Things Fall Apart - Parts 12 - 22
Jarvinia

Things Fall Apart - (12/33)

Walking onto the scene, Natalie quickly made her way into the
building--a rundown part of some kind of a warehouse.  She heard
passing conversations about broken glass, but offhand, she didn't see
any, so wasn't concerned.

Entering a large room, she found herself quickly pulled to the side by
Nick, startling her.  "Nick, at least warn me before you do that kind
of thing!"

"Nat," he said, leading her back out of the room and away from
everyone.  Once alone, he told her, "You shouldn't have needed a
warning.  You should have known I was there."

She slowly exhaled, nodding.  "I know.  I'm sorry; I guess I'm just a
little preoccupied."

He looked at her skeptically.  "A little?"

"Okay, more than a little, but-"  He stopped her words with his
fingers, and she felt her frustration rise.  Then, she watched as Nick
reached up to his collar and unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt. 
Her eyes widened slightly, and she scanned the area for others.
Turning back to him, she whispered, "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?  I'm going to let you take some of my blood. 
You need to calm down a little, and it should help."

She shook her head in response.  "No, you need it just as much.  You
shouldn't even be here.   You could have let Tracy take care of it."

"I'll be fine, Nat.  I had some blood a couple of hours ago and I can
get a ride home from you or Tracy if the sun comes up.  Don't worry
about me."

Natalie waited a moment, and then shook her head again.  She couldn't
take his blood.  Not here, where they were practically in public.
"Nick...I-"  He cut her off with a kiss.  His tongue pushed into her
mouth almost immediately, teasing her canines.  They descended, the
combination of being nervous, a little hungry, and now faintly aroused
being too much.

Breaking the kiss, he gently guided Natalie toward his neck before she
could protest, and felt her fangs pierce into him a moment later.  As
she took the needed blood, he kissed her lightly on the neck, holding
his own wants carefully in check, although he knew he had changed.

He sensed the approach of a mortal, and quickly shifted, forcing
Natalie to release him.  Then, he captured her mouth with his,
initiating another, deeper kiss while hearing a gasp from a short
distance behind him.  He turned, meeting the mortal's gaze with
faintly golden eyes, making sure he was shielding Natalie and giving
her the opportunity to recover.

The mortal, a uniformed officer, stared at the two.  I--I'm sorry," he
stammered, taking a step back.  "I didn't know you two were that
close."

"It was just a kiss," Natalie stated, still mostly hidden behind Nick.

Holding the vampire's gaze, he didn't quite believe her words.  That,
and with what he'd heard on the news, he quickly drew a conclusion,
stiffening.  The woman's words had almost seemed forced, as if she
wasn't quite answering for herself.  His mind silently wondered if she
really was under the vampire's control, and retreated a little more.
Not sure what to do, he mumbled, "I need to get back to work," and
then, he quietly walked off.

Leaning against Nick, she hugged him tight.  "Nick...."

"It'll be okay.  Come on; let's get this over with so we can get home.
Okay?"

She nodded and let him lead her back into the other room.  Upon
reaching Tracy, Nick stayed and she continued until she reached the
body.  The victim, a young man in his late twenties or so, lay halfway
through a broken sheet of glass.  It looked as if he'd possibly fallen
back through it, although she couldn't say for sure.  It was old
glass, the jagged bottom edge of the window hanging down, roughly a
meter or so from the ground.

She knelt down, getting a better look at his injuries, noting he'd
been shot twice--probably what had made him crash into the bottom part
of the window.

"Hey, haven't seen you a lot lately, Natalie," someone from forensics
stated to her.

She turned, but stayed close to the floor.  "Yeah, lately I've been
working mostly at night.  I haven't gotten a case at the end of my
shift for a while."  Looking back to the victim, she quietly listened
to the other's words as he mentioned what they'd found so far.

Then, standing, she felt something sharp slice into her forearm,
quickly realizing she had forgotten about the glass.  Although it
didn't hurt, she let out a gasp of surprise, startling those around
her.

As one of the officers saw the blood, he quickly walked over, grabbing
her arm.  "Don't panic, Dr. Lambert."

The absurdity of his comment, telling a doctor and a vampire not to
panic, hit her.  If anyone was panicking, it was him.  From the slight
loss of blood, she felt her hunger rise just a tad.  Nick's blood was
helping keep that under control, but it was also making the wound heal
much faster than it would have if she hadn't had his blood.

She attempted to pull her arm away, but he wouldn't let go.  Instead,
she stared at him as his eyes widened while watching the jagged cut
begin to stitch itself together, a good portion of the blood
reabsorbing into her arm.

His grip loosened and he stared at her, frozen in place.  Only then
did she notice the others that were standing around her, looking at
her, their heartbeats pounding loudly in her ears.

Questions of 'what' and 'how' were directed toward her, and she felt
herself instinctively panic.  She wanted out of there and she wanted
out of there *now*.  At the same time, it felt like they were closing
in on her, even though they hadn't moved.  If anything, they had
backed away from her.  Standing there, she saw everything through a
faintly gold haze; ready to act if someone got just a little too
close.

From where Nick stood, he had watched events unfold.  Although Natalie
was handling this relatively well, it was obvious to him that she
needed to get away from it.  He approached, the mortals moving out of
his way more in fear than anything else.

When hands wrapped around her waist, gently pulling her away from
those gathered, Natalie moved, trying to free herself.  Realizing that
it was Nick, she let him lead her away from the people gathered.  As
they walked, she watched as eyes focused on her.  They were afraid and
accusing, the quiet whispers that she was a vampire screaming at her. 
She couldn't take this, and found herself moving ever closer to Nick,
trying to use him as a barrier against everyone.

He took her across the room, warning those present away with a glare. 
Sitting her down on a crate, he stood protectively between her and the
others.  "Nat?  Are you okay?"

She looked to her arm, seeing only a few drops of blood and some
bloodstains on the ends of her pushed up jacket sleeve.  Slowly, she
pulled both that one and the other one down, as she wasn't working
anymore.  Almost answering, she hesitated, aware that he wasn't asking
if she was okay physically, but with what was happening.  "I...I'm not
really sure.  I'm not sure exactly what happened.  I...."

"It's okay, Nat."

She shook her head, trying to hold back her tears.  "No, Nick, it's
not.  If I had paid more attention, it wouldn't-"

He reached forward, taking her face in his hands.  "Look at me, Nat.
Don't do what I've done in the past.  You're under a lot of pressure. 
It happened.  We'll deal with it."

Tracy approached, but didn't walk all of the way up to them.  "Nick, I
hate to say something right now, but this has already leaked."

"What?  How...it's only been a couple of minutes," he stated, not
understanding how it could have gotten out so fast.

"From what I've heard, someone saw you with Nat a little while ago and
they let their imagination run, calling the reporters."  She paused,
seeing pure terror on Natalie's face.  "They had just arrived about
the time this came out...and it only took a couple of panicked
officers to...."

He nodded.  He knew how fast this kind of thing could travel, and with
the reporters outside, any chance of containment had been lost right
from the beginning.  "Tracy, could you try to get everyone calm?
And...I don't think either of us is going to be able to do much more
here.  I want to get Nat out of here and home."

"Yeah.  I'll see what I can do."

As his partner left, he kept trying to calm Natalie down.  Looking
into her eyes, their faint golden tone told him she wasn't ready for
anything else at the moment, and he sat next to her, pulling her
against him.

She silently clung to Nick, not sure of anything that was going on.
All she knew was something about there being reporters outside, and
that she knew the world either already knew she was a vampire, or that
it would in a very short time.

She wished she could just be known as a vampire and not have to deal
with any of the questions, but she also knew it would be unavoidable. 
Letting her tears fall and soak into Nick's jacket, she sat, wanting
the thundering of the mortals' heartbeats nearby to fade away, or,
better yet, cease altogether.


Things Fall Apart - (13/33)

It was, Natalie knew, nearly an hour after sunrise.  By now, most of
everyone had cleared out, leaving her, Nick, Tracy, and a few other
officers.  She faintly recalled seeing Reese at some point, but really
wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to her surroundings.

However, she had now calmed down.  Her tears were long gone, their
tracks already wiped away with a moist tissue.  Tired, she wanted
nothing more than to simply go home and sleep...but she knew that
wasn't possible.

Sitting up, she drew away from Nick, shrugging out of his touch.  She
had messed up--big time--and didn't need to hear it from anyone.  With
her nature revealed, all it did was create a whole host of questions
for Nick and LaCroix.

"Nat?"

She breathed deep and slow, willing herself to relax.  "We should
probably get this over with, right, Nick?"

"Only if you're ready.  I don't want to push you too fast.  I know
you're having a hard time with this."  He tried pulling her closer,
but she avoided the touch.  "Just let me know when you're ready to go.
Tracy told me she'll drive your car, since they don't know about the
sunlight thing...."

His words trailed off and she nodded.  She could have driven them home
easily since it wasn't too far...if she hadn't managed to cut herself.
With a combination of it being early in the day and her mild tolerance
of sunlight, there wouldn't have been any problem.

She was so mad about the glass that she felt herself change.  Quickly,
she managed to get herself under control, her eyes fading back into
blue in a matter of seconds.  Standing, she watched as Nick did so as
well and turned toward her.  "I want to go home, Nick," she stated,
and he gave her a comforting nod.

Ever so slowly, they made their way toward the entrance.  Arriving
outside, they found themselves in a pocket of shadow, a cameraman and
reporter pouncing on them in an instant.

"From what we have heard, Dr. Lambert is apparently a vampire.  How
long has she been a part of your Community, Brabant?"

Natalie pressed back into him, and he held her possessively, not
answering.

"When were you planning to release this information?"  Not getting a
reply, he quickly continued, "Are you her sire, the one who made her?"
Again, he didn't receive an answer.  "Why was she brought across?  Is
she a spy for your kind?  Is this some kind of punishment for
something she did or knowledge she had about your kind?"

"It was her choice to become a vampire.  We neither pressured nor
required it," he finally said while holding Natalie against him,
trying to lead her away from the reporter.  But, they quickly found
themselves cornered into a sliver of shade--a building on one side,
the reporter on another side, and bright sunlight on the third and
last side.

"By this, it is apparent the public has been lied to.  What do you
have to say about that?"

"That most of what has been said is true.  Nothing more will be
answered until later."

"What about her position in the Vampire Community?"

Through his bond with Natalie, he could feel her fear.  He had to get
her out of there and away from the reporter and camera.  "Questions
will be answered at a later time."  He tried to move past them, but
found Natalie not budging.

"Please, we would like to ask Dr. Lambert a few questions."

Even as Nick repeated his previous reply, Natalie couldn't handle the
attention and she pulled away from Nick.  In the next instant, she
found herself standing full in the sun, those present staring at her,
dumbfounded as to how it was possible.

The reporter froze in place, stunned at what he was seeing.  The
woman's movements were just a tad too fast for a human, yet she stood
in the bright sunlight as easily as any human.  Even so, it was clear
by her golden eyes just what she was.  "How can this be...?" he
muttered.

Natalie froze, staring straight at the camera.  To herself, she
silently cursed.  This was *not* good.

Moving closer, Nick paused for a second, and then reached forward into
the rays of light, pulling Natalie back and toward him despite the
slight pain.  He started away from the mortals, but the reporter
stepped into their path.

"We would like to know how this is possible, Detective.  How can she
be both a vampire and withstand the sun?"

He could feel Natalie get tenser, and he held her as she practically
buried her face into his chest.  Natalie had changed when she'd pulled
away earlier, and he was almost positive she hadn't changed back.  He
stared at the man, knowing they weren't going to get out of there
without providing some kind of an answer.  "Suffice it to say, Natalie
has a low tolerance of sunlight."

"Again, how is this possible?" the reporter prodded, wanting an
answer.

Nick shot the man a glare, startling him just long enough to provide
an escape route.  The two walked off, effectively ending the
interview, ignoring the reporter as he called after them for the
answer to his question.

Heading over to where Tracy was, Nick pulled Natalie away from him.
He slowly released her, making sure she was okay, and then told his
partner, "Take Natalie to my place and stay with her if I'm not there
yet."

"What about you, Nick?" she asked as he turned to go the other way.

"I'll be there as soon as I can.  Your car is in the sun...and I'll be
okay.  Just get Natalie back to the loft and don't let anyone stop
you.  If there are any reporters there, just ignore them."

She watched as Nick quickly disappeared into the building.  Then,
spying the reporter coming her and Natalie's way, Tracy headed for her
car.  Once they were in, she headed out onto the street and toward
Nick's, occasionally glancing over at Natalie, who was sitting back in
the seat, looking out of the window.

Although she wanted to say something to the other, she really wasn't
sure what would be okay.  So, she kept quiet, hoping Natalie would be
okay and that Nick would be able to get back to the loft soon.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Nick slowly paced in front of the elevator, waiting for Natalie and
Tracy to arrive.  He hadn't expected to get back so soon, but the
scene had been relatively close to the loft.  He had flown short
distances, keeping out of the sun's rays as much as possible, only
going in the light when he had to.

He'd beat Natalie and Tracy by a couple of minutes.  They were on
their way up; he just didn't want to wait any longer.  He stopped as
it came to a halt, turning toward the door as it opened.  Natalie
walked in, passing him and going to the couch.  He followed her,
cautiously sitting down next to her.

As Nick reached out toward her, she pulled away, scooting over to the
end.  "Natalie...."

"Please, I don't want to talk about it.  I know I messed up.  I don't
need it rubbed in anymore than it already has been."

"Nat," he started, forcibly pulling her toward him.  She struggled and
he held her tighter.  "It's not your fault, Nat.  This would have
gotten out eventually."

"But now?  Nick, with everything else...I'm afraid.  Not just of the
mortals, or my co-workers, but of LaCroix, too.  I mean...."

"Shh..." he told her, pulling her closer.  "LaCroix won't be mad, not
at you.  We kept this from the public and, in truth, it probably
wasn't a good idea."

Pushing against him, she eventually managed to break away.  Natalie
stood, but didn't move from there.  "I just...."  Trailing off, she
looked down.  "I know this is going to create some problems for you
and LaCroix, and I really didn't want to do that."  She let out her
breath and slumped back onto the couch.

Tentatively, Nick drew her closer, and this time she let him.  She
leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder.  He held her,
but didn't make any move past that.

Tracy approached them cautiously, not wanting to bother them.
"Nick...I should probably go, I guess.  Will you let me know how
things are going when I see you?"

He looked up at her, gently rubbing Natalie's back.  "I'll try, Tracy.
I'll probably come in to work tomorrow night unless I end up staying
here, but I'll decide that later.  I'll try to call you if I don't."

Nodding, she stood there for a moment before heading toward the
elevator.  She slid the door open and looked back at the two on the
couch.  Then, as quietly as she could manage, she closed the door and
left.


Things Fall Apart - (14/33)

Easily entering his son's loft through the skylight, LaCroix landed on
the main floor, his emotions simmering.  That morning, he could feel
something wrong through the bonds with his children...and then he saw
it on the news.

He flew up to the balcony in an instant.  The water was running, his
son apparently taking a shower.  Natalie's presence came from the
direction of Nicholas' bedroom, and he followed it, quickly entering
the room.

Hearing the news that morning, he spent the remaining time before
sunrise preparing for departure, and took the first plane available
that was heading in this general direction.  His state of being easily
fit within the confines of one word--irritated.

Approaching his daughter's sleeping form, her eyes snapped open just
as he reached the edge of the bed.  He moved closer and she fled as
fast as she could manage, but not fast enough.  He grabbed her around
the waist, holding her form next to him.  Feeling his son's presence
nearby, he turned, finding Nicholas standing in the door, dripping,
with a towel fastened at his waist.

Taking several steps closer, Nick asked, "What are you doing here,
LaCroix?"

"What do you think?!" he hissed.  "This will have to be dealt with,
Nicholas.  And it will take both of us."

"What about Sea-"

"The city will be fine for a short time.  Besides, attention will be
fixed firmly on here...and you know it."

Moving ever nearer, Nick stopped his advance as LaCroix' hold of
Natalie became slowly tighter.  "Let go of her, LaCroix.  It wasn't
her fault."

"She exposed herself!"

"Something that would have eventually happened!" Nick exclaimed,
changing.  "Natalie's not the only one that got cut on that glass.
The body was in a difficult position.  Just...let this go, LaCroix."

His son's words did nothing to calm him.  They had quite the opposite
effect, actually.  "Do you know what's on the news, Nicholas?" he
asked, backing up, practically dragging a mildly struggling and silent
Natalie.  "Someone, apparently someone at the scene, was quoted,
saying, 'she changed, looking like she was going to attack one of us'.
This isn't something simple, Nicholas!  Not only that, but the mortals
know she can withstand small amounts of sunlight!"

"Please...LaCroix.  Release her."

"Not until I know what happened."  Saying that, he pulled his youngest
child closer, pushing her head to the side.  She struggled minutely,
but nothing stood in his way to stop him from the answers he wanted.
Drawing his head slightly back, he struck, only to find his son's arm
around his neck preventing him from reaching his target.

He roughly pulled out of the chokehold, sending Nicholas into the
wall, but losing his hold on Natalie as well.  Anger radiated from
every pore.  His eyes went red, eliciting a gasp from his daughter.
But, now, she was no longer first on his mind--Nicholas was.

Turning, he glared at the younger, stepping slowly closer.  Flying at
his son, he prepared to pin him on the wall before letting his anger
loose, but a moment later, he found *himself* pinned against the wall.
He escaped from the grip without much difficulty, only to find his son
now standing between himself and Natalie.  His fury nearly turned to
frustration, but he held his son's gaze.

"She's frightened, LaCroix.  She is scared to death that you're going
to hurt her."

He looked just past his son to find Natalie clutching fearfully to
Nicholas.  Despite the fear staring at him, his thoughts on the matter
remained unchanged.

Even as Natalie's grip around his waist tightened, her fingers
clutching the towel, loosening it, Nick kept himself firmly between
her and his sire.  "Don't take her blood, LaCroix.  If you have to
take anyone's, take mine.  I saw what happened."  He felt Natalie back
away, and his hands grabbed the towel before it slipped away.  It was
bad enough to be arguing with LaCroix right now, he really didn't want
to be naked as well.  He held his sire's gaze, absently fixing the
cloth, waiting.

They stood almost within each other's reach.  Nicholas' suggestion
would at least clear this up.  "Fine," he stated, quickly closing the
distance between them and roughly biting into his son's offered neck. 
The younger vampire struggled slightly, but calmed after a couple of
seconds.

At the first taste of Nicholas' blood, he realized his son had been
correct.  He couldn't entirely place the fault on Natalie--even if he
believed it could have been avoided.  Pulling away, he saw her
standing a short distance away from them, fearful gold eyes staring
back.

He stepped back from Nicholas and closed his eyes, pushing his
emotions away.  Opening them, he rapidly turned his attention to
Natalie, focusing on her.  With his action, she tensed and took
several steps back.

Coming abreast with his son, he sent him a reassuring glance.  His
daughter's emotions combined with the present situation sent panic
through her.

Upon continuing his advance toward Natalie, LaCroix found her shying
away.  The pure terror he could feel across their bond reiterated
Nicholas' earlier words.  She genuinely believed he would hurt her.

Practically trembling, Natalie shook her head rapidly as she backed up
further.  When he continued his approach, she glanced quickly to Nick,
whose back was to her.  "Nick...please."

Nick closed his eyes against her plea and told himself not to move.
He knew LaCroix wouldn't hurt her...he trusted the elder vampire
enough to be completely certain of it.

She backed up as LaCroix neared her, eventually coming to the wall.
She shook her head, hoping he would stop...but fully aware that he
wouldn't.  Again looking toward Nick, she waited, hoping he would do
something.

The distance between herself and LaCroix lessened, and she moved along
the wall in an attempt to escape.  His arms grabbed her about the
waist and she screamed in terror.  A hand clamped over her mouth,
preventing any sound from escaping.  Her fangs instinctively
descended, and she bit hard into the flesh.  LaCroix' anger at the
action rolled through her from his blood.  She struggled to free
herself, but he only held tighter.

"Calm, Natalie, calm.  I will not harm you," he whispered gently in
her ear while trying to keep her still.

She calmed, but only to a point, her fear refusing to leave.  Biting
harder only resulted in ripping the skin of LaCroix' hand, making it
obvious he wasn't going to let go.

"Shh....  Nicholas is right, and we will deal with all of this--all of
us."

Natalie drew her fangs out of his hand and her mouth was uncovered a
moment later.  LaCroix, however, wasn't letting go of his hold.  After
several minutes, she began to relax against him.  "I didn't mean to,
LaCroix.  It just happened," she told him, wanting him to understand
it was an accident.

"Just be calm and quiet.  We'll deal with this later, Natalie."  A
moment later LaCroix felt her lean further into him, using him to
support her weight.  Gently, he picked her up and swiftly carried her
to the bed.  Trying to pull away, he discovered that she wouldn't let
go.  "Natalie, you are safe here.  Now, I would like to talk to your
brother."  Her grip slowly loosened and he backed away and walked
toward his son.  There, he gently guided the other out of the room.

Once the door closed, Nick turned.  "LaCroix...."

"It's fine, Nicholas," he assured.  "Does Natalie have work tonight?"

"No, it's her night off."

"Good.  It will give her some time to deal with this.  We must get
this taken care of quickly, but not too quickly.  We still must set
aside some time to prepare for this."  When his son continued to stand
there, he took the other roughly by the shoulders, turning Nicholas
around.  "Finish getting ready for work, Nicholas.  I believe you
either need to finish your shower, or at least dry off.  Natalie will
be fine."

Nick resisted the slight push from the elder vampire, but after a
moment headed back to the bathroom.

As the door closed and he heard the water turn back on, LaCroix closed
his eyes.  He slowly exhaled, then returned to Nicholas' bedroom.
Walking across the room, he found Natalie deep asleep.

Slowly, he approached the bed, and then reached down and brushed her
hair behind her ear.  It was probably best that she slept a while
longer.  They had some time before they really needed to deal with
this.

LaCroix quietly left the room, heading downstairs.  He sat in the
recliner, leaning back and shifting until he was comfortable.  He very
slowly drifted into a light, dreamless sleep, hoping to get just a
little rest before the night really started up.


Things Fall Apart - (15/33)

Despite coming in at normal time, Nick felt no different from when
dayshift was sitting around him at noon.  The looks he received were
particularly accusing, as the other officers thought he brought
Natalie across.  Not only that, but he could hear suggestions that it
had probably been against her will.

He rested his head in his hands just wanting out of the room.  After
a moment, he looked up and locked his gaze on his partner.  "Tracy,
I'll be back in a few minutes...I need a break."  He stood before she
could protest and headed for the back entrance.

Nick fled the building, sighing as the night air hit his face.  He
leaned against the building and closed his eyes, simply resting.  He
heard the sounds of a mortal approaching and tried his best to ignore
it.

He expected the man to walk past him and head inside, but the other
instead approached him.  Nick opened his eyes and looked toward the
mortal.  He had just enough time to raise his hands and turn away as
he saw something thrown toward him.  The liquid burned his hands and
wrists, but thankfully nothing more.

The other, Jeremy Pierson, started to dart away, but Nick easily
blocked their way back into the building.  His eyes glowed golden,
not trying in the slightest to hide his anger.  Pierson, one of the
nightshift officers he had never much dealt with, froze in his place
for several seconds.  Pierson, he knew was a friend of Hawthorn, but
hadn't been in on the other Detective's plans.

As he allowed his eyes to burn red, he pinned the mortal to the
building's side before he was aware of it.  Nick held Pierson against
the cold brick, watching as the mortal slowly relaxed.  He felt the
presence of others approach and gather around him, but didn't turn to
face them.

"Let go of him before you get in trouble.  I'm not sure your kind
can afford much more against your 'community'."

The man's words and tone infuriated him, but he curbed his anger. 
"I don't think it's a problem."

"Don't be so sure.  You might be able to get off for this through
self-defense, but I hardly call bringing Dr. Lambert across defense,
particularly when you proclaim to be her friend.  Friends don't kill
friends."

Nick released Pierson and spun toward the speaker.  He approached,
his crimson eyes boring into the other.  "Say what you will, but
Natalie is and always has been a friend.  I would never harm her, nor
let harm come to her."

"Then how do you account for the fact that she's pretty much dead? 
Huh?  Some fluke that just happened without your knowledge, perhaps?"

He flew at the mortal and shoved him hard into the building.  The
action was enough to elicit a cough from Pierson...and then a laugh,
which merely irritated him further.

"Oh...look, I got the vampire mad....  What are you going to do,
kill me?"

He squinted slightly.  "Don't tempt me.  I'm as sick of this as you
are, possibly more so.  I'm not in the mood to play any of these
games."  Nick harshly released the mortal and hissed, watching as
Pierson faintly tensed.  With that, he headed back inside of the
precinct, his haven beneath the stars being nothing more than another
battleground.

Entering, he headed straight for the bathroom.  He let the door shut
on its own and then leaned against it, closing his eyes.  He had to
get under control, and he had to do it now.

He took several deep breaths, filling his lungs to the brim.  His
blood flow increased somewhat, his heart beating several times in as
many minutes.  It invigorated him, but it also made controlling his
nature more difficult.

No one tried entering, and for the moment, he was thankful for the
mortals' avoidance of him.  If only they left him alone during work--
something that he knew would never happen--then, he could handle
this.  He exhaled, aware that he needed to return to his desk.  He
didn't particularly want to right now, but he was here to work, and
work he would.

He turned and opened the door, starting back toward his desk. 
Another stepped into his path and he met their eyes.  Pierson
remained in place, purposely blocking his way.  He really didn't want
to deal with this...he just wanted to work so he could get out of
there.  "Like I said, I'm not here to play games."  He stopped, and
after a moment, started around the other.

The man prevented the vampire's passage and stated, "This is no
game.  Can't you get it?  You're not wanted here.  Your kind isn't
wanted here."  He watched the vampire's anger rise, and he continued,
"How long until Tracy is brought across?  Let me guess, plans are
already in the works."

Nick let his eyes flash gold for a second before they returned to
their normal blue.

"Oh...like that really scares me.  It's no worse than any verbal
threat."

His anger remained close to the surface, and he reminded himself to
stay in control.  "Perhaps it might seem that way, but as far as you
know, I could be preparing to kill you."  He flashed his fangs and
pushed by the other, but again found himself stopped.  He stared at
Pierson; his eyes changed to gold in an instant, and then flashed
crimson for a split second.

"I know you can't touch me."

"And why would you say that?" Nick spoke, the tips of his fangs
visible.

Pierson's anger flared and, as the vampire turned, he struck, his
fist making solid contact with the side of the other's head.

Nick, more stunned by the action than anything else, reacted
instinctively and backhanded the mortal.  As another punch started
for him, he caught the hand, preventing it from continuing in its
path.  Before he could react further, another detective, Marks--who
had at one point opposed him much as Pierson was now, pulled him from
his attacker's reach.  Everyone but Marks, Brian, and Tracy avoided
him as his anger teetered on the edge.

Although Marks was certainly no weakling being several inches taller
and having quite a bit of muscle, he really wasn't much of a
confinement force for him, either.  "Move, Marks."

"I'm staying right here, Nick, and so are you."

He snarled at the other.  "You know you can't stop me."

Marks stopped Nick from passing and stated, "Perhaps not, but you
saved my life when your Council sicced those vampires on you--despite
me doing the same thing that Pierson and the others are doing now. 
That made me realize that you're not much different than any of the
other Detectives.  Despite that happening several months ago, I'm
pretty sure you haven't changed much, that you don't want to hurt
anyone, and I'm not going to allow it to happen."

The vampire met Marks' eyes, calming somewhat.  No, he didn't want
to hurt anyone, even if that meant putting up with the others.

"Would someone please explain this!  It's starting to become some
kind of war zone in here!" Reese bellowed over everything, all of
those present silencing and turning his way.  He looked first to
Nick, and then to Pierson.  "I want you two to walk calmly into my
office, now!"

Pierson winced and Nick glared at the other.  However, both complied
with the order with only a moment of hesitation.  As Reese shut the
door, the two stood still, neither making any noise or movement.

Reese looked the two over.  It was clear Pierson had been hit with a
fair amount of force, and the detective was presently making a show
of rubbing the back of his jaw and side of his neck.  However, he
could say the same thing about Nick, even if that mark had nearly
faded.  He also caught what appeared to be burns on Nick's hands, and
wondered what their cause was.  He stopped in front of them and
asked, "I want an explanation--now."

"He provoked me.  Threatened me," Pierson quickly stated.

Reese's eyebrows went up at the statement.  While it was partially
true, Pierson had done the bulk of the provoking.  Plus Pierson had
thrown the first blow.  "I saw what happened, Pierson.  Don't even
try to switch things around."  He slowly exhaled, realizing he
probably wasn't going to get a reliable answer from Pierson.  "Okay. 
I'm going to save both of you the argument.  I'm going to have both
of you interviewed on what happened.  Pierson, you're first."

He shifted at that.  "Why me?  You want to give him time to think up
his response.  We all know you seem to sympathize with their kind."

"I'm merely trying to keep this fair to both sides."  Pierson shot a
look at the other, at which Reese acquiesced.  "Fine.  Nick's first,
even though it doesn't matter."  He turned to the vampire.  "I'm
going to let you go home after this.  And after this gets figured
out, I'll have Tracy stop by your place and let you know what's going
on."  He stopped and focused on the other.  "Pierson, you will be
taken to one of the interview rooms and will wait there until Nick's
questioning is done.  And before you comment on that, if you'd gone
first, Nick's instructions would have been identical to yours."

Pierson simmered under his superior's words, but nodded, glancing
slightly over toward Nick.

Reese wasted no time in contacting the front desk.  A moment later,
two officers came into the room, leading Nick and Pierson to separate
rooms, both silently complying.


Things Fall Apart - (16/33)

Arriving at the loft, Nick found LaCroix still sleeping in the
recliner.  The elder vampire had seemingly having not moved since he
had left.  He slowly approached, which in turn roused the elder
vampire from his sleep.

"Nicholas...what are you doing back so soon?" he asked, his voice
sounding tired.

"A...minor problem at the precinct."

LaCroix gently prodded his son's mind, and his anger shot to the
surface in an instant.  The mortals had again taken aim at Nicholas. 
"These mortals must learn their place, Nicholas.  If they don't, we
will never be able to live anywhere but in hiding."

"Don't you think I know that, LaCroix?  At the same time, we have
our hands tied.  We cannot do anything lest we risk becoming hunted."

He exhaled and nodded.  They were, indeed, stuck.  If they either
acted on their instincts or let the mortals do as they wanted, they
would merely be hunted or afraid for their lives.  Both situations
were unacceptable, and they needed to find something in-between the
two options.

Nick waited a moment, and then sat on the couch and asked, "How is
Natalie?"

"Sleeping.  She should wake soon, but I would like to speak with you
first."

"About?"

"My rest has given me time to think and consider what has happened. 
You are right in that Natalie could not have prevented what happened,
and that it isn't her fault."  He paused, taking a moment to think
about his next words.  "I have also thought about what our reaction
should be in more detail.  We do not need to escalate this more than
it already is, and I think the Community should make it a point that
we are no more of an open book than they are.  Natalie may reveal
what she wishes to the public."  Again, he stopped, this time sensing
his son's surprise.  Before the other could comment, he suggested, "I
also propose that you don't work for the time being.  Just until this
is settled."

Nick shook his head adamantly.  "I'm working, LaCroix, and nothing
will change my mind about that."

He resisted the urge to shake his head at his son's stubbornness. 
"Just consider it, Nicholas.  Your co-workers don't seem to be
dealing well with out kind.  You need a break from them."

He leaned back, his thoughts centering on the elder vampire's words.
Although he knew LaCroix was probably right, he wasn't about to just
give up.  The mortals would not win this.  "And...Natalie?  What
about her..." he started, but trailed off upon sensing her presence
at the top of the stairs.

"Yeah.  What about me?  I think I should be in on this conversation
as well."

LaCroix turned to her, but only for a second.  "We're discussing
work," he simply stated.  Again facing his son, he continued,
"Perhaps, Nicholas, you should do as I suggested."

She approached and halted just before reaching the chair.  "Don't
even think about brushing the topic away, LaCroix."

He sent a mild glare at her.  "I am not."

"Yes you are," Nick stated and felt the other's temper rise.  "I'm
not the only one working with the mortals."

"For the Community's benefit, Natalie should continue to work.  It
would be more dangerous to do so, and I don't particularly like the
idea of having my children harmed.  However, the choice is yours,
Natalie, as is the decision of what information to reveal to the
mortals."

She wasn't sure what to think of his answer.  "So...what exactly are
you saying?  That I have to deal with this?"

"No.  I will stay until things settle here--a few days, a week at
the most.  Nicholas will aid you in whatever decision you make, as
will I if any questions are asked of me."

Natalie tensed slightly.  Suddenly, she had an idea of how Nick felt
about having everything heaped on him...and LaCroix, too, for that
matter.  She knew they had shielded her from current events and the
mortals' reactions, but this was just so overwhelming.  "So then, do
we just continue as we have been?"

"More or less.  Some questions will undoubtedly need to be answered,
but they can be dealt with as they arise."  LaCroix stood and crossed
the room to the refrigerator.  He pulled out a bottle and prepared to
pour three glasses.

Natalie silently watched and went to sit next to Nick.  She knew how
difficult coming events would be, even if she didn't entirely
understand what everything meant.

As LaCroix returned and handed both her and Nick a glass of blood,
she took hers with a faint smile.  This, here, was her family, and
although she suspected she would no longer be fully accepted by the
mortals, she knew Nick and LaCroix would be there for her.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Tracy slid the door to the loft open, walking quietly into the room.
It was a little after noon, and she knew Nick and Natalie would
almost assuredly be asleep, but she wanted to let them know what was
happening.

She crossed the room with caution, jumping as she felt a hand on her
shoulder.  Upon turning, she found LaCroix standing behind her.

"Now isn't the best time to visit unexpectedly."

Once she had calmed, she told him, "I mentioned to Nick that I'd
come by.  I want to talk to him."

"He's-"  LaCroix stopped before he got out another word, feeling his
son stir on the second level.  "Nicholas will-"  He stopped as a
phone rang--his cell phone.  After he shot her a mild glare, he
grabbed the phone, switching it on.  "What?!"

"It's Damien.  We have a...minor problem."

He looked to the mortal, walking across the room and keeping an eye
on her.  "What kind of problem?"

"Some mortals got a little carried away.  It didn't have the
professionally planned feeling to it like the others."

As Damien quieted, LaCroix waited for him to continue, but he
didn't.  "And...?"

"And one of the mortals is in the hospital.  One of us nearly
drained them.  I've pretty much dealt with the mortals, but the
Community isn't listening to me.  They're panicking, and something
needs to be done to reassure them as soon as possible."

His attention caught on his son as the younger slowly descended the
stairs.  "I'll be there as soon as I can.  I'll be on the first
flight out once the sun sets."  With that, he hung up and turned
toward Nicholas.

"You're leaving?"

"Circumstances beyond any of our control warrant it.  I don't think
there will be too much trouble for Natalie.  The mortals will turn
this against us."

Tracy carefully approached, asking, "What's going on, LaCroix?  Nick
might know from the conversation, but I don't."

LaCroix took several slow, deep breaths.  "A mortal was injured by
one of us in what would have almost assuredly been self-defense.  If
you want to know more than that, I suspect the news will have more." 
He turned to his son, commenting, "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to
get some more sleep while it is still day."  He gave another look to
Nicholas' partner, and then headed up the stairs.

"I figured you would have been by earlier, Tracy."

"Well, so did I.  My father's getting involved again.  So far,
there's nothing against you, but I wouldn't count on it staying that
way for long.  Reese wants to suggest that you take some time off." 
As her partner shook his head, she added, "But I knew you wouldn't
want that.  He's going to let you work on your own time, away from
the precinct.  If we get a case, either you can go with Natalie, or I
can call you.  That way you could still work, you'd just be away from
the precinct.  Reese says it's okay."

He pondered the suggestion, not looking up as he sensed Natalie come
down the stairs.

"Nick...LaCroix told me he was going back to Seattle."

He nodded.  "Yeah, I'll explain more later."

Tracy watched the two, starting to feel slightly uncomfortable.  She
felt as though she didn't really belong there.  Fidgeting slightly,
she prodded, "So...Nick, what do you think?  About working away from
the precinct?"

"I don't know...."

Natalie came closer.  She had heard Tracy's proposal, and knew
LaCroix wasn't exactly thrilled with Nick working...or her, for that
matter.  "You could come with me to the morgue.  It's pretty quiet,
and then I wouldn't have to worry as much, either, in case something
happened."  He looked like he was going to answer, but she watched as
he hesitated.  "Come on, Nick.  It wouldn't be that bad and it might
make things a little easier on you.  If it's okay with Reese, I don't
see any problems with it."

"The mortals might see it as me avoiding work."

"And why would that be a problem?" Tracy asked, moving right into
his view.  "Nick, you're being harassed...worse, attacked.  You have
a reason to not even work...let alone allow it to continue.  You have
to do something."

"Yeah, I know.  I suppose I could do that...as long as you don't
mind, Nat."

"Mind?  Why would I mind?  Besides, maybe you can give me a few
pointers on stuff...like flying.  I need to learn how to do that
soon, Nick.  I have to have some way out other than running," she
told him, her voice wavering slightly as she finished.

Nick walked over to where she was, rubbing her upper arms.  "It'll
be okay, Nat.  As LaCroix said, we shouldn't have to worry too much
about it.  I think the reporters will have their hands full."

"I know, I just...."

He pulled her closer and kissed her lightly on the forehead.  "Shh,
don't worry about it."

Tracy looked on, not sure what, if anything, she should say. 
"Uh...Nick?  I should probably get going.  I need to get some sleep
too.  I'll tell you more later, okay?"  She turned and started for
the door.

"Tracy?"

"I'll see you later, Nick," she told him without turning.  She
pushed the door to the elevator open, getting in and letting it slide
shut.  Once it was moving, Tracy let out her breath.

She was unsure about what was going on.  Although she wanted to help
Nick, she also didn't want to get in his way.  He had a life.  He
even had a family.  Natalie and LaCroix would always be there for
him.  Her 'family' unfortunately didn't exactly back her up.

Her father was at odds with her, and her mother hadn't spoken much
to her since before all of the news came about.  Neither of them was
very thrilled that her partner was a vampire, both wanting to see her
protected.  But, she didn't want that.  She didn't want to be
'Daddy's Little Girl'.  She wanted to be her own person...she just
needed friends to support her.

And, frankly, all of her real friends were vampires, all with
problems of their own.  Why should they have time for her, a mortal,
when tensions between mortals and vampires were so high?

She walked quickly for her car, the sun shining down on her.  She
knew the answer to her question, even if she didn't want to admit it.
They didn't need her.  They would live for decades, possibly
centuries to come, and as far as she knew, she could be shot or in an
accident anytime.  She was just weighing them down.

Tracy slammed the door shut and started her car.  Even so, she
couldn't stay away...and knew she wouldn't be able to.  They--Nick,
Natalie, and Vachon--were above all her friends, and nothing would
change that.


Things Fall Apart - (17/33)

A week and a half later:

Natalie stared up at the clock.  Nick had left almost an hour ago to
go by the precinct, and it worried her that he had not returned.

Her fear had increased with each passing night since LaCroix left. 
Nick had been splitting his shift between the precinct and here,
except for the last several days, which she requested he remain with
her, in the morgue.  Her terror attempted to control her, and Nick's
presence was the only thing that held it in check.

Although the television crews had practically disappeared from sight
over the past week, newspaper reporters were still hoping to get some
kind of information--anything that would give them an exclusive story.

It sickened her.  As a mortal, she had been proud of the
accomplishments made over the past centuries, and had reminded Nick
on more than one occasion that the world wasn't the same as what he
grew up in, that the people in it weren't as cruel.  But, now, seeing
things from Nick's point of view, she understood where he was coming
from to some extent.

Humans--mortals to be precise--were not the slightly flawed beings
she had once believed.  Instead, they were rather impulsive and
irrational.  Those traits worsened situations just as often as it
bettered them.  And, if that wasn't enough, mortals and vampires both
shared those traits, even if some would either deny it, or simply
ignore it.

She again turned her attention to the clock.  Still, no Nick.

Tonight, more than others, she was afraid.  Even the events of when
she had been discovered paled against what she was feeling now.  Nick
had helped her a little on managing her reactions, but the air around
her just felt wrong.  She wanted Nick to get there, and soon.  Her
shift was pretty much over, and then they would be able to leave for
the safety of home.

Natalie stood and gathered her things, putting Nick's stuff together
as well.  Once done, she again sat at her desk and waited.

Five minutes later, Nick arrived, at which she perked up a little. 
Her shift was now over, and again standing, she asked, "What took you
so long?"

"Reese wanted to talk to me about something."

With how quiet everything was, she felt herself begin to panic, but
pushed the feeling away as Nick had taught her.  The reporters hadn't
really bothered her or Nick, and she wondered if they were still
planning to try to get answers from them about her and the Community.
"About what?" she prodded, fearing his answer.

"He wanted to know how you were doing, that's about it.  He asked
about progress on cases, but it was primarily just to see how we are
doing."

She breathed out, expelling most of the air from her lungs.  The
reply both comforted her and made her afraid.  After all, she knew
that they would eventually need to release more information to the
public.  Since the announcement that vampires were apparently not
human, the world had been waiting for the proof of that, but it had
yet to show itself.  She had reminded Nick of her research, but he
suggested remaining quiet for the time being.  And she agreed--with
what had happened, why would they believe her?  Her research meant
almost nothing.  She again told herself to calm down, and eventually
asked, "Are you ready to head home, Nick?"

"Just as soon as I get all of my files together."

He started across the room to her desk, and she mentioned, "Uh...I
kind of already did that while I was waiting.  I hope that was okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine.  Can I keep them here?"

She nodded and pulled her keys out.  Then, she unlocked her middle
drawer and placed the files inside, locking it a moment later.  "Is
that all?"

"Yeah, that's it," he told her, and then her fear hit him.  She
wanted out of there.  Lightly taking her by the shoulders, he pulled
her toward him and started for the door.  "Come on.  We can watch a
movie or something when we get there to relax, okay?"

Although she didn't give him a verbal answer, she did try to
communicate to him through their weak connection that his suggestion
was fine.  When he held her tightly and she felt a faint reassuring
sensation, she smiled, knowing it had made it through.

They headed quickly outside and stopped a short distance from the
building, both of them tensing, sensing that something was wrong. 
Before them stood two men dressed from head to toe in black, masks
covering their faces.

Nick looked to the sides, spotting several others.  He pulled
Natalie behind him, using himself as a barrier.

One of the men, who was off to the side and didn't appear to be
armed, ordered, "Now, remember not to harm the woman."

At the command, the others approached and Nick hissed at this,
baring his fangs.  It was tempting to fly, but to do that, he'd have
to turn and get a grip on Natalie...and she was now several feet
behind him, and out of immediate reach.  Besides, the men seemed
unprepared for their targets, their weapons appearing to be either
nightsticks or stun guns--neither of which would do much damage to a
vampire.

A couple of seconds later, however, one of the men shoved one of the
long baton shaped sticks at him.  It shocked him, the electricity
paralyzing him for a moment.  The man retracted the weapon, but his
recovery was not instantaneous.  He had made a mistake--these were no
ordinary stun guns.  They were meant for vampires.

Once the feeling somewhat wore off, he prepared to take Natalie and
fly them away from their attackers.  Again, the weapon contacted him
and the man held it against him.  He hadn't had enough time, part of
the very reason he hadn't flown them away at first.  He had feared
there wasn't enough time...and there wouldn't have been.

Nick fell to his knees from the weapon, unable to defend himself
against the attack.  The contact ceased for a second, and then
resumed, the current great enough to send him to the ground
immobilized.

Natalie watched on in terror, suppressing a scream as they
approached her.  The electricity flowed through her for just a
moment, but plenty long enough to disorient her.  One of the mortals
injected her with something, and her surroundings slowly began to fade.

"Don't touch her.  Just let the drug work," the man, who had spoken
earlier, said.

Then, one of the others that were surrounding Nick asked, "What
about him?"

"Get a blood sample, drug him, and make sure he can't follow.  Do it
quickly."

Another cautiously approached the vampire's semi-conscious form. 
Quickly, he unbuttoned the other's cuff and, with skill learned from
years of practice, took a couple of vials of blood.  Then, he emptied
a syringe into Nick and scurried away as his patient shifted, moving
toward him.

Nick snarled weakly at the men, getting another jab with the stun
gun.  The weapon was held in place and after a short time, Nick
passed out, but even then, it wasn't retracted.

"Leave him.  We must leave, now!" the group's leader stated, the
sound of approaching sirens in the distance.  The woman was already
in the van, and the others were preparing to leave.  "Now!  We don't
have time for this!"

The man held the weapon in place, increasing the amperage of the
device and making the resulting current much stronger.  "They should
die for what they are!"

"And that's not going to kill him, so come on!"

He kept it up for a couple of more seconds, and then turned it off,
heading for the others.

As the van drove away, Nick laid completely still on the ground, a
handful of people watching from a distance.

The occupants of the first police car that arrived slowly approached
the vampire, but didn't get very close.  As soon as more officers
arrived, they quickly tried to find out what happened, but were
confronted with silence.

Shortly after, Tracy pulled up to the scene, going straight to Nick
when she saw him lying on the ground.  She neared him and knelt next
to him, slowly reaching forward to touch his face.  He didn't react,
and to her eyes, he seemed no different from the many victims of
their cases.  She reminded herself that Nick was a vampire, but...it
wasn't much reassurance considering the way he looked.

"What happened?" she asked, getting the attention of one of the
officers.

"From what we've gathered, Dr. Lambert was taken, and they used some
kind of advanced stun gun on Brabant.  All I know, is that he's out
cold and doesn't look that great...but he's not human, so I don't
know if that means much."

If only she could be sure about the last bit.  She watched as the
officer walked off and continued with his work.  Turning to Nick, she
waited, hoping that there would be some sign that he would recover. 
Then, her eyes caught on a quick movement off to the side, and she
looked over to find Antonius approaching.

"What happened?" he demanded, although calmly.

"We're not entirely sure, but Natalie's been taken."  She paused,
and then asked him, "How did you get here so fast...or, for that
matter, know to come?"

"Nicholas...he set up a scanner in the office at the Raven.  I heard
about something happening here, and came."

She nodded.  "Um...just curious, but can you tell how he is?"

Antonius moved closer, standing behind her.  He tried, but didn't
get anything and shook his head.  "I can't sense him, but I don't
know if that's because of the state Nicholas is in, or because we're
not related.  However, under normal circumstances I am able to feel
him...his presence, at least."

Continuing to run her fingers through Nick's hair, she wondered
aloud, "What should we do?  I don't really know how to care for your
kind...I mean, I do, but not for something like this."

He knelt next to the mortal and pulled her hand away.  "He should be
fine, although I honestly don't know how he is.  We should take him
to his place, and should do so now.  Otherwise, the mortals are just
going to try and take him to the hospital or something."

"Wait a minute...we?"

"Yes, 'we'," he told her.  After a moment, he commented, "Nicholas
trusts you."

She scoffed at his last comment.  "It sure doesn't seem that way,"
she mumbled under her breath.

Antonius, hearing her words crystal clear, paused before saying
anything else.  "I wish I could say I know how you feel, but I don't.
When Nicholas recovers, I suggest that you confront him with your
concerns.  For the time being, however, we need to get him out of
here."

She watched as he rose to his feet, and a moment later, she did so
as well.  "So...just exactly how are we going to do that?"

"I'm going to take him to his place, and I want you to go by the
Raven and get some more bottles of blood."  He pulled out his keys,
holding them out to her.

She took them, but hesitantly.  "What are these for?"

"The Raven's locked up except during club hours.  Besides, those
that stay the day there might not welcome your presence, but if you
have a key, you shouldn't have a problem.  If they ask, tell them
what's happened."  He carefully picked the elder vampire up and told
her, "Go, quickly.  I'll be there when you arrive."

Tracy stared after him as he took off into the sky.  Frozen in place
for a moment, she then quickly started back toward her car.  She
caught sight of Reese coming toward her, apparently having just
arrived.

"Where are you going, Detective?"

"On an errand and then to Nick's," she mentioned before starting
past him.

"Tracy...what about all of this?" he asked, gesturing to the literal
madness around them.

She looked around, and for the first time it really hit her how many
people were there.  Most of everyone had kept quiet...except for her.
Finally, she just stated, "I don't know.  It's not going to be my
case, anyway.  First, me and Nick are too close to this, and second,
he's unconscious at the moment."

As Tracy stalked off, Reese could easily discern her frustration. 
He couldn't blame her, either.  He didn't like it when one of his
Detectives was hurt...and Natalie was as much a part of the police
department as Nick or Tracy was.  To him, the kidnapping and attack
affected far more than just the Vampire Community.


Things Fall Apart - (18/33)

Tracy made her way into the loft carrying the three bottles of blood
she'd picked up from the Raven.  The sun had risen on her way over,
and she hoped Antonius had made it back with Nick okay.

She set the bottles on the table and carefully made her way up the
stairs, wondering what she would find.  Slowly, she entered Nick's
room, finding Antonius kneeling next to the bed.  His and her
partner's arms were entwined, her attention zooming in on Antonius'
paler than usual complexion.  "Antonius?"

He looked up at the mortal, his eyes a mixture of their usual green
and bright gold.  Quickly turning away, he removed his arm from the
elder vampire's, wiping the blood off each of their cuts with a damp
cloth.  Nicholas' wound, unlike his own, showed no signs of healing. 
Thankfully, it was not bleeding, but it worried him somewhat.

Somewhat shakily, he stood, grabbed a nearly empty bottle of blood
from the nightstand, and hungrily drank its contents.  He finished
the blood off, replacing the bottle where it had been.  Then, he
turned to the mortal, asking, "Did you get the blood?  Did you have
any problems?"

"Yes, it's downstairs, and no, there wasn't any trouble."  Moving
closer, she came to stand next to Antonius and stared down on her
partner.  His pale skin stood out sharply against the black sheets,
lying completely and eerily still.

There, on his left shoulder just shy of being directly above his
heart, was a burn, the section of skin severely burnt.  Antonius had,
apparently undressed Nick and brought him up here.  There were a
couple of other minor burns, but the one on his chest stood out.  "Is
he going to be okay?"

"I suspect he will, given time to recover."  Antonius stepped up
behind her, gently turning her shoulders toward the door.  "Come, we
should let Nicholas rest."

Tracy allowed him to guide her toward the door, at which she
hesitated and looked back on her partner.  She nodded, and then,
after a few seconds, headed down the stairs.  She cautiously watched
as Antonius followed, and then went to the refrigerator and pulled
out one of two remaining bottles of blood.  Her attention shifted to
the table, where the three bottles she had picked up sat. 
"Antonius...how did you know Nick's supply would run low?"

He sank into the sofa and turned toward her, stating, "Because I did."

"Then why didn't you say something about it earlier, instead of
blindly sending me to get more?"

Antonius took another swallow of blood.  "Nicholas gets his supply
of blood from the distributary, and so does the Raven and most of
everyone in the city.  There are records of the transactions...and
Nicholas has been, despite everything that's been going on, regular
on when more supplies are needed.  It's simply a matter of
observation and nothing more."

She clenched her jaw lightly.  Even though she knew he hadn't meant
anything by what he said, it just hit her that this vampire could
seemingly know so much about her partner, while she knew virtually
nothing.

Tracy walked slowly toward the couch, dropping heavily onto it. 
Sitting there, she wondered if Nick would even want her there.  They
were partners; yes, but...it all came back to the fact that they
really didn't know one another very well.  Nick probably knew more
about her than she did about him.

He watched the mortal carefully, sensing something.  "What's wrong?"

"It's just...it's nothing."  She paused a moment before asking, "Why
do you want to know, anyway?"

"Because Nicholas is my friend and because I think he would want to
know."

She shook her head.  "Nick is...Nick.  He won't let anyone in,
except perhaps Natalie, LaCroix, you, and the others."

"He's no open book, Tracy.  Cut that list down to Natalie and
LaCroix, and you just might have it right.  Nicholas has become quite
solitary of late.  Even I don't talk to him much except when it
concerns business."

"I just...why won't he let me in?  I mean, I'm his partner and I
don't think he really trusts me."

"There's a difference between trusting and sharing.  I know some of
his background and can see why he wouldn't want you to know about it.
He's just as afraid to scare you off, as you are that he's blocking
you out.  He trusts you more than even he realizes."

"I just...I guess I just feel so useless.  I mean, Nick has his
friends, his family.  Most of those I'd consider friends are
vampires, but I'm a mortal, and as such, cannot seem to do anything
to help.  My father...he abhors your kind, and both of my parents
don't like me working with Nick.  I've stood by him, but it has cost
me a lot.  Some of the other detectives won't talk to me because of
Nick, and I've lost about half of my friends because of it."

"Families are difficult, aren't they?" Antonius voiced, the question
more of a statement than anything else.

"Yes, they are."

He nodded, his thoughts turning to Nicholas.  The elder vampire had
a family, and a caring one at that.  "Nicholas is lucky."

The statement bothered her.  "Why are you saying that at a time like
this?  I would hardly call Nick, who by all appearances is dead,
'lucky'."

Staring across the room, he told her, his voice deepening slightly,
"Nicholas has LaCroix, not only that, but they get along fairly well,
really.  That's more than a lot of my people can say."

Tracy considered his words and nodded.  Nick was lucky...much more
than she.  At least he had a family that stood behind him.  Looking
at Antonius, she watched as he became lost in his thoughts. 
Remembering the slight harshness to his tone previously, she prodded,
"You envy him, don't you?"

He turned sharply to her, not expecting the question.  "Yes, I do,
as I know many others do.  I...was a mistake.  I was working at my
father's vineyard, to be married in a few weeks.  Being the eldest
son, I was thrilled that the land would go to me and that one day I
would be able to raise my own children there."

When he suddenly stopped, she prodded, "What happened?"

"One night I was outside...it was chilly and we were concerned about
frost.  I was fairly far away from the house, and before I knew it,
something had attacked me and my life was slipping away."  He stopped
as he was captured by the memory.  Then, he looked away, not sure if
he could continue his explanation.  This story was something he had
kept secret, but sensing Tracy's need for this, for a friend, he
lowered his voice slightly and continued, "I woke up several hours
later lying in the dirt, starved.  Before dawn, I had killed most of
our servants out of hunger.  I nearly killed my betrothed...I was so
stunned by what I'd done that I left and started a new life."  He
stopped, again facing the mortal detective, stating, "I was a
mistake.  I was supposed to be a vampire's meal, not come across.  I
had to learn for myself what I was and what my limitations were. 
Nicholas was purposely brought across, and truly is LaCroix' son. 
That is what I envy him for."

Tracy was a little stunned upon hearing the story.  Vachon had told
her how he'd become a vampire.  She knew most of Natalie's story, and
now she knew Antonius'.  They were open with her.  Nick, however, was
still a mystery to her.

True, she knew the circumstances of him being brought over...she
knew the date, and where...she had even managed to pry the knowledge
that Nick had met LaCroix before he became a vampire.  But, she
didn't have the whole story like she had from Vachon and Antonius.

In truth, she really didn't know much about her partner.  She
wondered if she would ever know much about him.  She both wanted and
needed to know more, but was fully aware she wouldn't get any answers
from him.

Standing, she told Antonius, "I'm going to head upstairs...keep an
eye on Nick for a little while."

He watched her make her way up the stairs, and hoped her uncertainty
would eventually be resolved.  For now, he would wait and try to
remain awake.  LaCroix was certainly on his way there by now, and he
planned to be awake when Nicholas' father arrived.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

LaCroix pushed the button for the second level and leaned heavily
against the wall of the freight elevator, breathing deeply.  Earlier
that day he had sensed something happen to his children, and he had
immediately headed to the airport.  Upon arriving in Toronto, he had
hesitated for a moment at the airport, as it was mid-day and the sun
shown brightly overhead.  But, he had to know what was going on.

The freight arrived and he slowly slid the door open, entering the
apartment.  He pushed the hood of his cloak back, his eyes scanning
the empty room.  In an instant, he flew up to the landing on the
second level and started for his son's room, wondering what lay inside.

He stopped in the doorway, some of his worry fading as he saw
Nicholas lying on the bed as if he were sleeping.  But, he knew his
son was not merely asleep.

Honestly, upon arriving, he had been unsure of whether Nicholas
would be there or not.  His connection to both Nicholas and Natalie
had been completely severed, and their connection had remained
dormant ever since.  At the time, he wasn't even sure if they were
alive.

LaCroix allowed his attention to wander from his son, and he caught
sight of Nicholas' partner lying on the bed, sleeping soundly. 
Across the room sat Antonius, also asleep, in a chair.  Several empty
bottles were visible to him, sitting on the table next to the bed. 
He took a closer look at Antonius, quickly realizing that the younger
vampire was not only exhausted, but also very weak.

He fully entered the room, moving closer to the bed and stopping as
he reached his son.  Looking down on Nicholas' unconscious form, he
gently pulled the covers back.  The wound on his son's chest angered
him almost as much as Natalie being taken.  The last he had
discovered at his arrival--the mortals' news was at least good for
something.

Oh his son's arm, he spied a cut, and although it did not bleed,
neither were there any signs of healing.  Antonius had apparently
given Nicholas some of his blood, and while he was grateful of the
younger vampire�s action, he was unsure of what to think of its
results.  The blood should have helped Nicholas...but it didn't
appear to have had an affect.

LaCroix spied a knife out of the corner of his eye next to the empty
bottles.  He took the blade in one hand, and rolling his sleeve up,
gently raised his son's arm.  Making a fresh slice in the same
location of the old wound, he cut his arm as well and knelt, holding
their wounds together.

Despite the fact that Nicholas had not healed, his blood flowed
easily from him and into the younger.  His son's body pulled on his
life force, absorbing it quicker than he expected.

He gradually became tired from a combination of blood loss and
traveling, eventually leaning against the bed and, a moment later, he
slowly slipped into sleep.


Things Fall Apart - (19/33)

Waking, Tracy slowly sat up and nearly jumped upon seeing LaCroix.
The vampire was leaning against the side of the bed, his head resting
by where his arm entwined itself with her partner's.

Neither moved a muscle, even as she got off the bed, which shook the
mattress slightly.  She made to approach LaCroix, but stopped herself
seeing the knife sitting on the floor.  He, just as Antonius had,
probably was weak and hungry from blood loss.

Quickly and quietly, she went downstairs, grabbing the remaining
bottle out of the refrigerator, and putting the others in.  Then, she
made her way up the stairs.

She cautiously approached LaCroix, kneeling in front of him.  Right at
this moment, he looked like nothing but a concerned father, and
Antonius' comment again hit her.  Nick was very lucky...probably
luckier than he knew.

"LaCroix?" she prodded, touching him lightly on the shoulder.  He
didn't move, and she tried again, shaking him slightly.  At that, he
groggily woke, turning his attention straight on her, his eyes a pale
blue, devoid of any gold.  "LaCroix?"  She noticed his attention catch
on the bottle in her hand, and she held it out to him without any
comment.

He pulled the cork out with his teeth and drank straight from the
bottle, not caring in the slightest whether it was civilized or not.
He finished the bottle in a short time, his hunger only partially
assuaged by the blood.

After setting the bottle on the floor, he turned toward his son--who
didn't look much different from when he'd arrived.  Yet, the wound on
Nicholas' arm had nearly healed, and there were faint signs that his
other wound was healing as well.  Still, his sense of the younger
vampire's presence remained suppressed, but at least it was now clear
that his son would heal.

LaCroix carefully and slowly stood, using the mattress to aid in his
ascent.  Nicholas laid peacefully in what he hoped was sleep.  He
considered kissing the younger on the forehead, but the mortal's
heartbeat reminded him of her presence.

Ever so slowly, he turned and focused on her, their eyes meeting for a
moment before he started toward the door, his tiredness still
apparent.

Tracy cautiously followed him, wanting to know how Nick was and hoping
he would have an answer.  As LaCroix sat on the couch, she headed to
the nearby chair and sat on its edge.  "LaCroix?  Nick, how is he?"

"His wounds are beginning to heal."

He was avoiding the question, and Tracy continued, "I could see that,
if only slightly.  What I mean is, how is he?  Is he sleeping, or
what?"

LaCroix closed his eyes.  Even he did not know the answer to this.  "I
hope Nicholas is sleeping.  I cannot sense him, and it is
distressing."

She swallowed and considered not asking him anything else, but she had
to know.  "And Natalie, can you sense her?"

He shook his head, not in the mood to argue with her.  He just wanted
peace and quiet and to watch over his son until he recovered.  "You
shouldn't be here, Detective."

The statement made her tense.  "Nick's my partner, LaCroix.  You know
that.  I couldn't just leave him.  Would you have rather I did?"  The
vampire didn't answer, instead just staring at her.  "Is it because
I'm a mortal?  Is that why you don't want me here?"

"I believe you have work tonight.  If so, you should probably prepare
for that."  He stood, somewhat unsteadily.  He slowly made his way to
the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle from inside, and turned back to his
son's partner.  "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to watch Nicholas."

She stood up, her eyes following him as he headed up the stairs.
LaCroix was effectively kicking her out.  It was obvious to her that
he didn't want her there, and it hurt, even if she knew he had every
right to tell her to leave.

Tracy checked her watch, seeing that she would have to leave now if
she wanted to take a shower and change her clothes.  She again
suppressed her anger at LaCroix and turned, heading for the elevator. 
She did have to go to work, but he hadn't said anything about not
coming back when she got off.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

LaCroix sat and glared at the now blank television.  Antonius had left
just as the sun set, which was roughly half an hour before, to
retrieve more blood from the Raven and some clothes for him from his
apartment.  He had already taken a shower, and was now wearing a pair
of Nicholas' pajamas.  Although they were a little close fitting, they
would be fine until he had the opportunity to change.

Then, about fifteen minutes ago, he turned on the television and
switched it to the news.  The topic, of course, was the morning's
events.  The mortals were waiting and wanting to know how the
Community would react.  When the newscaster had begun to repeat
things--a result of lack of information--he had switched it off, where
it remained.  He knew the mortals needed to be addressed, but he first
had to see to Nicholas.

He reached forward, picked up his glass, and took a long swallow.  The
blood was enough to satiate his hunger, but nothing further.

"LaCroix?"

Abruptly turning, he found Nicholas standing near the bottom of the
stairs in his robe, tightly gripping onto the railing.  It surprised
him to find his son so close and, apparently, quite awake.  Still, his
link with Nicholas was nonexistent.

"Where's Natalie?  What happened to her?"

LaCroix set his jaw.  "She...was taken by the same mortals that
attacked you," he stated, stopping before saying anything more.

Nick slowly approached, letting go of the railing and starting across
the room at a steady pace.  "Is she okay, LaCroix?  I...I can't sense
her, nor can I sense you.  There's nothing."

"I do not know.  My link with her is...broken."

He immediately froze in place, locking his gaze with his father's.
"Could they have killed her, LaCroix?"

"It is possible, but I doubt it.  My link with you is
also...suppressed by something."

Nick arrived at the couch and slowly lowered himself onto the
cushions.  With LaCroix' comment, he felt much better knowing the loss
of connection went both ways.  He curled up on the couch, letting his
head rest just off from where LaCroix sat.  "I should have been able
to get Nat out of there, LaCroix.  It's my fault that she was taken.
If they kill her, her death is on my hands."

LaCroix sat still for some time, running his fingers gently through
his son's hair.  "If she dies at the hand of the mortals, Nicholas,
they will pay.  I will see to it."  LaCroix continued his motions, his
son moving just a sliver closer and leaning into his touch.  Although
he still felt nothing along his connection with the younger, there
were no signs of protest.  Nicholas' anger, he knew, sat just beneath
the surface, and he didn't need their link to know that.

As Nicholas rested next to him, he listened to the younger vampire�s
life-signs.  His son's heart beat slowly, but it was nothing out of
the ordinary for them.  Between that and Nicolas' long, deep breaths,
he relaxed somewhat.  Nicholas would recover and be perfectly fine.
What concerned him now, however, was his daughter.  He feared for both
Natalie and how Nicholas was handling her kidnapping.

His eyes glowed golden, turning crimson for a second.  For the time
being, he was grateful Nicholas could not feel him.  If the mortals
permanently harmed any of his family, they would pay dearly for it.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

The blackness that had engulfed her for who knows how long slowly
lifted, being first replaced by shadowy shapes against a bright
background, and then, ever so gradually, it cleared and her
surroundings showed themselves in detail.

Natalie shifted and moved to sit up, her muscles tense and stiff,
impeding her actions.  She stopped abruptly, the sound of a chain
moving jarring her focus from her task.  A pair of shackles surrounded
her wrists, a chain leading from them being hooked to a solid chunk of
metal embedded into the wall.

Her anger flared at being restrained, what hunger she felt being
pushed sharply away.  She pulled her arms back, tugging on the chains,
but the shackles only dug into her wrists.  Next, she grabbed hold of
the chain and pulled on it again, this time using all of her strength.
The metal links slipped through her fingers, not one yielding to her
actions.  She released the chain, tossing it at the wall out of
frustration.  When the metal didn't even dent at the force, she nearly
fumed.

"They won't break, Natalie.  Don't waste your energy on it."

Her attention shot toward the speaker, recognizing the voice.  There,
on the other side of a set of thick metal bars, sat Ningal against the
wall.  She, too, had a pair of shackles around her wrists.  "What are
you doing here?" she asked, standing despite the twinge of protest
from her legs.

Ningal met the younger vampire's eyes slowly.  "I woke up here, much
as you just did," she told Natalie, the tiredness in her voice
slipping out.

Natalie felt her emotions amplify even further at the answer.  She
didn't need to be pushed around in circles...but Ningal�s anger
reminded her of her own.  She really didn't have the energy to argue,
so she instead asked, "Why are we here?"

"I'm not entirely sure.  I've been drugged most of the time.  It's
their way of controlling me, making it so I can't fight back.  The
mortals fear me...they fear my strength and anger.  They are doing
research here on our kind, but that is all I know."

She considered the other's words carefully.  If that was true, she
wondered just what the research consisted of.  Natalie approached the
bars and leaned against the wall.  "How long have you been here?"

"I honestly don't know, Natalie, but I wish I did.  They have taken so
many samples of my blood...they're doing something with it.  Other
than that, everything they've done has been more superficial."

A door on the far side of the room opened, several heartbeats entering
her senses.  Her hunger rose as three men entered the room, her eyes
turning amber.  She focused on them, following as two guards hung back
at the door and the third man went to Ningal's cell.

He carefully unlocked the door, able to feel the new vampire's eyes on
him.  He stepped inside, pulling the door shut behind him, and turning
back toward Ningal.  She didn't move, only stared back at him with her
bright, golden eyes.  She bared her fangs, and he knew it was out of
fear, out of instinct.  His hand pulled out a syringe and he stepped
ever closer.  The drugs, he knew, had literally paralyzed her.  He
hated doing this to such an amazing creature, but he had no choice.
Slowly, he took her hand, but hearing the sound of a chain move,
turned his attention on the other.

It was difficult not to watch her.  He had seen the news and knew
precisely who she was--Dr. Natalie Lambert.  She was a doctor just as
he was, even if they worked in different fields.  Her hungry gaze
stared at him, and he found himself being drawn closer.

"She must feed.  She is too young to handle being starved," Ningal
told the man through a hiss.  "Just because she is young doesn't mean
she is weak.  She can do far more damage if starved than I."

He turned toward her, stating, "I will mention it and do what I can."

"Cease your conversation with the vampire," one of the guards spoke.

The man nodded to himself and gave Ningal the injection, watching
sadly as she faded into unconsciousness.  He stood and turned to the
other woman.  Still, she focused on him as if she wanted him for
dinner...which was probably what she was thinking.  Despite that, he
was no more afraid of her than a housecat.  What he was afraid of,
however, was what would happen in the end.  Would vampires be wiped
out by the mortals fear, or would they decide to take matters into
their own hands and make mortals their slaves?  He didn't like either
of those two possible outcomes, hoping it would eventually settle to
something in-between.

He walked up to the bars, standing almost right in front of Natalie.
Her eyes brightened and turned red, intriguing him further.  He saw
one of the guards become uncomfortable, at which he forced his
attention away.  He left the cell, relocking it, and then left the
room with the guards.

Natalie hissed at the door as they left, her hunger remaining even
after their heartbeats stopped thundering in her ears.  Since Ningal
had mentioned blood, if only a slight reference to it, her hunger had
only increased.  She walked back to where she'd awakened, sliding down
the wall and bowing her head.

Ningal's words to the man struck her.  'She's too young to handle
being starved.'  It made her wonder if that's what was happening to
Ningal...and if it would happen to her as well.  Having to deal with
the hunger like this would be new.  Nick and LaCroix had never made
her go hungry.  LaCroix had mentioned she would need to learn how to
deal with it, but that it could wait.  It was a skill too dangerous to
learn while working with the mortals.  She keep wondering what would
result if they didn't give her anything.  How would she handle it?

She closed her eyes and focused on controlling her hunger.  It faded
into the background, but not far enough.

Ningal leaned against the wall, unconscious, and she feared she too
would end up the same way.  The man that had entered seemed intrigued
by her and Ningal.  She guessed he was probably a doctor, and she
wondered if he was there because he wanted to be, as well as what he
thought of what they were doing here...if he even knew.

Natalie curled up and held her eyes tightly shut, trying to reach out
with her senses to make contact with either Nick or LaCroix.  She felt
nothing.  It was as if she was cut off from everything, which made her
very afraid.


Things Fall Apart - (20/33)

Tracy waited impatiently for the elevator, glancing over at Reese.
"You should probably wait out here while I go up and see about Nick,
Captain," she told him as the freight pulled to a stop and she got in.

Reese followed her, stating, "No, I'm going with you.  I want to see
how he's doing with my own eyes."

"You should still stay downstairs, at least until I see how he is.
LaCroix probably won't be thrilled by this little visit."

Knowing full well how angry LaCroix could get, he answered, "Yeah,
you're probably right."

Managing a slight smile, she pressed the button to go up.  They
arrived and stepped out, Tracy quietly heading across the dark, empty
room.  She ascended the stairs, walking slowly into Nick's room.

Surprisingly, a lamp on the far side of the room was on, dimly
lighting the room.  The covers on the bed were strewn about, making it
easy to see the two forms lying amongst the fabric.  As Nick laid
close to LaCroix, his arms wrapped around the elder vampire and his
head buried into the other's chest, she could make out patches of her
partner's pale skin amongst the sheets and the other vampire's
embrace.

LaCroix moved slightly, his eyes opening and looking right at her.  It
made her pause for a moment.  She hadn't expected to see them quite
like this.  The exterior usually presented by the elder vampire was
cold and rough...except on a couple of occasions.  First, there was
earlier that night.  LaCroix had been anything but cold--at least to
Nick.  And now, here, before her, he held his son protectively close.

She held her position, not completely sure what to do.  "How is he?"
she eventually asked, which prompted Nick to shift as well, his gaze
turning toward her, startling her a little.  "Uh...Nick, I just...."
She stopped as LaCroix' gaze intensified, warning her back.

LaCroix shifted and tried to gently pull away from Nicholas.  It
worked to a point, and then his son's fingers clutched to the pajamas
he was wearing, not allowing him to draw away any farther.  He turned
his attention to the mortal standing in the doorway.  "I will join you
downstairs in a moment."

After a moment, she snapped away from LaCroix' gaze and left the room.
However, she stopped just outside the door.  She held her position for
a minute, then she turned around and peered back into the room.

LaCroix was speaking to Nick, trying to calm him with words she either
couldn't make out or that were unfamiliar to her.  She silently
watched as LaCroix shifted, pushing her partner on his back, the
younger vampire's fingers still clinging to the black pajamas the
elder wore.  LaCroix put a finger to Nick's lips, and he again told
the younger vampire something, calming him.

Tracy remained fixed in place, trying to decide whether she should go
before she was noticed.  Then, when LaCroix kissed Nick on the lips--
nothing more than a light brush of a touch, but a kiss nonetheless--
she completely froze.  Suddenly, she felt quite out of place standing
in the doorway.

LaCroix' action was subtle, the kiss being accompanied by another on
Nick's brow.  The action was very intimate...but she wasn't sure just
what part of their relationship it hinted at.  Yet, considering the
tenderness of the action, she realized it was from a father to a son,
merely a soothing action, something to help Nick calm down.  With how
Nick clutched to LaCroix, not letting him leave at first, it was clear
the sensation of touch helped Nick...and LaCroix was only trying to
remedy his leaving.

Even so, it made her uncomfortable, showing just how close the two
were, and reminding her of the chasm that existed between her and her
own father.  Antonius had been right--Nick was lucky.  He was luckier
than most vampires...and mortals, too.

As she stared on, Nick relaxed, curling onto his side.  For a time,
Nick continued to hold onto LaCroix' arm, the touch lingering.  By her
guess, Nick most likely wasn't even aware she was watching...and it
was probably better that he didn't know.  A moment later, Nick finally
let go.  LaCroix got off the bed and stood, his eyes meeting hers in
an instant.

The icy glare made her nervous and she swallowed without thinking.
She closed her eyes as he approached, stiffening when felt his hands
turn her around and lightly push her in the direction of the stairs.
It had been a mistake to intrude, she knew, but her curiosity got the
better of her.  She had wanted to know more about Nick, and she had
taken a chance.

She opened her eyes, slowly descending the stairs with her hand on the
railing and one of LaCroix' still on her shoulder.  Upon reaching the
bottom, Tracy attempted to slip away from him, but found him pulling
her back.

"Do not go against my words again, Detective.  They should be well
heeded.  Nicholas may be your 'partner', but do not take your
friendship with him too seriously.  Even with the world knowing what
we are, we cannot stay in one place for all time.  I'm sure you agree
that would be quite boring."

She again closed her eyes, nodding at his statement.  Quickly, she
pulled away, heading across the room.

"Now, what is it you came here for?"

Reese met the vampire's eyes, a little wary at the suppressed
animosity in LaCroix' glare, stating, "You may wish to see for
yourself.  Some of it is on the news."

"I do not care about the mortals' pathetic opinions."

"It's more than opinions, LaCroix," Tracy told him, causing his gaze
to settle on her.  "A couple of things came down this morning that
have apparently been in the works for a while."

When Tracy stopped and LaCroix waited for more, Reese stated, "We
didn't know about any of this before it hit the news."

"Well, what is it?" he asked, his irritation clearly audible--and
growing.

Reese glanced toward Tracy, who was visibly nervous.  He had expected
she wouldn't be able to relate the information easily.  "Two things,
both of which went into affect as of tonight," he stated, pausing
before explaining any further.  "It has been officially made illegal
for your kind to bring anyone across under any circumstances.  If that
happens, the one that did the action will be destroyed.  Also, all
vampires working in predominantly mortal settings will be suspended
from their jobs."

LaCroix simmered.  Just how the mortals would enforce the first, he
didn't know...but he could guess.  They would hunt his kind if it were
necessary.  The second....  "What, exactly, does the latter mean?"

"It means that Nick can't work--in or out of the precinct.  The same
goes for Natalie.  The Raven should remain unaffected, as it's run
entirely by vampires, I believe."

LaCroix looked away.  This meant Antonius would be faced with a minor
difficulty, but the younger would deal with it.  The Italian's
personality may grate with his own, but Antonius dealt with them on a
regular basis and knew how to move many kinds of vintages.  With a
little negotiation, he suspected that wouldn't be a problem.  However,
he suspected Nicholas would not be very pleased with this revelation. 
"Is that all?" he eventually demanded, facing Reese.

"Not...quite.  We'd both like to know how Nick is."

"Nicholas will be fine despite your kind's actions.  It's very
difficult to destroy us, as I'm sure you are aware.  Leave us be.  My
son is quite affected by events, and I suggest you stay out of our
affairs."  LaCroix turned, his attention resting solely on Nicholas'
partner.  "That especially goes for you."

"I'm staying, LaCroix," she firmly told him, her eyes meeting his.
"I'm staying unless Nick tells me to leave himself."

He glared at the mortal, but didn't say anything in return.  "Do as
you wish, but you will not disturb him."

His words came out in a hiss, just enough to make her tense slightly,
but she refused to break his gaze.

Reese hesitantly excused himself, not sure if he should leave Tracy
there or not.  He had wanted to see Nick, make sure he was doing
okay...but realized he would have to ask Tracy later.  LaCroix wasn't
going to let him near Nick--that was obvious by the vampire's gaze.
Yet, despite his dislike of the vampire, he knew LaCroix would not
harm her and felt a little better as he stepped into the freight.

Tracy didn't move, waiting until the elevator was on its way down.
Then, she glanced up to the upper level, catching the faint glow
coming from Nick's room.  "What's with the light, LaCroix?"  He turned
away from her, and she approached.  "LaCroix?"

"Nicholas...complained of the dark, that he didn't want to be
surrounded by it right now, that he'd spent enough time like that."
LaCroix turned and explained, "Whatever drug was used made it so he
couldn't heal, but also so he was conscious far before being able to
move.  Those who did this will pay."

Although his anger was directed to the wall behind her, it still
affected Tracy as much as if it were focused on her.  "I don't like
what happened to Nick any better than you.  Nick's my partner, and I
like to think of him as my friend."

"Mortals and vampires don't mix.  I would have expected that would be
obvious to you by now."  A faint shuffling alerted his attention to
the stairs, where he found Nicholas slowly approaching wrapped in his
robe.  "You should be resting, Nicholas."

Nick shook his head, silently walking to the couch and curling up in
the corner.  He felt both of their eyes on him, and he just wanted to
be alone...but at the same time, their presence comforted him.  So, he
simply sat, waiting for them to do something.

After nearly a minute, Tracy approached and sat next to Nick.  She
reached forward, wanting to turn his face toward her, but not sure if
he would allow it.  Instead, she settled on resting her hand on his
arm, the action causing him to tense.  "Nick...how do you feel?"  He
didn't move or provide even a hint of a reaction.  "Nick, please."

He shrugged out of her touch, turning to look at her with his blue,
anger-filled eyes.  "I'm sick of this, that's what.  I feel
responsible for what happened to Natalie, and I want her back."

His tone frightened her a bit.  It was more than anger that filled
him--it was rage.  "I know that, Nick."

"Do you, Tracy?" he asked, pausing for a moment.  "Do you really know
what it feels like to be cut off from everything?  I can't feel
LaCroix, and both of us are cut off from Natalie."

She bowed her head.  "No, Nick, I don't know what that would feel
like, but when I saw you lying on the pavement...I honestly didn't
know if you were alive or not.  I almost thought I'd lost you."

Nick considered her words and--despite being relatively close to her,
closer than any other mortal--they surprised him.  Yet, he had also
heard what Reese had told LaCroix.  "I'm not even your partner
anymore, Tracy.  With the way things are...I might not be able to come
back to work, and I think you know that.  The same goes for
Natalie...if she's even alive."

Tracy quieted, hoping Natalie was okay.  Looking up to Nick, she
realized he had pulled further away from her, and that hurt, even if
it was probably a subconscious reaction from what had happened.  "Do
you want me to leave, Nick?" she asked, afraid of his answer.

"I would prefer it.  Sorry, I...I'm just so tired right now.  Besides,
I don't think you being here will go over well with your father."

She stiffened slightly.  She didn't care what her father thought, and
was fully aware that Nick knew that.  Tracy took a good look at him,
and realized he did look tired, sick, even.  Slowly, she stood and
softly said, "I'll go.  It's okay...just let me know if there's
anything I can do, okay, Nick?"  He nodded faintly, and she was
pleased he wasn't completely shutting her out.

She turned and met LaCroix' gaze.  It was a bit softer than before,
but anger still lay hidden within it.  Carefully, she made her way
past him and to the elevator.  She waited for it, and then took it
down without saying anything more.

Once the mortal had left, LaCroix approached his son, sitting in
almost the exact same place the mortal had recently vacated.  Nicholas
turned away, pulling himself into an even tighter ball than before.
"Nicholas?"  His son didn't answer; something that didn't really
surprise him, but it did concern him.  "You should rest."

"I don't want to."

"You mentioned you were tired," he countered, which ceased the younger
vampire's protests.  Then, a moment later, he stood.  "I am returning
to bed."

"I'm going to stay up for a little while, LaCroix...just a few
minutes."

LaCroix hesitated, wishing Nicholas would meet his eyes.  Then, he
nodded, aware that arguing would get neither of them anywhere, and
went upstairs.

He closed his eyes as the other left the room, wishing he could feel
LaCroix.  He needed the comfort the other could provide...wanted it.
Natalie had been taken from him, from both of them.  She would be
gotten back, and if she were harmed....

His eyes turned gold, reflecting the dim light in the room.  Those who
took Natalie would pay somehow, and he didn't care if it was by mortal
justice, or the Community's.  He fully agreed with LaCroix.  This
time, the mortals would learn from their mistakes.


Things Fall Apart - (21/33)

LaCroix stood in Nicholas' kitchen, drinking from a glass and watching
his son carefully.  Nicholas had been sitting on the couch, blankly
staring at the television for several hours now.  The younger had only
managed to sleep for a mere two hours, if even that, before coming
downstairs.  Since then, he had tried multiple times to get Nicholas
to feed, and each attempt had miserably failed.

His son wasn't responding well, and it worried him.  Without the link
with his children, it was quite difficult to discern how they were
doing--particularly with Nicholas.  The younger vampire presented a
mirror of his real emotions just as often as that exterior was
accurate.  At times, what others saw was quite deceptive, and that was
something he suspected was happening now.

Despite the fact that their connection was still cut off, he saw the
anger in Nicholas' gaze every time their eyes met.  He hoped for both
of them that Natalie was safe.  She might be his daughter, his
child...but she was what his son lived for.  He did not envy those who
had taken her in the slightest.

The phone rang, disrupting the calm in one abrupt swoop.  He started
for it, but before he reached it, Nicholas had already picked it
up...and hung up.  The action angered him somewhat, but he simply
pried the receiver out of his son's hand, holding onto it and waiting
for whomever it was to call back.

A few minutes later, it rang again and he turned it on.  "What?" he
asked with a touch of irritation.

"LaCroix.  Good, you're there.  I tried calling a couple of minutes
ago, but was cut off."

The other's voice surprised him.  "Nicholas picked it up and turned it
off," he explained, pausing before continuing.  "Why are you calling
here, Aristotle?  I though you left to keep a low profile?"

"Yes...well, my services aren't really required anymore, and recently
I've been dabbling in a few other areas...."

Not really wanting to talk to the other vampire, LaCroix quickly
insisted, "Will you just get to the point?"

"Dr. Lambert.  I know where she has been taken."

The statement was completely unexpected, his earlier anger virtually
forgotten.  He watched, silently, as Nicholas turned around and stared
at him...his son had heard.  LaCroix turned to the side, demanding,
"Where?"

"Until we are on a more secure line, all I'll say is that she's in the
States.  From what I've been able to gather, others of our kind have
been taken there as well."

LaCroix' thoughts slowly went back to some of the earlier news
broadcasts, to the topic that had been glossed over.  "The mortals'
research center," he said, thinking aloud.

"Possibly.  I can get you more info, but I suggest we start making
more negotiations with the mortals.  Their hands are getting ever
tighter on us."

He silently nodded, eyeing his son.  Nicholas remained quiet, but he
knew the younger was carefully listening in on the phone call, trying
to glean as much information as he could.

"How is Nicholas?"

LaCroix snapped his gaze away from his son at the change of subject,
again turning away.  "Nicholas will be fine."

"And...how are other matters?"

He hesitated somewhat.  "As you said, the mortals are tightening their
grip.  They are becoming wearier of us by the day."

"Yes, the same is happening here.  Europe and other countries are
following the example set in the New World.  Those new 'conditions'
that were announced this morning apply worldwide.  Most of us have
pulled away from the mortals, but I fear it is a mistake."  There was
a pause and the sound of shuffling papers.  "Is the email address I
have for you current?"

The question wasn't expected, and he wondered just what Aristotle was
planning.  "It should be, why?"

"Good.  I will send you information on how to contact me once we can
access a more secure connection.  I want to send you some of the
information I have gathered.  It should be enough proof for the
mortals."

"Very well.  I will be waiting."  As the connection went dead, LaCroix
hung up and focused on Nicholas.

Nick stood and approached the elder vampire, coming to stop right in
front of him.  "Why didn't you demand the location now, LaCroix?" he
demanded, a hint of amber dancing in his eyes.

Although he could see his son's anger, he knew there was nothing he
could do to stop it.  His own anger was barely under control.  He
wanted the location just as badly as Nicholas did.  He couldn't make
Nicholas' fear go away, however, he could try to calm it.  "Because we
cannot rush this.  I doubt the mortals will harm Natalie.  If they do,
they risk pushing us too far, and I don't think they are ready for
that."

"But Natalie-"

"She will be fine, Nicholas," LaCroix stated, meeting the younger
vampire's eyes.  His son's worry was starting to become an annoyance,
but he could deal with it.  Stepping closer, he put one of his hands
up to Nicholas' cheek.  His son leaned into the touch, a hand coming
up and covering his own.  "Now, you should rest, mon fils...we should
both rest."

Nick closed his eyes and nodded, knowing LaCroix was right.  Even
though he wasn't tired, he should at least get some rest.  It was,
after all, still day.  He looked up, met his sire's eyes, and saw just
a hint of concern.  It hit him that this was affecting the elder too--
even if he didn't show it.

He managed a smile and gently pulled away from LaCroix and headed up
the stairs.  He could almost feel the elder vampire's eyes follow him,
and after a few moments, footsteps started after him.  Yes...rest was
best for the moment.  Rest was about all they could really do right
now.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie stared straight ahead; trying to keep her focus on the
bars...trying to focus on anything besides the fact that she was
hungry.

It had now been nearly thirty-six hours since she had been taken, and
about forty hours since she'd last fed.  How long she had been awake,
she didn't know...only that she neither wanted nor felt like sleeping.

Her golden eyes snapped to the door as it was opened.  Unlike before,
only one entered--it was the doctor she had seen before, this time
unaccompanied by the guards.  Natalie watched as he approached,
stopping just before reaching the bars.  She stood and slid along the
wall to distance herself from him.

He remained in place, his brow furrowing at her reaction.  Yet, he
knew she had every right to be afraid of him.  He pulled his keys out
of his pocket and unlocked the door to her holding cell.  When he
entered and began to approach, she darted away, quickly reaching the
end of her chain.  "Please, calm down.  I'm not here to hurt you."

Natalie bared her fangs, hoping he would back off.  Terrified at what
he might do to her or what she might do to him, she snarled at
him...but nothing she did made him react.

Slowly, he continued his advance, not stopping until he stood well
within her reach.  Although he knew he should be afraid, he wasn't.
He didn't see her kind as killers and hated watching them be caged and
starved like this.  As he reached into his other pocket, he saw her
tense, at which he stopped his motions.

Natalie took a couple of steps back, trying to get away from him.
However, when he continued and pulled the object out of his pocket,
all of her attention was quickly diverted there.  The object was a
unit of blood.  Although she saw that it was only partially filled, it
was most definitely blood--its aroma was more than enough to tell her
that.

He held it out, urging her to take it.  "Here, I can see your hunger. 
You need it."

She glanced first to the camera in the corner, then to the door before
her eyes finally settle again on the man.  Her stay in this cell or,
more specifically, her kidnapping, was certainly not what she had
planned to experience.  Even so, this offer was even less expected.

"Quickly, there isn't much time.  Take it."

The bag rested on the other's hand.  She tried to look away, but she
couldn't.  Her hunger was stronger than she had believed, the blood
literally calling to her.  Natalie slowly reached forward, taking the
bag from his hand and quickly moving several steps away from him.

The blood in the bag was warm to the touch and her want of it
continued to rise.  Cautiously, she cut a corner of the bag with one
of her fangs, keeping her attention on the man.  The faint taste of
blood she got tempted her further, and she drank the blood slowly,
trying to avoid spilling any of its precious contents.

It was extremely fresh, probably the freshest blood she had ever
tasted.  She finished the small amount...and then realized its source
was the man standing in front of her.  Natalie was slightly stunned,
unsure what to think.  As her thoughts became clearer, her hunger no
longer in as much control, she asked, "Why did you do this?"

"Because, despite what you might think, I am not here by choice...and
I can't bear to watch any living being suffer like this if I can do
something to prevent it...or, at the very least, ease it."

She stiffened, his words not reassuring her in the slightest.  "And
what about Ningal?"

"Unfortunately, I can't do all that I would like.  If I did what I
wanted, my actions would be discovered.  I'm already known to be
sympathetic to your kind.  I don't particularly like the idea of
disappearing for it."  He held his hand out, stating, "I must leave
before anything more about what I'm doing is discovered.  I will try
to bring you more blood soon, but I cannot guarantee it."

Natalie handed the empty bag back to him, watching as he quickly left
the cell.  At the door, he paused, glancing back at her before leaving
the room.  She stood, letting the blood calm her somewhat, the flits
of the man's thoughts becoming more solid as time passed.

Within the blood were his conflict of work over belief and faintly
faded memories of his family.  He'd seen more than one vampire die
from the research here, and he truly did care about their deaths.  She
also felt that while a few sympathized with the doctor, others were
dead set that vampires weren't human in the slightest, and saw them as
nothing but guinea pigs.

Her anger rose slightly, but the blood also gave her other
information.  The man, a doctor, so far had no indication they were
going to do to her what had been done to some of the others.

That made her afraid.  True, he believed she would be spared the
deaths that others had endured...but would her fate merely be torture,
or perhaps a different kind of death?

Natalie slid down the wall and sat.  Her hunger, calmed for the time
being, was telling her that she would eventually need more blood than
the small amount the man had brought her.  It was also reminding her
that not only did she not know how to control the hunger, but that, in
truth, she didn't want to.

She wanted free.  She wanted out of this cage and out of this prison. 
To herself, she vowed they wouldn't hurt her...but she knew there
wasn't much she could do to prevent that.  But, whatever the cost, she
would not willingly help whatever research was being carried out.


Things Fall Apart - (22/33)

Nick paced the room, waiting for Aristotle to contact them.  It had
now been three days since the first phone call, and he was impatient
to know what information the other had.  His sire sat in front of a
computer in one of the rooms at the precinct and Reese stood,
silently, on the other side of the room.  Neither's presence did
anything to calm him.

LaCroix turned and focused on his son's movements.  The last couple of
days he had become very concerned.  Nicholas' worry had extended far
beyond mere anxiety.  His son was restless and wasn't feeding.  For a
moment, he diverted his attention to the mortal.  He was displeased
that the other was there, but it was required.  Nicholas had
repeatedly insisted that the mortal could be trusted.  If not Reese,
his son had explained it would be some officer...a random mortal...and
he didn't even consider that.

Aristotle had explained that he would contact them, and that they
needed a relatively secure connection.  Now, they were just waiting.
Reese had repeatedly assured him that the connection was, indeed,
secure.  He had even mentioned that the computer had its own
connection, separate from the rest of the precinct, but....  He was
starting to doubt Reese's first statement considering how long it was
taking Aristotle to meet them.

He focused on Nicholas, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a
flask.  "If you do not cease this pacing, Nicholas, at least calm
down," LaCroix spoke, holding out the small container of blood.

Nick stopped his actions for a moment, staring at the flask.  Although
it tempted him greatly, he shook his head.  "I don't want it."

LaCroix held back his anger.  He knew Nicholas was lying, as his son
had drank very little blood since Natalie was taken--he didn't need
his link with Nicholas to know that.

A soft beep made him turn back to the computer, and a few seconds
later, he accepted the connection and Aristotle's face popped up in a
window on the screen.

Reese was faintly surprised to see a balding, graying man with glasses
to be the vampire that was being contacted, but the others didn't
share his surprise.

"You do know it's about ten in the morning here, right?  I'm not in
the habit of staying up late.  I'd much rather wake early."

"Yes, but as you know that was unavoidable as the mortals would only
prepare this for now.  It was difficult to get the permission to do
this, as we're an 'inconvenience' to them.  Besides, we were supposed
to start this half an hour ago."

Reese winced at that.  It was a slight inconvenience, yes, but more to
those higher up than anything.  The Commissioner and the others didn't
want to do this.

The vampire on the monitor also flinched at LaCroix' words--just
enough for those present to notice.  "Yes, well, it took some time to
get a relatively secure connection, and I'm not entirely sure about it
as it is.  If nothing else, it allows us to speak face to face...the
wonders of modern technology.  I can't wait to see what's..." he
trailed off, spotting someone in the background.  "Who is that?  A
mortal?  I thought we'd decided that this was to be a closed
conversation--no observers--something I thought would be a simple
requirement of you, LaCroix."

He took a glance back at Reese, then again focused on Aristotle.
"Yes, a mortal--Nicholas' 'Captain'."

Aristotle paused, remaining silent for a time while he thought, his
outer appearance becoming more serious.  "Are there any others in the
room?"

"None," LaCroix quickly stated.  "Now, will you please say what you
wouldn't over the phone."

He again paused before replying.  Then, hesitantly, he stated, "I was
planning on transferring the information I have to you, but that will
have to wait.  As I mentioned, I do not entirely trust this
connection."  He held LaCroix' gaze, and despite the distance that
separated him, the other's anger was quite palpable.  "The information
is on its way.  I'm having it delivered by hand by one of us, and it
should arrive soon after sunset."

He could see that this conversation was turning into yet another
waiting game.  Determined to get something out of it, LaCroix asked,
"What, exactly, does this information include?"

"The location, video and blueprints, along with enough proof that the
mortals cannot deny what is going on.  I have also managed to contact
one of the mortals that work in the facility, although I may not be
able to again.  His superiors are getting suspicious, and security is
increasing.  But, I can tell you that as of yesterday, other than
being a tad hungry, Natalie is perfectly fine.  So far, they've done
nothing but hold her."

Nick, who had stayed silent until now, stepped up behind LaCroix and
asked, "Where is she, Aristotle?"

The younger vampire's glaring eyes made him pause a second.  "In the
northeastern United States--that is all I'll say on that."

LaCroix' irritation reached its limit.  "If this is all, why didn't
you simply call?  None of this needed a secure connection."

"Because despite my doubts on our privacy in this conversation, I
trust it far more than if I was contacting you by phone.  Besides,
this isn't all.  I am quite curious as to what will be done with the
information once it arrives."

He leaned back in the chair somewhat, considering his answer.  "Make
more formal and publicized demands for Natalie and any other that may
be held there.  We have already made demands, but they are, for the
most part, being ignored.  Depending on the information itself, more
may be done."

"Where shall I have the information delivered, LaCroix?"

"To...Nicholas'.  I am currently staying there."

Aristotle's form nodded on the screen.  "I will make sure the
messenger knows.  I hope all goes well."

The window went dark as the connection closed.  Since nothing
particularly secretive was discussed, LaCroix simply closed the
program and stood, turning to face his son.

"You should have asked for more."

"And just what would you do with such information, Nicholas?"

"I..." he started, but quickly trailed off.  He really didn't know
what he could do with more information.  Yet, he wanted it.  He wanted
the information so he could get to Natalie...but he honestly didn't
know what he would do with the information once he had it.

"Isn't it enough to know she's safe?"

Nick closed his eyes and nodded.  Perhaps it was enough--even if he
held no trust in whatever mortal had passed that information on to
Aristotle.  "What now?"

LaCroix met his son's eyes, locking gazes.  "We wait for the
information.  We can do nothing more until then, you know that.  The
mortals will not listen unless we have more leverage in the
situation...and the information should give that to us."  LaCroix
slowly headed to the door, but heard no sounds of Nicholas following. 
He turned, finding the younger vampire still staring at his previous
location.  He walked back and took Nicholas gently by the shoulders,
turning him so that they were facing one another, and then whispered,
"Come, we will rest for the remainder of the night."

Nick met his sire's eyes, but made no other reaction.  He didn't want
to wait anymore.  He needed to do something.

"You must feed and rest.  Once you do so, you will feel better."
Still, his son remained quiet.  He momentarily glanced at the mortal,
somewhat uncomfortable with the other's presence, but continued, "I
assure you of that, mon fils."

"I'm not hungry and I'm not tired," Nick answered with defiance and
annoyance.

"She will be fine, Nicholas.  If not, as I have told you before, they
will pay."

Nick's eyes flashed gold, remaining so for several seconds.  Then, he
let LaCroix lead him out of the room.

Reese stared at the closed door, recalling the scene that had just
passed.  The emotions he saw in Nick's eyes...he wasn't sure what to
make of them.  No matter what they were, this didn't seem like the
same Nick that worked for him.  Not only that, but although he wasn't
entirely sure, he thought LaCroix had seemed concerned about his son. 
Nick almost appeared to be in shock...almost, but not quite.  In his
opinion, LaCroix had every right for his concern.

He desperately wished he could do something, but knew Nick was slowly
slipping away from those at the precinct.  To himself, he wondered
just where everything would lead.  Would Natalie be returned, and
then, how would she possibly change from her experience?  When Nick
was allowed back at work, would he come back and work or would he
slowly slip away?

He knew no answers, nor could he affect any of their possible
outcomes.  In fact, he suspected he felt quite like Nick at the
moment--unable to do anything.

End part 22

Jarvinia
jarvinia@gmx.com