Conversion Day Fic: A Special Offering August 2002 Jarvinia I don't own Forever Knight or any of its characters--just borrowing them for a bit. This takes place on the 24th of August after third season, and Last Knight either didn't happen, or happens later. I would like to thank amethystshells for all of her comments and suggestions, as well as practically going through this as it was written. :) Please do not archive without permission (although, please do ask if you'd like to!). Enjoy! ~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~ A Special Offering Riding up in the elevator, Natalie wondered what was up with Nick. That night, he hadn't come in to work. He had, according to his partner, called in sick--an action he rarely took. So, upon getting off from work, she headed to his place, deciding to just punch in the security code and head up. If he was there, she knew, he would already know she was coming. Sliding the door open, she could see him sitting on the couch, leaning back into the cushions. Upon taking several steps closer, she was surprised to see that he was, by all appearances, asleep. Not only that, but he seemed paler than usual. Immediately, she wondered if he could be sick, and just wasn't telling her. Vampires didn't get sick, but she couldn't help but remember the Fever--which had disproved that theory. Now, as she stood only a couple of steps away, she wondered why he hadn't said anything. Carefully sitting on the couch, she tentatively touched his shoulder. The reaction was immediate as he took in a deep breath and sat up. Even as he calmed and gave her a forced smile, her concern didn't fade. "Nick?" He turned, faintly surprised to find her there. "Nat...what are you doing here?" "I came by because I was concerned. Tracy told me you called in sick...and I guess my curiosity just got the better of me." She paused, again taking in his appearance. "But...you really don't look your normal self, Nick." Returning to his previous position, he closed his eyes. "I'm just tired, that's all." "You're awfully pale, Nick, even for you," she said, putting her hand on his forehead. He shrugged out of the touch, albeit not as strongly as he should have been able to. "I'll be fine later, really...although I am a bit hungry." With that, he tried to rest, knowing he had to get some of his strength back soon. The night wasn't yet over, and he still had things to do. Standing, Natalie headed for the refrigerator, finding...two full bottles and the containers that had, when she'd given them to him, been filled with her shakes. Pulling one out, she put it on the counter and went to grab a glass. Seeing a full bottle sitting in the sink, beads of water clinging to the glass, she diverted her attention to the other items. In the other sink, there was a bowl and a knife, both seemingly having had blood on them recently. Her mind started to draw conclusions she really didn't want to think about. After a few seconds, she forgot about the glass of blood, and reached for the bottle. The surface of the glass was faintly warm.... Nearly dropping the bottle, she found Nick standing next to her, taking it from her. "Nick, what is this?" "It's...hard to explain." "Please, enlighten me," she told him, her emotions showing though slightly. "Don't worry, the blood is mine. It's...a present." Now, that caught her attention. "A present? For what...whom?" "That's even harder to explain, and I don't have much time if I am to deliver it before sunrise." Their gazes met, and it was all too clear to him that he would have to say more. "In brief, it's for LaCroix. Today is his Conversion Day." "Conversion Day? Off hand, I'm going to say that would have something to do with being brought across...right?" "Yeah. It's kind of like a birthday...but not quite. In some ways it's more significant, in others, it's not. It's a bit more...memorable...for whatever reason." Stopping, he wondered if he should say more or leave it at that. Eventually, he told her, "It's something that has always bothered LaCroix a bit, although he'll never admit it." She found the information interesting, especially the part about it bugging LaCroix. "So...is it normal to give and receive gifts for someone's Conversion Day?" "Not usually. A few vampires don't even know the date, and some are reluctant to tell anyone. Any gifts are usually from within one's...family. I've never received one from LaCroix--neither has Janette, and I've only given him a few over the centuries. The only reason I know LaCroix', is because I know when he was brought across-- the day Vesuvius erupted." "Which is in the history books...so you could figure it out." She fingered the bottle. "So...why your blood? Why not some trinket or...I don't know...a book?" Nick took several steps along the counter's edge, picking up the glass she'd poured. Having a sip, he cringed slightly, able to faintly taste the previous contents of the container. "I guess it's because I usually don't get him anything. We've been at odds so much over the past century that I haven't been able to. This is the...first time in almost two centuries. I guess I wanted to show that even though I don't want to be a vampire that I'm not trying to dishonor him by my quest. It's...complicated." Even though she may not fully agree with it, she didn't disagree, either. Natalie turned to the bottle, asking, "Do you think he'll like your gift?" "I honestly don't know, Nat. I'll find out in just a little while." He finished off his glass and put it in the sink. Pulling out the bottle, he held it up. The bottle was faintly warm. Earlier, he'd run the glass under hot water, not wanting to allow the contents to cool. Watching as Nick dried the bottle off and went to retrieve his jacket, she followed. "Would it be...inappropriate for me to go with you?" she asked aloud, but not meaning to. The request surprised him. He stopped, setting the bottle down. "I'm not sure what he would think of it." "I'll leave if he doesn't want me there. I guess I just want to go with you." 'And make sure you're okay,' he had a feeling she was getting at. He sighed. "Come on, then, before the sun comes up." Smiling faintly, she let Nick lead her down to his car. On the way, she wondered what LaCroix would think of her presence, if anything. Breathing deeply, she got in the Caddy, hoping she wasn't making a mistake. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Scanning her surroundings, Natalie remembered Nick's comment to not touch anything until he got back. Upon arriving, LaCroix hadn't been there. Nick was in the kitchen, and she could hear the water running. At a guess, she would say he was warming the bottle with hot water again. Her curiosity was trapped by the contents of one of the shelves. Several movies stood slightly out of place among the other items in the room. The tapes, a few more than a dozen, ranged across several genres. Some of the tapes were movies, none of which she recognized. There were a couple of Shakespearian plays--a couple recently made and a couple from decades before. On the end, mostly concealed by what appeared to be a small photo album was a documentary on Pompeii-- still shrink-wrapped. It struck her as odd, sitting amongst the other tapes. Remembering Nick's comment earlier that this day bothered LaCroix, a couple of things troubled her. If LaCroix had bought the tape, why hadn't he watched it or at least taken it out of the packaging? It was the only one still incased in it's plastic shielding. Secondly, if this day did bug him, why, assuming that he bought it, did he get it? She reached forward, planning on reading the back of the tape. "Don't, Nat...don't." She froze at Nick's voice. "Why not? It's just a video tape." "It was a...gift to LaCroix. I had seen the documentary and thought he might like it. I gave it to him last year. I was wrong." "But, I thought you said you hadn't given LaCroix anything for his conversion day for a while?" "I haven't...not really." His reply wasn't quite working, and he further explained, "Well, nothing that was accepted, anyway. It didn't go over very well." She focused on the tapes, her fingers running along the edge of the shelf. "And this year, you're trying to make up for it?" she said, turning to him. Fidgeting slightly, Nick momentarily glanced away before answering her. "I suppose you could say that, but it's mainly a show of friendship. I'm not going back to him; I just don't want him to be my enemy, either." "But, the documentary...." He sighed. Things had definitely not gone well the year before. "I had thought that it might help. To see something somewhat familiar...I know I'd be thrilled if I could see my home as it was when I'd been mortal. But...he refuses to watch it, and I'm not about to pressure the matter. Frankly, I'm surprised he still has it." Turning her attention to a clock, she noted that it was after sunrise. Yet, LaCroix wasn't there. "By the way, where is he?" "Probably in the club. I'll...be back in a few minutes. And Nat? Do not touch *anything*. I don't think he'd be pleased." She nodded, and then watched as Nick left. He had left her alone in LaCroix' home. Feeling a little nervous, she wasn't sure if she should just sit down...or if she should look around a bit. Going back to the bookcase, her eyes caught on the photo album she'd seen earlier. Before she knew it, her hand was on the cover. She hesitated a moment, remembering Nick's warning, but convinced herself she would have it back in it's place before either of the two vampires returned. Pulling it down, she could see that it was about half the size of most albums. Opening it to the first pages, she found a picture from what she would guess to be the previous century. There, on its own, stood a picture of Nick, LaCroix and Janette. Each of them appeared almost identical as they were in the present except for their clothes. Flipping through the pages, she found more of Nick and Janette--some with them alone, others together--and a handful of ones with LaCroix. Progressing through the book, she watched as time literally moved decades into the future. Near the end, she found one of Nick and Janette, one that was identical to the picture Tracy had shown her several months before. It surprised her slightly that he would have such a collection of photos...but at the same time it didn't. After all, she knew he was possessive of his children, especially Nick, so why wouldn't he have pictures of them? "What are you doing?!" Spinning, she found LaCroix on the other side of the room, his eyes glowing red and fangs bared at her. Natalie closed the album, swallowing. She hadn't even heard him arrive, or Nick for that matter, who was standing behind the other vampire. "Um...I was just...uh...." LaCroix took several steps forward, stopped only by his son's grip on his arm. "Put it back and get out!" She carefully put the album back, but her fingers lingered on the wooden shelf. "I'm sorry, LaCroix. I didn't mean any harm by it." He simply glared at her, and she remained as calm as she could. "I'd like to stay, if I can...." Nick could visibly sense LaCroix' anger rising. "She meant no harm, LaCroix. They're just pictures. It's not like she went through your drawers or anything. They were right there in an album, sitting in the open." Trying to calm himself, LaCroix eventually nodded. "You can stay, Doctor, if that is what you wish." Turning to his son, he asked, "Now, what are you here for?" She could hear the terseness of his voice. He didn't want her there, she knew it. And yet...she wanted to be there for Nick. Turning her attention to him, Natalie watched as he hesitated on answering the question. To herself, she wondered if she'd just ruined Nick's plan...but she wasn't going to let that happen. Carefully, she stepped closer, sliding almost uncomfortably past LaCroix and into the kitchen. She could feel his eyes on her, and hoped he would return his attention to Nick. "What is she doing?" Although he had an idea, Nick wasn't entirely sure, and told him, "I guess you'll find out." When LaCroix started after her, Nick added, "If it's what I think, she's getting my gift to you." LaCroix stiffened and turned toward his son. The younger had remembered the day, and had gotten him a present. He wondered what it could be, and, at the same time, he really didn't want to know. "Nicholas...I know what you're here for, but why? And why did you bring your mortal friend?" "Natalie asked if she could come, and I let her. As to why I came.... LaCroix, I don't want to be your enemy." "Then cease this ridiculous search for a cure! It will only destroy you in the end!" From the kitchen, Natalie leaned against the counter, listening to the argument. Each of their voices were raised, and as such, perfectly clear to her. It was obvious LaCroix didn't want to lose Nick, something that he saw would happen if he became mortal. The conversation built, and filing it away, she knew she'd just gained a wealth of information on Nick and LaCroix' relationship...and realized just how complicated it was. Finding a wine glass and carefully filling it from Nick's bottle, she headed back into the other room, at which they both abruptly silenced. LaCroix was controlled by anger, and Nick wasn't that far behind. Once more, she wondered if their hostility toward one another was from her presence. Taking in a slow, long breath, she handed the glass out to LaCroix, who looked at it as if it were poison. Nick stepped forward, standing next to his father. "Take it, LaCroix. It's my gift to you." As LaCroix took it, Nick caught his arm. "Just taste it, don't smell it first." His curiosity piqued, LaCroix wondered just what this gift was. The glass was faintly warm, adding to his interest. Then, doing as told, the blood met his tongue with an explosion. He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. The blood was Nicholas', and it was as fresh as it could be without drinking right from the source. In fact, it was still warm and tasted as if it were straight from his son. He so desperately wanted another sip, but first wanted to know what this was for. "Nicholas...." "There's a whole bottle in the kitchen." His eyebrow rose slightly at that. There was more--it wouldn't be gone when he finished the glass. Although it both surprised and pleased him, he made no comment. He gave a cursory glance to Nicholas' mortal friend, and then went to his couch, sitting on the far end. Focusing on her, he asked, "Why did you ask to accompany my son here? I thought you were attempting to 'cure' Nicholas?" Tightening her jaw at his obvious disapproval, Natalie didn't let his glare visibly bother her. True, her pulse was rising, which he would surely notice, but she was calm. "I asked because I wanted to come. If you want me to leave, I will. Just say so and I'll go." LaCroix held her gaze, aware that her words were true. Turning away, he focused on Nicholas out of the corner of his eye. His son was...upset. Perhaps he would allow her to stay. If nothing else, her presence might prevent an argument, something he wasn't in the mood for. "As I said before, you may stay if that is what you wish." She kept a smile to herself, wondering why he was letting her stay. As the two vampires' gazes met, she knew the answer--Nick. He was letting her stay because of Nick. "Uh...Nick told me the significance of today." "Did he..." he said, his eyes not drifting from his son. "I also noticed the video on the shelf--the unopened documentary. Nick told me, reluctantly, what it was. I know I'm probably digging my own grave, but-" "Yes, you are, my Dear." She ignored his comment, continuing, "But I was wondering why you haven't watched it, and if you aren't going to, why do you keep it?" He just stared at her, and after several seconds, she became uncomfortable. "If you don't want to answer, that's fine. I'm just curious." Watching him, he looked away from her. When Nick had said this day bothered LaCroix, it had been an understatement. Walking toward the bookcase, Nick stopped her as she passed him. Looking up at him, she waited for him to release her, and when he did, she continued to the shelf and got the tape. Holding it in front of her, turning it while looking it over, she asked, "Why haven't you watched it, LaCroix?" "Some things are better left in the past, Doctor." "Some things, yes, I agree with that. But, is this one of them? Do you hate mortals enough that you won't even acknowledge that you were one once?" She could see his rage at her statement, the emotion carefully controlled beneath the surface. "No matter what you say, LaCroix, I suspect you aren't much different than your mortal counterpart. You're very much still a Roman, I can see that." Nick's hands gently rested on her shoulders. Glancing back at him, she watched as Nick waited for a response, something she, too, wanted to see. LaCroix was practically squirming under the scrutiny. In any other situation, she would have been pleased to see him like this...but not now. The Roman vampire was more than bothered by the day and this day all those years ago--he was flat out uncomfortable with it. "Very well. I'll watch it if that is what you want. I'm sure it will make Nicholas happy that his gift finally serves a purpose." She faintly smiled, spying the VCR on the other side of the room. Tearing open the plastic wrapping, she could see LaCroix following her every action. Reaching the television, she found it on, the VCR clicking on just before the tape slid into its place. Turning, she saw Nick change the channel with the remote, and then pass it to the elder vampire. Nick went over to the couch, and waited for her. Then, they sat down, both turning their attention to LaCroix. Staring at the device with pure animosity, LaCroix glanced to his son, sitting next to him. Before he changed his mind, he started the tape, handing the remote back to the younger vampire. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "So...was Pompeii really like that?" Natalie asked LaCroix; who had been silent through the entire hour and a half. Reluctantly he answered her, more for his son's benefit than the mortal's. "Partly. It looked more or less the same." "But...." "The people are gone. It, unlike Rome, became a city of ghosts and has been so ever since." She could hear a harshness entering his tone. "Now it is, but it must have been quite alive when you lived there. Bustling with activity, I would guess." Leaning back, LaCroix kept his opinion on that to himself. Yes, it had been as she suspected. "So...what were the people like? Was it anything like today, or was it completely different?" "You like asking questions, don't you, Doctor?" "I'm a scientist; it's a part of the package." Their gazes locked for nearly a minute, and then she stated, "Besides, I really want to know." "Do you, Doctor?" he asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Yes, I do. I want to know about the people, daily life...it was much simpler then, wasn't it?" "Simpler? No, I wouldn't say 'simpler'. Less complicated, perhaps. Life was sometimes harsh, and the future was more uncertain. Only recently has life become busy and complex. I think Nicholas would agree." They both looked to him, and Nick nodded. "It is more complicated, more involved. But, one doesn't have to worry as much about one's survival. Sometimes, I think those in this time forget about their environment and what it can do. It used to be, to get food you had to grow it and hope the weather would be good. Now, you just go to the market and take it off the shelf." She nodded. His words matched some of her thoughts. "So...how was life in Pompeii?" He sighed. "As was mentioned in the video, the soil was fertile because of the volcano. Food was fairly abundant. If you wish to know more, I suggest you get a book on the subject, Doctor." Sitting forward, she told him while suppressing a laugh, "LaCroix, you are a history book. You and Nick both are." "We're not too dusty, I hope," Nick commented, pulling Natalie closer to him with a smile. Relaxing into his arms, she leaned against him. "No, not dusty, just not read too often. You know, to live through history, to see what you've seen...it's just amazing. Some would give anything for that." Nick held her tighter, kissing her lightly on the neck. "And what would you give?" His fangs brushed playfully against her skin, and he felt her jump slightly before again relaxing. "Hmm...I figured I'd just pry everything out of you. I know you've seen quite a bit more that you've said, Nicholas de Brabant," she told him with amusement. "Well, first, you'll have to stop laughing." Watching his son and the mortal, LaCroix was about to stand up when Nicholas turned, falling back toward him. The smile on his son's face as he tickled Natalie was the only thing that stopped him from shoving them away from him. Even though his son was merely playing, the sight of the younger's fangs made him remember the glass of blood. Glancing to the table, his empty glass stared back at him. So much did he want more, but he didn't want to use up any more of the precious gift Nicholas had given him. Planning on leaving them to their games, LaCroix prepared to stand, but his thoughts wouldn't let him. Nicholas had come here, delivering his present knowing full well that he'd have to stay the day. Perhaps, just perhaps, he could persuade Nicholas.... With Natalie there, he wasn't sure what his son's reaction would be...or hers, for that matter. "Nicholas, I..." he trailed off as the younger vampire's gaze met his. How could he ask this? Glancing slightly to the side, he let his fingers brush lightly against Nicholas' neck. Sitting up, Nick watched the other's eyes follow him. "You can take it if you want, LaCroix," he said, holding out his wrist. The offer was extremely tempting, and he just waited for the mortal to say something, but she didn't. He turned to her momentarily, and could see that she understood, if only partly, what this meant to him. He knew that she wouldn't stop this and silently thanked her for it with a near nod. Taking Nicholas' wrist, he paused, and then easily pulled the younger vampire in front of him. His son bared his throat, and he wasted no more time before letting his fangs slip into the cool flesh. Natalie told herself not to react, that this was still part of Nick's gift. Although she didn't show any outward sign, more than anything she was worried. Nick had already lost a lot of blood, and hadn't completely replaced it. Not only that, but it was a slap in the face to see Nick allowing this. They were working on a cure, and all this was doing was setting them back more than they already had been over the past year. But, this is what Nick wanted to do. She could see his hunger as LaCroix drank from him. His fangs had descended out of instinct, and she knew it was difficult for him to simply let LaCroix drain him. Taking his son's blood, he noted it was faintly warm--about the same as the glass he'd had earlier--and it flowed down his throat more smoothly than anything else he. It had been some time since Nicholas had allowed this, and although he shouldn't take this much, it might be many more years before this opportunity arose again. He drank until he felt Nicholas weaken and lean against him, the younger's muscles relaxing further than they already were. Drawing back, LaCroix licked the wounds clean before moving from behind him and looking over to his son. Nicholas was tired and weak. He could both see it and feel it. Standing, he watched as Natalie's concern rose, her fingers gently examining the wounds, and his son began to drift off. "He'll be fine with rest and blood." He stood and watched them for a moment, and then headed to the kitchen. Pouring a glass from one of the better vintages in the refrigerator, he took the glass back into the other room and handed it to the mortal. She then handed it to Nick, who slowly drank the glass before giving it back. Nicholas would need more blood later, but would be fine until he had rested. Setting the empty glass on the table, he told her, "There is more blood in the refrigerator for Nicholas and you may sleep in the spare bedroom if you wish. I will leave the door to it open." As LaCroix left, Natalie stayed next to Nick, running her fingers through his hair. "Nick? Are you okay?" "Hmm...just a little tired," he answered, leaning into her. Despite knowing Nick would be hungry when he woke, she couldn't turn him away as he rested against her. A few minutes later, he was stretched out across her lap, more or less pinning her to the couch. She sat for a little more than a half hour, not wanting to fall asleep just yet. Perhaps Nick would wake up and she could get him to drink something. He needed the blood, even if it would set them back further than they already were. Feeling herself tire, she started nodding off, but seeing LaCroix across the room, she jerked wide-awake. "You should sleep, Doctor. I believe you have work tonight." His words were softer than usual, but it was still clear that he really didn't want her there. But, question was, how did everything go? "LaCroix...about the documentary, I hope I didn't push too far." He stiffened, and after a moment, he softly stated, "It was probably a good thing." Locking gazes with her, he continued louder, "Let Nicholas know that his gift was well received." Staring after LaCroix' departing form, she could have almost sworn she caught a smile on the vampire's lips. Perhaps tonight had gone well. And, just perhaps, what she did hadn't pushed too far, but just enough. Shifting, Natalie made herself comfortable and drifted off, hoping that she was right about LaCroix and hoping that the morning had gone well for both of them. ~finis~ Jarvinia ~ jarvinia@gmx.com