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 Miami,Florida 1998

Dr. Natalie Lambert sat in the park, near her office trying to eat her lunch. She'd lost a lot of weight since sh'd left Toronto, but food didn't interest her anymore. With a sigh, she wrapped up her mostly uneaten sandwich, and got out her book. She tried to read, but, as always, her mind wandered back to Toronto and Nick.
Nick. Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered the last time they had been together. She felt her old friend guilt rise as she remembered how she had pushed Nick that night. He had told her that he was afraid, that he didn't want to hurt her, but she hadn't listened. All she heard was her own fear of being alone. So she'd pushed him. To try Janette's cure. And look what she had to show for it. Nick was gone, dead. All she could remember was the feeling of his fangs piercing her neck, and the images from his blood. The next thing she remembered was waking up in the hospital, three days later. Joe Reese was there and he had lots of questions that she had no answers for. Then. She wiped her eyes as she remembered when she had found out what had happened.
**************
  Toronto 1996

 Natalie was dozing. She felt so weak and tired. Her doctors had told her she was lucky to be alive. If it had been any longer...She had no memory of getting to the hospital, and no one seemed to know who had brought her. She wondered if Nick had, and where he was. Reese had told her that Nick had disappeared.
"Doctor Lambert." A cold, familiar voice tinged with menace said. Nat's eyes snapped open to find LaCroix standing next to her bed. She stared at him, and he stared back, hatred visible in his eyes. "So, you still live" he said, his voice soft and evil. "Are you happy, now Doctor?" he asked.
"LaCroix, I don't understand. Where's Nick?" Natalie asked, her voice trembling.
"Ah...that's right. You don't know what you've done, do you?"
She shook her head, fear in her heart.
"Nicholas promised you that you would be together, forever, did he not?" LaCroix asked, coldly. Natalie just nodded. "He thought he had killed you, and then he asked me to kill him, so that you and he might be together." He paused, his rage growing and his eyes beginning to burn. "Nicholas was in such agony at what he thought he'd done to you that I did as he asked."
Natalie's eyes closed as grief swept over her. And guilt. Such guilt! "Oh my god, what have I done?" she whispered.
"It was after that I realized that you still lived." LaCroix moved closer to the bed, his eyes blazing with hate. "I will have my revenge, Doctor. I want you to live. To live knowing what you did. And, someday, no matter where you go, I will find you. And then, my dear Doctor, I will bring you across, so you will have eternity to suffer for your crime." With that, LaCroix left, and the pain crashed over her in waves.

************
Miami 1998

Natalie wiped her eyes and put away her book. It was time to go back to work. She'd come here to Miami to try to free herself from her guilt. She had a practice in a poorer section of town. She was needed. Nat knew that LaCroix would find her someday. She hoped that maybe she could do some good, something to atone for what she did to Nick. It wasn't enough, but it helped. And when LaCroix finally did come for her, she'd be waiting.

Montreal 1998

Janette stood in the library of her townhouse, waiting for LaCroix to return. In the two years since he had joined her here, much had changed. Tonight she would try once more to get him to change the path he was on. She sighed and sat down near the fire, wondering, not for the first time how she had gotten into this mess. The only good thing about her return to vampirism was her ability to look after Patrick as Robert had asked her to. At first, from a distance, then after his aunt and uncle had died in a car crash as his mother. The thought of Patrick brought a smile to her lips. He had accepted what she was without blinking an eye, happy that she was there for him. She owed Nichola for that. Now if she could just convince LaCroix...Her thought was interrupted, by LaCroix's arrival.
"Good evening, Janette." LaCroix said as he went to the bar and poured himself a drink. She said nothing, she could sense his turmoil. LaCroix joined her by the fire, lost in his own thoughts.
"LaCroix" she started, steeling herself for his anger at what she was going to say. "Do you not think it is time to let go of this? What good can come from this?"
LaCroix gazed levelly at Janette. No one would move him from his plan. "Janette, it is my business. I would advise you to keep out of it," a slight edge in his voice.
Janette opened her mouth to reply, when she heard the sound of a mortal heartbeat approaching. She looked quickly at LaCroix, but he looked calm. "His timing cannot be worse!" she thought as the library door opened.
Janette watched, concerned, as he stepped though the door and stopped as he saw LaCroix.
"Good evening, Nicholas." LaCroix said. Nick said nothing, just nodded to Janette as he walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. Nick slumped down on the couch, ignoring both Janette and LaCroix. As always, his thoughts went to the night in Toronto, the night he killed Natalie.

***********
Toronto 1996

Nick knelt next to Natalie, and took her hand. The last thing he wanted to see was her face, as he joined her. Vaguely he heard LaCroix's voice and then felt a searing pain in his back. His last thought was that soon he would be with her, free to love her as he wanted.
Nick woke slowly and in great pain. An annoying beep, beep, beep filled his ears. He forced his eyes open to see he was in a hospital room. He was confused. This couldn't be the afterlife, it hurt too much. A cough from the side of his bed caused him to turn his head slightly. He winced as pain shot through him. He had no idea what had happened to him. His eyes rested on LaCroix, seated at his bedside.
"Nicholas" the soft voice said.
Nick just looked at LaCroix in shock. "What happened? Where's Natalie?" He started to try to get up, but LaCroix gently held him down.
"I did as you asked, Nicholas. I staked you. I wanted only to disable you for a moment, but discovered that your cure had worked."
Nick blinked and shook his head, trying to accept what LaCroix told him. He was mortal!! "What about Natalie?" he whispered.
LaCroix looked at him, hard before answered. "Nicholas, don't you remember? You took too much."
Nick closed his eyes and shook his head. "Why, LaCroix? Why did you save me? I promised her we would be together. Why did you save me?" he said brokenly as tears began to slide down his face.
"I tried to do as you asked, but found I could not. You are mine, Nicholas, always. After you have gotten this phase out of your system, you will rejoin me for eternity."
Nick slowly shook his head. "I will never allow you to bring be across. Someday I shall join Natalie." Nick closed his eyes and turned his head away.

************
Montreal 1998

Nick felt LaCroix's eyes on him. In the last two years, they had argued many times, but he was adamant. He would never let LaCroix bring him across again. He would join Natalie someday.
Janette could feel the tension growing, and desperate to prevent another argument, she spoke, "Nichola, are you ready for our trip? Patrick is looking forward to going to Miami and seeing spring training. This will be a break for us all."
Nick just nodded, happy he could be of some help to Janette after all she had done for him. He owed her for what he had done to her, and this trip was just a small payment of that debt.
LaCroix stood up abruptly, "This trip of yours is a useless indulgence, Janette. I shall not go with you." He walked over to Nick and placed a hand on his shoulder. He frowned when Nicholas flinched. "When you return, Nicholas, you will join me again. And this time, it will be forever." With that, LaCroix left.
Nick just shook his head and said to himself, never.

Montreal 1998

LaCroix quickly took to the air after leaving Janette and Nicholas The stubbornness that Nicholas continued to show irritated him. He had come to realize that as long as Nicholas believed he would be with Natalie in the end, he would never come back to him. LaCroix growled at the thought of Natalie. He knew she had left Toronto, but hadn't bothered to keep track of her. Nicholas had been his only concern for the last two years. As he lazily flew over the city, it occurred to him that perhaps he had made a mistake. If Nicholas would not join him of his own choice then, perhaps, a little incentive was needed. Yes, it was time to visit the good doctor. After all, he did tell her he would be back. LaCroix smiled. When he brought Natalie across, he was sure Nicholas would return to him. Now, it was time to find some dinner. A woman, walking alone caught his eye, and he swooped in looking forward to an enjoyable meal.
Janette watched LaCroix leave her anger at him growing. She moved towards Nick and lightly touched his arm. Nick started and gave Janette a wan smile. "Nichola, I am so sorry. I had hoped he would realize that you were serious, and would give up this plan of his."
Nick sadly shook his head. "Janette, he will never let me go, I know that. I am just sorry that you and Patrick are caught in the middle." He stopped and looked into her eyes. "You do know I will not come back?" he asked quietly.
Janette gave him a sad smile and said, " I know that, my love. And I do understand. You must go where your heart leads, and I know that you will find peace in the end." She rose suddenly and continued, "Now, enough of this. We are both tired and the sun will be up soon. We should rest, we have a plane to catch later." Gently she took Nick's hand and pulled him up. "Off to bed with you." She gave him a gentle push towards the door. She watched him go, wishing that she could do something to stop what was to come.

Patrick had been listening to their conversation. It was something he did often. When your mother was a vampire, it paid to listen. Listening had given him the perfect way to repay Uncle Nick for saving his Mom. He knew that LaCroix would be mad, but figured that it would be worth it. He had figured out LaCroix's secret and made his plans. Now all he had to do was wait.

===========
Miami 1998

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Natalie woke shouting, her heart pounding, sweat running down her face. She looked wildly around for a moment, then realized where she was. It was the dream again. The same one she had had ever since LaCroix had told her about Nick. She shook her head, trying to clear the image of Nick's accusing face from her mind. She glanced at the clock and saw it was almost time to get up. Her office was due to open soon and it was the only thing that kept her mind off Nick. She got up and made her way to the bathroom, her eyes catching on the pile of tickets on her desk. She sighed. How had she let Maria talk her in to chaperoning a trip to a baseball game, she'd never figure out. And to see the Bluejays....she shook her head again as the tears started again. Nick loved the Bluejays. 'Ah, well.' she thought. She had a couple of days before the game, maybe she'd come up with some way to back out.

==========
Montreal 1998

"Michael, it's LaCroix. I have a small job for you."
Michael hesitated before answering. "Yes, LaCroix?"
"I want you to find someone for me. Her name is Natalie Lambert." LaCroix smiled.

Miami 1998

Nick sat on the balcony of his room, watching the sunrise. He always watched the sunrise. It was a way of remembering Natalie. As always, silent tears slipped down his face as he thought of her. His guilt at what he had done to her overwhelmed him. The past three days had been busy. Patrick had dragged him all over Miami during the day and Janette had insisted that he go with her at night. He had been so tired that even his nightmares had stopped. He was looking forward to the game today, not because he wanted to go, but because it would give him a chance to relax. He had been thinking of their return to Montreal. He knew that LaCroix would try to bring him across, but Nick knew he would not come back. Natalie's last gift to him had not been the sunrise, but her faith that they would be together in the end. That faith had helped him during the last two years. Soon, he knew he would join Natalie as he had promised. Nick heard Patrick moving around inside and quickly wiped his face. He didn't want to spoil this week for him. Soon, it would all be over.
Patrick woke and saw Nick outside, watching the sunrise. He smiled to himself. He couldn't wait for the game. This was going to be great!

========================

Natalie woke at sunrise as she always did even though she was off today. She went outside to watch the sunrise, her thoughts, as always, of Nick. She had plenty of time before she had to meet the others at the community center. She wondered again how she had let herself be talked into helping take a group of high-risk kids to a baseball game. The tickets had been anonymously donated to the center, and the director had asked her to help. She was the only doctor that most of the kids saw and they listened to her. The kids were so excited to be going, seeing a professional ball game was something beyond the means of their parents. She really hadn't wanted to go, the Toronto Bluejays were playing, but she had agreed. She sighed and went inside, she had a few things she could do before they left.
Natalie followed the bus full of kids and the other adults to the park. She took her car, because she could never be sure when one of her patients would beep her and she needed to be able to leave. She was the only doctor these people had and made sure she could be reached at all times. They arrived a couple of hours before game time, to allow the kids to watch the players warm up. Natalie watched the kids running from place to place, and smiled. She thought that maybe the day would be fun after all.

============

Nick was getting irritated with Patrick. When they had gone out this morning, Patrick was in a rush. Now, as game time approached he couldn't seem to get Patrick to move. "Patrick," Nick said impatiently, "We're gonna miss the start of the game if you don't hurry up!"
"Aw, but Uncle Nick..." Patrick started, but Nick cut him off.
"We have to go now!" Nick said and Patrick had sullenly followed him. They got to their seats just as the national anthems finished up. They watched as the Bluejays hammered the Yankees through the first three innings. Nick found himself enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the game.
"Uncle Nick?" Patrick said.
"Yes?" Nick replied.
"Uh, I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back," and Nick watched as Patrick headed off. Nick just shook his head and turned back to the game. He got a kick out of watching a group of kids several rows in front of them enjoy the game.
Patrick had enjoyed the game so far, but the best was yet to come. He made his way to a phone and quickly dialed the number he had found and then headed back to his uncle. He couldn't wait!

===========

Natalie felt her beeper going off, and was dismayed. To her surprise she had enjoyed the day. Watching the kids enjoying the trip was great! She checked her beeper, but didn't recognize the number. She shook her head, not really surprised. Some of her patients didn't have phones so she was used to strange numbers appearing on her beeper. She caught the director's eye and held up her beeper. He nodded and motioned her off. He understood that she might be called away, and had no problem with it.
As Patrick made his way back to his seat, he made sure that Nick had to step out onto the stairs.
Natalie wasn't watching where she was going and ran into the back of a tall blonde-haired man. As he turned around to speak to her, she saw his face, and her heart stopped. Nick turned around when he felt someone run into him. The words on his lips died, as he looked into a face he thought he'd never see again. They stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like forever, before Nick whispered her name "Nat?"
Natalie just stood there, stunned. She vaguely heard Nick say her name, but the sight of him alive and mortal was more then she could handle. Natalie started to tremble and her eyes filled with tears. Nick reached out and quickly pulled her into a fierce hug, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. It was something he'd never thought he'd feel again. As Nick held her, her tears started to fall. She still couldn't speak, she just buried her head in his chest, totally beyond words. The sounds of the game faded as Nick gently tilted her face up and tentatively lowered his lips to hers. The kiss quickly grew heated as each of them realized that there was nothing to hold them back anymore.
Patrick watched them with a huge smile on his face. His plan had worked! All he had to do now was get his uncle’s attention, so they could get out of here. Nick and Natalie showed no signs of ending their kiss, so he said "Uh, Uncle Nick?"
Nick heard his name, and then the sounds of the game. He reluctantly pulled away from Natalie, and turned to Patrick. He could see the wide smile on Patrick's face, and blushed.
Natalie didn't want the kiss to end, but had heard someone call Nick's name. As Nick turned towards the voice, she saw a teenager with a huge smile on his face watching them.
She was still dazed, but the name was familiar.
"Uncle Nick, maybe we should go, I'm sure you and Dr. Lambert have better things to do then watch a baseball game."
Something clicked in Nick's brain and he said, "Patrick, how do you know Natalie?" Nick was pretty sure he knew what the answer was.
"Uncle Nick, can we get something to eat? I'll explain, really I will."
Nick frowned at him and turned to Natalie. "Come with us?" Nick asked.
Natalie smiled and said "Just try and stop me, Nick." They made their way to the parking lot in silence, Nick and Natalie walking arm and arm. Nick steered them to his car, and as they got in, said, "We'd better go back to the hotel. I think Janette should hear this, don't you, Patrick?"
Natalie started at Janette's name, and then Patrick’s identity hit her.
"Do you think Mom will be mad at me, Uncle Nick?" Patrick asked, worry in his voice.
"No, Patrick, Janette isn't the problem, but we'll talk about that later." Nick leaned over and whispered into Natalie's ear. "I love you Natalie, and I always will. No one will ever come between us again." She squeezed his hand and smiled.
"I love you, too, Nick, and I'm not going to lose you ever again."

==================
Montreal 1998

It was late afternoon when LaCroix's phone rang. He let the machine take it, until he heard Michael's voice.
"Yes, Michael?"
" LaCroix, I found Natalie Lambert for you. She has a small practice in Miami."
LaCroix heard Michael continue, but paid no attention. His hand crushed the phone as his rage built. Miami, where Nicholas had gone. Somehow he knew they were together. He threw the ruined phone down, and began to pace. So, his son thought he'd escape, that he would allow him to join the good doctor. LaCroix smiled. His eyes glowed yellow and through his fangs he said, "Nicholas, one way or another, you shall come back to me, and I will finally take my revenge on you doctor." LaCroix took out his cellphone and dialed. "I need a reservation on your next flight to Miami, tonight."

Nick drove through a burger joint and got lunch. As they headed back to the hotel, he said, "Okay, Patrick, spill it."
Natalie smiled as she watched Patrick wolf down his burger. "Um, okay. Well, Uncle Nick, Mom told me something bad had happened to you in Toronto so you were gonna stay with us for awhile. She didn't tell me what went on." Patrick paused to take a drink. "One night, I heard Mom and LaCroix arguing about you. He said he was gonna make you a vampire even though you didn't want to be one. He said something about Dr. Lambert, so I wondered what was up." Patrick looked at Natalie and Nick. "I'd heard you talking to her in your sleep, and thought maybe she could help you. I asked Mom about you, Dr. Lambert, and she said LaCroix had told her you had died. I decided to check that out, and discovered that LaCroix had lied."
Nick and Natalie exchanged a glance at that.
"Umm...I thought that if you found her, you wouldn't be so sad, so...umm...I kinda set you up." Patrick looked anxiously at them. "You're not mad at me, are you?"
Natalie reached back and lightly touched his arm. "No, Patrick, we could never be angry at you. Thank you," she said with tears in her eyes.
"Patrick, Nat's right. Thanks to you, I have my life back."
Patrick smiled at them. "Good!!" he said. "Uncle Nick?" Patrick asked.
"Yes, Patrick?"
"Will Mom be mad at me?"
Nick smiled and said, "I don't think so, and don't worry about LaCroix, your Mom and I will handle him."
They pulled into the hotel parking lot. "Patrick, I want you to go upstairs and tell your Mom what's up. Nat and I will be up in a bit, we have some things to talk about."
As Patrick started to go, Natalie gave him a big hug, and whispered "Thank you" to him. Patrick smiled and took off.
Nick put his arm around Nat's waist and headed to the beach. They walked in silence for a bit, then sat down. Nat looked down at the sand and started to speak. "Nick...I am so sorry. I pushed you too hard that night. I just..."
Nick put a finger to her lips. "Shhh, Nat. It’s okay. What happened was my fault. I almost killed you. I thought I had," Nick said quietly.
Natalie looked up into Nick's eyes and saw his guilt. It was the same guilt she saw in her own eyes. She reached out and laid her hand on his cheek and smiled. "We're doing it again," she said lightly.
"Doing what?" Nick asked, puzzled.
"Arguing over who's guilty. Why don't we just drop it? We have a second chance, Nick. Let's make the most of it."
She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. Nick passionately returned her kiss and, for a time, they let the world disappear as they discovered one another again.
Nick broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. "We have to decide what we're gonna do. When LaCroix finds out..." he trailed off.
"When LaCroix finds out, he's not going to be happy." Nat finished. Nick just nodded and pulled her close. Natalie looked into Nick's eyes and said, "Nick, I won't run. I have a practice here and people who need me. I won't let him ruin that."
Nick smiled, again marveling at her courage. "Then it's settled. We stay here."
Natalie looked away and said, "Nick..."
Nick gently turned her face towards him. "Nat, don't even think it. I'm never leaving you again. I did promise we'd be together and I meant it. I love you, Nat and I always will. But we still have to deal with LaCroix...he won't let me go." He looked out over the water and said, "We should go and talk to Janette, she might have an idea."

=========================

Janette heard Patrick come in and wondered where Nick was.
"Um, Mom, I have something to tell you..."
Janette listened to Patrick, growing more and more upset. When he finished, she just stared at him. "Mom? Are you angry at me?" Patrick asked worried.
She gave him a weak smile. "No, I'm not mad at you, Patrick. But LaCroix...well don't worry about that. Nick and I will work something out." She gave him a hug, and Patrick went over and opened up his laptop.
Janette sat there, her mind racing. Just how was she going to keep LaCroix from killing all of them? She was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of the door opening. She looked up to see Nick, leading Natalie into the room. For the first time in years, she could see the happiness in him.
"Janette," Nick started.
She cut him off. "Natalie, it is *good* to see you again." Natalie smiled uncertainly at Janette. Janette got up and began to pace, "At least we have a few days to figure out how to deal with LaCroix. You both realize that he will be *most* displeased by this?" she said seriously.
Before either of them could respond, Patrick interrupted. "Um, Mom? You might want to hear this." They all looked at Patrick. "I kinda checked on LaCroix...he's gonna be here, tonight. His plane lands at 3:00 am.
Natalie sat on the couch, listening to Nick and Janette argue over how to deal with LaCroix. They'd sent Patrick out as soon as they recovered from the shock of hearing that LaCroix was coming. She shifted slightly as they went over everything again. Finally, she tuned them out as she thought. It was simple, really. They had two options. Somehow convince LaCroix not to kill them, or bring them across, or kill *him*. A bitter smile crossed her lips at the thought of LaCroix agreeing to let her and Nick live out their mortal lives free of him. Nat knew that Nick and Janette believed that it would be impossible to kill LaCroix. Nick had tried to kill him and failed. Tuning them back in and realizing that they had gone in circles yet again, Nat cleared her throat.
Nick and Janette turned to look at her. "I haven't said anything during this discussion, hoping you two could find a way out of this mess for all of us. Somehow, I doubt LaCroix will agree to letting Nick stay mortal. As for me, I think the best I can hope for would be a quick death." She paused, realizing, from the look on Nick's face that she'd been a little too blunt.
"Nat..." Nick began.
She cut him off with a smile. "Nick, you know I'm right. He hates me and will never let you go."
Nick nodded, a sad look on his face. Nick walked over and sat next to Nat on the couch. Reaching, he took her hand in his. "Nat, I won't lose you now. Somehow we'll just have to convince him to leave us alone."
Nat smiled and shook her head. A glance at Janette showed they shared the same thought. LaCroix would never let Nick go. Gently, she touched his face. "Nick, he'll never let you go without a fight. We need to convince him that we *can* stop him."
"Nat, I killed him before, and he came back. How can we convince him of something that isn't true?"
Nat looked away. This was the hardest part of what she had to say. "Nick...Janette..." She started slowly. "After LaCroix’s visit to me, I began to think of ways to defend myself. I didn't care if he killed me, that way I would have been with you, but I couldn't stand the thought of him bringing me across and separating us forever. So, I..."
Nat stopped, overcome by emotion. Nick slid his arm around her and pulled her close. "What did you do, Nat?" he asked softly.
Without looking at either of them Nat spoke. "When I got out of the hospital, before I left Toronto, I...I modified the virus that causes the fever. I made it stronger. I tested it on samples of your blood, and refined it further. As far as I can tell, it *should*...should kill LaCroix. Permanently."
Total silence reigned. Nat nervously looked up at Nick and Janette. Janette had a look of...something, Nat didn't know what on her face, but Nick wore a shocked look that quickly changed to one of hope. "Nat, are you sure? I mean, will it work?" The hope in his voice was unmistakable.
Nat merely nodded. She *was* sure.
Janette sank down into a chair, staring at Nick and Natalie. This was it then. She had to decide if she could do this. She owed her life to LaCroix. He had saved her, made her a vampire, given her control of her life and for centuries she had been content with that. A part of her wished that Natalie had indeed died that night, that Nick would come back to them, but, she admitted to herself, that was never a real possibility. Now she had to choose between them. And there was Patrick to think of. LaCroix would not be happy with Patrick. And she wasn't strong enough, by herself to protect him from LaCroix. Feeling her heart break she said softly, "So, where is this virus, and how do we use it?"

*********
Montreal 1998

With two hours till sundown, and three more after that before his plane left, LaCroix sat in his library deciding what to do. Nicholas would come back across. He would see to that. He smiled in anticipation of tasting Nicholas's mortal blood. The good doctor would provide some entertainment before he killed her. And Janette...well, Janette would learn that betrayal carried a heavy price. Yes, all in all, he was looking forward to a most pleasant evening.
The drive to Nat's office was a quiet one. Both Nick and Natalie were still trying to deal with the fact that the other was alive, and that the future they'd longed for was within their grasp. If only they could be free of LaCroix.
Nat shut the car off and turned to look at Nick. He was staring out the window, lost in thought. She smiled and shook her head. "Nick, we're here." She said as she leaned over and lightly touched his arm.
He started slightly and grinned sheepishly at her. "Sorry Nat, I was thinking."
Laughing she replied, "Uh-huh, sure. Let's go. We can get the virus and then go get something to eat." Still chuckling she got out of the car.
Nick grinned at the sound of her laughter. God! How he'd missed her! As he got out and began to follow her, he looked around. Nat's office was in a poor area. there were lots of small stores and apartments. The street was bustling with people, most of whom were chattering in Spanish. Quite a few called greetings to Nat, and she answered them in rather good Spanish. He realized then, just what she'd meant when she said she couldn't leave these people. They needed her, and he suspected she needed them as well. Following Nat inside, he saw her office was neat but had that look of hard use about it. "I'll just be a minute Nick, then we can go." She said as she disappeared into the back.
Glancing around, he stopped suddenly at the sight of a picture of him and Nat on her desk. Staring at it, he didn't hear her untill she slipped her arms around him. Turning in her embrace, he put his arms around her and hugged her hard. "Oh God, Nat, I love you so much!" he whispered as he tilted her head up and caught her lips in a passionate kiss.
Nat responded eagerly, fire coursing through her at the feel of his warm lips on hers. Their hands began to explore each other as they allowed the years of repressed desire to explode. So caught up in their passion, neither heard the door open until a stream of hysterical Spanish got their attention.
Breaking their embrace, Nat hurried over to the sobbing woman standing by the door. After a few minutes, Nat was able to make out that one of her regular patients had fallen in his home and needed medical attention. "Nick, I have to go and see him, why don't you wait here?" Nat said as she retrieved her medical bag.
"Nat, if it's ok, can I come along? I just don't want to leave you." he said.
"Okay" she said, pointing to a large orange box in the corner, "you can carry that."
"Yes, Ma'am." he grinned and grabbed the box. They quickly followed the old woman and reached a neatly kept house. Several people were milling about crying and talking.
Nat sighed as she saw them. Dealing with Mr. Ramirez was tough enough, but with all the family...Putting on her best "Dr. Lambert" look she headed up the steps, Nick right behind her. Following the old woman into the house, she saw her patient laying on the couch, a bloody towel pressed to his forehead. Unable to stop herself, Nat shot a glance at Nick. He was slightly pale, but otherwise fine. Chiding herself for her thoughts she turned back to her patient.
Mr. Ramirez was a nice old man, a diabetic, who often didn't take his medicine. With a practiced glance she saw his color was good, but he showed signs of not having taken his insulin. Five voices all talking at once was more then enough. In rapid fire Spanish, in her firmest voice she got them all to leave the room, except for Nick, and Mrs Ramirz.
Nick watched amazed as Nat cleared the room and got down to work. Gently she cleaned and stitched the nasty gash on the old man's forehead. After making sure that he suffered no other injuries, he listened in awe as she read the old man the riot act. Seeing that he took his medicine, she began to gather up her supplies. Swiftly helping her, they were ready to go shortly. Saying goodbye to the family, they walked down the street.
"Nick, I need to go to my place and change. And I should check on Sydney."
Sliding his arm around her waist, he nodded. Nat began to head away from her office.
"Where are we going, Nat?"
Pointing to a small house she said "That's mine Nick. We can go back for the car later." Following Nat in the door he heard a familiar meow and saw Sydney come running. Smiling at the cat, Nat reached down and picked him up. "Say hello to Nick, Syd."
Nick reached over and was pleased when Sydney allowed him to pet him. "Let me grab some clean clothes and we can be off.
As Nat went to change, Nick looked around dismayed. This was not the kind of place he imagined Nat living in. It was neat and clean and devoid of any of the touches he'd seen in Nat's apartment in Toronto. Tears welled up as he realized just how much his "death" had hurt her. When she came out of the bathroom, dressed in a clean pair of sweats, he knew he couldn't wait any longer. They'd waited long enough.
Sweeping her into his arms, he rained passionate kisses on her face and ran his hands across her back. Matching him kiss for kiss, she reveled in the feel of his body next to hers. Knowing that this might be their only chance to be together, Nick picked her up and gently laid her on her bed, and slowly and passionately they finally became one.
Nat slowly became aware of a warm pressure draped across her chest. She smiled slightly as she felt a warm breath tickle her shoulder. Suddenly her eyes snapped open. Shifting she gazed into Nick's peaceful, sleeping face.
Gently, she reached over and lightly traced the puckered, angry-looking scar on his left shoulder. She had no idea what happened that night after Nick drank her blood. But judging from the new lines in his face, and how she had felt, she could guess. Looking at his face, Nat realized Nick was awake and watching her.
Waking to a soft touch on his shoulder, Nick stared at the face of the woman he loved. He saw the far away look in her eyes and wondered what she was thinking. Tightening his arms around her, he felt her thinness.
It was his fault she had suffered so the last few years. Burying his face in her soft hair, Nick whispered, "Nat, I'm so sorry."
Returning his embrace, Nat said softly, "For what, Nick? I pushed you, remember? You tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen. What happened was my fault not yours."
Nick smiled. There she went again. Forgiving him for hurting her, and taking the blame for what he had done. Pulling back, he stared into her blue eyes, eyes he had missed so these two long years. Running his fingers gently over her cheek, "Nat, its over. We both made mistakes, and as you said, we have another chance. I, for one, don't intend to blow it. I love you, and want to spend the rest of my life with you."
A smile of joy lit Nat's face, and tears filled her eyes, as she whispered, "Oh Nick, I want the same...I have loved you from the moment we met. All I ever wanted was you."
Nat pulled him to her and caught his lips in a passionate kiss. Regretfully releasing his lips, she smiled. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we have to stop..." She trailed off.
He nodded. "You're right," he sighed. Nick glanced over to the clock, by the bed. "We should get going, it’s late."
Nat twisted and looked herself. "Almost 1 a.m. Janette must be wondering what happened to us." Nat pulled free of Nick's arms and started to get up.
Nick lay back and watched her with a smile. "Somehow, Nat, I think Janette wasn't expecting us back too soon."
Nat grinned at him as she headed for the bathroom.
Nick's smile faded as he got up and gathered his clothes. They still had to deal with LaCroix and there were no guarantees.
Nat came out of the bathroom a few minutes later to find Nick, dressed, sitting on the couch deep in thought. Walking over to him, she ran her hand lightly over his shoulder. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Nick glanced up at her, and smiled. "Just thinking how lucky I am." He said softly. He rose and pulled Nat into his arms. "Let's go. the sooner we get finished, the sooner we can get on with our lives."
Nodding, she grabbed her bag and they left.

========

Janette poured herself another glass and sipped. Patrick was safe. She sent him to stay with friends. She had made her calls, and done all she could. Glancing at the clock, she knew they would be back soon. She hoped they had made the most of their time together. If this plan didn't work, they probably wouldn't have another chance.
A short time later, Janette heard a key in the lock. Looking up, she watched as Nick and Natalie came in. She smiled slightly as she realized they had indeed made the most of their time.
"So we are set, correct?" Janette asked. Nat nodded and held up her bag. "I have the virus here...Now all we need is LaCroix."
Checking her watch, Janette replied, "I'm sure we won't have long to wait."

Lucian LaCroix exited the plane and strode through the airport. As he stepped outside, he paused. It was a beautiful, moonlight night. The moon was almost full and the night felt alive. He smiled. What a perfect night to reclaim his Nicholas.
Swiftly taking to the air, he allowed himself a moment of indulgence as he imagined how sweet Nicholas would taste. A shadow intruded as he remembered the last two years. Since that night he had tried to teach Nicholas the folly of a mortal life. He had never succeeded. *She* was always there. In his thoughts, in his heart. It was time to deal with the good doctor and end this foolishness, forever.

=======

Nat was pacing, she just couldn't help it. The closer it got to 3 am, the harder it was to sit still. She'd filled and shown Nick and Janette how to use the injectors, but after that, conversation trailed off. Each of them had too much on their minds. She wondered if it came down to it, she could kill LaCroix. She wondered if any of them could.
Janette and Nick exchanged a glance as they watched Nat pace. They both knew what was bothering her. The quiet beep of the clock announced the hour. 3 am. Nick rose and went over to Nat, who had stopped pacing. He slid his arms around her from behind and leaned down, dropping a kiss on her cheek.
"Nat...I'm not going to tell you not to worry, you wouldn't listen anyway, but somehow..." He stopped and turned her around. Gazing deep into her eyes, he whispered, "Somehow Nat, we will defeat LaCroix and we will be together." She didn't reply. She just wrapped her arms around him, and leaned her head against his chest.
"How touching." said a very familiar voice, dripping sarcasm. Three heads turned sharply to watch as LaCroix stepped into the room from the balcony. Nat moved to step away from Nick but he just held her firmly to his side.
LaCroix watched as Nicholas held that woman. He could hear her fear. He smiled. "Did you really think you could escape me Nicholas?" LaCroix drawled as he strolled deeper into the room. Janette rose and stepped between them. "LaCroix...it is time to let them go. He was never truly ours. Let him be."
LaCroix stopped in front of Janette. "Janette...I cannot. He is mine and I *will* have him." Brushing past Janette he moved closer to Nick and Natalie. He looked into the face of his beloved son. He could see the determination in his face.
Nick released Nat and stepped forward a step. "LaCroix, don't do this. I will never return as a vampire. I will not come back."
Janette moved quietly to stand next to Nat. Together they watched as Nick attempted to reach LaCroix.
He could see the truth of Nicholas' words in his eyes. Anger flared. "Nicholas, you are mine! You will join me again...If you will not do so willingly, perhaps this will motivate you."
Moving faster then the eye could see LaCroix was past Nick and had Nat by the throat. Nat gasped and frantically tried to get the injector out of her pocket. Nick grabbed at LaCroix's arm, but with an absent shrug, sent him flying.
"I should have done this that night, Doctor. I will bring you across, then Nicholas. I will enjoy making you pay."
He began to draw her closer, his fangs descending.
"LaCroix!"
Snarling LaCroix looked around. Standing in the room was a short balding man. He didn't look like much, but he radiated power.
"You are not welcome here."
LaCroix growled.
The strange vampire moved closer to LaCroix. "Release her LaCroix. She is protected." Enraged at the Enforcer's words, LaCroix threw Natalie from him. She landed in a heap on the floor, gasping. Nick was quickly at her side, and they watched as LaCroix faced the Enforcer.
"You have a choice LaCroix, De Brabant and Lambert are protected. If you touch them, you will pay the price," the Enforcer stated coldly.
Janette laid her hand on LaCroix's arm. "Let them go, LaCroix...please."
LaCroix looked from the Enforcer to Janette to Nick, who was holding Natalie.
Watching them, LaCroix conceded defeat. He would never have Nicholas back. Closing his eyes against the pain in his heart he whispered, "You...win, Nicholas. You are free of me." He shook off Janette's hand. Looking back, for one last time at the man he called son. Grief encased his heart as he turned away and launched into the sky.
Nick watched, stunned as his father/enemy left. For a moment, he felt a sense of loss, but then Nat moved in his embrace, and he hugged her close. "Its over, Nat. It’s finally over." Natalie pulled him into a sweet kiss, full of promise.
Startled by a cough, they broke apart and looked at the Enforcer. He smiled slightly. "There is a price for our protection, De Brabant."
At his words, Nick felt his stomach drop. He wondered how high the price might be. "What is it?" he asked.
The Enforcer chuckled. "Do not worry so, De Brabant. It's not so high a price to pay for your freedom."
"It's quite simple really. Dr. Lambert has, on occasion, proven useful to the community. We would like that to continue."
Nick began to stand, his anger flaring.
Nat gently restrained him. "I'm not an M.E. any more. I can't cover for you," she said softly.
The enforcer smiled. "That's not what we need from you. There are occasions when we need medical assistance...we would like you to provide it."
 Nick and Natalie exchanged glances. "There have to be a few ground rules set. I won't have my life and my practice upset by this." Nat replied cautiously.
"I'm sure we can come to some mutually satisfactory arrangement, Doctor. As for now, I shall leave you. We will be in touch."
In a blink, he was gone.

==========
9 months later

Nick sat, gently running his fingers through the hair of his sleeping wife. He could see the exhaustion on her face. It had been a long night. He looked up as the door quietly opened to see Janette enter the room.
"Hello, Nichola. How is Natalie?" She asked as she approached the bed.
Nick smiled. "She's doing ok, Janette. It was a long night." He looked down as Nat stirred, opening bloodshot eyes. "Hi." he said softly.
Nat smiled up at him "Hi, yourself." The door opened and a nurse walked in caring a small bundle. "You're awake, good. I have someone here who wants to meet her Mom."
Nick pressed the button to raise the bed up as the nurse approached. Carefully she handled the bundle to Natalie.
With tears in her eyes, Natalie looked down into the face of her sleeping daughter. Nick sat on the edge of the bed and put his arm around Nat. She looked up into his tear filled eyes. "She's beautiful Nick."
He smiled and kissed her temple. "Just like her mom," he whispered.

The End