Part Four


Lacroix had been walking for a while now.  He supposed he should be
returning to the Raven soon; Miklos would be wondering where he was.  He
had thought walking outside would clear his head, but he was no closer to
coming to any kind of a decision.  He couldn't fool himself any longer...  He
was falling in love with her.  He had never thought it possible, but there it was.
-- Those long repressed emotions escaping, running wild after all those years of
being forced down.  After kissing her, any hope of squelching those feelings
was lost.

As if that wasn't enough, she had given him an ultimatum. -- Set Nicholas free,
or lose her.  Both were unacceptable.  But Nicholas had called him his closest
friend, and they were getting along since Janette had gone.  Would Nicholas
remain close if he were allowed his freedom, Lacroix pondered.  While Lacroix
had been bearable lately, he had to admit that he could be cruel to Nicholas at
times.

After the incident with Andre, Lacroix had felt a small amount of regret.  
Andre was, after all, Fleur's son, and he shouldn't have been hurt like that. 
What would Fleur have thought?  What did Marguerite think now?  She had to
have seen that in his son's blood.  At the time Lacroix had thought only of
teaching a lesson to his son, who could never take his father's instructions at
face value.

He already knew how Marguerite felt about Natalie.  In truth, he had nothing
against the good doctor, save that she was Nicholas' mortal love.  But she was
mortal no longer.  Not so long ago, the thought of Nicholas having his love for
eternity, while he had been forced to leave his behind, would have driven
Lacroix over the edge.  But now he could have a second chance, if he could
only let go of his favorite child.

**********

Some time during the day, Natalie became aware of music playing.  The
piano...  Nick?  She opened her eyes; no, he was lying next to her.  She could
tell he was awake too, so she asked, "How long has she been playing?"  He
replied, "Not too long.  Maybe ten minutes."  Nat said, "Why don't you go
down and talk to her?  I can tell something's troubling her.  Maybe she'll tell
you about it."   Nick got up and looked around for the boxers and robe he had
discarded earlier.  As he dressed, he commented, "It's probably Lacroix."

Nat sat up and asked hesitantly, "Nick...  Is it possible for him to be in love?" 
Nick answered, "I never would have thought so, Nat, but he loved my sister
once."  She asked, "Fleur?"  Nick nodded.  Suddenly, all her memories made
sense.  "What happened, Nick?  Does it have anything to do with that
Valentine's Day?"  Nick was surprised.  "You remember that night?!"

She replied, "At first I just thought it was a recurring nightmare, but after I
tasted your blood, I knew it was real."  He tried to explain, "Nat, I..."  She cut
him off.  "Nick, I know you didn't mean what you said to Lacroix, but I want
to know *why* you felt you had to say it." Nick explained, "Lacroix was in
love with Fleur, and he wanted to bring her across.  I couldn't let that happen,
Nat.  She was so innocent and trusting; to become a vampire would have
destroyed who she was.  I would not let him take her, and we agreed if I ever
truly loved a mortal, he would have his retribution."

Natalie considered this for a moment, and then asked, "So how did he react,
knowing you had deceived him?"  Nick scoffed, "Oh, he thinks this is a fitting,
if not ironic, revenge.  Knowing that I would have rather you died that become
one of us, and you were brought across by Fleur's granddaughter, no less." 
Nat replied, "You know, Nick, if he gets some twisted sense of satisfaction out
of this, so be it.  Maggie had already promised to bring me across if I wanted
it.  Besides, we can be together now.  Maybe if he's satisfied, he'll be able to
move on."  "I don't know, Nat."  She said, "Look, just go easy on her.  Please? 
She's very attracted to him, and if the feeling is mutual, let them work it out.
She *is* over 700 years old. -- Besides, you're gonna have your hands
full making up for lost time with me anyway."

Nick gave her a boyish grin and a quick kiss before he went in search of his
niece.  About halfway though his conversation with Nat, Marguerite had
started playing 'Moonlight Sonata'.  She was in the living room, and Nick stood
in silence as she finished the piece.  Marguerite looked up when she was done. 
"Sorry, I guess I forgot I had company."  Nick smiled.  "Oh no, it was
beautiful.  You play well."  She smiled back. "Thank, sometimes I play when I
need to think."  Nick replied, "I know; I do too."

He came over and sat down next to her on the piano bench.  "Thinking about
Lacroix?"  She was braced for a lecture.  "Lucien and I discussed our
relationship tonight."  Since Nick had promised Nat he wouldn't preach, he
teased instead.  "Lucien, huh?  What else happened?"  She rolled her eyes at
him.  "Do you really think I'd be here with you if anything else happened?  We
agreed that he needed to think some things through."  Nick was curious. 
"What kind of things?"  She countered, "Three's a crowd, Nicolas."  She
realized just how appropriate the comment was.  She decided it was her turn to
tease.  "My, haven't we relaxed since last evening?"

Nick managed not to look as self-conscious as he felt, and said, "If I seemed
harsh to you, it's because I don't want you hurt, but Nat helped me to
remember that everyone should be free to make their own decisions.  It's what
I've been fighting for most of my immortal life." She replied, "I'm sorry, Uncle
Nick, but I can't help the way I feel. It's too late...  I'm falling in love with
Lucien.  He's been very tender towards me."

Nick shook his head in disbelief.  "No, really.  He was the one who gave me
that daisy pendant I wore the other night.  He gave it to me the night he came
to see Lilly.  And I found out what he did for Luc. -- Being the second born
son, Luc wouldn't have inherited anything.  He would either be dependent on
Niklaas' generosity or have to make his own fortune, you know that.  But
Lucien arranged for Luc to inherit his own demesne.  He didn't have to do
that."  Nick seemed surprised.  "I never knew that."  She said, "It's something
to consider. -- So, how about playing a song with me?"

####################

That night, Nick was in the living room with Lacroix, having a drink. "I'm glad
we are alone, Nicholas.  I think we should talk."  Nick's curiosity was piqued. 
"What about, Lacroix?"  Lacroix sipped at his drink before answering; this was
the only concession he was ready to give for now.  He needed more time to
think about the other change that Marguerite wanted him to make.  "Nicholas,
I have been thinking, and I have decided I will not interfere with your
relationship with Natalie any longer.  Fleur made a sacrifice for the sake of
your family, and it's time I accepted that.  It wouldn't honor her memory to
continue to torment you and your love."

Nick's first response was to be annoyed.  Only Lacroix would be pretentious
enough to allow him to be with Nat.  On the other hand, he knew how hard it
was for Lacroix to come so close to admitting he was wrong.  He decided to
graciously accept the closest thing to an apology he was likely to get from his
master.  "Thank you, Lacroix.  It means a lot to me to hear you say that." 
Lacroix replied, "Yes, well, Nicholas, I have been enjoying this truce we seem
to be under, no matter how tenuous it appears to be at times."  Nick said, "I
don't like fighting with you, Lacroix, although to you it might seem that way."

Lacroix did not want this to turn into a debate, especially when they had been
so civil just now.  "I think this is enough 'bonding' for one night, don't you
agree? -- What are your plans for the evening?"  Nick smiled.  "Nat wants me
to take her flying.  It's the only thing Daisy will let me teach          her." 
Lacroix asked, "Where *is* your niece, Nicholas?"  Nick seemed troubled by
this question.  He wasn't too happy with the answer, and he knew that Lacroix
would be even less pleased.  "She's not home.  She left a note saying that she
had to pick up a few things and she'd be back."

Lacroix started to grumble, "That girl!  I told her not to leave the house
without an escort.  I did not think it was possible for anyone to be more
stubborn than you, Nicholas."  Nick had to grin at the comment, despite the
seriousness of the situation.  Trying to calm Lacroix down, he teased, "She'll
need that to deal with you, Lacroix." Ignoring him, Lacroix continued, "This is
serious, Nicholas.  If Marcus so much as touches one hair on her head, I'll
torture him so badly before I kill him, he'll wish he'd died in Pompeii!"

Just in time, the front door slammed, and they heard footsteps heading towards
them.  Marguerite yelled out, "Uncle Nick, I'm home!"  Somewhere in the
house, the dog began to bark.  Nick heard Lacroix mutter under his breath,
"Damnable canine."  Marguerite appeared in the doorway.  Lacroix spoke first,
appearing calm, "Good evening, Marguerite."  She smiled at them.  "Good
evening, Lucien.  Uncle Nick."  She threw a large box onto the coffee table.  It
looked suspiciously like a florist's box.

Lacroix was irate all over again at the sight of the box.  "Where have you
been?!  I thought we agreed you wouldn't go out alone."  She retorted, "No,
you decided I shouldn't go out alone.  I had to pick up a few things.  Besides, I
wore this."  She took off her coat to reveal the cross that Nick had given her
on her fourteenth birthday.  Nick was incredulous.  "You can still wear that?" 
"Yes.  I'll take it off since I know it bothers you two."  She removed the chain
and put it on the table by the doorway.

Lacroix moved to open the florist's box.  "Another gift from Marcus, I see. 
What if he had been there?"  Marguerite replied, "It was delivered during the
day, like the other one. -- Don't bother opening it, it's pied daisies with black
roses, and a cross with the bottom sharpened into a stake.  Here's the note that
was attached."  She handed the note to Lacroix, who read it out aloud so Nick
could hear it.

"Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flow'r,
Thou's met me in an evil hour,
For I maun crush amang the stoure
Thy slender stem.
To spare thee now is past my power,
Thou bonnie gem."

Then he growled, "This must stop, Marguerite.  I will not stand idly by while
he stalks and torments you."

She sat down next to Lacroix and spoke softly, hoping to calm him, "I didn't
mean to worry you.  I'm sorry, Lucien.  I won't leave your side until Kayla gets
back.  She'll be home by dawn tomorrow, and by then maybe we'll have
tracked Marcus down."  The promise of her constant companionship seemed
to placate him.  Although from past experience, Nick knew the subject wasn't
closed.  "We will discuss this later, Marguerite, when we are alone."

She favored him with a smile that clearly indicated she thought the topic was
closed.  "As you wish, Lucien. -- Could you get a fresh bottle for us in the
kitchen, please?  I haven't had anything yet."  Lacroix stood and smirked back. 
"Very well, Marguerite.  I will humor you.  Enjoy your chat with Nicholas."

As soon as Lacroix left the room, Marguerite went over to the chair where she
had thrown her jacket, and began to search through the pockets.  Nick asked,
"How did you know I wanted to talk to you?"  She continued to search as she
spoke, "I didn't; I have something to show you. -- You talk while I look for it." 
Nick gave her a puzzled look as he replied, "Lacroix informed me that he will
not interfere with my relationship with Nat anymore."  She looked up and
smiled.  "Oh, Uncle, that's wonderful, and just in time too.  It must've been
hard for him to make that decision."

Now Nick was thoroughly confused.  He asked, "In time for what?"  She held
up a small box as she answered, "In time for this."  "Daisy, that's way too small
for a bracelet."  She smirked as she handed him the box.  "It's not the bracelet
that Nat wants, Uncle Nick.  I thought she might like this better."  Nick opened
the box.  In it was a beautiful antique sapphire ring in a platinum setting with
diamond accents.  Nat would love it.  "It's beautiful, Daisy, but..."  Marguerite
replied, "But nothing, Uncle Nick.  It was an engagement ring for a European
noblewoman, or someone to that effect.  Use it for its intended purpose.  The
bracelet will be my wedding present to her; it's almost a perfect match."

Nick was elated; he couldn't wait to give it to Natalie.  "Thank you, Daisy. 
Nat'll go crazy when she sees it."  Nick picked his niece up and kissed her as
the swung her around, making her giggle.  It reminded her of when he visited
her as a child.  "You're welcome.  Now put it away; I don't want anyone else to
see it until it's on Natalie's finger."  Nick slipped it into his pocket.

She continued, "If you're going to give that to her tonight, why don't you
spend the day at the loft?"  He teased, "I think you just want to be alone with
Lacroix."  Nick thought he saw a little color steal onto her cheeks, impossible
as it seemed.  "Oh, you're welcome for the idea. -- I'll just go out to the Caddy
and take back the dozen long-stemmed roses I left in the passenger seat."

Nick was spared from replying by Lacroix's entrance in the doorway.  He was
carrying two bottles.  He asked wryly, "Was I gone long enough?"  Marguerite
took the bottles from him and walked to the bar. She teased over her shoulder,
"I was starting to wonder what happened to you, Lucien."  He merely smiled
as she popped the cork on a bottle and selected two empty glasses.  She
carried them over to the coffee table.  Lacroix couldn't resist a comment.  "Just
how hungry are you, my dear?"

Marguerite rolled her eyes at him.  "One is for Natalie; she should be coming in
any moment now."  There was movement in the doorway, but it was a very
large tiger-striped cat.  Nick supposed it was the perfect counterpart to that
hairy monster his niece called a dog.  He was extremely curious to see
Lacroix's reaction to her pets; recalling his master's reaction to one pet in
particular.  Of course, the cat made a beeline for his mistress, who was seated
next to Lacroix on the couch.

The cat settled on Marguerite's lap and shot, what seemed to Nick, a disdainful
look in Lacroix's direction.  Nick could sense Lacroix's inner struggle to
maintain his composure.  If Lacroix gave an insulted look at the animal, Nick
knew he would start laughing.  He watched in horrified fascination as the cat
started to play with the ring on Lacroix's hand.  Marguerite suppressed a
giggle.  "Hobbes, cut that out!"  She slapped his paw away from Lacroix's
hand, and tried to distract the cat by rubbing its belly.  Lacroix ground out,
"What does that monstrous ball of fur think it's doing?"  Marguerite smiled.  "I
think he likes you, or at least your ring anyway."

Lacroix was losing his patience.  The cat could be tolerated, but he could sense
Nicholas trying to hold in his laughter.  He hated to be the source of further
amusement for his son, but he had to ask, "That thing does not sleep with you,
does it?"  Apparently insulted by the question, Hobbes got up and laid down on
the far side of the couch.  After shooting a dirty look at Nick, Marguerite
answered, "Hobbes?  Oh no, usually he sleeps with Kayla; Calvin sleeps with
me."  Lacroix asked helplessly, "And just who, or what, is Calvin?"

Before Marguerite could explain, Calvin came bounding into the living room
ahead of Natalie.  He jumped up on Marguerite and started licking her face. 
The cat screeched, and jumped from the couch to run out of the room.  After a
minute Calvin noticed Lacroix, and gave him a lick across his cheek.  By this
time, Nick had almost fallen of the chair, he was laughing so hard.  This was a
fatal mistake, because the dog turned at the sound of his laughter, and ran over
to Nick, knocking him out of the chair.  He pinned Nick to the floor, licking
him all over.  Now it was Lacroix's turn to smile; he might have laughed, if it
weren't for the dog drool on his own face.

Finally, Marguerite got up and shooed the dog from the room, closing the door
behind him.  Nat just stood there, stunned, as she tried to figure out exactly
what she missed.  She had to giggle at the sight of Nick on the floor though. 
Nick managed to get himself up off the floor and back into the chair.  He
urged, "Go ahead, Daisy, tell Lacroix how you named them."  She gave him a
weird look.  "It's no big deal, Uncle Nick.  I don't see why you thought it was
so funny.  They're just characters from a comic strip."

Lacroix decided to ignore *that* for the moment, and he walked over to
Natalie.  She had no idea what to expect, she hadn't spoken with him since she
had woken up a vampire.  He took her hand and kissed it.  "Good evening,
Natalie.  I must say that immortality seems to agree with you, as I suspected it
would.  You look beautiful."  "Thank you, Lacroix."

Lacroix glanced back at Nick and then looked at Marguerite.  Natalie would
have been surprised to see the tenderness in his gaze, if she hadn't been made
aware of the past.  She still had her doubts about him, though.  He turned his
attention back to her.  "I heard you're in for quite an evening.  If 'Dr. Doolittle'
here isn't recovered from his hysteria, perhaps..."  Nick cut off the rest of
Lacroix's comment by jumping up and saying, "I think that's our cue to get out
of here, Nat.  I think Lacroix is very anxious to be alone with Marguerite."

	Nick took Nat's hand and tried to escape from the room quickly, but
was slowed down by the closed door.  Nat pulled her hand from Nick's to pick
up the glittering object on the table.  She held it up and looked at Marguerite. 
"It's beautiful, Maggie.  Is it yours?"  Marguerite nodded.  "It's the one I told
you about.  I think you'd better look at it later, though, Uncle Nick is waiting." 
Natalie turned to look at Nick, who was about to pass out on the floor.  Oops! 
She dropped the cross back on the table, and yelled a 'good night' over her
shoulder as Nick pulled her from the room.  The last thing either of them heard
as they left was Lacroix saying, "We must talk, Marguerite."

End Part Four