieces, but she kinda liked his morbid humor. _And_ he had a killer voice. They usually just talked, or rather she talked, about herself, her life, her plans for the future or the lack of them, and he would listen. It sometimes bothered Antonia that he was rather reluctant to talk about himself but then he would start a discussion of some piece of music or a work of literature and they would go on all night debating why he thought Shakespeare was way overrated in the modern world and why she did not agree. He was different from anyone she had ever met before and even though he could make her climb the walls at times she found she was disappointed if he did not come by on some evenings. LaCroix didn’t know exactly why he kept going back to her since the amusement she could offer by irritating Nicholas was obviously over. Nicholas had not questioned her further about the murder case and the matter seemed to be closed as far as it concerned Antonia. And yet here he was again. The truth was he enjoyed her company. True, he found her opinions a bit naive at times, but then she hadn’t been around quite as long as he had. But however naive she might be she was never boring which was more than he could say about most people. What he thought was the most fascinating aspect in her was the capability of certain ruthlessness mixed with the unexpected innocence which came through clearly but unconsciously. He looked around her living room while she was making herself a cup of hot chocolate. She had decorated the apartment quite colorfully, too much so to his taste but it did reflect her quite well. Some of the furniture was left there from the previous tenant but she had made a nice job decorating the room and making it her own. One wall was covered with books, the topics varying from ancient myths to the latest romance bestsellers. She had had them stored for her for the past year and had gotten them shipped to her just a few days ago. The top of one of her chest drawers was filled with framed photos of her family and she had hang some of Elaine’s paintings on the walls. They were quite good too, LaCroix thought to himself. The cosy feeling of the room was completed by the long, forest green curtains and the colorful carpets. “Are you quite sure I can’t get you anything?” he heard Antonia ask from the small kitchen. “Quite certain.” She never failed to ask even though she knew the answer by now. Ever the polite hostess. He had a picture of Elaine in his hand when she joined him in the living room. “She was quite beautiful.” Antonia looked at the photo and smiled a little. It still hurt after all this time to think that she would never see her again. “Yes, she was. She was just about everything I always hoped to be. When we were little I used to think that she was perfect. And in many ways, she was.” She looked at LaCroix as he put the picture down and smiled more brightly. “I don’t just mean her beauty, that was obvious, but she was one of the truly good people I have ever met.” She seemed a bit embarrassed when her voice trembled ever so slightly but she soon composed herself and looked at LaCroix with clear eyes. “And before you say that utter goodness or perfection is boring in the long run - she was anything but.” “I’ll take your word for it”, LaCroix answered dryly. “You two do not look alike,” he commented then glancing at Elaine’s photo. Antonia sipped from her cocoa and gave him a bemused look. “If that is a polite way of saying that I don’t compare to my sister, you’re absolutely right.” For a moment it looked like LaCroix was going to protest but before he had a chance to say anything Antonia continued: “Elaine looked like our mother. She had the same wavy, black hair and dark eyes as mom did. I could only wish I had been as lucky with my genes.” At the questioning look on LaCroix' face she explained:” I was adopted when I was about two months old. My parents used to tell me that I was special because they had chosen me. And I always felt that I was, too. Even after they had Elaine. I was four at the time and she was the most perfect thing I had ever seen.” She laughed at her memories. “You know how babies always seem to be red and really look like very small _old_ people when they are born? Not Elaine. She had this truly peachy complexion from the start.” Antonia woke up from her reverie and looked at LaCroix apologetically. “Sorry, I must really bore you with this stuff.” “Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if I get bored. I am curious, however. Did you ever look for your real parents?” “No. I mean, I always felt that Mary and Charles were my real parents. And they were in every way that truly mattered. They were the ones who brought me up, the ones who loved me. It didn’t matter that they weren’t there when I was born ‘cause they were there for all the times that really did matter. Like my school Christmas plays and when I was sick and all that. I don’t know.... It’s like they always said - they chose me, so I chose them.” “Yes, there are those chosen but some of them do not always know how to appreciate it”, LaCroix answered with a strange look on his face. “What?” Antonia was curious. LaCroix shook his head slowly and said cryptically: ”It never ceases to amaze me how children are sometimes wiser than those with the knowledge of the ages.” It was times like these when Antonia really didn’t have a clue what he was _truly_ talking about. Levels within levels. Time to cheer up the mood a bit she thought silently and asked him to choose a CD while she took her now empty cup back to the kitchen. ************************** Two weeks later Nick was really looking forward for tonight. He checked for the umpteenth time that he had the tickets with him. Natalie had once said that she'd like to see this play sometime and he finally had managed to get two tickets just tonight because someone had canceled their reservations at the last minute. He walked over to the caddy and blessed his lucky stars that both he and Natalie had the night off. He felt a stupid grin come over his face as he thought about how surprised Natalie would be. He had told her that he'd be coming over to watch some videos at her place for a change. Yeah, this was going to be good. As he opened the caddy's door he saw it. A white envelope on the passenger's seat. Nick looked quickly around him but saw no-one. He took the envelope and saw that it was addressed to N. de Brabant. Nick felt the hair at the back of his neck stand up and he knew his eyes had flecks of gold in them as he scanned the area again. Nothing. He opened the envelope and inside was another envelope, this one was addressed to LaCroix. This was not good. Not good at all. LaCroix was about to start his show when he felt his son. Something was wrong. Almost immediately after that he saw Nick arrive at the Raven. LaCroix turned one of his old shows on the air and went to the back room after him. "I found this in the caddy", Nick said handing the envelope to LaCroix. He looked at it and then at Nick as to say "So?". Nick shrugged: "Open it." LaCroix took the paper out of the envelope and as he read it Nick could've sworn he went a little paler than usual. But the moment passed and LaCroix' mask was again as intact as ever. He wrinkled his brow as he tried remember if he had ever seen that particular handwriting before but it didn't ring a bell. He looked up from the letter and handed it to Nick. 'If you want to see your pet once more while she is still alive, come to the....' Nick looked over at LaCroix: “Antonia?" He nodded in response. "But why bring the note to me..." Nick started out loud and finished in unisys with LaCroix:"....unless, they're really after the both of us." "Well, it has been a while since someone has been this eager to see me”, LaCroix said, “So, I mustn't keep them waiting." With that he stepped out side to the alley behind the Raven and took to the air. Nick shook his head as he thought about his now ruined plans and muttered to himself: "I knew it was too good to be true. I just hope she gives me the chance to explain before she stakes me...." Then he went after LaCroix. The small, run-down two story warehouse was just outside city limits. LaCroix didn’t even bother to think the best way to get them by surprise. There was no point to it since they already knew they were coming, and what was more, they had Antonia. No, she would not be harmed. He would see to that she got out safely and _then_ he would take care of whoever thought would get the better of him. He stepped inside with Nick in tow. Their predatory vision did not need the dim light which illuminated the space ahead of them. As soon as they got inside he felt the presence of others of their kind. There were definitely more than one of them but then he had already expected as much. "LaCroix, at long last." The voice came above them from the second floor balcony and they turned to face their host. He was a tall and slender man with dark hair and piercing, dark eyes. He appeared to be in his late thirties but perceptions could be deceiving, and were, since he was in fact nearly LaCroix' age. Next to him there were two other vampires, armed with nasty looking stakes. They were holding Antonia. She looked a bit worn out and the right sleeve of her dress had been torn but other wise she looked unharmed - for the moment. LaCroix turned his attention back to their host. "Cezar. It has been a while." "Too long it seems. I must say I am disappointed in you, LaCroix. Weren't you the one who always despised those involved with their mortal pets? And here you are - quite smitten by one yourself. You must have mellowed in your old age, Lucien", Cezar mocked him. Then he turned to see Nick: "Ah, de Brabant. You look quite - weak. It must be the new diet I hear you're into. Though I must admit, I was surprised to learn about it. But then, you are LaCroix' son so, I guess it was to be expected. A weak master makes weak children, eh Nicholas?" Nick looked at him trying to control himself. "What do you want, Cezar?" "Why - revenge, Nicholas. I want revenge", came the cold answer. Then Cezar turned his attention to Antonia. The two younger vampires yanked her head back giving Cezar a clear access to her throat. He trailed a path from her chin down to her collarbone with his icy finger. As he indulged himself he spoke to LaCroix: "She has such a smooth, white neck, LaCroix. I am surprised you haven't made her into one of us, yet. I know you've had plenty of time to get it done, my friend. Or maybe you're afraid of what would become of her if you did bring her across? Maybe you're afraid she would turn out like my Marguerite?!" Antonia couldn't move an inch. Her captures seemed to be made out of steel. She was afraid to death but she was also determined not to show it to these bastards. But she couldn't help shivering as she felt Cezar's icy fingers on her skin. She couldn't understand half of what he was saying. What was that thing about mortals supposed to mean? Yes, she understood about revenge but who was this Marguerite he was talking about? Her near frantic thoughts were cut abruptly as she saw Cezar's dark eyes change into gold. If one of her captures hadn't had his hand over her mouth she would've screamed out loud. Now, all she managed were some terrified, muffled sounds as she tried to get away from him. Cezar smiled satisfied at her fear and as his smile broadened Antonia could see his canines protruding. For a while she thought she would faint but she had no such luck. She felt the grip of her captures to loosen slightly and she could now move her head a bit. She turned to see LaCroix and Knight and felt another scream forming as she saw that they, too, had transformed. LaCroix saw the terror in Antonia's eyes when she saw them. He could hear her heart racing like a frightened rabbit but there was nothing he could do about that right now. He turned his eyes to meet Cezar's: "You know why she had to die. She was out of control and it was only a matter of time before she would have exposed us all." "No!", Cezar screamed eyes burning, "she wouldn't have turned out like she did if it weren't for you and your precious son!" "Fine. You want revenge. But let her go, she has nothing to do with all this", Nick snarled remembering that night so long ago. She had been an innocent but he had been hungry.... "Au contraire, Nicholas", Cezar cut his trip to memory lane, "she has everything to do with it. An eye for an eye. She is mortal and she will feel the terror my Marguerite felt when you drained her of her life and then she will be destroyed just like you destroyed Marguerite, LaCroix." "Yes, it was most unfortunate that she happened to be at that tavern just when Nicholas was in need of.... refreshments", LaCroix exclaimed, "but you yourself had meant to bring her across. After what happened I simply did it for you, since we were friends." "You knew she was mine, LaCroix and you still let him take her!" Cezar snarled at him, "she wasn't ready to be brought across and yet you did just that...." "Would you rather I had let her die, Cezar?" LaCroix asked him coldly. "You brought her across and then you destroyed her. Now, it is my turn. You will watch this woman die like I watched you kill Marguerite. Then I will destroy you and your precious son", Cezar spitted venomously. Then he seemed to get a little more control over himself and he continued more calmly: "Oh, and don't worry, I haven't forgotten about your darling daughter. After I'm finished with you I'll be sure to find the lovely Janette." LaCroix felt his own eyes burning but he knew he would have to wait for Cezar to make the first move. If he tried something now it would be all too easy for them to just snap Antonia's neck and be done with it. He felt Nicholas move beside him and restrained him letting him know his plans through their link. "I think I have changed my mind, LaCroix", Cezar announced suddenly. "Now, that the moment is here I just want it to be over and done with." He turned to look at Antonia: "There's really no need to bring her across first. But I think I will teach her how to fly...." With that he rose her above his head and threw her down. There was no time to think so, Antonia just screamed. The sound tore at LaCroix but he was already attacked by the two fledglings and he knew he would be too late. **************** end of part 4 -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers* Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:51:43 +0200 Organization: Clinet Ltd. To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 5 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (5/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 Antonia knew she was going to die. But instead of feeling the hard, cement floor she felt someone's arms catch her. She threw her eyes open and saw Nick. He had caught her with inches to spare. As soon as he caught her he put her down and turned with amazing speed to face their enemy. The two younger vampires were on him now that their master was dealing with LaCroix. Antonia did her best to stay out of the way. There was no way she could be of any help with taking care of these creatures. Then again, LaCroix and Knight were the same so.... She watched, eyes wide as they fought this Cezar and his accomplishes. No, they were not the same. They had come to get her out when they could've just as easily chosen not to. Antonia watched how Cezar threw LaCroix across the room as if it was all happening in slow motion. She saw him take his stake and throw it at LaCroix. "Lucien!!" she screamed. There was no time to think, she simply acted on instinct and launched herself between the stake and LaCroix. LaCroix watched as the stake Cezar had meant for him hit Antonia instead with terrifying force which almost drove the stake all the way through her abdomen. His eyes turned into red and he could smell her blood as it poured on the floor. But before he managed to do anything to help her Cezar was on him again. The two ancient ones fought for what seemed like ages but in reality it only took few moments. LaCroix sank his fangs into Cezar’s neck and drank deeply for as fast as he could. It didn't matter that Cezar finally managed to wrench himself free from his hold because he was already weakened by the loss of blood. LaCroix hit him with the back of his hand and flew him to the ground. And with speed only their kind possessed he took a stake from the ground next to them and drove it into Cezar’s pitiful excuse of a heart. Nick snarled at his opponent, eyes blazing. The younger vampire had just witnessed him extinguish his friend and knew that he didn't stand a chance against him. Risking a swift glance at his master who now lay staked on the ground, he tried to get away. As soon as he took to the air he felt Nick's steely grip on him. With one fluid motion Nick threw him to the ground and broke his neck. It was over. Nick turned to LaCroix and saw him kneeled at Antonia’s side. He was holding her in his arms and there was a look on his face that took Nick a while to recognize. Tenderness. Strangely mixed with pain as he gently brushed her hair away from her face. Her blood was still warm on his hands but it was too late. He was too late. There was no spark of life left in her for him to bring her across. LaCroix watched at her still form, her face looked.... peaceful, somehow. Maybe she had found peace. For her sake he hoped so. But for him it was too late. He had been too late. He would never hear her voice again, see her eyes sparkle with anger as she was infuriated with him.... It was strange, how he only now, when it was too late realized, or rather, admitted to himself, what she had meant to him. He stood up slowly, holding her in his arms and saw Nick looking at them. "I'm sorry", Nick said quietly and for once LaCroix did not simply brush his words off but actually seemed to appreciate his sympathy. And then the moment was gone and LaCroix' mask was on again. Suddenly LaCroix seemed to freeze to his feet. He turned his head sharply to see Antonia’s still form in his arms. It couldn't be.... But there it was again. He wasn't mistaken. A heartbeat. Her heartbeat. It was faint at first but it rapidly became steady and strong, just like it had been before. He looked up at Nicholas who had heard it too. "The table, Nicholas," LaCroix ordered nodding at the far corner of the warehouse where it had been thrown during the battle. Gingerly he lay her on it and watched in fascination as her chest slowly rose and then lowered in the pace of her breathing. Her blue dress was soaked with her sweet blood but there was no doubt, no mistake - she was alive. *************************** *************************** "You've got to concentrate!" Duncan's voice whipped her through the air as Antonia barely blocked his attack. She let her sword fall to her side. "I'm trying!" she sounded defensive. "I'm trying, " she repeated more calmly this time. Duncan's dark eyes regarded her weary form closely. He knew how hard it was to adjust to this new life she was starting, but damn it, it was her life they were trying to help save here. And she could do better than that pathetic performance just now. Antonia sighed inwardly as Duncan simply kept looking at her, saying nothing. She knew she could do better but - it was just so hard. Not the exercises themselves but this new life. Just when she thought she was really starting to cope, something pulled her right back to square one. She didn't know exactly what it was this time but she was just so tired.... But he was right of course. He was doing his best to help her, to teach her how to stay alive but he couldn't do it without her doing her own part. With another sigh Antonia composed her thoughts. “Okay, let's try it again. This time I'll do it right." Duncan waited a moment: “No, we better call it a day." "No. Mac, I promise, no more slacking or whining. Just one more try - please." "Look, it won't do you any good unless you concentrate. You can't let your mind wander around or it'll cost you your head." "I know, I know. I'll concentrate. Ready when you are." Duncan watched her silently for a while. Yeah, she would get it together. "Okay, one more time..." By the time she got back to the house she was exhausted. Mac had really made her work her butt off today but it felt good to know that she could do it. She _was_ making progress. Once she got used to the feel of a sword in her hands it hadn't been that bad. Her years of training martial arts had made it all that much easier. But she knew that wasn't really the problem. The problem was she was lonely. Sure, Mac and Tessa were great, more than great and Richie was, well, Richie. But they weren't family. True, she hadn't had one for well over a year now but her mission had kept her going. Now there was only herself. She sometimes played with the idea to try and rekindle her old friendships but it felt too awkward. She had pretty much cut all her social connections when Elaine had died and committed herself to finding her killers. That hadn't really left much time or energy to keep up with friends. She sighed a little and went to the kitchen where Mrs. Watson had made her dinner. The thought of Mrs. Watson brought a smile to her lips. She didn't know where LaCroix had found her but she was definitely worth her weight in gold. She didn't live in the house but came by every day. She prepared all of Antonia’s meals and took care of all the household work. Mrs. Watson was in her late fifties and was from England originally but her son had married a French girl and they lived in Paris, so she, too, had moved there when her husband had died ten years ago. She was tall and, at first glance, a severe looking woman but as Antonia had come to know she was really a sweetheart. Her hair was all gray but her green eyes were still as clear and bright as ever. She had taken Antonia under her wing as soon as she had arrived. The only thing she had complained to Antonia was her choice of breakfast. Mrs. Watson was a strong believer of a proper breakfast and was devastated to find that all Antonia ever ate at morning was fruit. But she had decided that if that was all she truly wanted then she would do her best to accommodate. So, Antonia had found a new, exotic selection of fruits waiting for her every morning, ever since. After finishing her dinner Antonia took the glass of white wine with her and made her way to the study. It still amused her to think that she was actually living in a house which had a study in it. It sounded so, last century, to her. But the study, more like a mini library really, was her favorite place in the house. It had a big, ornamented fire place on one wall and huge windows with heavy, velvet drapes on the other. The furniture was selected with comfort in mind and she didn't think they were antique as was the case with most of the other rooms. It had taken her a while to get used to the idea that the furniture in the house was actually there to be used and not just to be admired. And it still felt at times like she was living in a museum rather than in someone's home. But to Lucien it probably did spell home. After all, he had been around when all the different styles the house's decor demonstrated were invented and used in everyday life. The house itself was really a mansion. It was simply huge and it had more rooms than she suspected anyone could ever need to use. She didn't know why she had been so surprised by it when she had first arrived. After all, it did belong to LaCroix and he never seemed to do anything in a small scale. Antonia turned the radio on for some music and sat down to listen. She sipped from her glass and took her book from the table where she had left it the previous day and continued reading about the wonders of the ancient Rome. *************************** LaCroix sat at the back-room of the Raven and looked at the postcard he had received earlier that day. It was one of those sunny town view cards he couldn’t stand but it wasn’t the picture but rather the writer that held his attention. That was only the second postcard he had received from Antonia since she had left to Paris a few months ago. The first one had simply stated that she had arrived safely and that she thought the house was impressive. This second one wasn’t much more informative: “Think I’m starting to really like this city. Getting adjusted pretty well to everything. Antonia.” That was it. LaCroix knew she wanted to prove to herself that she could do it on her own but really, this was ridiculous. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Flashback^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The night of Antonia’s death, at her apartment. She stood before him, wide eyed and a bit windblown after their flight to her apartment. He could hear her heart pounding and smell the adrenaline in her blood as she stared at him. She gulped a little and blinked a few times before she finally found her voice again. “I thought you guys were supposed to turn into bats when you fly.” LaCroix wasn’t sure what he had expected for her to do or say but that certainly wasn’t it. “I’m afraid you’ve seen too many bad movies about us, my dear,” he chuckled. She closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head lightly. “....Twilight Zone...”he heard her mutter to herself. Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes and stared at him again. “How...” her voice trailed off. Then she started again: “When did you become a....vampire?” She said the last word as if she was wondering whether that was the politically correct word to use or not. When he answered her question he thought for a moment that she was going to faint. All the color vanished from her face and her heart skipped more than just a few beats. “Well, you certainly don’t look your age,” was her feeble comment. Then, keeping her eyes locked to his, she carefully stepped right in front of him and lifted her hand to touch his cheek, ever so lightly. She swallowed at the coolness she felt now that she knew what caused it. “Your eyes.... Show me again,” she almost whispered. For a moment LaCroix didn’t understand what she meant. Then he smiled at her and let his eyes change. He felt her breath as she saw the blue change into gold. He was as fascinated about her apparent lack of fear as she was about what she saw. He could hear her heartbeat slow down as she stared into his eyes - and then he saw her smile. Granted, it was a very small smile but smile non the less. “Do they hurt?” she was curious. LaCroix gave a small laugh and shook his head. “No, they do not hurt.” Suddenly she started to shiver and she turned to look out of the window. “Why is it so cold in here?” she spoke her thoughts out loud. He saw her look down at herself and knew what she was thinking. She hadn’t changed her clothes and the dried blood which played havoc on his senses had hardened the fabric of her dress. She crossed her arms in front of her and practically hugged herself trying to keep the cold at bay. It didn’t work of course since the cold she was feeling came from with in herself. LaCroix saw her image reflecting from the window and saw she had closed her eyes tightly in a useless effort to stop the tears from flowing. He could smell their salt even before they finally broke out. Usually tears, no matter whose, simply irritated him. Now he felt irritated by the fact that he did not know what to do. It was most annoying. He knew what he wanted to do but he also knew that he wasn’t good at getting close to and comforting others any more than he was good at letting others get close to or letting them comfort him. In the end he simply went to stand closely behind her and let his presence do the comforting. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A ringing phone brought LaCroix back to present. "Yes?" "Is Francine there?" came a smothered voice from the other end. "You have the wrong number", LaCroix answered shortly and dropped the receiver back to it's place. ************* end of part 5 Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:53:00 +0200 To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 6 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge is Sweet? (6/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Flashback^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Later at Antonia’s apartment “No. There’s nothing wrong with me!” Antonia cut in before LaCroix could finish his sentence. “Of course not, you are simply different, now”, he said in a soothing voice trying to clam her down. She looked at him fiercely. “Don’t talk to me like I’m a child. I may not understand exactly what happened to me but I am _not_ what you say I am. I’m still _me_. I would feel different if what you tell was the truth.” “And what reason would I have to lie to you?” he asked her gently. She simply stared him with a haunted look in her eyes unable to come up with a reason. Finally she just turned away from him. “Not wanting to hear about it and not excepting it won’t make it go away,” LaCroix said to her back. “Why me?” came the smothered answer. LaCroix sighed a bit exasperated. “Really, my dear, most people would welcome the idea of living forever.” Antonia whirled around to face him again. “It’s not the living part I’m worried about. You just told me that there are people out there who are just waiting for a chance to chop my head off!!” “You didn’t let me finish what I was about to say...” LaCroix started anew when he was again interrupted. “No, I don’t want to know. There’s nothing to know. You simply made a mistake. Could happen to anyone - even you,” Antonia blurted and continued before LaCroix had a chance to protest, “but since you are in a mood to talk, lets talk about you. After all , it’s not everyday one finds out that vampires really do exist.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ LaCroix sighed at the memory. She had absolutely refused to hear any more about Immortals and their Game. Instead she had insisted that he tell her about vampires, about himself. He had stayed at her place talking to her until she finally fell asleep on the couch. She had looked so tired, even in her sleep. Well, it had been a long night. He had considered staying so she would not be alone with her thoughts when she woke up but the dawn was coming and he hadn’t fed for some time. So he had quietly left. LaCroix felt a smile creep on his lips. Yes, she could be stubborn but he did miss her. For two weeks she had wanted to hear nothing about Immortals. He had spent every night of those two weeks with her and all she wanted to hear about was vampires. How did one become one? What made their fangs extend? Could they have children? Which of the clichés and myths were correct? Why hadn’t she learned about vampires before? The questions would go on and on. And when she wasn’t talking about vampires in general she drowned him with questions of himself. She wanted to know everything; where he had been in his considerable time, why and how he had chosen his children, etc. etc. And he had told her. Everything she wanted to know. And she had not shied away. Even now, that fact made him marvel at her. LaCroix looked again at the postcard in his hand. In the end she had given in and asked him to tell her about herself, about Immortals. She had not interrupted him once. She had simply listened as he told her everything he knew about them and about the Game. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Flashback^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Now what? Am I just supposed to start taking fencing lessons and hope for the best?” LaCroix shook his head and smiled at the look on her face. “You will find someone to teach you, another Immortal.” “And how do I know that they won’t take my head before we even have the chance to shake hands, huh?” “He won’t take your head. You have my word.” Antonia narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. “He?” “Duncan MacLeod. He is Immortal like you, just slightly older.” “I bet”, Antonia muttered to herself but continued then, “And just how do you know that this MacLeod character is even willing to help me?” “Of course he is. He’s just waiting for you to inform him of your arrival.” Antonia looked at him in silence for a moment. “You have this all planned out already, don’t you?” "Well, someone had to plan ahead, my dear," LaCroix answered coolly. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a control freak?" Antonia asked ever so politely. "Not with the exact same words...." "Well, you are," Antonia stated matter of factly. Then she sighed slightly: "You know you can't do this all for me, Lucien. It's not that I don't appreciate the gesture, how ever infuriating it may be, but I have to take control of my own life again." He regarded her for a while before nodding. "Yes, I know." Antonia smiled at the serious expression on his face. "You actually managed to sound as if you meant it", she said amused, "now, why don't you let me hear the rest of your brilliant plan." Graciously LaCroix applied. ****** "Paris. I have to go to Paris?" Antonia couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Well, that is where he lives at the moment. But don't worry, my dear. Paris is a lovely town , I'm sure you'll like it", LaCroix assured her. She just stared at him shaking her head. She opened her mouth as if to say something but no sound came out. Finally she threw her hands up in the air and gave up. "Great! Paris. Why not? Everything else in my life has changed, why should this be any different?! So, I guess you have already booked my plane ticket while you were at it?" LaCroix looked at her performance, she really was quite amusing. Then he calmly answered her question: "No. I thought you might want to do that yourself, my dear." "Well, how considerate of you", Antonia replied rolling her eyes at him, "and don't call me dear." "And what would you have me call you, my dear?" She closed her eyes and shook her head sadly: "Never mind. Just forget about it." "As you wish, my dear." ****** “You know, you’re not the only one I’ve met who can get others do as they want and make it actually sound as if we were doing them a favor but you’re definitely the only one I know who truly has the skill mastered to perfection.” “Ah, years of practice, my dear”, LaCroix sounded flattered. “But I’m afraid I can’t accept your generous offer unless you allow me to pay you for it”, Antonia said in a more serious note. “But the house is empty and....” “And I said I need to take control over my life again”, Antonia reminded him gently. “And you gain that by paying rent?” LaCroix asked dryly. “It’s part of it, yes.” “Lucien, I need to do this on my own, to know that I can make it. And it’s not like I can keep on depending on you forever.” She saw the look that brought on his face and couldn’t help laughing. “Don’t say it!” she told him trying to suppress her laugh. He regarded her smiling face for a while before he nodded slightly. “I’m sure we can come to an agreement on that matter.” For a moment it looked as if she was going to pursue it further but then she obviously decided against that. LaCroix watched as the laughter slowly died in her eyes and saw her bite her lower lip. She looked around her apartment and took a deep breath. “So, that’s it then, huh? Time to move on, again.” She looked back at him and for a moment he could’ve sworn he saw the slightest glimmer of tears in her eyes but then she composed herself again and the moment was gone. “It’s not forever.” “I know, I know. It’s just...” she didn’t finish her sentence. “I know you have already done more than enough for me but I need to ask you for one more favor.” She looked slightly nervous about her request and LaCroix couldn’t help but being curious. “Could you have someone at the radio station to send me some tapes of your show? You know I don’t know anyone in Paris and I’m sure there will be plenty of times I wish I could hear a friendly voice...” she interrupted herself when he looked like she had just insulted him. She got a crooked smile on her lips as she corrected herself :” All right, a _familiar_ voice.” He lifted his brow in appreciation of her correction and assured her it would not be a problem. The small smile faded from her lips and for a moment she looked to him like a little girl lost. She looked at him for a long time with a strange look on her face and he could hear her heart starting to beat faster. She took a few steps towards him until she was right in front of him. Her breathing came in short, shallow breaths. “Show me again.” LaCroix let his eyes change into gold and watched a tender smile creep on her lips as she kept staring into his eyes. “You’re too tall. You will have to co-operate with me,” she almost whispered to him never releasing his eyes. It only took a second for him to understand her meaning and obediently he bowed his head towards her. She rose to her toes and grazed her warm lips against his cold ones, ever so gently. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ LaCroix lifted his fingers to touch his lips. He could still almost feel her soft breath on his face, her lips against his own.... She had left the next day. With a sigh LaCroix put the postcard down. It was a good thing that she wasn’t his only source of information. He had made sure that MacLeod kept him up to date on what was happening with her. *************************** It was snowing. Antonia stood at the window in the study watching the snowflakes whirling down. The fire crackled in the fireplace casting light and shadows in the room. It was a picture of domestic tranquillity on the outside. Too bad that wasn't what she was really feeling. It was one week to Christmas and she was feeling miserable. "Oh, this is stupid. Snap out of the self-pity, Jones", she told herself out laud. Yeah, it was stupid feeling this way since everything was going really well. She had became good friends with Mac, Tessa and Richie. And Mrs. Watson was a darling hovering around her like a mother hen. She’d had to practically force her to take some time off for Christmas but finally she had agreed that “it would be lovely” to spend Christmas with her son. She and Tessa had gone Christmas shopping just the other day and Mac had mentioned what great progress she had made. Yeah, everything should be just dandy. But it wasn't. And it was all because of him. She missed him. She knew it was stupid, after all they had only known each other for a few short months. But it didn't make any difference telling that to herself. She missed him and that was it. The worst part of it was that she wasn't just thinking about him during the day but he had started to follow her to her dreams as well. The thought of the dream from last night still made her blush. "I knew I shouldn't have listened to that tape just before falling to sleep", she muttered to herself trying to will her cheeks to cool down. But she had wanted to hear his voice. What really bothered her the most about all of this was that she had no idea what his feelings were. “Yeah, he probably doesn’t even remember you anymore”, she snorted to herself. No this was getting her nowhere. Except for the tapes she hadn’t heard from him since she had left Toronto. She hadn’t called him because she had needed to adjust to her new life and by the time she was ready to pick up the phone, well.... It had been a while and she didn’t want him to think that she was clinging on to him. And he hadn’t called her. Antonia sighed a little and turned away from the window. Absent-mindedly she smoothed her hairdo and checked the time again. It would still be a while before Mac and Tessa would be arriving. They were going to the opera. She hoped the dress she had chosen was appropriate for the occasion. It was a midnight blue, floor length, velvet dress she had found in this lovely old boutique few weeks ago. It had a heart shaped neckline and it left her shoulders bare but the saleslady had assured her that it did not show too much cleavage. She had swept her hair up in an elegant bun but had left a few loose curls to frame her face. She wished she had a necklace to go with the dress so the neckline wouldn’t seem so open but she didn’t own much jewelry and nothing she had worked with her outfit. She smiled at her own thoughts. It felt good to worry about something as trivial as a necklace, or the lack of one, for a change. She turned on the radio to fill in the silence of the huge house. “It’s no wonder I’ve started talking to myself”, she mused as the first notes of Debussy’s Clair de Lune filled the air. It was one of her favorites. “I wonder if Lucien likes this, too.” There you go again, she admonished herself. No, this had to stop. She had simply imagined any interest she thought she had ever detected from him. It had all been in her mind and it was about time she gave up this particular obsession of hers. She stood staring at the flames and smiled a little sadly. Just give it up. The only problem was it was far easier to say it than to actually do it. Suddenly she had the strange feeling that someone was watching her. She turned her head to see the doorway and took a sharp breath. He stood there, tall and elegant as ever in his basic black, watching her with those eyes that had haunted her dreams. It was as if he had materialized there by the sheer force of her will and she felt all of her strength drain away from her limbs. “Lucien.” *************************** end of part 6 -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers* Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:54:25 +0200 To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 7 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (7a/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 *************************** Nick entered the Raven and scanned the area before him. The music was as hectic as ever but the atmosphere while electric struck more taut to him than usual. Then he saw Vachon leaning against the bar and headed that way. “Knight. Long time no see”, the Spaniard greeted him lazily. Nick nodded towards the dance floor: “What’s with the crowd tonight?” Vachon took a gulp from his wineglass before answering. “LaCroix is in one of his moods. Everyone feels a bit edgy.” Nick turned his attention back to Vachon and grinned as to say ‘so, what else is new?’ “Where is he?” he then asked. “He’s just finishing his show”, Vachon nodded towards the broadcasting booth. Just then LaCroix came at the bar. He gulped down the glass of wine the bartender handed to him. Only then did he turn his attention to Nick. "Nicholas. Has someone been murdered again?” he asked flatly. Nick regarded his master for a while before answering. “Probably. But I’m not here on business.” “Well, wonders never seize, it seems”, LaCroix said mockingly. Just then Vachon decided it was time to split. He had no intention on getting caught in a row between Knight and LaCroix. “Later”, he said to no-one in particular and left. Nick looked back at LaCroix. Yes, something was definitely going on. He had been feeling something strange from him through their link for quite a while now and just the other night LaCroix had played Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker suite in his radio show - for Elaine. That was not his kind of music. And Nick didn’t know any Elaine. Then it hit him. Yes, that’s right. All this had started when.... He had to stifle a grin when he finally realized what was going on. “How’s Antonia?” he asked innocently. LaCroix gave him a piercing look. “What do you mean, Nicholas?” That tone... oh yeah, he had it bad, Nick thought and gave LaCroix his best wide-eyed innocent look: “Just trying to make conversation. So, have you heard from her since she left?” “Why this sudden interest in Antonia?” LaCroix was careful not to give anything away with his tone. “Oh, relax, the Garrett case is still closed. Something just reminded me of her few days ago, and it occurred to me that I haven’t seen her after you left me take care of that warehouse while back. Then I remembered that you were quite fond of her and just wondered if you had kept in contact with her, that’s all”, Nick said nonchalantly. LaCroix regarded him closely for a moment. “You should know better than most that I am hardly ‘fond of’ with anyone, Nicholas.” “Oh, so it’s more than that...” Nick tried desperately to keep on a straight face. LaCroix fixed his most menacing gaze on Nick and said stressing each word: “That is none of your business, Nicholas.” Nick had had a lot of practice over the centuries facing that look so it really didn’t work on him anymore. He shrugged a little: “Well, you always seem to be interested in my possible love life so, I just thought I’d return the favor.” That almost made LaCroix loose his temper. Almost. “You may be my son, Nicholas, but even you have better watch it... “ Nick knew that tone, too. The fun was almost over. “Sure. But you better do something about that matter before you snap someone’s vain.” With that Nick turned his back on LaCroix and left. Insolent little puppy, LaCroix thought extremely aggravated, but then that part about snapping someone’s vain was quite tempting.... Taking a sip from his glass he had to admit Nicholas did have a point, though. It was about time he did something to this unsatisfactory situation concerning Antonia. The next day he started the preparations for his trip to Paris. ************************* She was in the study when he found her. LaCroix looked at her profile as she stood before the fireplace. She was absorbed in her thoughts and she had the faintest smile on her lips. The sight of her took his breath away. She was all he remembered, all he had dreamed, her to be. He felt the mere sight of her bring the slightest flecks of gold into his eyes. Suddenly she turned her head towards him and he saw all the color drain out of her face. He could hear her heartbeat climb way up there. She looked like she had seen a ghost. “Lucien”, she whispered. The sound of her racing heart pounded in his ears as he looked into her gray eyes. He remembered the first time he had seen those eyes; they had been cold as steel. Not so now. Now they were the color of the gentlest, warmest summer rain. “Hello, Antonia.” *************************** Antonia wondered how long he had been standing there, watching. Then she remembered what she had been thinking of and felt her cheeks grow hot. “Stupid”, she admonished herself quietly, “he can’t read your mind”. “How did....When did you arrive?” she finally managed to stammer. “Just now. You were so absorbed in your thoughts you probably didn’t hear me come in.” “Oh. Is Nicholas with you?” LaCroix looked at her a bit strangely: “No, I would imagine he is with the good doctor.” “You look lovely, my dear.” Antonia felt self conscious and she knew her cheeks had blushed again under his gaze. “Thank you.” “But since you didn’t know I was coming, I doubt this is for my benefit”, LaCroix said gesturing to her festive attire. “Ah, no”, Antonia returned his slightly teasing smile,” I’m going to the opera with Mac, Tessa and Richie.” “Richie?” LaCroix asked nonchalantly lifting his eyebrow. “He’s a friend of Mac’s.” Like on cue, the doorbell rang. “Wow, you look great!” Richie proclaimed in a very Richie-like manner when he saw Antonia. “Thank you”, she returned his grin, “you don’t look too shabby yourself.” She motioned them to step inside. When she turned around she saw that LaCroix had also came to the hall. “Lucien, this is Tessa Noël, Richie Ryan and you already know Mac”, she made the introductions, “everyone, this is Lucien LaCroix.” “It’s nice to meet you, monsieur LaCroix”, Tessa extended her hand. “Enchanté”, LaCroix lifted her hand to his lips. Yes, MacLeod still had good taste with his companions even if he did seem to prefer mortals, he thought eyeing the tall, blond woman before him. But then, he himself hadn’t known Antonia was Immortal when he had met her.... Then he turned his attention to Richie and dismissed him after a split-second. He was just a boy. Duncan narrowed his dark eyes slightly as he watched LaCroix assess his companions. He nodded his head shortly in greeting: “LaCroix.” “MacLeod”, LaCroix returned just as shortly. There was a moment of uneasy silence as the two of them tried to stare each other down. Finally Richie cleared his throat: “I think we better get going or we’ll be late.” “I’ll just get my coat”, Antonia said returning back to the study. “What was that all about?” she thought to herself getting her coat from the couch. She was startled from her thoughts when the coat was taken from her hands. “Allow me”. She felt a slight shiver run through her as his hands lingered on her shoulders. LaCroix smiled satisfied when he felt it. Yes, she still felt something towards him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and inhaled his sweet scent. Then, reluctantly, he released her. **************************** Antonia closed the front door behind her and switched the alarm system on. She shed her coat off and dropped it on one of the chairs in the hall while trying to see where he might be. “Lucien?” His answer came from the study. She went slowly to the doorway and stopped there. LaCroix put down his wineglass and looked up from his book. “Ah, how was your evening, my dear?” “Magic Flute, it’s always fun”, Antonia answered smiling at him. Yes, she had missed him and the way he called her ‘my dear’; not that she would admit it to him in a million years. “So, what’s the story between you and Mac?” she asked him then moving next to the fireplace. “You two didn’t seem like old friends, earlier this evening.” LaCroix put his book down to the table next to him. “We may be old but friends, no”, he answered. At her inquiring look he suggested: “Maybe you should ask MacLeod about this.” “I did, but he’s not being very open mouthed about the subject”, she said dryly. LaCroix smirked: “No, I guess he wouldn’t be. I suppose, you might call us acquaintances. We met once a few hundred years ago and by the time we went our separate ways.... well, let’s just say that MacLeod owes me some considerable favors.” When it became evident he was not going to continue Antonia asked incredulously: “That’s it?! That’s all you’re going to tell me?” LaCroix smiled at her annoyed expression. “Maybe I’ll tell you all about it, one day, my dear.” Antonia looked at him and shook her head a little. Yeah, now she remembered exactly why she didn’t like him calling her ‘my dear’. Then a thought came to her and narrowing her eyes she asked:” You said he owes you. Is that why I’m here? Am I your way of collecting?” LaCroix regarded her for a moment. “Does it really matter?” Antonia thought of it for a while and then she smiled: “Not to me. You on the other hand have just lost a ‘considerable favor’.” “You needn’t worry about that, my dear. He still owns me plenty”, LaCroix answered placidly. Antonia couldn’t help a small laugh escaping. “You are incorrigible”. “Would you rather I changed, then?” LaCroix asked lightly. Antonia blinked at the question. “No”, she then answered softly, looking straight into his eyes, “no”. She felt like she was drowning into those blue eyes. “What a way to go”, flashed in her mind and she felt her heart beating faster. “This isn’t fair”, she thought, “I have no idea what he’s thinking but he can hear my heart pounding like crazy.” After what seemed like forever, Antonia lowered her eyes. She breathed out slowly and said then with almost steady voice:” Well, it’s been a long day. I guess, I’d better call it a night.” She walked to the doorway and then turned back to meet his eyes again:” Good night.” “Good night, my dear”. LaCroix never took his eyes off of her as she turned and left the room. He heard her go up the stairs and then open and close the door to her bedroom. LaCroix took his wineglass and emptied it with one gulp. *************************** end of part 7a -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers* Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 08:55:24 +0200 To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com Subject: Archiving my story RIS? 8 X-URL: http://www.fkfanfic.com/aboutfkf.htm#h2submit See part 1 for disclaimers. Revenge Is Sweet? (7b/7) by Claudia Bart c.1997 *************************** The next evening “Good evening”, LaCroix greeted heading to the refrigerator. “I thought it was ‘good morning’ to you”, Antonia smiled taking another bite of the apple she was eating. She looked as LaCroix filled his cup and warmed it up in to micro-oven. Then he sat at the table opposite her and took a savoring sip. “Do you always warm it up?” she asked curious. “Only when it’s not cut down with wine”, LaCroix answered looking closely at her face to see how she would react. Antonia thought of his answer for a while and then shrugged a little:” Well, I guess it makes sense.” Then she looked at the clock and noted:” Well, I better get going if I want to get anything done today”. “I thought I’d finish my Christmas shopping today”, she continued at his questioning look. “Would you care for company, my dear?” LaCroix' question stopped Antonia to her feet. She turned back to him and cleared her throat a little:” I’m sorry. I just assumed you’d be the type not to celebrate Christmas.” “I am. But I’ve made a few exceptions in my time”, LaCroix said dryly. “Well, if you’re sure.... But I gotta warn you - I’m the type that wants to visit every store before making up my mind so, we’ll probably end up going everywhere twice”, Antonia smiled at him a little wickedly. It was a beautiful night and Antonia enjoyed it all the more because she was spending it with LaCroix. And he was being helpful, too. He had spent many years of his time in Paris and knew all the right places to go to get what she was looking for. Not to mention that his French was nearly perfect while she just barely managed to get understood. They were not in a hurry and while they strolled down the streets LaCroix told her what Paris had been like when he had first visited it many, many years ago. Antonia loved to listen to his voice, walking next to him and just spending time with him. She felt like a school girl who was having her first crush, except that she was not a school girl anymore and this sure wasn’t a crush. LaCroix looked at Antonia’s sparkling eyes as she laughed at his story. She looked happy - and more beautiful to him than ever before. He loved the way she laughed and the feel of her warmth next to him. He even liked the way she would mock him and laugh at him, with no malice but also without fear. Yes, she was truly remarkable. Finally she got all her shopping done. “And not a moment too soon, either”, LaCroix thought as he heard ‘Jingle Bells’ begin to play for the umpteenth time. “Ugh, my feet are killing me”, Antonia groaned as they stepped out of the last store, “now, all I want to do is get back to the house and soak myself in a long, hot bath”. The mental images that brought to LaCroix made him totally zone out. “Earth to Lucien”, Antonia said for the third time before he snapped out of it. “You were a zillion miles away”, she laughed at him. LaCroix quickly composed himself: “I’m sorry, my dear. What did you say?” “I asked if you were staying here over the holidays or are you going back to Toronto for Christmas?” “No, I’m staying here for a while”, LaCroix answered and saw a happy smile brighten Antonia’s face. Then suddenly her expression changed and she looked worried. “What is it?” he asked alarmed and scanned the area with his vampiric senses trying to find out what had brought the change about. She looked at him a bit uncertainly: “I have invited some friends over for a Christmas dinner at Christmas Eve but since you’re not celebrating....” LaCroix almost sighed with relief and cut her speech:” That is no problem. I think I can survive one evening of celebration”. Antonia looked at him doubting:” Are you sure? I was going to get a big tree and mistletoe... the whole enchilada.” “Well, I wouldn’t know about the enchiladas but the rest should not be a problem”, LaCroix replied dryly and was rewarded with another bright smile. Soon after he stopped a taxi for them and opened the door for her: ” You said your feet were killing you and we can’t have that.” The next evening they went hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. For someone who claimed he did not care for the season, he sure spent considerable amount of energy helping her out, Antonia thought amused. She had chosen a tree but LaCroix claimed it was too small and pointed to a huge tree:” You said you wanted the whole enchilada. Now is not the time to back down, my dear”. “How are we ever going to get that back to the house?” she laughed. But somehow they managed and in no time they had set it up in the living room. Antonia stepped back a little and admired the tree. She had to admit it was perfect. “Now, all we need are the decorations”, she said satisfied. She saw the look on LaCroix’ face and laughed: “Don’t worry. You have already done more than your share. Now you can just sit back and relax and I’ll take care of it.” She opened the boxes LaCroix had gotten from the attic. “Lucien, they’re beautiful”, she sighed lifting a colored glass ornament from the box. “They look old. I thought you said you didn’t celebrate Christmas?” “I don’t. Janette got those years ago when we all lived here”, LaCroix answered looking at the delicate ornament in her hand. When they had all been together as a family.... Antonia watched as he composed himself again. For a moment he had looked so.... What it must be like to him, to have lived for as long as he has, how many losses.... Antonia stopped herself. No, this was supposed to be happy time, fun, her time with Lucien. “Would you hand me the lights we got today? They have to go on first.” Much to Antonia’s surprise, and amusement, LaCroix helped her with the electric candles and ended up helping with the rest of the decorations, too. He would hand her the ornaments and she would find the perfect place to hang them on. “You know, Christmas was always a big thing in my family. Elaine and I used to love decorating the tree”, she smiled to her memories. Then she turned to look at LaCroix who patiently waited with yet another ornament. “This means a lot to me. Thank you”, she said softly taking the ornament he was handing. ”You’re welcome”. LaCroix felt her warm hand brush against his own cool one as she took the ornament from him. He watched her as she tried to figure out where to put it, so that it would be just right. She was so close, so warm and he felt little tingling sensations every time their fingers touched. And he knew he wasn’t alone with his feelings as he could hear her heart beating a little faster and her breathing becoming more rapid and shallow. Antonia almost dropped the glass star she was holding as she felt his brief touch. She wanted to touch him and she let her fingers linger a little longer than was necessary when he handed her the next ornament. She knew he must hear her heart pounding again. This was like slow torture. Being so near to him and yet not really touching.... She thought she felt his breath in her hair as she stretched to reach a branch above her head. “That’s it. I can’t take this anymore. He knows, he must know, what he’s doing to me”, Antonia thought to herself. Without turning to see him she blurted in frustration: ” Would you just kiss me before I’ll have a nervous bre....” She never got to finish her sentence. LaCroix turned her to face him and his lips were on hers in an instant. The kiss was almost desperate at first but turned then into gentle exploration. Antonia felt his hands in her hair, on her lower back as she circled her arms around him. He heard her whisper his name as he nuzzled down her neck. She tasted so sweet and the scent of her warm blood overwhelmed him. He felt his eyes change as her hands roamed all over him. She could hear a low growl escape from him as she nibbled his left ear and she felt herself being aroused even further by that sound. She felt a warm flood inside her and it exited her to no end to know that she was having the same effect on him. She was seriously out of breath when she rose her eyes to meet his and so was he. She grinned happily when she saw the gold in his eyes and teased him: “What took you so long?” “My chivalric nature?” LaCroix suggested smiling wickedly. Antonia laughed at that. “Yeah, right!” With a determined look on his face he swept her in his arms and headed upstairs. They would finish decorating the tree later. Much later. The End -- Claude *NatPack**N&NPack**Heartbreakers*