Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:29:54 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [00/09] To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU PERMISSION IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ARCHIVE THIS STORY ON MEL'S FAN FICTION PAGE AND THE FTP SITE. ALL OTHERS, PLEASE ASK FIRST. Where Love Abides (All Things Are Possible) by Nancy Taylor (c) January 1998 Part 00/09 DISCLAIMER: The characters of Nick and Co. are not mine. They were created by James Parriott and Barney Cohen and are owned by Sony/TriStar. No copyright infringement was intended. This alternate universe, including Laurene, are my creations. Please ask permission before playing with them. THANKS: I would sincerely like to thank my beta readers; Lynn Messing, Carla Martinek and Joni Goad for all their help and suggestions. The story is much improved thanks to their comments. @>--}---}---- This story is the continuation of my Christmas story, "The Gift of Giving," and is my Valentine's Day tribute. You do not need to have read "The Gift of Giving" to read and enjoy this story. Also not necessary, but suggested, is my Valentine's Day story from last year, "A Knight to Remember," which is available on Mel's fan fiction web page, the FTP site and my own fiction page at: http://www.open.org/taylorln/fkfanfic.htm . "Where Love Abides" echoes many aspects of "A Knight to Remember," and while you don't need to read "Knight" to appreciate "Love," it might increase your enjoyment. More suggested reading would include "For All Eternity," the story of Nick's return to vampirism and the birth of Laurene. Both stories can also be requested directly from me. Please make requests via *private* e-mail. Thank you. This story will be posted in its entirety on my fiction web page the same day it is posted to the list. If you are missing parts, you can download the story from my page. Be aware: this is the PG13 version of this story. The original version is being posted to EndlessKnight, the N&NPack Adult list; and Ecstasy of the Knight, the new erotica list. This adult version contains explicit sex and is not meant for anyone under 18 years of age. If you are not subscribed to either of the above adult lists and wish to read the adult version of this story, please send a request to me privately. Include an HONEST age statement and a note telling me you understand that the material is of an explicit sexual nature and that you are requesting it. Thank you. Now, on with the story. Enjoy! Nancy TaylorLN@open.org @>}---}----}---------- Knightie/N&NPack/FKXS/GWDFC/FMFC/Bat Mom ^^v^^ Official KtK Cheerleader!! http://jessica.simplenet.com/ktk Visit my FK page at: http://www.open.org/taylorln/fk.htm Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:29:55 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [01/09] To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) By: Nancy Taylor Copyright (c) January, 1998 FOR FULL DISCLAIMERS see Part 00 Prologue-- Opening the front door of their home just before sunrise on Christmas morning, Nick stumbled into the house closely followed by Natalie and Laurene, exhaustion covering them like a blanket. The glittering lights of the Christmas tree drew them despite their weariness. "It looks so lonely," Laurene noted, walking over and sitting down on the empty tree skirt. Nick and Natalie walked over and sat to either side of their daughter. "Are you having second thoughts about giving your gifts away?" Natalie asked, smoothing a stray strand of hair away from Laurene's forehead. "Noooo, not really," Laurene sniffed. "I can wait until my birthday. It's only a month away." She was trying very hard to be brave, but even though she was thrilled to have made so many happy, there was still a little empty place in her heart. "Well, sweetie, I still have one gift left to give." Natalie smiled at Laurene and then looked up to see Nick eyeing her quizzically. "What do you mean, Nat? We gave all our gifts to the shelter," Nick said, curiosity boiling up inside him as much as in their daughter. "Not quite *all*," Natalie smiled back. The golden lights of the Christmas tree made Natalie's auburn hair glow like a halo. "I'm pregnant...." --"The Gift of Giving" Christmas, 1997, by Nancy Taylor http://www.open.org/taylorln/fkfanfic.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) Part 01/09 "I'm pregnant...." Natalie's voice trailed off as she gazed into the startled eyes of her husband. Jumping up from her position between her parents, Laurene danced around the hardwood floor. "I'm gonna be a big sister?!" she exclaimed with glee. "When, Mummy, when?" Natalie turned her attention from Nick, who continued to sit dumbfounded in front of the tree, to Laurene who was skidding about in her excitement. "Sometime in August, by my best guess," she chuckled at Laurene's antics. Recovering somewhat from his shock-induced stupor, Nick put an arm around Natalie's waist and pulled her close. "That's wonderful news, Nat! But how...?" He was interrupted by Laurene, whose face had fallen as she contemplated the news. "That's a *long* time, Mummy!" she complained. "Can't we have the baby sooner?" Natalie reached out and pulled Laurene down into her lap, giving her an indulgent smile. "It takes about nine months to make a baby, Honey," Natalie explained. "We need to give it enough time to grow and develop inside Mummy before being born. Right now, the baby is no bigger than a grain of rice." Laurene's eyes lit up with awe. "Really?" "Yup, really," Natalie nodded. "Am I going to have a brother or a sister?" Laurene continued her relentless interrogation. "It's much too early to tell," Natalie explained. "Now, don't you think it's time you got to bed? The sun's almost up, and you've had a long night." Natalie gave her daughter a little shove, boosting Laurene out of her lap and up onto her feet. "Do I *have* to?" Laurene whined. "Yes, you have to," Nick answered her, giving Laurene a pat on the bottom to get her moving. "Get yourself off to bed now. No arguments!" he added when he saw Laurene open her mouth to object. "I'll come up in a few minutes to tuck you in." "Okay, Daddy," Laurene reluctantly agreed. Nick and Natalie watched as their daughter shuffled off toward her bedroom. Nick unwound himself from the cross-legged position in which he had been sitting and stood with graceful ease. Extending a hand, he helped Natalie up from the floor. Placing an arm protectively around her waist, Nick led Natalie into their bedroom and steered her toward the bed. "It isn't possible, Nat," Nick started as he sat next to Natalie on the edge of their king-size bed. "How can this be possible? *How* could you be pregnant? You *know* I can't ... I don't.... Nat, vampires can't make babies!" The words tumbled out of Nick, fueled by his surprise and wonder. "I don't *know* how," Natalie answered, turning to look directly into Nick's intense blue eyes, "but it happened. The proof is right here." She patted her abdomen gently. Nick placed his hand over Natalie's, capturing it over her womb, feeling the magic of the moment. After pausing to consider the miracle, Nick continued. "Nat, my body can't produce sperm. There's no way...." He shook his head, trying to understand. "Nick, this baby is *yours*," Natalie emphasized. "I don't know how yet, but you did this. We're going to be parents again." Nick leaned in and buried his face in Natalie's fragrant hair, nuzzling her neck, drinking in her womanly scent. Wrapping his arms around her, Nick held Natalie in a warm embrace. For the moment, he no longer felt the need to argue. This woman, whom he loved more than life itself, was carrying his child. To Nick, that made her more desirable than ever. Hating to break the spell, Natalie gently pushed Nick aside. "You promised Laurene you'd tuck her in," she reminded him. Reluctantly, Nick rose and prepared to leave. "When you get back," Natalie added as Nick was walking away, "you can tuck *me* in." A smile lit Nick's face as he left to tuck in their precious daughter. @>--}---}---- That had been almost two weeks ago. Nick mused as he walked into the bedroom. Stepping into their private bathroom, he found Natalie brushing her hair as she got ready to go into the clinic for the day. Coming up behind her, Nick wrapped his arms around her waist and settled his chin on her left shoulder, looking at their reflections in the mirror. "You are beautiful," Nick mumbled into Natalie's curly tresses. "I'm an old, pregnant woman," Natalie corrected, comparing their reflections. "You are as beautiful as the day I married you," Nick insisted, trailing soft kisses from Natalie's jawline to her shoulder. "Nick, I'm forty-four years old and you don't look a day over thirty-four!" Natalie fussed with her hair which was beginning to be lightly graced with gray strands. "My hair is turning gray and I've got wrinkles!" A single tear traced a path down her cheek. Nick turned Natalie around in his arms and embraced her gently, stroking her hair and kissing the top of her head. "You are the most beautiful, desirable woman I know," he assured her. Sweeping her up in his arms, Nick carried Natalie over to the bed and laid her down with great tenderness. Straddling her upper body with his arms, Nick leaned down to give Natalie a caressing kiss. His tongue traced the contours of her mouth as Natalie warmed to the kiss and responded in kind. Well aware of the child she carried, Nick made love to Natalie in a tender, gentle manner. He had no desire to hurt her or the baby. His sole purpose was to show Natalie how singularly desirable she was to him, at any age; to show her how very much he cherished her. For a few minutes after their lovemaking, Nick lay quietly on top of Natalie, who kissed him lightly and rubbed his back. As the sensations of their blood sharing slowly ebbed from the forefront of his mind, Nick rolled off her, bringing Natalie with him. Natalie snuggled closely into Nick's embrace, laying her head against his chest and sighing in complete contentment, all thoughts of old age and unworthiness banished to the farthest recesses of her mind. "Mmmm, Nick," Natalie murmured, contentedly. "You make me feel so wonderful!" Not wanting the moment to fade, but knowing that she soon needed to get up and go to work, Natalie rested quietly in Nick's arms a few moments longer. "Don't go," Nick protested, sleepily, as Natalie pulled herself from his gentle embrace. Natalie leaned over and kissed Nick on the forehead. "I'll be home soon, My Love," she whispered. "You sleep and have pleasant dreams." She rose to clean up and get dressed for work. Nick, still floating on the cloud of afterglow, drifted into blissful sleep, and dreamed.... Continued in Part 2.... Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:29:57 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [02/09] To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) By: Nancy Taylor Copyright (c) January, 1998 FOR FULL DISCLAIMERS see Part 00 Part 02/09 ~~~~~~~~~~ Nick couldn't believe how very *small* this new life was! He watched nervously as Natalie carefully buckled the newborn into the car seat which was fastened securely in the back seat of the Caddy. Laurene was a cherished addition to their little family and Nick was worried about her already. Driving the Caddy with exceptional care, Nick finally arrived safely at the loft with his precious cargo. Wrapping a protective arm around Natalie's waist, Nick guided his new family into their home. Natalie immediately headed upstairs, followed by a curious and protective new father. Entering their bedroom, she headed straight to the changing table and laid down the tiny bundle she had been holding. As she unwrapped the swaddling blankets and began to remove Laurene's wet diaper, she turned to Nick. "Hand me a clean diaper?" Natalie had rolled up the wet one and dumped it in the pail, wiped a tiny bottom and was now holding out one hand for a dry diaper as she held two small feet up in the air with the other. Nick was looking a little baffled, and had turned away from the changing to give his daughter some 'privacy.' Natalie reached out and slapped his shoulder to get his attention. "Diaper?" she repeated. Coming to his senses, Nick reached over and plucked a clean diaper from the stack and handed it to Natalie. "You really should watch, you know," Natalie told Nick as she deftly slipped the diaper under Laurene's clean bottom and proceeded to fasten the velcro closures. "I expect *you* to change diapers occasionally too!" Natalie smiled at the slightly disgusted look that briefly crossed Nick's face. Natalie picked Laurene up off the changing table and presented her to Nick. "Why don't you hold her for a while? You could sit in the rocker and rock her to sleep." An almost panicked look appeared in Nick's eyes at the thought of holding this fragile being. Natalie snuggled Laurene back into the crook of her arm and led Nick over to the rocker, pushing gently against one shoulder to make him sit. Once Nick was comfortable, Natalie placed the baby gently in his arms and turned to leave. "You'll be fine," she reassured Nick. After Natalie had walked out, closing the door behind her, Nick began to slowly rock. This extraordinarily tiny bundle of life was now depending on *him*. Laurene wiggled and looked up into her Daddy's eyes. Nick thought. There was nothing in the world that he would ever allow to corrupt that innocence. As he rocked, Nick began humming a lullaby he remembered hearing his mother sing to Fleur when she was just a baby. Laurene watched him intently, apparently mesmerized by the sound her father was making. Nick smiled at her and began to sing softly. The sound of his voice was so soothing that Laurene finally closed her eyes. As Nick was finishing the lullaby, he noticed the slight slowing of Laurene's heartbeat, indicating that she had fallen asleep. When Natalie entered the room a half hour later to see how they were doing, she found Laurene sound asleep in Nick's arms. Nick was sitting with his eyes closed, still gently rocking. Sensitive hearing informed him of Natalie's arrival and he opened his eyes to smile at her. "Why don't you put her in the bassinet now?" Natalie whispered. Nick shook his head. "We're fine," he said, smiling up at Natalie. His gaze dropped to the small face of his precious daughter. "We're doing just fine." Natalie reached out to run her hand through Nick's hair. Bending over to kiss his forehead, she whispered, "Then I'll just leave the two of you alone." Smiling, Natalie once more exited the room. Nick was going to make a fine father, she mused. About an hour later, Nick emerged from the bedroom carrying Laurene, who was wailing like a banshee. "She woke up crying, Nat. She won't stop!" Nick looked so helpless standing there with the crying infant in his arms that Natalie had to smile to herself. "Did you check her diaper?" she teased. "I changed her, Nat," Nick said, desperation edging his voice. "She just won't stop crying." "Give her to me," Natalie commanded, holding out her arms for the baby. "I know just what she needs." After taking Laurene and settling on the couch, Natalie unbuttoned her blouse and slipped one breast from the confines of her nursing bra. Laurene latched onto the nipple like a pro and was soon feeding to her little heart's content. Nick came and sat next to Natalie, putting an arm around her shoulders, sheltering both her and Laurene in his embrace. He looked lovingly at his nursing daughter, and then up into the tired, but proud, eyes of his wife. "I love you," Nick said, stating the obvious. He leaned over to kiss Natalie on the lips, then bent to give Laurene a light kiss on the top of her head. The couple sat together in silence, watching with wonder the tiny child taking her sustenance from Natalie. "Just like me...." Nick whispered in awe. "What?" Natalie looked up from the nursing infant in confusion. "What do you mean, 'just like you?'" "She feeds from you; takes her life from you.... Just like me...." Natalie smiled up at Nick. Slipping a finger in the side of Laurene's tiny mouth, she broke the seal the baby had on her breast. Slipping the other breast from her bra, she switched sides and Laurene started nursing again. "Are you sure she's getting enough?" Nick asked, concerned. "How many wet diapers have we changed in the few hours that we have been home? Two? Three?" Natalie looked Nick directly in the eyes. "She's getting enough. Don't worry. Besides, she isn't even getting true milk yet. That will come in a few days. "Nick, try not to worry so much. Laurene is doing fine and you are going to be a terrific father!" Natalie beamed with pride. She was nearly as proud of her doting husband as she was of the new life she held. The night was a busy one for the new parents, and by morning the couple was exhausted. Natalie pulled the bassinet close and climbed wearily into bed to sleep through the day. Nick snuggled Natalie close and stayed awake, listening, until her breathing regulated and he knew she was asleep. Once he was sure his family was all sleeping soundly, Nick allowed himself to drift into slumber. The next evening when Nick woke up, he found his wife and daughter still sound asleep. Rising carefully so as not to disturb them, he slipped on his robe and headed downstairs to make breakfast for Natalie. No sooner had he gotten downstairs when his sensitive hearing picked up the sounds of Laurene waking up once more. Flying upstairs, Nick scooped the baby from the bassinet without even thinking. Her diaper was soaked, Nick noticed right away. Making soothing "shushing" noises, he took her to the changing table and put on a dry diaper. Sitting in the rocker, he hummed softly, trying to get Laurene back to sleep. Natalie needed her rest and Nick intended to see that she got it. Laurene gurgled and cooed, looking up at her Daddy. Nick gazed deeply into his daughter's clear blue eyes. "This," he thought to himself as he rocked the infant, "this is *true* immortality." ~~~~~~~~~~ Nick opened his eyes and smiled. What a pleasant dream to wake up to, he thought. Rising, he slipped on his robe and headed to the bathroom for a shower. As he emerged from the shower twenty minutes later, Nick heard Natalie rattling around downstairs. He dried and dressed quickly and hurried down to see the love of his life. "Evening, Nick," Natalie greeted him with a warm smile. She had just arrived home from work, after picking Laurene up from the sitter's. Walking over to Natalie, Nick took her coat and hung it up, then gathered her in his arms. "How is my beautiful wife this evening?" he asked, kissing her warmly. "Tired," Natalie smiled at him. "Well, then," Nick said, guiding Natalie into the kitchen, "let me fix you something to eat, then you can relax and go to bed." "Hi, Daddy!" Laurene greeted Nick brightly, pushing her way past her parents to get into the kitchen. "Hi, Pumpkin!" Nick turned his most charming smile on his daughter. "What's up with you this evening?" "I'm hungry!" Laurene answered quickly. "Good deal, 'cause I'm cooking!" Nick chuckled as he cracked eggs into a pan to scramble. "I want a sandwich," Laurene stated simply. "But I was going to fix scrambled eggs and waffles this evening!" Nick protested. "Wouldn't you rather have waffles instead?" "Nope. I want a sandwich!" Laurene headed for the refrigerator and got out the bread, mayonnaise and cheese. As she proceeded to make herself a sandwich, she looked up at her father. "Mum just rented me a movie," she explained. "I wanna watch it right now!" Pouring herself a glass of milk and picking up her plate, Laurene hurried out of the kitchen before her father could object. Nick smiled and shook his head. he thought, but then, he wouldn't have it any other way. Natalie sat wearily down at the table. "You look cheerful this evening," she commented to Nick. "Yeah. Just before I woke up I dreamt of the day we brought Laurene home from the hospital." Nick smiled and shook his head as he remembered. "It was so *real*! Almost as if I were reliving it." Natalie had a wistful smile on her face as well. "She was the sweetest baby," she reminisced. "Remember the time you burped her after I finished feeding her, and she threw up all over your favorite silk shirt?" Nick chuckled. "Or how about the first time I vamped out in front of her?" he reminded Natalie. "Oh! I remember! That was the very first time she laughed!" Natalie chuckled. "She thought you looked so funny!" Nick laughed whole-heartedly at the memory. Turning back to the stove, he stirred the eggs and checked the waffle-maker. "Ready for something to eat?" he asked, turning to look at Natalie. Natalie grimaced and shook her head. "I don't think my stomach could handle it," she commented. "Maybe a slice or two of dry toast." Sympathy for Natalie's condition showed in Nick's eyes. He remembered her bouts with morning sickness when she was pregnant with Laurene. He put some bread in the toaster. "You know," Nick commented, "those eggs actually smell pretty good." "Why don't you try some?" Natalie suggested, remembering how Nick had picked at Christmas dinner two weeks ago. Sitting down next to Natalie, Nick picked up a fork and poked at the eggs. He put a small bite into his mouth, chewed and swallowed, barely choking on the high protein food. Looking up at Natalie, he asked, "Have any interesting dreams lately?" Natalie tore her eyes away from the sight of Nick eating the scrambled eggs and shook her head slightly. "You really don't want to know." "Sure I do, Nat! When you were pregnant with Laurene you had some real doozies, if I remember correctly." Nick smiled at the memory. "'Doozy' doesn't even begin to describe it this time!" Natalie laughed at the memory. "Okay. Okay.... Well, just today I dreamed ... I dreamed I was married to LaCroix!" The look of shock on Nick's face made Natalie giggle. "Not only that, but I was enjoying it! We were making love when I woke up." A slight shiver traced its way down Natalie's spine at the memory. "You've got to be kidding!" Nick exclaimed as he rose to get Natalie's toast. "Not at all! The dreams were my earliest symptoms. It was the first dream that made me decide to take that pregnancy test!" "What dream was that?" Nick asked, curious. "I dreamed that you were mortal." "Hey, that's not so bad," Nick grinned. "Yeah ... but *I* was a *vampire*!" Natalie exclaimed. "That sort of klewed me in that things weren't quite right." Nick chuckled. "You're pregnant all right! Just listen to yourself," he told her. Natalie looked back at him, puzzled. "You're picking up my accent again!" Natalie reached across the table to slap Nick playfully on the arm. "Cut that out! You're teasing me! It's not nice to tease a pregnant woman! Didn't your mother teach you anything?" Nick rubbed his arm in mock pain. "Sorry," he said with an impish grin on his face. "I'll forgive you this time," Natalie answered, magnanimously. "Hey," she continued, glancing up at the clock, "shouldn't you be heading for the shelter?" "Yeah, and I'd better get going, too," Nick commented, noting he was running a bit late. Before leaving, Nick tiptoed into the family room and tackled Laurene from behind. "I gotta go, Pumpkin," he told her over her giggles. "Okay, Daddy. Bye! Love you!" Laurene said, giving Nick a quick kiss and turning her attention back to her movie. Nick headed back out to the front room, giving Natalie a quick peck on the cheek as he passed. "See you in the morning, Nat. Take it easy, okay? Get plenty of sleep." "I'll be good, promise," Natalie assured him, closing the door behind him as Nick hurried out to the Caddy to go to work. Continued in Part 3.... Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:58:36 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [03/09] To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) By: Nancy Taylor Copyright (c) January, 1998 FOR FULL DISCLAIMERS see Part 00 Part 03/09 Nick tiptoed in the door, hoping not to disturb Natalie if she was still sleeping. Hanging up his coat, he walked into the kitchen and pulled an unmarked green bottle from the recesses of the refrigerator. He picked up his large mug, but thought better of it and set it back down on the counter. Putting the bottle to his lips Nick tipped it up and chugged the contents, not stopping until it was empty. Sighing with relief, Nick rinsed the bottle and put it in the recycling bin. As he turned to leave the kitchen he ran directly into Natalie, who had entered the kitchen to stand behind him. "Boo!" Natalie greeted her startled husband with a chuckle. "Where did you come from?" Nick asked, genuinely confused. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." "I just got up," Natalie answered with a smile on her face. It wasn't often she could pull off a sneak attack like that on Nick. Studying his face closely, a frown crossed Natalie's features. "Nick," she said, concern in her voice, "that's a nasty bruise." She reached up to touch the purplish area around Nick's left eye carefully. "How did *that* happen?" Brushing her hand away gently, Nick protested, "It's nothing, Nat. Don't worry about it." He turned toward the sink, putting his back to Natalie so that she could no longer see the spreading bruise. "Nick, that's not 'nothing.' Here, let me get the ice pack for you." Natalie crossed the kitchen to the refrigerator. Opening the freezer door, she lifted the ice pack that resided there for emergencies. "Come on now," she said, brooking no argument, "you're going to sit down and use this." She grabbed Nick by the elbow and steered him toward the living room where she sat him on the couch and placed the ice pack gently against his cheek. "Now explain," Natalie demanded. "Really, Nat, it's nothing. One of the husbands showed up at the shelter tonight and we had a disagreement over whether or not he could see his wife. That's all," Nick explained. "And I should see the other guy?" Natalie chuckled. "Yeah," Nick chuckled in return. "Something like that." "Nick, I saw you rinsing out that bottle. It was full when I put it in the fridge last night," Natalie said, concern in her voice. "Why isn't this healing better?" she wondered, lifting the ice pack to check the bruise. "It should be nearly gone by now considering all the blood you just drank." "How do *you* feel this morning?" Nick asked, trying to change the subject and divert Natalie's attention from himself. It didn't work as well as he had hoped. "Nick," Natalie started, hesitantly, staring up at a spider hanging in a corner near the ceiling, "I think it's high time I started running some tests on you again." "What do you mean, Nat? I'm fine," Nick protested. "Remember after your accident ten years ago, when LaCroix had to bring you back across?" Natalie asked. Nick nodded silently and waited for his wife to continue. "He made you promise to give up your quest for mortality in return for leaving us alone." "Of course I remember, Nat. It's been the basis of my entire existence the past ten years," Nick told her. "Have you noticed anything different about your behavior recently?" Natalie asked, seemingly taking the conversation in a whole new direction. "Remember that Christmas Eve dinner at the shelter?" Natalie continued after a brief pause. "You actually ate some of the goose and ham! And then, just last week, you ate my scrambled eggs when I was feeling too sick to eat them myself." In her excitement, Natalie's speech began to pick up speed. "And now, here it's the middle of January and you don't even hear me when I walk up behind you, plus you have a bruise that isn't healing as quickly as it should." Her excitement was infectious, and Nick listened to her with amazement dawning in his eyes. "You still drink blood, I caught you draining that bottle just now, but you don't drink as much as you used to, and I've seen you eating meats and eggs. It would appear that you're beginning to substitute high protein foods for some of your blood consumption." Natalie finally ran out of breath and sat staring at Nick. "You *do* realize what you're implying, don't you?" Nick asked, incredulous. "Of course I do, silly! Why else would I bring it up?" Natalie laughed at the look on Nick's face. "It's been a very long time coming, but I think you're on the road to becoming mortal again!" Nick shook his head in wonder. "It would look that way, wouldn't it?" he marveled. "But why now, Nat?" "You drink from me every time we make love," Natalie reminded him. "Perhaps Janette's cure is finally taking effect on you." "Nat, think about it. Janette was with Robert how long? A few weeks? Maybe a few months? We've been married for almost ten years! Why has it taken this long to affect me?" Nick wasn't exactly buying into Natalie's argument. "I don't know Nick. For I all know, it could be another mechanism altogether. Does it really matter?" Natalie pleaded. "I need some blood samples and, ah, 'other' bodily fluids as well." "'Other'?" Nick looked perplexed in his usual thick headed manner. "I'm pregnant, Nick," Natalie reminded him dryly. Her statement was met by a sheepish grin of understanding. "You wait here while I get my bag. I'll draw some blood to run the tests. I'll get the ... other ... later." She grinned wickedly at Nick as she rose to get her things. Returning a few minutes later with her bag, Natalie extracted a hypodermic syringe and three vials for the blood. She rolled up Nick's sleeve and dabbed at his inner elbow with some antiseptic. Sliding the needle into a vein with practiced ease, Natalie smiled up at Nick. "If these samples show what I think they're going to show, Nick, I'd have to say that you're well on the way to achieving your dream." Nick's eyes sparkled with unshed blood-tinged tears. "Is it really possible?" he whispered, "after so long?" Natalie placed a small pressure bandage on the needle site and rubbed Nick's arm sympathetically. "Anything's possible," she whispered with conviction. It had been a long night for Nick. First there was the 'altercation' at the shelter with Anna's husband; then coming home to hear that a transformation in his life might be occurring. It was all a bit much to take in at once, and Nick was feeling the weight of the evening on his shoulders. Stepping out of the shower, he toweled his hair and stared into the mirror over the sink. The bruise around his left eye was finally fading to a light shade of yellowish green. It should have been gone hours ago, Nick mused. Wrapping himself in his silk dressing gown, he walked out of the bathroom only to be confronted by Natalie, who was holding a specimen cup in her left hand. "Ready to give me that other sample?" she asked with a devilish grin on her face. Nick just sighed. He really didn't need this right now. Reaching out, he took the container from Natalie's hand and turned to go back into the bathroom. Natalie followed him as far as the door, stopping him in his tracks with a gentle hand on his arm. "This is really important, Nick," she encouraged him. Giving him a tender kiss, she patted him on his behind to get him going again. About fifteen minutes later, Nick emerged from the bathroom with a brimming specimen cup. Natalie smiled at his slightly embarrassed look as he handed it to her. "That's terrific, Nick!" Natalie enthused. "I can hardly wait to get this under my microscope!" She exited the bedroom, heading for her small in-home lab with the specimen. Nick followed closely, wondering what the outcome of all this testing would ultimately be. To be continued in Part 4.... Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:58:39 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [04/09] To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) By: Nancy Taylor Copyright (c) January, 1998 FOR FULL DISCLAIMERS see Part 00 Part 04/09 Placing a small drop of Nick's semen sample on a slide, Natalie slipped it under her microscope. A smile crossed her face as she viewed the specimen. "What is it, Nat? What do you see?" Nick pestered her, eager to hear the results. "Why don't you take a look for yourself?" was Natalie's answer as she backed away from the microscope and motioned for Nick to take her place. Looking into the dual eyepieces of the instrument, Nick was mesmerized by what he saw. "Nat, there are sperm in this sample!" he said excitedly. "Yup, sure are," Natalie replied with a large smile on her face. "I'll have to do an actual count, but just guessing I'd say this sample doesn't contain enough viable sperm to allow for a pregnancy." "Then how did you get pregnant?" Nick asked, curiosity and suspicion mixed in his voice. "Oh, it was you, all right. No doubt," Natalie assured him. "Considering that there aren't all that many vampire/mortal marriages out there," she gestured in the general direction of the door, "I'd say we are a one-in-a-million couple." "At the very least!" Nick interrupted in response to Natalie's understatement. "Well, I guess that leaves us open for a one-in-a-million miracle, then," Natalie continued, grinning. "It only takes one of these little buggers to impregnate an egg.... One of them got lucky. *REAL* lucky!" she laughed. Just then Laurene came skipping into the small lab. "Whatcha lookin' at?" she asked, noticing the slide held firmly in the microscope. "Why don't you come over and take a look?" Natalie offered, pulling a small step stool over for Laurene to stand on. Laurene eagerly crossed the room and climbed the stool to look into the microscope. "What are they, Mummy?" she asked. "They look like teeny tiny tadpoles!" "That is a sperm sample," Natalie informed her daughter. "What are sperms?" Laurene asked, eternally curious. "Well," Natalie began, lifting her off the stool and setting Laurene in her lap, "sperm are like little seeds. They carry half the genetic information that makes a baby." "Oooooh," Laurene replied, not fully comprehending. "But where does the other half of the baby come from?" "Well, let's see. Let me back you up just a bit," Natalie suggested, realizing that a full-fledged birds-and-bees story was about to unfold. Over in the corner of the room, Nick shifted his feet uncomfortably, trying to find a polite way to exit the room without looking like a complete coward. This conversation seemed intensely personal between mother and daughter and was, quite frankly, beginning to embarrass him. "Ah, Nat," he interrupted tentatively, "I think I'll go upstairs and get ready for bed." Natalie smiled knowingly at him and nodded her head. As Nick made a quick retreat from the room, Natalie continued. As she described the sexual act of procreation, Natalie watched her daughter's face for understanding. Laurene understood all too well. "YUCK! No boy is going to stick his thing into me to make a baby! Gross!" Slipping off her mother's lap, Laurene ran from the room. Natalie chuckled to herself at her daughter's perceptions. she thought, smiling. Placing the rest of Nick's semen sample in the small refrigerator, Natalie followed Laurene out of the room. "It's time for you to get ready for school, young lady," she told her daughter, who had plopped down in front of the TV set. "Ah, Mum, do I have to?" Laurene whined. "Yes, you do," Natalie told her, brooking no argument. She led Laurene off to her bedroom and stayed a few minutes to assure herself that Laurene was, indeed, getting dressed for school. Nick had showered and put on his favorite black silk pajamas by the time Natalie arrived in their bedroom. "You look exhausted," she commented, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Yeah, it's been a really long night," Nick answered wearily. "Care to join me?" he asked, patting the bed. "I could use someone to help me get to sleep." The sweet boyish grin that Natalie could never resist crossed Nick's face. She stretched out on her back next to him, her head propped up on her fluffy goose down pillow. "I'll do more tests on the samples this evening," she told Nick, who was no longer paying attention to anything she said. Almost as soon as she had laid down on the bed, Nick had shifted his position to gently place one ear on Natalie's stomach. "Whatcha doing?" she asked, curiously. "Shhh...." Nick responded, listening carefully to the sounds within Natalie's abdomen. Just then, her stomach let out a loud growl. Nick chuckled at the sound. "Hungry, Nat?" he teased. His comment was met by a pillow soundly connecting with his head. "Hey! Cut that out!" Nick laughed, grabbing the pillow from Natalie and hitting her back with it. Natalie grabbed her own pillow and sat up, thumping away at Nick with all her strength. Nick got in a couple of counter attacks, but he allowed Natalie to thoroughly beat him before surrendering. "I give up, Nat! I give up!" he chuckled, as Natalie thumped him one more time before putting her pillow down. "That'll teach you to laugh at my stomach gurglings!" Natalie crowed with triumph. "Just what were you doing listening to my stomach, anyway?" she asked. "I wasn't listening to your *stomach*," Nick explained. "I was listening to the *baby*!" "Nick, I'm only about eight weeks pregnant, it's too early to hear a heartbeat!" Natalie protested. "Not if you have vampire hearing," Nick answered her. "Lay down, I want to listen some more." Nick carefully pushed against Natalie's shoulder, urging her to lie back down. She complied, but with reservations. "No more laughing if my stomach gurgles!" "Promise!" Nick assured her, laying his ear against her abdomen once more. "I hear it!" he whispered with awe. Closing his eyes and concentrating on the sound, Nick listened intently for several more minutes. "Did you fall asleep down there?" Natalie whispered finally, unable to stand the tension any longer. Sitting up, Nick looked directly into Natalie's questioning eyes. "I heard *two* heartbeats!" he told her. "Nat, there are TWO! You're carrying twins!" "No," Natalie protested. "That's not possible, Nick. You just heard my heartbeat and the baby's." "No, Nat," Nick corrected her. "I heard your heartbeat and *two* fetal heartbeats!" "But Nick," Natalie continued to protest feebly, "twins don't run in my family. I *can't* be carrying twins!" She gazed deeply into Nick's determined blue eyes for several moments. "I'm having twins...." she breathed, hardly daring to believe, but unable to shake Nick's conviction. "Twins...." To be continued in Part 5..... Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 10:58:44 -0800 Reply-To: "Nancy A. Taylor" Sender: Forever Knight TV show stories From: "Nancy A. Taylor" Subject: Where Love Abides [05/09] To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu WHERE LOVE ABIDES (All Things Are Possible) By: Nancy Taylor Copyright (c) January, 1998 FOR FULL DISCLAIMERS see Part 00 Part 05/09