Something of Great Need Written August 2003 Posted July 2004 Jarvinia This story is third in a series that started with 'Something Curious' and 'Something... Opportune'. It would definitely be good to read the previous two stories before reading this. This takes place about three years after 'Something... Opportune...' (just under...it's about three years after the beginning of that story) ...which, as far as Nicky's body is concerned, turned into about ten, so he looks to be about sixteen now. Again, not really a story for die-hard NNPackers, and it could also be a bit emotionally draining for some, possibly. Nick, Natalie, and LaCroix are not mine and no copyright infringement is intended. Frederick, Cadeyrn, and the Nicky as presented in these stories are mine, however, so please do not use them without asking. This story has *not* been beta-read, so all mistakes in any form are mine and mine alone. Feedback/comments/questions more than welcome (jarvinia@gmx.com). Thanks and enjoy! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Something of Great Need - (01/10) "Come on, Nicky, where are you?" Natalie called, heading down the hall to his room, surprised to not have heard a protest of, 'Nicky's childish...just use Nicholas', which had become common over the past several months. She knocked on his closed door, first softly, and then more insistently when she didn't hear anything. "Nicky, I asked what you wanted to eat for breakfast." Again, she received no answer. She tried again, and then, when she still didn't receive an answer, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. Nicky lay about half-way between the unmade bed and the door, looking as if he'd tripped or fallen and not gotten up...which would have been nearly impossible as nothing was out of place other than the comforter, which had fallen off one side of the bed. She stepped into the room and knelt down by him, her hand reaching out to check his pulse. It was strong--but too fast. It was beating at nearly fifty beats a minute, which was nearly double his usual pulse. "Nicky?" she called concerned, brushing bits of his shoulder-length and slightly wavy hair out of the way. Checking and finding his breathing to be quick and shallow, she abruptly stood and went back to the kitchen. She poured a half-glass of blood, and then returned to Nicky's bedroom. Fully aware the scent of blood tempted Nicky nearly as much as it did Nick, she brought the glass closer to his nose, hoping it would arouse him somewhat. It did, his eyes fluttering just barely open; however, that was the only change. "Nicky? Nicky, can you say anything? Can you move?" she asked, but he simply turned his eyes toward her, and then shut them tight. Setting the glass of blood off to the side, Natalie shifted Nicky's body until she could get him into a sitting position easier. It wasn't overly difficult as he didn't weigh much. In fact, she suspected he weighed less than she did even though he was taller. And although this wasn't exactly a foreign task, it had been a while since she had to move dead weight like this. Retrieving the glass and bringing it closer, she pulled Nicky so that he was leaning up against her. She held the glass to his lips and poured a little into his mouth, aware blood was almost certainly what he needed. A small amount of the blood trickled down from the side of his mouth, and she turned his head so that no more would follow. "Come on, swallow." He didn't obey at first, something she wasn't sure was because he couldn't or didn't want to. "Nicky, you either need to swallow, I can give you blood through a needle, *or* I could call Nick and LaCroix." She watched Nicky's eyes widen ever so slightly--the effect she had been after. "Please...swallow and I'll give you some more, okay?" She waited, and after about a minute he managed to swallow what she'd given him. Once he'd drink all of the blood in the glass, Natalie set it aside and shifted Nicky's weight a little. Several minutes later, she felt one of his hands grasp her arm lightly. He held her arm for a moment, and then he released it and pulled away from her, preparing to stand. He slipped just as he tried to get leverage on the floor, at which she caught him. "Don't try to move just yet. Just rest, okay?" Nicky, however, didn't listen. He repeated his action, slipping twice more before he managed to get to his feet...and then he swayed, at which Natalie steadied him. He shrugged off her touch and stepped back from her. "I'm fine. I don't need your help. I would have been fine." Natalie pursed her lips at his tone and his last comment. 'Would have been fine.' As he made to turn and leave the room, she caught his arm, stopping him. "Is this something that has happened before?" He pulled roughly from her grasp and stepped out of her reach. "I'm fine. I just forgot to have any blood last night." With that, he slipped out of the room and to another part of the apartment. Natalie watched him leave, but didn't follow. She knew full well he hadn't forgotten--she'd poured the blood herself when he'd had dinner the night before and watched him drink it. Since a few weeks before they'd moved to here, to Chicago, she had noticed Nicky seemed on edge more than usual. But Nick and LaCroix hadn't thought much of it. And, until now, neither had she, really. She had passed most of Nicky's reactions off as normal considering his age of appearance. Even when they'd moved here last week, she hadn't really focused on Nicky's mood a lot until Nick and LaCroix had left soon after their arrival. In the past almost three years they had moved at least a half a dozen times, staying anywhere between three and eight months before moving again. Their last two moves had been especially short--about three months each--and Nick and LaCroix were off straightening the various 'loose ends' up. LaCroix had also mentioned arranging for some of his things to be moved to their present apartment, along with some of hers, which they had left in Los Angeles three moves back. She didn't particularly envy them, but then she knew another reason for the trip was Nicky and the two vampires needed a break from one another...which all came back to Nicky's mood. Over the last month, Nicky had snapped at her, Nick, and LaCroix on more than one occasion in reply to seemingly simple questions. He had also become somewhat withdrawn, spending as much time closed up in his room as he could manage. He'd skipped several meals, something that had angered LaCroix. Upon arriving in Chicago, the two had an argument over the skipped meals; Nicky had provoked LaCroix, who then lashed out, resulting in a painful--and broken--jaw for Nicky. Before anything else progressed, Nick had suggested that he and LaCroix leave for a little while...at which they had left her in charge. She had been somewhat surprised LaCroix didn't protest, not even giving a single comment before he and Nick had left two days ago. Being left with Nicky, she was discovering just why LaCroix had reacted the way he had. Although Nicky was, as far as his actual age was concerned, technically eight years old, his growth had accelerated--the main cause of their many moves. She guessed that Nicky was roughly sixteen as far as his appearance was concerned--and he didn't seem much different from most teenagers. Between herself, Nick, and LaCroix, they had taught Nicky most of what he knew as it was simply too difficult and too dangerous to send him to school. What had amazed her was how Nicky absorbed everything, and as such knew nearly as much as most sixteen year olds did. Some subjects he was somewhat behind in, while others--particularly history and the areas they knew the most about--he knew far more than he would ever need to know. Getting up off the ground and leaving the room, she looked for Nicky and found that he had left the apartment. At that discovery, Natalie let herself sink into the cushions in the living room. This was now the second time Nicky had vanished, presumably to gain some space. He'd left the apartment the night before, returning just before sunrise, and he'd gone again. She had no way to follow as even though she was supposedly a 'thrall', she was basically mortal--LaCroix had taken great care to make sure she didn't change, not even in the slightest. In some ways she was grateful even if it was a purely selfish decision on LaCroix' part, but at other times, like now, she wished she could at least tell when Nicky was nearby and when he wasn't--something she noticed both Nick and LaCroix could do starting a few months ago. Although LaCroix had given her a number to call in case she had any problems, she was aware it wouldn't fix anything. The two would just rush back and end up in another argument. And besides, Nicky leaving wasn't what concerned her, anyway--Nick and LaCroix had let him go off on his own before. What bothered her was that he'd seemingly passed out, and she worried it would happen again while he was away. Despite Nicky's protests, she was nearly sure it had happened before. If Nick and LaCroix came back, she knew she would lose whatever possibility she had of finding out what was happening to Nicky as he was presently on better terms with her than the other two. As she sat on the couch, she waited and wondered, hoping nothing would happen. If he collapsed while away, there wasn't much she could do about it...and she knew LaCroix or Nick wouldn't be able to, either, as they could merely tell if Nicky was nearby, not where he was or in what direction. Three hours later, just before sunrise, the door to the apartment was opened and she watched as Nicky closed it, turned, and met her gaze. He stared at her for a moment, and then went to his room, closing the door behind him. Natalie finally closed her eyes at that, but her worry didn't disappear. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next two days, Natalie scrutinised every one of Nicky's movements, every action he made. She tried to be as discrete as possible, and, surprisingly, he didn't seem to notice, or at the very least, care. After one night of following his every move, she'd only become more concerned. About an hour after they'd gone to sleep, she had awakened to find Nicky in the bathroom. She hadn't said anything, but he'd stayed in there too long, the water running the whole time, probably to make sure what he was actually doing wasn't heard. Although she could think of a few logical explanations, when she noticed he did the same thing after breakfast and lunch the next day she'd become concerned about it. And then that night at dinner Nicky had told her he wasn't hungry and had gone back to his room, leaving her to eat the meal she'd made. Before going to bed, she'd knocked on his door, glass of blood in hand. Again, she had received a terse 'not hungry' and 'I'm fine', at which she eventually told him she left it in the refrigerator and went to her own room. She hadn't fallen asleep easily, and in the middle of the day she woke with a start, not immediately aware of the reason. Getting up, she left her room and scanned the nearly pitch-black hallway. It was empty, Nicky's door open--as were all the other rooms from what she could tell. What caught her attention was the faint light coming from the kitchen. The light wasn't enough to be the kitchen light on, nor was it enough to be the refrigerator door open, she didn't think. Heading in, she found that the light was indeed from the refrigerator door, which was open a bare crack. The sliver of light on the floor illuminated first Nicky's hand and bare arm, and then cut across his back and gave just enough light for her to see him lying there, much as he had in his room. Except this time she got a much better look at him, despite the darkness. The light was just enough to cast eerie shadows on Nicky's bare and ribbed back, showing just how thin he was--something she hadn't really noticed before and wondered if Nick and LaCroix had or not. The flannel pants he wore were just long enough, but quite loose on him. Realising they were looser than they had been the last time she'd seem him in them, her concern jumped up as she approached and knelt by him. Immediately she noticed that this time was different than the last. Nicky was completely out and there was no reaction when she brushed his hair out of his face or put a hand gently on his shoulder. Checking his pulse, she found it closer to normal, but it was slightly erratic, as if it was trying to decide how fast it wanted to go, or worse if it wanted to. His breathing was nearly non-existent, yet another thing to make her own pulse quicken. She quickly tried what she had before, but it didn't have an effect. Then, she pulled out a paring knife and after a slight hesitation, made a small cut on her thumb. It was just enough to draw a small amount of blood. She tried tempting Nicky with the fresh blood, but again she received no reaction. Once she'd gotten the cut to stop bleeding, she again checked Nicky's pulse. It was now a little slower, and if possible, more erratic. His breathing had seemingly stayed the same, but she knew that could very well just be a coincidence. Glancing up, she saw the glass of blood she'd poured for him earlier that night sitting on the top shelf next to a bottle of blood and a jug of milk. It was undisturbed, but more than likely what he'd been going for. As Nicky was unconscious, she got up off the floor and retrieved her medical bag from her room. Returning, she turned the light on, sat on the floor and leaned against the cupboards, and then carefully turned Nicky over so he was lying on his back. She pulled a fresh set of tubing from the bag, the needles in each end reminding her of the last time she'd done this, when Nick had nearly been killed by hunters. Since then, she'd always made sure she had a way to give her blood to him if need be, but this time it would go to Nicky. As quickly as she dared, she carefully inserted one of the needles into her arm, and once the blood had flowed through the tubing, she inserted the other into Nicky's arm. His body readily accepted the blood, the feeling of her blood leaving her reminding her of before, of the fright and anger she'd seen in Nicky's then very childish eyes. She was afraid of what his eyes would look like if she saw them now. Would they be what they'd been then, or would they look more like Nick's or LaCroix', something that she had seen more often than not lately. Something of Great Need - (02/10) Nicky stirred, finding himself on the floor of the brightly lit kitchen. He sat up, glancing at Natalie, who was sitting, leaning asleep against the cupboards. He didn't remember much, only that he'd come into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. The latter was now closed, and for the first time in nearly a month he didn't feel quite as hungry. Seeing the thin plastic tube lying coiled on top of Natalie's doctor's bag, blood still clinging to the inside of it, what remained of his hunger vanished. If he'd had any food in his stomach, he'd throw up, but he already knew it was empty. He stood and caught himself on the counter waiting for everything to settle a little. He knew he'd nudged Natalie with his action, and he looked down to see her starting to wake. Just as she opened her eyes and they fastened on him, however, he turned and left the kitchen before she could comment. Natalie watched Nicky's retreating form as he fled from her. At least he had looked better than when she'd found him on the floor. Glancing to her watch, she found that day was almost over and it was time to get up. She heard as the shower was turned on, Nicky trying to delay talking to her. But this time she wasn't going to let him off like last time. Getting to her feet, she picked up her things and got everything put back where it belonged. Then, she went to Nicky's room, sat on the edge of his unmade bed, and waited. Barely five minutes had passed before she saw him, standing in the doorway with a towel wrapped around his waist. His body gave off the impression of weakness; he was too thin to possibly be healthy. And yet, the glare he sent at her was no less intimidating than anything she'd seen LaCroix send off. "This is my room. Get out so I can get dressed," he said stepping into the room and away from the doorway but keeping his distance. "I'm not leaving until you promise that we'll talk." "There's nothing to talk about. Now leave." He held her gaze, fully aware that he wouldn't do anything more than glare at her as long as she didn't do anything to him. "Would you rather have this conversation with Nick when he gets back? If so, I would suggest making sure LaCroix stays away. He's not going to like this much, especially considering you lied to him." "I didn't lie to him!" "You said the reason you'd been skipping meals was because you weren't hungry. I can see through it, and I'm sure he did too." Nicky shook his head, his eyes still carrying his anger. "Then why did he hit you?" "Because that's the way LaCroix is." Although that statement wasn't entirely a lie, it didn't answer her question, either. "Tell me, did LaCroix ever hit you before that?" "He's hit Nick for less!" he instantly snapped. She didn't back down at that, fully aware of the truth of Nicky's words. But still, he wasn't answering her. "Has he ever hit you other than then?" He continued to look at her, but this time he didn't throw anything back at her. "Has he, Nicky?" Nicky looked away and clenched his eyes tight. "No. No, he hasn't hit me like that before...just that once." "And what do you think he'll do when he comes back and I tell him about what happened?" She waited for an answer, but he didn't say anything. "You've skipped several meals, probably thrown up most of what you have eaten, and then seem reluctant to even drink the blood that your body needs to survive. Please tell me if any of that's wrong." Nicky stepped back and leaned against the wall. He slid down it until he was sitting on the ground, his legs pulled tightly against his chest. She watched him, torn between continuing her questions and going to him. As the latter would probably result in resistance, she pushed on, "Something is wrong, Nicky. I--or Nick or LaCroix--can't do anything about it unless we know. Why aren't you eating?" When he didn't answer, she stood and approached, but didn't try to touch him, not sure he would let her. As she knelt in front of him, she gasped when he turned toward her. His eyes, now deep amber, started back at him with a far different expression than she'd seen moments before. She watched as hints of crimson worked their way in, which startled her further. Soon they were almost entirely red; never before had she seen his eyes turn that colour. He looked away from her pulled his legs to him tighter. "I'm hungry," he answered, barely audible. "I'm hungry but everything is making me sick. It's like my body's trying to kill me...it's like it knows what I am and wants to destroy me. It won't let me have what I need...I'm not even sure what I need." Natalie closed the distance between them, but when she tried to comfort him, he hissed at her, warning her back. She obeyed the warning; aware it was probably better, anyway. "How many times have you passed out?" "Four times, five if you count the first time...but I didn't completely black out that time." His eyes quickly turned to a deep blue, at which he stared across the room, not looking at Natalie. "The last time I...I wasn't sure I'd wake up. It was like I could feel myself dying." "Why didn't you say something to one of us? And why did you lie to LaCroix?" "I thought it would pass. Everything else has passed. The pain from growing, the times my legs ached so much I couldn't even sleep some nights...even that passed. I thought it was like that at first, something that would only happen from time to time and eventually fade away. And then it got to where it wasn't an occasional occurrence. I didn't want Nick to worry if it was something temporary. And I lied to LaCroix because...I...I didn't think he'd believe me." He stopped speaking and closing his eyes. He remembered how angry LaCroix had been that day--angry enough that even Nick couldn't stop him from hitting him after he'd told LaCroix he had no right to even ask the question in the first place...angry enough for him to agree to leaving without a word of protest. "I...I knew he was angry, and I figured it would be better to anger him with a lie than a truth that he might perceive as a lie." Turning to face Natalie, he asked, "Are you going to call Nick and LaCroix?" She took a moment to consider, and then told him, "If you promise to stay in the apartment and don't try to hide how you feel, I won't call them." She watched his eyes widen in fear. "LaCroix can deal with it, and I think Nick will understand. And besides, they're coming back tomorrow night and calling them isn't going to get them here any sooner." When Nicky settled down and relaxed a little, she asked him, "How do you feel?" "Better," he mumbled. Then, a little more focused on Natalie, he told her, "I don't feel quite as weak or hungry...not because of lack of blood, anyway. I'm still hungry, though." "Do you think you can try to eat a little bit of something?" Nicky nodded. "I might be able to. It might stay down, too...your blood...it helped a little. It makes it so I feel more like I did a couple of weeks ago. I don't feel as nauseous." Natalie tried to give him a reassuring smile, but she found she couldn't. "I'll make you some breakfast then, okay?" He didn't comment, at which she asked, "If you'd like, I could bring it in here for you?" He shook his head. "No. No, I'll come out in a few minutes...after I get dressed and stuff. I'll be okay, I just need a few minutes," he told her, managing a smile. She watched her return the smile and leave, thankfully closing the door behind her, her heartbeat leaving his senses, making him feel more relieved than he had expected. He tensed, still sitting and leaning against the wall. He both hoped for and dreaded Nick and LaCroix' return. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. When the door to the apartment was opened the next night, Natalie felt Nicky tense. She let her fingers brush through his hair as he let his head rest in her lap, his hands holding a blanket tightly around him. As soon as the two vampires were inside, LaCroix stopped, staring at the sight on the couch. Nick also came to a halt, and after closing the door, asked, "Did something happen?" Nicky didn't move at that, let alone give a reply. "Nicky, are you all right?" Nicky merely tried to make himself smaller and closed his eyes. LaCroix watched the reaction, glancing between the two on the couch. He could see that the boy seemed different, not only that, but he wasn't locked up in his room as he'd expected. But he could see cause for his son's question and commanded, "Answer Nicholas' question." Nicky didn't do as told, frightened of what would happen. He opened his eyes, only to find LaCroix flying toward him. He shut his eyes again, clenching his jaw as LaCroix pulled the blanket away from him and pulled him to his feet. Once the boy was standing in front of him, LaCroix' anger only increased. With the blanket gone, Nicky wore only a pair of flannel pants, and even those did little to hide the shear frailness of the boy's frame. And, if anything, he'd say the boy had lost more weight since he'd left. "Answer!" When none again came, he reached out toward the boy's neck, planning to make the boy look up at him. His son's hand, however, stopped him. "Leave him alone, LaCroix. Let him answer on his own." Nicky opened his eyes and met LaCroix' gaze. After a moment, he watched LaCroix stiffen and then spin on his heel and walk away. He would have felt better if the other had left, but at least he didn't have LaCroix' anger pointed at him any longer. Turning to Nick, he explained everything; he explained how both blood and food make him feel sick; he explained how long that had been bothering him; and finally, reluctantly, he explained how he had passed out several times and that the last time Natalie had revived him by giving him her blood. Somewhat stunned by the explanation, Nick turned toward Natalie. "Nat, do you know what's happening?" She shook her head. "No. Frederick didn't mention the possibility of something like this happening. He might be the best person to ask...unless, LaCroix, you have an answer for this?" LaCroix turned to her at that. Her tone was almost accusatory but not at the same time. "No, I do not have an answer," he said, honestly not knowing what could cause the seeming illness. He turned his gaze to the boy, at which he looked away, unable to withstand the sight of his frail frame. He could both see and hear the boy's struggle. "I will contact him and have him come and examine Nicholas." Nick watched his sire start for the phone, at which he asked, "You believe this is serious, don't you? I can feel your fear, LaCroix." Halting mid-stride, LaCroix spun and met his son's eyes. He couldn't deny the words. "It's good to know that you've finally learned to attune yourself with me." "LaCroix." He turned away from his son, and back to the boy. Another Nicholas...and in more than just name. The boy's appearance made him wonder if this is what his Nicholas had looked like at this age. Perhaps not as thin, but similar. The boy's hair was just a touch lighter than his son's, but otherwise was quite similar. Although the two were entirely unrelated, he'd compared the two from the beginning--in truth, even before he'd known the boy's name. It was the boy's eyes. "LaCroix." Refocusing on his son, LaCroix nodded. "They die easily. That's all I can say on this." He gave a faint laugh, but his expression only grew more serious. "We both know that, LaCroix." "Let your eyes see what you do not wish to see; let them see more than merely what is visible." LaCroix turned and left the room, going to his own room to use the phone, away from the others. Nick turned to Nicky, who in turn looked askance. The action made the boy's bare neck more visible, and staring, he took in Nicky in more than just appearance. Even though Nicky stood calmly before him, he could hear the almost forced breathing that remained shallow and the heart that didn't quite beat with a steady beat. And then with adding in what he'd heard, that Nicky was doing better now than he was and was already starting to deteriorate again.... Nicky started for his room, but found his way blocked by Nick, a hand gripping his shoulder. "I'm tired...I want to rest," he stated, not meeting the other's eyes. "Why didn't you say anything? You said you were afraid LaCroix wouldn't believe you, but there was still me and Natalie." "I...I didn't want to worry you. I didn't want anyone to worry if it was something that would pass." He broke free of Nick's grasp, a feat that used up a lot of his energy. He went to his room and slammed the door just as LaCroix was coming down the hall. LaCroix watched seeing his son's frustration, but said nothing. After all, what could he say that wouldn't make matters worse, really? "I have contacted Frederick. He is on his way and will arrive tomorrow night. He...would not say anything after I described Nicholas' symptoms." Nick stared forward as his sire passed by him, looking at the door to Nicky's room. He held his gaze on it for a moment, considering approaching and knocking on it. And yet, he had no wish to cause Nicky any more distress than he had apparently already caused. It had been because of him that Nicky had said nothing, and he turned from the door and walked away. Something of Great Need - (03/10) Nicky rolled onto his side while holding his arms to his chest and faced away from Frederick. He closed his eyes, relaxing slightly as he first felt a hand, Frederick's hand, rest on his shoulder for a moment, and then Natalie's fingers brushing through his hair. "I'll take a look at this," Frederick said, holding up a vial of blood that he had taken from Nicky. "Hopefully it will shed some light on this." He got a nod from Natalie, but watched as the boy just lay on the bed, not making any acknowledgement to them. "I'll do what I can, Nicky--I can imagine how you feel, and I don't want you to suffer, as you are." "Do you know what's wrong yet?" Nick asked, from where he and LaCroix stood near the door. Frederick turned, but didn't say one way or another. Then, standing, he looked back toward Nicky and Natalie. "I'll be back as soon as I can. But it might take me a few days. If necessary, give him blood again, but only if necessary--I'm not sure if it will do more good than harm. And try to get him to eat and drink. Anything." Once he got a nod, he left the room. He went to the main room, Nick and LaCroix following close behind him. Once there, he turned on them and sent a glare at LaCroix. "You've broken Cadeyrn's conditions." LaCroix raised an eyebrow, calmly stating, "I have done no such thing." "The woman...she's not a thrall." "Perhaps not in the full sense, but she has a small amount of my blood. If Cadeyrn had a problem with it, I would think that he would have said something by now, don't you? Besides, I am enduring her presence. Isn't that what he wanted?" Frederick stiffened, knowing the other vampire was right. Before coming he had spoken with Cadeyrn, and the Enforcer hadn't mentioned anything about the mortal, for that's what she was--a mortal with just enough of LaCroix' blood that she could, if only superficially, be called his. "What of Nicky?" Nick asked, breaking the tension the other two were feeding. Frederick adjusted his attention to the younger of the two other vampires, simply asking, "How strong are his senses?" "If you're asking if he can hear us, he cannot," LaCroix stated. "Those senses have not fully developed to my knowledge." "Nor mine. And he's weak--even if he could hear us, he doesn't have the energy to spare." Frederick took that in, and then whispered his answer, just loud enough for the two to hear him, "This is something I've seen only once. But...I can't say much more than that." "What happened?" Nick asked, his voice no louder than the other's. "She died. She starved to death between need for food and need for blood." Frederick abruptly turned away from the two. "A very painful death. It's like watching a fledgling with first-hunger that cannot satisfy the need to feed...it's agonising to watch, let alone experience." "What are Nicky's chances?" Frederick turned back to Nick, shaking his head. "I can't say. I'm hoping the blood I drew will help with that. The mortal's medical technology is something that wasn't around during the other case. But I can say that without food, without nourishment, he will die. He must eat. Even if it's only a few bites or a few drops of blood--it will help." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Two nights later, they were all tired. Both Nick and Natalie had tried, without success, to get Nicky to eat. Sometimes he managed to swallow something, but it rarely stayed in his stomach for long--if it even made it that far. Even LaCroix had made several attempts, none of which went over any better than the other two's. After getting up and getting dressed, Nick went to Nicky's room, expecting to find Nicky sound asleep. While Nicky was, indeed, something close to sleep, he watched as Nicky focused on him, a stare that was more awake than he'd seen since when they'd arrived back at the apartment. Nicky's head rested against LaCroix' chest and LaCroix leaned against the headboard of the bed, also staring back at him. And there, on the nightstand, sat what appeared to be an empty glass that had blood in it. Without asking, he knew LaCroix had managed to get the boy to drink it and that it had apparently so far stayed down- -although he truthfully had no idea how LaCroix had accomplished it. Approaching, he managed a smile, one that was somewhat doubtful, but pleased. "How do you feel, Nicky?" "Tired. Tired and hungry." Nicky shifted, his arms wrapping around LaCroix and he closed his eyes in rest. Nick was about to say something, but Nicky drifted off to sleep faster than he could open his mouth. After several minutes, he turned to LaCroix, bewildered. "What happened?" he whispered, stepping closer so that he was right next to the bed and could reach out to lightly touch Nicky's head. "He managed to drink a little blood. That is all." LaCroix watched his son play with the boy's hair, and then shot a disbelieving glare at him. "Be glad he managed to drink it. He needed the blood. Does it really matter who he allows to feed him?" Nick took in a deep breath, and then straightened and gave a slight shake of his head. "No, I guess it doesn't. It's good that he's managed something. Have you gotten him to eat anything solid?" LaCroix shook his head. "No. Let him rest, and then we can try again." Giving his sire a faint nod, he asked, "Have you spoken with Frederick?" "He said he would try to return before dawn, and if not that he would be here early tomorrow night. He...mentioned something about wanting to do more tests." Nick tensed at that. "Are you going to...stay in here?" "For a time." Seeing that his son was uncomfortable with that, he added, "Only until Nicholas has settled into a deeper sleep. I am not intending to harm him. How could I? What reason would I have?" He caught a half-convinced glance from his son before the younger vampire turned and left the room, leaving them. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Later that night Nick watched Frederick finish a quick examination of Nicky and stand up. "What is it?" Frederick kept his attention on the boy and the mortal, following Natalie's actions as she caressed Nicky's face. Nicky responded to her touch, something he was grateful for. The boy was, at least, still conscious. "Frederick, there is something. What is it?" LaCroix asked, taking an intimidating step closer to the younger but taller vampire. "I think we should speak outside," he said in a whisper, not turning away from the boy. He watched as Nicky tensed at his words, who seemed more aware what it meant than the others. Looking away, Frederick spun and walked out of the room with the two vampires following. He did much as he had done on his previous visit, and stopping and facing the two, he stated, "I'm not sure what I should or can say.... He is not one of us. He's still, in some ways, more mortal than vampire. At the same time, he's almost too much like us to continue living. He's being torn between his two natures, and it'll more likely than not destroy him. What he is will be his death." "What are you saying? That there's nothing we can do for him?" Nick demanded, his voice harsh as he stepped forward. "I..." Frederick started, closed his eyes momentarily, and then answered, "There are three choices.... Nicky could be brought across now. It's his best chance for survival, but before you go any further on that, ask yourself this: Would you want to be sixteen forever?" He paused, letting that sink in a little. "The other two options are to let this take its course, something that could be very painful for him...or to kill him. I know the last is something none of us wants to do, but it might be the best option for him. I can help him control the pain, but only for the present time." "He fed earlier tonight, drinking a full glass of blood," LaCroix stated. "Perhaps, but it did not help much. If anything, it's possibly made him worse." He saw LaCroix turn away, but didn't say anything. "The bottom line is that he needs mortal food and he needs more blood...but his body isn't handling either. He's starving, and that's not going to change with a single glass of blood." "What are you going to do? Is there a chance that you could be wrong?" Nick asked, his face contorted with his frustration. "I...would like to get another sample of his blood. I'll work my way into a lab here, but I suspect it won't have changed much. But yes, there is a chance that I could be wrong--which is why I want the sample. I won't deny the possibility. And with another sample, I can see more clearly how this is progressing." Nick nodded, bowing his head and he spoke, "Take your sample if he'll allow it--do not cause him more discomfort than necessary. And...see that whatever pain he is feeling is dealt with." Frederick nodded to the other vampire, and then started back toward the hall. However, after passing the two, he halted and turned to them. "Whatever path is chosen, I suggest you spend a lot of time with him. I think he would like to feel you close by--I know I would have if I'd been faced with this. And remember that he's in a lot of pain, even if he says nothing." Without receiving an answer, he vanished down the hall and back into Nicky's room. Something of Great Need - (04/10) Early the next night Nick shoved Frederick out of his way and headed into Nicky's room. There, he found LaCroix standing next to the bed, watching Nicky sleep...far closer to Nicky than he wanted his sire, especially with what he just learned. "I want to talk to you, LaCroix, and now," Nick hissed, the edge to his words sharp despite their soft volume. LaCroix turned, raising one eyebrow a tinge. Just behind his son he could see Frederick standing, hovering like the freelance lackey he was. "Well? What is it?" "Out here, LaCroix. I have no wish to disturb him with this." "With what?" he asked, holding his position steady. Nick's eyes flashed gold and he again hissed, "LaCroix, now! I do not wish to argue in front of him." He turned, and after a moment he left the room. LaCroix headed down the hall, feeling his son's presence behind him, close enough that if he stopped, the younger would surely run into him. Just as he'd reached open space, he felt hands grip him...and then the next thing he knew his son had slammed him into the wall in front of him. "How could you, LaCroix?!" Nick demanded, his voice now barely controlled. "How could you?!" "I haven't the--" Nick pushed the other into the wall, cutting off the response. "Don't even dare to pretend you don't know what's going on. You know Frederick took a sample of Nicky's blood last night." Giving his sire another shove, he snarled, "You gave him your blood! That's how you got him to feed. Of course his body accepted your blood; our blood is like a parasite, it feeds off human blood. Nicky's blood is not the same as ours!" Coming out of the kitchen having heard the commotion, Natalie froze upon seeing Nick pinning LaCroix against the wall. LaCroix had his hands raised, and she could see his fingers tense as Nick gave him another shove. "What's going on? Nick?" When he didn't answer, she stepped forward, approaching until Frederick stopped her. "Nick!" Frederick gripped the mortal's arm, pulling her behind him. "Nicholas, let go of him." "Why?" Nick asked, not glancing back. "His twisted experiments have gone far enough...too far." "What did he do?" Natalie asked, moving to stand even with Frederick. "Remember the blood he got Nicky to drink? It wasn't human blood; it was his own. He fed a child vampire's blood!" "So what if I did? He drank it. His body needed blood of some kind," LaCroix replied as he pushed himself away from the wall. "Yes, and that blood could destroy him," Frederick hissed. "He's not ready for it--not his body, and not his mind. His hunger is probably worse. From what I saw in his blood...I'm not sure what to think. But I can tell you one thing right now, and that's that he isn't mortal anymore, or, I should say, he's less mortal than he was. He's changing even faster now than before. It's putting too much stress on his system and will very likely kill him." As the room went silent after Frederick's statement, Nick was about to snarl when something pushed into his senses. Turning toward Frederick, he saw Nicky entering the room. However, he didn't let up with his present action. Nicky walked forward, past Natalie and Frederick, not stopping until he was up to the other two vampires. "Stop," he spoke as he stared at LaCroix. "He didn't mean any harm. He wanted to help. Let go of him." He waited, but Nick didn't move. "Please...I don't like watching you two argue." He closed his eyes, swaying ever so slightly, just enough that Nick loosened his grip slightly. "What's done is done...please, don't blame him for this. He just wanted to help." Nick didn't immediately release LaCroix, not until he watched Nicky sway again. Seeing that he wasn't going to recover this time, he let go of his sire and steadied Nicky, letting the boy lean up against him and use him for support. A moment later, however, he picked Nicky up, holding him in his arms in front of him with Nicky's reaching around his neck and gripping loosely. He turned and faced LaCroix, who was now composing himself, and shot a slicing glare at his father. "You are not his guardian, LaCroix. I've let you near him because you promised not to harm him. In the future, know that I will take him and we will leave if you try something like this again." As his son left and took Nicky back to his room, LaCroix ever so slightly winced. He hadn't expected his son to discover this quite in this manner...or react this way, either. Or maybe he should have. Natalie turned her attention off of LaCroix and to Frederick, asking, "What exactly did the blood do to him?" "Other than pushing him ever closer to becoming a vampire, which will possibly cause his growth to accelerate further...or slow it down to less than normal, I can't precisely say. But the blood he received is causing his own blood to weaken further and faster. My best guess is that this will kill him, possibly bring him over if he is given more vampire's blood. As it was, Nicky's vampiric half was quickly asserting itself, fighting with his other half. LaCroix' blood unbalanced it, both strengthening and weakening him." "Would my blood help any?" Frederick shook his head. "It helped before, and if given to him now might help for a while, like LaCroix' blood, but it won't have much more affect than any other mortal blood as that's what it is. Perhaps stamped with LaCroix' blood, but mortal nonetheless. And even if he manages to get blood...his body can't digest it. In fact, it's for that sole reason that he wasn't brought across by LaCroix' blood." "You agree with my son, then." Frederick shook his head at the statement. "I am not here to take sides. I see his side, however. And I also see yours." "What does Cadeyrn know of what is happening?" LaCroix asked, suspiciously. Looking away for a moment, Frederick turned back and then answered, "He knows everything I know. I cannot refuse his demands for information." "Including the state of Dr. Lambert?" Frederick turned to her. "Yes. He is aware you have not truly made her a thrall and that she is, for all purposes, mortal. However, he has not said anything about it." "And his opinion of the boy?" The other vampire shut his eyes tight. "Cadeyrn has suggested that the boy either be killed or brought over. I-I told him that Nicky would very possibly die. He wishes no more suffering for him than is necessary." "And you agree." Frederick shot his stare up at LaCroix. "I agree that he should not be allowed to suffer more than necessary. I do not believe he should be brought over--he is too young and it would do more harm than good. If he is killed, it would be best if it was done in his sleep, and I think that it should also be his choice." He paused for a moment, then added, "I think he should be told and given that choice, and soon. Unless he is given blood often, he will become too weak to voice his wishes." "I will speak to my son on this later." LaCroix nearly left, but didn't, remembering what the other said. "What blood must he be given and how often?" "What he needs is his own blood, which he cannot make. However, giving him transfusions of mortal blood will help him for now. The blood will only help at first, and will not prevent the probable inevitable. I...have brought several units of blood with me. He should have one now, even though he is apparently conscious." "Then do so. I am going out for some fresh air. If you leave and wish to tell me something before I return, please tell Natalie," he said, giving the mortal a glance. "She is, at the moment, somewhat preferred over my son, and it will be less for us to argue over later." Frederick gave a small nod to the elder vampire, who then left the apartment. He turned to Natalie for a moment, and then he went to Nicky's room with her close behind him. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "I don't want to die," Nicky stated, staring forward and away from the others. "But I don't want the other options, either." He turned, stopping his gaze on Nick. "It's your decision, Nicky. You can either have one of us bring you across, you can wait until weakness takes over, or...." Nick didn't say the last, unable to continue speaking. "You have some time to consider it, but do not waste that time as it may be short," LaCroix said, Nicky's attention turning to him. Then, turning, he guided Natalie from the room and left. Nicky watched as Nick turned to go as well and he tensed. "Please stay." He watched the other stop, but not turn around. "Please, I don't want to be alone." Nick froze and turned. After locking his gaze with the younger's, Nick nodded and approached, keeping his expression neutral. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Nick found Nicky leaning over on him before he'd managed to lift his legs up onto the bed. "What would you do if you were me?" Nick swallowed. He would rather die as well, but that was only because he knew what it was like to be a vampire. Nicky didn't, not really. Neither had he. "I don't know. I made my choice not knowing what was in store. You know I wish I hadn't...I'm not you. You're old enough to choose. Just think about it. And rest. Okay?" Nicky nodded. "I just...I know how few like me survive this long...but I thought I was in the clear. I really thought I'd escaped the possibility of dying...but now...." Pulling the boy toward him, Nick held Nicky as he cried, clear warm tears dampening Nick's shirt. "It's okay, Nicky. You don't have to decide anything yet. And who knows, maybe you'll get better before you need to make a choice?" Nicky nodded in his grasp, but they both knew this wouldn't miraculously vanish. Something of Great Need - (05/10) [A Week Later:] LaCroix took care as he carried Nicky quietly down the hall. His son was asleep, and so was the mortal. Frederick had left, supplying Natalie with enough tranquillisers for a couple of weeks. The bony fingers that gripped his neck reminded him of the last couple days. Nicky had refused more pain killers, telling them they weren't working and he didn't want them to disable him, to paralyse him. Reluctantly, himself, his son, and Natalie agreed to do as asked--none pleased with it. It was the middle of the day; the other two were sleeping, just as he had been until a few minutes ago. He had stayed with Nicky as he slept, and Nicky woke him up, asking to be taken out to the other room. He wanted to leave his room and sit somewhere else for a time, something he could at least understand, even if he knew Nicky should remain in bed. Gently, he sat Nicky on the couch, but when he went to lay him fully down, fingers pulled at his clothes, the fabric slipping through the inadequate hold. At that, he sat behind Nicky, eventually shifting until they were both half-laying on the couch, Nicky held gently in front of him. "Can you turn on the TV?" Nicky asked, his voice nothing more than a faint whisper. "I'd...it's just a little too quiet in here. I don't want it to be quiet. Not yet." LaCroix nodded despite the fact that Nicky couldn't see his response. He turned on the television, the channel displaying monotonous news, and after turning down the volume down somewhat he put the remote in front of Nicky in case he wanted to change the channel. After several minutes, however, Nicky made no move to touch it. Gently, LaCroix pulled the strands of Nicky's hair that rested on the boy's neck back, revealing the translucent skin that was stretched but somewhat loose. The sight both enticed and repulsed him. To know, if only vaguely, the cause of the weakness that was now more visible than ever in Nicky, only made the sight more disturbing to him. He leaned forward and let his lips brush lightly on the delicate skin before him. He did nothing more, but let his lips linger as Nicky tensed and leaned his head further to the side, exposing even more of his neck to him in invitation. He took it, his fangs descending and brushing against Nicky's skin, but he hesitated short of what he wanted to do. He would not bring the boy across without a verbal agreement. He teased the skin, hoping that the actions would help tempt Nicky. "I can make the pain stop. I can--" "No," he quickly asserted, pulling slightly away from LaCroix, just enough to distance him from the vampire's teasing fangs. "No. I'd rather die than be brought across. I won't come back to you if you try to bring me over. I won't. But if you want my blood, then kill me. I...I really don't care." Nicky closed his eyes and leaned back further into LaCroix, so that there was nothing separating them. "Please...just kill me. I'd rather die than lie here any longer." Having already been moving again toward the pale flesh, LaCroix halted his action, his lips being the only thing that touched the skin. The words stunned him somewhat, and yet he knew there was nothing he could do to change the thoughts. Nicky would rather die than be brought across...and he would die if he tried. Not only that, but Nicky would rather die than live. The thought of doing as the boy asked made his heart freeze solid. It was either kill the boy, or leave him be...and Nicholas wouldn't approve with the first, he knew, as they had not considered that option in the slightest, but neither had they the impression that that was what Nicky truly wanted. For now there wasn't much choice but to stay there and just hold the younger, hoping the opinion wasn't any more than frustration. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Later, LaCroix was prodded awake by Nicky. He expected the boy to want to return to his room, or perhaps even to his own, but that was not the request. It wasn't even to go to his son's room. Nicky wanted to stay with Natalie for a while, which he obliged. Carrying Nicky into the doctor's room, he woke her with her name. Once she was awake and spotted them, he stated, "Nicholas wishes to stay with you for the remainder of the day." "Can I?" Nicky asked, his question striking the two as more child-like than even his real age would allow. "I want to stay with you for a little while." Natalie stared somewhat blurry-eyed at the two. LaCroix was visibly tired, and Nicky...Nicky's eyes were a soft grey, a beautiful grey that reflected everything. The colour, drained of life and energy, frightened her, but she managed a smile. "Yes, you can stay in here." Nicky forced a smile as LaCroix carried him over to the bed. His eyes locked on Natalie as she moved to the side so that LaCroix had room to lay him down. He held on to LaCroix as tightly as his muscles would allow, hesitating slightly once he was lowered to the bed. After a few seconds, he released LaCroix and did what he could to shift his weight, shrugging off the vampire's hands when he tried to help. When Natalie helped him, however, he clung to her, taking hold of her shoulders and not letting go. Natalie wasn't quite sure what to do, but after a moment relaxed. She pulled her pillows on top of one another and leaned back so that she was slightly elevated. Nicky made no move to release her. After a few seconds he laid his head on her chest, his ear just above her heart, but he didn't relax his grip until after LaCroix had left and closed the door. After simply listening to Natalie's heartbeat for several minutes, Nicky eventually stated, "I'm not like them and I'm not like you. I'm something...something that shouldn't exist." "You do exist, and that's something special." "As has been said. But for how long? How long until I die?" Nicky shifted his arms, moving them from her shoulders to around and behind her back. "I can already feel it. Death wants to take me, and it can have me. I don't care anymore." "Nicky...." "I know I'm dying. It's okay, I just...I'm tired, Natalie. I want to sleep." She didn't say anything more and Nicky lay on top of her. Natalie wrapped her arms gently around him, at which his breathing began to slowly deepen. His hold loosened several minutes later as he relaxed further and started toward sleep and there was nothing she could do to stop it. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "Nicholas?" Nick turned at his sire's voice, tearing his eyes away from Nicky, who had fallen asleep with Natalie. "He wants to die. Why didn't you kill him when he asked?" LaCroix stiffened, somewhat shocked at the question. "You knew what I had done," he stated, wondering what his son's reaction would be. "Yes. I...woke when the TV was turned on and came out. I'm surprised you didn't notice me." Nick walked around LaCroix and into the kitchen. Once there, he poured them each a glass of blood. As he handed one to LaCroix, he asked, "Why didn't you do as he asked?" "I wasn't sure if it's what he truly wanted." "I'm surprised that stopped you, LaCroix. When has the wants of others dominated the wants of yourself?" Nick received a glare from the other. "But you don't want him to die anymore than he does, do you? Otherwise you wouldn't have suggested bringing him across. You're becoming desperate, and I'll bet that he can see that." "I only gave him the option!" "And yet you did not do as he asked." Nick breathed in deeply, then pushed the air out. "I'm not blaming you for anything, LaCroix. I...truly don't see anything wrong with what you did." "Really...." Nick closed his eyes at the bait. "Really. LaCroix, I don't want to argue, not now, and I'm not trying to. It bothers him when we argue, and I don't want to disturb his sleep." He paused, watching his sire take a sip from his glass. "I just don't like what's happening to him. And I don't like there being nothing for us to do to help him. I'm sure you will agree with that." LaCroix silently nodded. He did, indeed, agree on that. It was the reasons behind his offer. "He is becoming weaker." "I know that." "I was thinking that we could give him a transfusion of Natalie's blood. It would give him more time to decide. More time and more sense." "He doesn't want the blood, LaCroix. He won't allow it. He won't even allow any of us to give him something for the pain." "He's not strong enough to protest." Nick swallowed. Was LaCroix really suggesting what he thought he was suggesting? "Once he weakens further, to the point that he cannot maintain consciousness for long, we will give him her blood. Make sure she will agree to this." When his son didn't react, LaCroix lowered his voice and told him, "Make sure, Nicholas. And do not tell him of our plans." Nick closed his eyes as his sire spun and left the kitchen. He hated LaCroix' suggestion. He hated it but the only other option was to flat out kill Nicky or watch him deteriorate to the point he could not respond...and he had no wish for either of those. Like it or not, LaCroix was right. This would give Nicky more time. Something of Great Need - (06/10) Shutting his eyes and turning away, Nick took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Reopening his eyes, he found Nicky just where he'd been before--huddled up against the headboard trying to put as much distance between himself and the rest of them. Nicky had been given Natalie's blood like LaCroix had suggested the night before; and although it had strengthened Nicky, it had also angered him. Nicky's golden eyes and descended fangs were proof of that. Watching Natalie start toward the bed, Nick stepped forward and stopped her advance. Then, he turned her around and led her to the door. "I think it would be best if you stayed out of the room," he told her in a whisper. Just as she was about to speak, he shook his head. "I mean it, Nat. Just for now, until he calms down." Natalie managed a week smile, and then stepped into the hall as Nick closed the door. "I didn't want her blood. I didn't want anyone's blood!" Nicky hissed at them, his voice both angry and oddly even. "If you must know, it was my idea, not my son's. He was against it, but we both agree you should have more time to make a choice." "I don't need any more time!" Nicky screamed at them, leaning forward but not approaching them any further. "I just want everything to go back the way it was. I just want to be able to eat something without getting sick and...." Tears started to run down his face, a pale pink, and he fell over, curling up at the top of the bed. "I just want it to stop. And if I die, it'll stop. And that's what I want. To die. Please, just let me die!" Nick stood frozen in place. After a few seconds he glanced to LaCroix, who was no better off than himself. Looking back at Nicky, he slowly approached the bed. He sat on it without protest, without any reaction whatsoever from Nicky. Reaching forward, Nicky flinched, but otherwise remained still. Nick drew back, halting his attempt to touch the younger. "Is that what you really want? Of the options you have?" "Yes. And I'm sorry." "What for?" "I know you think of me as a son...and me of you has a father...and I just feel like I didn't try hard enough. It's easier to lose a father than a son, I think." He paused a moment, then tentatively reaching out and brushing his fingers against Nick's jaw line, he added, "I just feel like a disappointment to you. I'm sorry for that." "You are not a disappointment, not to me and not to LaCroix." Nicky turned his attention to LaCroix, who had moved closer and was now next to the bed. "You've been very kind to me, LaCroix. Kinder than you are to others. May I know why before I die?" LaCroix stiffened, the boy's gaze not straying from him. "Tell him, LaCroix." Shooting a glare at his son, LaCroix then answered, "Because you and Nicholas are so much alike. You...remind me of him." Out of the corner of his eye, Nicky watched Nick turn away. There was more, he could see, but LaCroix' answer was enough. Slowly, he sat up and crawled the short distance to the edge of the bed. Getting up on his knees in front of LaCroix, he reached up to the vampire's face with both hands, resting one on each side of his face. "I want you to be the one to kill me." Turning toward Nick but not releasing LaCroix, he said, "I don't want this to be harder on you than it already is, Nicholas. I know you won't be able to it, and that is why I didn't ask you." Nick nodded and momentarily averted his eyes. Looking back, he watched as Nicky brushed his lips against LaCroix', startling the elder vampire, making him inch back with discomfort. "And I choose you, LaCroix...Lucien...because you are Nicholas' family, my family, and I trust you with this." LaCroix was genuinely at a loss, both at the younger's action and words. To receive such a request...the other so calm.... He knew Nicky cared for him and had always been open with his emotions to him, but the younger also had learned to avoid show any open affection, aware it would not be returned. Nicholas and his other children had learned that as well, and so, he stood, somewhat frozen, not sure what initial response he should give. "Please...you will do this for me, won't you? Please, LaCroix. I've asked you for little, and I know I've angered you in the past, but please, do this." Nodding, LaCroix forced a faint smile to his lips, which faded as quickly as it appeared. Rarely did he received such a request, and rarely had he ever refused one. "Yes, I will do this for you." "Thank you, Lucien." Nicky looked down, lowering his arms. Again meeting LaCroix' eyes, he asked, "And...will you kill me in my sleep? Although I really wouldn't mind you killing me right here, I would rather the last thing I remember be being held by you and Nicholas." "I will do as you wish." Managing a smile, Nicky took one of LaCroix' hands and scooted backward, leading LaCroix onto the bed. He then did the same with Nick, and he lay down, the two surrounding him. LaCroix lay behind him, holding him tight with one hand, the other wrapping around the other vampire, pulling all three of them closer. Nicky could feel the others' faint discomfort, but he needed to be around them. He needed them close to him in order to focus on good and familiar things and memories. That's all he wanted right now. He nuzzled up to Nick before any protest or action on the other's part could be made, and soon, he was drifting off for what he hoped to be the last time. And he felt safe. He felt safe with the two holding him. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. LaCroix stirred at a light tapping on the door. He made out his name being called by Natalie, and just wanted to tell her to go away. In fact, he might have told her to do just that, but he wasn't sure if he had. Then, she said something that didn't make sense. "What did you say?" he asked, his words slurred with exhaustion. "Nicky's gone. He's not in the apartment. He's not in here, either." At that, LaCroix fully awoke, and looking to where he expected to find Nicky, he only found his son calmly sleeping, their bodies somewhat entwined but with nothing between them. Nicky *was* gone, and trying to sense the other, he came up with nothing. The only heartbeat nearby was Natalie's. He pulled away from his son and sat up. "Nicholas, wake up. We may have a problem." He stood as his son started to wake. Once the other was almost alert, he stated, "Nicky is gone." "He's what?" "Gone." LaCroix turned and left the room, leaving his son still somewhat bewildered on the bed. He made his way through the apartment, his son following and also searching the rooms. Nick met back up with LaCroix, Natalie behind him. "He's not here and nothing is out of place." "Wasn't he in with you two?" she asked, having hoped they would have either known where Nicky was or found some clue as to where he might have gone. "We didn't notice him leave," LaCroix stated, not mentioning Nicky's now unfulfilled request. Incredulous, Natalie asked, "How couldn't you have noticed? You're vam--" "Vampires, which doesn't mean we're infallible. We had both been awake for more than twenty-four hours, Nat. We were tired. If he was careful, he could have left relatively easily without us knowing." Letting out his breath, Nick turned back to LaCroix. "Anything?" "No, nothing. I'm going to call Frederick. He can help us look for Nicholas." "We can find him on our own. I don't trust Cadeyrn, and he'll find out from Frederick." Ignoring his son, LaCroix strode quickly to the phone and made to pick the handset up...but his son's hand held it down. "Nicholas, we must find him before sunrise considering his state of mind, and Frederick has a better chance of finding him than we do. He can sense Nicholas from a distance, we cannot." He waited, but his son didn't let go of the phone. "I do not trust Cadeyrn either, but I do not believe Frederick would allow unnecessary harm to come to Nicholas." His eyes met his son's in a glare, at which the younger vampire stormed off a few seconds later. Picking up the phone, LaCroix dialled Frederick's number. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. After having met with Frederick and, with annoyance, Cadeyrn, Nick and LaCroix had started to search the blocks around the apartment. Frederick had gone on his own to try and find Nicky, and Cadeyrn was using whatever knowledge he could glean from the Enforcers without alerting them to the problem. LaCroix didn't like Cadeyrn's involvement and didn't see the point of it. The boy was too weak to really do anything, not to mention he was of no harm to anyone but himself. He feared learning from Cadeyrn that Nicky had succeeded in killing himself...and so too did his son. Worse, he feared nothing would be found, which was certainly a possibility. Several minutes later Frederick called them, and they were now on their way through the night's drenching rain to a location. Both Nick and LaCroix landed almost simultaneously in an alley and started toward Frederick, who was standing next to a kneeling Cadeyrn. As they approached closer, the shapes of two people could be seen lying on the wet and broken pavement. One was that of a middle-aged homeless man, the other was Nicky. Barely visible to the two, Cadeyrn pulled the long, soaked locks of Nicky's hair behind his ear, revealing the boy's pale and deathly face. Nick and LaCroix froze, and then quickly started forward, Nick in the lead, pushing the Enforcer away. Cadeyrn moved out of the younger vampire's path. "Be assured, he is alive." LaCroix followed his son's actions, watching as he too knelt. He then glanced to the dead mortal, and then back to Cadeyrn. "What happened?" "Little Nicholas here has done a bit of damage." "He's killed three mortals," Frederick clarified. "The good news is that he's stronger now than when I last saw him; his pulse is strong and finally steady, and his breathing is much better as well. Although presently unconscious, I think he will recover." Nick looked up from Nicky. "And the bad news?" "None that I can tell. I'll want to see him when he wakes, and I suspect he will soon." "You said he killed three mortals. Why? What triggered it?" "My best guess is that it was something like the first hunger. Something uncontrollable, in any case." "Especially considering the distance between the kills and that his second victim could have overpowered most men. His first makes sense- -a girl about his age, easy to take. But he covered a lot of ground between there and here." "I want to get Nicky back to the apartment. His clothes are completely soaked." LaCroix nodded. "I'll come with you." "No. No, Lucius, you will help clean things up. Nicholas does not need you to accompany him. There are three killings and three of us. Unless you want this incident to be common knowledge among the Enforcers, and eventually the Community, I suggest you help." "Are you threatening me, Cadeyrn?" "No, merely stating a fact. We must deal with the killings before the mortals. Deal with this one," he said, gesturing to the corpse, "and then you may return to your apartment. I'm sure you've had enough practise with these matters, so it shouldn't take you long." LaCroix was nearly fuming as Cadeyrn took to the sky. He sent a glare at the other vampire, and within seconds he was alone with his son. Gently lifting Nicky from the ground, Nick held the boy in his arms, the water in Nicky's clothes soaking into his own. "I'll get him back to the apartment and dried off." Nodding, LaCroix was soon alone, standing in an alley in the rain and staring at the dead mortal. To himself, he was somewhat pleased...and yet he was worried. If Nicky was aware of what he did, how would he take it? Would he be like his own Nicholas? He shook his head slightly, at the thought, and started to take care of the man's body. Something of Great Need - (07/10) When Nick arrived back at the apartment with Nicky, Natalie stared agape at them as he passed her. Nick ignored her, walking straight for the bathroom. "Nick, he's drenched. You're both drenched...." She followed him into the hall. "What happened? Where was he?" "Later, Nat. He's freezing from the rain." "Nick...." She started after him, but he slid into the bathroom and shut the door on her. "Nick! Tell me something! Is he okay, or what?" "Frederick said his pulse and breathing were better. But right now, I need to get him cleaned up a bit." "Can I do anything?" She waited, but only heard the forced rustle and splat of wet clothes. "Nick, please...." The noises stopped for a moment, and then she heard Nick turn on the water for the tub. "Bring me a change of clothes if you would. And perhaps your stethoscope." Natalie nodded to herself and then started toward Nick's room, halted, and went back to the bathroom door. "Where do you want them?" "Just put them outside the door. I'll get them. And Nat? I think you should keep some distance between you and Nicky. He...Nat, he killed three people tonight." Just about to head back down the hall, Natalie's lips parted, astonished at the information. Nicky had killed three people? She could barely comprehend the statement. Swallowing, she pushed that titbit away for a moment and went and got what Nick wanted. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "Nick, can I come in?" Natalie asked, standing outside the door to his room. "Yes, just be quiet. He's still asleep." Carefully, she opened the door and entered the room. Leaving it open, she took a few steps toward the bed, where Nick sat leaning against the headboard, holding a sleeping Nicky in front of him. She stopped about half way across the room. "LaCroix hasn't returned yet." "No, he hasn't." She watched as Nick gently rubbed Nicky's back through the sheet he was wrapped in. "Is something wrong?" "No. Nothing's wrong. Nicky seems fine, although he hasn't woken yet. He's doing a lot better than he was. He's stronger, from what I can tell. The strongest he's been for a while. And he's getting stronger." He gave her a partial smile. "Oh, your stethoscope is on the nightstand." Natalie retrieved the object, but before leaving the bedside, she turned her attention on Nicky. Unconsciously she started to reach her hand out. "Don't, Nat. I'm not sure how he'll be when he wakes, or what will wake him." "Did he really kill three people?" He nodded. "That's what Frederick and Cadeyrn said, and I don't believe they were lying. However, I saw the proof that he killed at least one man." "But he seems to be getting better?" "Yes. Frederick was right--Nicky is stronger now than he has been for a while." "Do you think what happened had anything to do with giving him my blood?" Nick looked away. He couldn't lie to her. "Your blood made him temporarily stronger. He was well enough that he could sneak out. But I don't think your blood directly drove him to this. Frederick mentioned it might be something like first hunger--at least in it's uncontrollable aspects. At a guess, I'd have to agree. We won't know anything more until Nicky wakes, though." "You should not be in here, Doctor," LaCroix stated. Natalie spun, wide-eyed. "I didn't know you were back yet." "Please, Doctor, leave us." She stiffened. "I have a right to be in here." "No, you do not. Whatever you may think, you are *not* a part of my family." Seeing Nicky stir a bit at his statement, LaCroix continued in a low hiss, "Your presence is not needed, nor is it wanted." Natalie shot a glare at LaCroix and, giving a glance to Nick and Nicky, left the room none too quietly. Nick stared toward the door as Natalie left. "What did you do that for?" "She is not needed here at the moment. You--" "You're waking him, LaCroix!" shot a soft but harsh whisper from Nick. "Something that should be done in any case." "What do you mean?" "We should try to wake him to make sure he is, indeed, merely sleeping." After holding LaCroix' gaze for a few moments, Nick nodded. Calling Nicky's name repeatedly and gently jostling him, Nick smiled down as Nicky woke. Opening his eyes, Nicky felt both comforted and constrained by the hands wrapped around him. "Are you feeling a little better?" Nick asked, pleased when Nicky looked back at him. Nicky, however, said nothing. He glanced momentarily at LaCroix, and after looking back at Nick, he snuggled closer to the latter. "Is something wrong, Nicholas?" Nicky stared up at LaCroix and shook his head. "I'm fine," he said, his voice quivering faintly. "Tell me what is the matter." When the boy merely continued to stare nervously up at him, LaCroix took a step forward. "Now, Nicholas. I can hear your heart--you're lying." First looking away and then grabbing hold of the arm wrapped around him, Nicky answered, "I just don't feel very good right now, that's all." With Nicky's head against his chest, Nick gently ran his fingers through the boy's hair, untangling it somewhat. "How do you feel?" "I...." Nicky locked gazes with LaCroix, and then averted his eyes. "I feel awful. I'm nauseous and...and I feel like I'm going to throw up." "Is the feeling getting any better?" Nick asked, stopping his previous actions. Nicky shook his head, not looking up. LaCroix moved another step closer to the bed. "Is it getting worse?" Nicky again met LaCroix' eyes, but only for a second. He moved his head, just barely enough to qualify as a nod, and held Nick tighter. "I'll be fine. I just want to rest." He closed his eyes, hoping that they'd just let him try and sleep. Perhaps if he could relax he would feel better.... *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. After having heard one figure dart down the hall, and then another seconds later, Natalie rushed toward Nicky's room only to be stopped by LaCroix just outside the bathroom door, which was closed. "What's going on?" "Return to the other room, Doctor." "Come on, LaCroix, just tell me. It's not like I'm someone that just walked off the street or--" As Nick abruptly came out of the bathroom, Natalie called his name, at which he stopped and faced her. Ignoring LaCroix' glare, she again asked, "What's going on?" Nick held her gaze for a moment, and then turned and headed down the hall toward the bedrooms. He returned a moment later, a blanket gathered into his hands. "Nick!" He again gave her a glance. "Let her by, LaCroix." Although LaCroix did not immediately acquiesce his son, neither did he argue over the matter. He stood to the side, and with a half smile, gestured that she proceed. Seeing that LaCroix was letting Natalie by, Nick continued, walking back into the bathroom. He left the door open this time, quickly draping the sheet around Nicky's bare shoulders as Natalie entered. Natalie stopped just inside the doorway, her gaze lowered to Nicky, who pulled the fabric around him and sank even further to the floor. "Nicky, what's wrong?" "Too much blood," he answered, not turning to face her. "I'm feeling better, though. I'll be fine." Closing his eyes for a few seconds, Nicky then stood and turned. He locked his attention firmly on the mortal. Watching Nicky's eyes quickly turn to bright amber, Natalie waited, expecting Nicky to become angry at her intrusion. And then his eyes turned a deep crimson, and before she could react, he had flown from the room, pushing roughly passed her. When she turned to follow, this time it was Nick that restrained her, a strong hand grasping her upper arm. Glancing between the two, she watched LaCroix give Nick an approving nod. Hearing a crash of glass in the kitchen, she attempted to pull away but was only held tighter. LaCroix left, satisfied the mortal would not be interfering. He reached the kitchen, shards of colourless glass littering the counter next to the sink. Nicky sat on the floor, leaning against the cupboards where they met the wall, a green bottle in his bony hands. "Nicholas?" Nicky looked sharply up, his eyes still golden. "I'm sorry Lucien. LaCroix...I-I was hungry and.... I'll clean it up in a few minutes." Averting his gaze, he took a small swallow of the bottle's contents, the blood doing little to help. "Natalie's blood...her blood...I can smell it more. It tells me to feed." He set the bottle on the linoleum and pulled his knees up to his chest, his chin resting between his knees. "I don't want to hurt her, but I'm afraid I will." In reaction to the words, LaCroix turned and clenched his eyes shut. Nicholas, much like his own Nicholas, had grown attached to the mortal; attached enough that he thought of her before himself. Staring at the vampire's back, fearful LaCroix would leave, Nicky whispered, "Please stay, LaCroix." He waited, hoping LaCroix would turn back toward him. Instead, LaCroix remained in place, but at least he didn't leave. "I know you think of me as a second chance. And I know that you don't like my reaction. But I'm not doing this for you. Nick cares about Natalie, and if I hurt or killed her, it would hurt him far more than me. I know mortals die...I don't need to be told that. I accept that. But please...arrange for her to leave, if only until I become accustomed to...to this new hunger." Nicky stood and stepped closer, resting his hands on LaCroix' shoulders. "Please, Lucien. Please...for Nick." LaCroix shut his eyes for a moment. He opened them a moment later and slowly turned around, the plea not something he could ignore. He gave Nicky a small nod, keeping his expression neutral even when the boy grinned at him, looking almost like he would embrace him. The latter action never came, and he could see why. Nicky was still quite weak and was using much of his strength to remain standing in front of him. "I will speak with Cadeyrn. Until arrangements can be made, I will explain the problem to Natalie." "Thank you, Lucien. I will clean up in here," Nicky said, turning and starting for the counter. LaCroix' lips twisted faintly up, but the near smile faded as he watched the boy's unsteady progress. He stepped forward, catching hold of Nicky's arms and pulling him to a stop. "I will clean up the glass after I talk to Natalie. You will rest and feed." Nicky looked back over his shoulder, protesting, "But I'm not--" "You *will* rest and feed. You will do both. No arguments." Getting a nod and then a resigned bow of the head, LaCroix left the kitchen, hoping Nicky would do as asked, but expecting he would not. Something of Great Need - (08/10) Natalie paced the width of her room, listening to the argument coming from the kitchen. It had been two nights since Nick told her what Nicky's golden and then scarlet eyes had symbolised. Although she understood the reasons he wanted her to keep her distance from Nicky, she was tempted to join in on the argument. After all, she could hear both Nick and LaCroix' voice--and in tandem in purpose--and they had told her to only be around Nicky when they were present. But it was Nicky that stopped her from leaving the room. Not his eyes, nor his hunger, but the rest. He'd been angry. There was no other way to say it. From speaking with Nick earlier that night, she knew he was having trouble dealing with Nicky--particularly trying to halt the anger without harming the source. LaCroix wasn't quite as gentle, but neither had he injured Nicky. Nicky, however, had shoved both of the vampires the previous night, and with little reason to do so. Closing her eyes and listening to the argument, Natalie started as Nicky half-shrieked. From the scattered dialogue, she knew that Nicky had again tried to get at LaCroix but Nick had stopped him. She didn't understand the change, but remembered Nick said it might have something to do with the hunger and whatever changes were taking place in him. Nicky, once more, wasn't feeding. He was eating--but only mortal food. Other than after he'd waken, he'd had no blood. He refused to drink any, professing he was fine with ever increasing insistency. The hunger, she knew, took control to subdue...but if it were not given what it needed, that control would work against its wielder and eventually break. She'd seen it with Nick, and now she was seeing it in Nicky. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "I'm *not* hungry!" Nicky yelled, his eyes turning to a bright anger as he fought against Nick's grip. "Let go of me! Just let me go and leave me alone," he continued, trying to slip away. "You are hungry. I can sense it," LaCroix stated as he stepped closer. "Your body needs and demands blood, and you must meet those demands. You must feed, and more than every few days like before. You need nearly as much blood as we need." "I am not hungry! I don't need it!" LaCroix reached forward, taking the boy's chin in his hand and holding it up, effectively preventing Nicky from uttering anything else. "You need blood to survive whether you like it or not. You've needed the blood most, if not all of your life. The hunger you feel now is something that would have eventually come. You must *not* let it control you, for it will if given the chance. I know this; my son knows this; most vampires know this." "I am not a vampire!" Nicky explained, managing to free himself from the hold for a second. LaCroix' eyes turned to something between amber and crimson and he pulled Nicky from his son's grip. Pushing the boy against the wall, he saw a hint of terror under the adamant exterior flash at him. "You are nearly one of us. You have many of our advantages and disadvantages. You need the blood to survive. And you now have our hunger. And perhaps there are more changes that you are as yet unaware of. Whatever the case, you are far closer to being a vampire than to being a mortal. You've had our instincts since you were very young. I'm not even sure crossbreed quite applies to what you are. Born vampire might be a better descriptor." LaCroix released Nicky, who surprisingly didn't fight back. He watched the boy slide down the wall and sit on the floor, apparently defeated for the time being. The boy's pitiful appearance struck a hint of concern in his thoughts, but it was quickly replaced by a carefully controlled anger. "You *are* one of us. Perhaps not fully, not yet, but you will be, and soon." As Nicky looked up at him, Nick shook his head faintly. "LaCroix' right on this. You need the blood and cannot deny it. If you do, your hunger will take the blood just like it did two nights ago. You will kill for it." "It's not the same!" "Yes it is, Nicholas," Nick firmly countered. "You don't really remember what happened, do you? You don't really remember killing-- just the blood and the hunger." Nicky shrank back, curling up as small as he could get. Nick was right--he didn't remember killing. He only barely remembered the rest, but it was enough to give him a general idea of what had happened. "I know from experience, Nicky, and it doesn't get easier with time. You either have to accept the hunger, or try denying it and eventually give in or lose control. There is no middle ground. I've tried to find it. And until you are more accustomed to this change, you should feed often, even if you're not really hungry. It doesn't have to be a lot. Just a sip or two, just enough to keep it from out-right demanding you to feed. Don't try denying it until you know how far you can go. Don't fight it until you know how. Fighting does nothing but use up the energy you need to keep control." Nick stared down and watched as Nicky looked away from him. "I won't force you to feed, and neither will LaCroix." He glanced to his father as LaCroix stiffened at his statement. "But you will feed. If you will not listen to LaCroix, you will learn this on your own." Finishing and seeing Nicky tremble slightly, he resisted the urge to knell down next to him. Comfort would only be a lie and he saw no help in lying about this. He remained in place for a few more seconds, then turned and left without another word. "My son is correct. You will learn what the hunger is, and if not from us, then from yourself." Straightening somewhat, LaCroix continued, "You need to feed, and you will. Whether it is of your will or the hunger, that is your choice. The former is much more satisfying, you will find." Nicky looked up, but not before LaCroix was already on his way out of the room. He didn't care about which was more satisfying, he just wanted it to go away and stay away. He knew the blood would make it do just that, but also knew that the blood fed his hunger in more than one way. He didn't want to deal with this, not now. Wasn't this hunger supposed to be reserved for vampires? For those that had actually been brought across? And just what was he? Was he, indeed, a vampire merely passing for semi-mortal? He shivered. And when he was eventually brought over and properly became a vampire, what then? He felt out of control, whether he fed or not. Would that feeling get worse? He pulled his knees tighter against his chest and stared at the refrigerator, wondering how long he either should or could wait to open it, or if he would even remember it. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Pushing the door to Nick's room open, Nicky stood just inside the doorway after putting the door back in its place. "Nick?" he called softly into the dark room, starting his way carefully over to the bed. He walked silently, lowering his weight onto the mattress cautiously enough that Nick didn't stir. "Nick, wake up," he whispered piercingly, leaning forward as he spoke. Nick woke and sat up upon seeing Nicky sitting on the edge of the bed. "Nicky, what--" "I...I did what LaCroix said. I feel better, but.... Nick? How long until I'm hungry again? How long will the blood help? You understand, don't you? I know LaCroix wouldn't, but you...." "Yes, I understand," Nick answered, having somewhat expected this question coming up for several days, surprised it took this long. "Let things even out a little. Once your body becomes more used to the hunger, it'll get a little better and you won't feel hungry all the time. But I don't think it'll go away." Nicky lay back on the bed to stare up at the ceiling and its simple and flat surface. When Nick lay back down several minutes later, he turned his head, asking, "Can I stay in here for the day?" "If you'd like." Nicky nodded. "I would." He turned back to his previous attentions, his thoughts wondering from topic to topic, none resembling the bare landscape above him. "Has...LaCroix talked to Cadeyrn yet?" "No. Not yet. However, he has had me speak with Frederick." "About me." Nick nodded, although the action wasn't necessary. "Yes. He wishes to examine you and see what has changed, if anything." "What am I?" "You're you. You're special and from what Frederick has told me, very probably unique." "I don't want to be unique. Nothing good ever happens to things labelled 'unique'." "You're not a thing." "Aren't I? Frederick wants to examine me. Cadeyrn used me as a tool to get LaCroix to do what he wanted. LaCroix wants to keep me for his own and mould me into what *he* wants. And you...." Nicky halted, turning away. "You don't really know what you want, I don't think. You're kind to Natalie, but I think she was hoping for more than kindness, and so are you. And you let me...sometimes have me...spend more time with LaCroix than I do anyone else." "Has he done anything else to you?" Nicky stiffened. "No. You know he wouldn't hurt me." Letting out his breath, Nicky kept his gaze averted. Nick hadn't even said anything about his comment on Natalie, and he waited but none came. If Nick cared for her, why didn't he show it? "I'm tired," he mumbled and rolled on his side, facing away from Nick. Nick stopped Nicky from turning fully away, his hand gripping the younger's arm. "Something's wrong. What is it?" "Are you mad at me? For asking that Natalie should leave? I don't want her to leave, it's just...I'm afraid of what I might do to her." Nick stiffened. "No. No, I'm not mad. It's for the best, anyway. She should not have come with us to begin with." After several seconds, during which Nick seemed to space off, the grasp on his arm loosening a tad, Nicky asked, "Don't you care about her? Perhaps more?" Nick shook off his thoughts on the matter, the subject something he didn't like talking about. "Yes, I do, which is why this is for the better. Now, go to sleep, okay?" He released Nicky's arm, letting the other roll away from him. Laying and listening, he waited, Nicky's slow and steady heartbeat not becoming even a hint sluggish. He fell asleep still waiting. Something of Great Need - (09/10) Two nights later Natalie again found herself pacing, this time in the sparsely decorated, semi-modern apartment that Cadeyrn had apparently rented to stay close by. His definition of close, however, was a five-minute high-speed flight from the apartment. And here she was, waiting for Frederick to finish examining Nicky. After arriving at the apartment with Frederick, Cadeyrn had brought her here, explaining that she could be a distraction given that she was mortal. She understood that. However, that was that early morning. When she'd asked Cadeyrn about it after sunrise, he had told her that Frederick wanted the results of several tests back before she went back over, particularly considering he drew blood. Again, she understood that. What she didn't understand, is why she wasn't told before being removed from LaCroix' apartment, simply taken outside and to here, not even considering that Cadeyrn wouldn't answer any of her questions. Even those she'd managed to get were given grudgingly. Now, Cadeyrn was simply ignoring her. She hated this. Walking out of the main room and down the hall, she stopped outside of a room and stared through the door to where the vampire sat at a desk and talked in hushed tones over the phone. She couldn't hear what was being said. She knew he could sense her, and see her, for that matter, but he paid no heed. Starting to turn away, Natalie froze as Cadeyrn cleared his throat. She turned to look at the Enforcer and noticed him gesturing for her to enter and sit across from him. Cautiously, she did so. If he wanted to talk to her, she sure wasn't going to protest. Finishing his phone call with a quick sentence, the mortal couldn't hear as she sat down, Cadeyrn hung up and then turned his attention to Natalie. "Frederick has asked that we return." He watched as she started to stand back up, and then held his hand up. "Not just yet." Once she was again settled in, Cadeyrn continued, "I'm sure by now you know that Lucius and Nicholas have requested that you be allowed to return to your life. Lucius assures me that you are fully mortal despite his agreement with me, and also that you are trustworthy. Although I am against granting this, I will. You are to return to Toronto. It is arranged for you if you wish to return to your previous job as county coroner. And any services to the Community in the future would be expected, but not required. You are, after all, mortal." Natalie sat and stared, her jaw faintly open. Cadeyrn had arranged for her to return to work. She knew about the request--technically Nicky's although she knew both Nick and LaCroix agreed it was for the better. She faintly wondered which Nicholas Cadeyrn was referring to. She knew it shouldn't matter, but it did. Did Nick push the request? She knew LaCroix had had Nick do much of the communication with Cadeyrn since what happened several nights before, but how much of this decision was from Nick's influence? "Would you like to return to your previous job?" Natalie snapped out of her questioning. "What?" "Would you like to return to your job in Toronto? Like I mentioned-- it is arranged so that it is possible. If you would prefer another job, one can be arranged. However, either way I need to know now." "Now?" Natalie's jaw dropped down for a moment. "Now, as in right now? Don't I get time to decide?" "I'm afraid not. You would have several days to pick another job, but if you want your job back, that decision must be made now. You see, the person that took your job transferred out and the job is presently open. And it would be much easier to put you there than to...procure a vacancy." Natalie's stomach churned. She knew that meant the person would either disappear or have the suggestion to quit implanted into their thoughts. "I'll take my old job. Not too many places are hiring coroners with more live patients than dead ones." Cadeyrn stared at her, not expecting the last little bit. He forced a smile and told her, "Good. I will make a quick phone call to have your records sent--" "M-my records?" "You have served as a medical examiner in Spokane, Washington, since your departure from Toronto. Your records will need to be transferred." Although not particularly thrilled at being given false documentation, Natalie knew it was better to have some kind of record of where she'd been for the past three years. She gave the Enforcer a faint nod when he continued to stare at her. "As I said, I will have your records sent. And then we will go to Lucius' apartment and have Frederick explain his findings." He paused, staring at the mortal, but she did nothing. "I will call-- once you leave the room. I am after all an Enforcer, and the less you know of the Community the better for all of us." Natalie's anger sparked just a touch at that. She understood it, but it wasn't as if she was some random mortal. But, if it had been LaCroix that had said she was trustworthy, at least that would make some sense. She knew Cadeyrn didn't fully trust the elder vampire, and, in fact, inherently distrusted anyone older than him from what she could tell. Cadeyrn commanded most of those she saw around, except perhaps Frederick. Cadeyrn and Frederick seemed to be on slightly better terms than many of the others, which surprised her. The two vampires were little alike from what she had gathered. "Please, Doctor, the sooner you leave, the sooner we return to the others." Shooting a mild glare at the Enforcer, Natalie left the room and went back to continue her wait. At least now she knew it was nearly over. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nicky sat in the couch's corner, legs pulled against his chest, his eyes fixated fully on Natalie. His hunger told him things he wished he could ignore. But he couldn't. He wished she wasn't here, but was simultaneously glad she was. In some ways, she understood him in ways Nick and LaCroix couldn't. He also knew she didn't like staying away. At that thought, he bowed his head, looking away from her, his hunger fading somewhat. From his position leaning against the wall, Cadeyrn straightened and focused on Frederick and the younger vampire's fidgeting. "Frederick, please.... I do have other matters to attend to tonight." "Well," Frederick started, and then gave each of those present a nervous glance. "I really don't have anything definite. But I'll say that Nicky is neither a crossbreed nor a vampire. He is a vampire that needs mortal food and is, as far as I can tell, mortal. He is a contradiction. I do not believe there will be any more complications, although his health should be carefully monitored. He's still growing, and now that process is being forced along. He will either turn on his own, or need to be brought over once he stops growing." "What if I don't stop growing?" "Then Nick or LaCroix can bring you over when you're ready." "Will I be...normal...once I'm brought over?" Frederick nodded and flashed the boy a smile. "You should be." "And what about my hunger?" "You just have to learn to deal with it," Frederick answered. "I know it's harder than it sounds, but I'll suspect it will be easier now than later. You'll do fine." "But Natalie...." "She will be leaving," Cadeyrn stated, causing Nicky's attention to snap toward him. "It is arranged. She leaves for Toronto in three nights. She will stay at my apartment until that time." Natalie spun her head toward the Enforcer at the new information. "No arguments. And she will not be coming back here again before she leaves." "And our agreement?" LaCroix demanded in an even tone. "On this particular matter? Void. As you never gave her enough blood to turn her, she is still mortal. She will return to her life and live it to its natural end. You, Lucius, will not return to Toronto during her lifetime. She is now under the Enforcers' protection." "What about me and Nick? Can we visit her?" Nicky asked, fearing the answer. Cadeyrn had to consider that. "Yes, but not until you've been brought across. The bar from Toronto only extends to Lucius." Listening to the discussion, Natalie couldn't help but feel somewhat imprisoned. "What if I end up moving? Are you going to prevent that?" "No. You may live your life in any matter you wish as long as you continue to keep our secret." He paused and then turned to her friend. "Now, Nicholas, I suggest you help Natalie pack some of her things. I will arrange for whatever is not brought with her tonight to be shipped to Toronto." Nick hesitated, his attention drifting first to Natalie, and then to the floor. "Go or I can have Frederick assist her." Natalie watched Nick give a faint nod and head toward the hall. Giving a mild glare to Cadeyrn, she followed, not having much choice. Suppressing a faint half-pleased smile, Cadeyrn started a slow crossing of the room toward Nicky, only to be stopped by LaCroix. "Let me by, Lucius." "This is my home and I do not trust you." "And you have no choice! It may be your home, but I have authority here. Now let me pass." After letting his eyes flash amber, LaCroix reluctantly did as commanded even though he could very probably overpower Cadeyrn. "Harm him and I will not react lightly." Cadeyrn continued on his path until he was standing within reach of Nicky. Turning and giving LaCroix a smirk, he stated, "Don't worry, I have no wish to harm him." His smile warmed when he turned to Nicky. He reached out with one hand and took the boy's chin in his hand, pulling it up so that Nicky was looking right at him. "If you ever need anything, know you can come to myself or Frederick. And you may wish to consider becoming an Enforcer. I think the life would suit you well." With his other hand, he gave the boy a small square of paper. Releasing his hold of Nicky's chin, he stepped back and walked over to Frederick. Nicky closed his fist around the piece of paper as LaCroix stepped closer, and held it tightly closed as LaCroix tried to take it from him. Letting his eyes flash gold, he hissed. "I suggest you let him keep it, Lucius. I'll bet he's stronger now than he was, and I'll also bet that he'll fight you to keep it." LaCroix spun and took several steps closer to the Enforcer. "This is *my* family you are interfering with! He is mine and he will need no help from you or your kind!" "I am not yours!" Standing, Nicky simmered somewhat. "I am no one's. I belong to no one and I am not the same as you. You may try to call Nicholas yours, but I am not." With that, Nicky stormed out of the room, leaving the three vampires alone. Cadeyrn suppressed a mild laugh. "You really know how to choose your words well, don't you? If you want him, I suggest you learn to wait-- something I am perfectly willing to do." "Why are you so interested in him?" "Because he is more like us than many of our own kind. He has fought for his life and he's winning. He's stronger than either of us in will; otherwise he would not be here. I suppose you could say he fascinates me." "Pick something else to meddle in." "I only want what the boy wants. If he becomes an Enforcer, I will be pleased. If he chooses to become a part of your family or goes off on his own, I will also be pleased." Cadeyrn's eyes narrowed. "But only as long as it is his choice and only his choice. I know you want him. And I know you will do anything to get what you want. So I warn you, Lucius, do not force him into anything. I will not be pleased." "What right do you have to--" "Please!" Frederick exclaimed, stepping between the two in a shot before their argument turned from words to actions. "You've both made your view heard. I have to agree with Cadeyrn, and I think both your son and Nicky would agree. It is the boy's choice as to how he will lead his life. Don't try to mould him as you see fit. You've tried that and it didn't work. Forget that method and let him choose what he wants for himself. It might help your relationship with your son, too." Not having a response, LaCroix turned away with anger. Once again locking gazes with the Enforcer, he stated, "I will do as I see fit." "Just be sure you don't make the wrong choices, Lucius." Staring at the older vampire for a moment, Cadeyrn excused himself and headed toward Natalie's room, hoping that with a moment of space the other vampire would calm somewhat. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie threw several items of more intimate clothing into her bag and tossed a few other items on top of it while Nick was gathering a few things from the bathroom. Once he returned, she took what he was carrying and dropped them on top, started for the next drawer in the dresser and more clothes. "Nat, it's not my choice," he stated, watching as she angrily stuffed clothes in her suitcase without any sign of a care. "Natalie?" She stopped, standing up straight, taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes. Bowing her head, she opened them to the cluttered not-quite folded mass of fabric that half-filled her suitcase. The sight looked about how she felt right now. "I know. I know it's not your choice, and I know it's the right decision, but...I've just gotten used to this, Nick. I'm not even sure I can go back to a 'normal' life. How long has it been, Nick? About nine years since you popped up. That's about a quarter of my life, Nick." "And now you can live it like you're supposed to, without us around." "Am I ever going to see you again?" Nick managed a smile. "Me and Nicky will come up once he's more in control of the hunger. As to when that will be, I don't know. It may be a few years. But we'll come. I promise." The words helped, but the last made her nervous. Even with the promise could she really expect him? "If you can't visit sometime, I'll understand, but it would be nice if you did." "Remember this is for the better, Natalie. Tell me, truly, would you rather go back to Toronto or stay with us, stuck in your room whenever Nicky is here and not being able to be around him until he learns how to handle his new needs and wants?" "I know it's better for me to leave...it's just sudden. Cadeyrn's planned all this. I...he didn't even say when I was leaving until we got here. I thought it would be longer." "Cadeyrn's an Enforcer, and if nothing else, they're efficient." "I've noticed...he even managed to get my old job back. He was even willing to make another job 'vacant' for me if I wanted something else. And then the Enforcer's protection? I just don't--" "Nat?" Nick said, turning her around to face him. "I'm the one that asked for that. Don't get mad at him for it." "How much else was your decision?" "That and...making sure you were able to get a job without much difficulty. I don't want the rest of your life to be spent somewhere you don't want to be. I want you to live, truly live. You could have picked any job--why didn't you pick something else?" "I liked the job and felt I was doing something. And this way I can still help you guys out, even if it's basically the Enforcer's dirty work." "You don't have to, Nat, you can forget all--" "I don't want to forget. And I'm not going to forget--either on my own or through alternative means." "I wasn't suggesting--" "But you were thinking it." She waited, but he just stood there, fumbling for words. "Don't deny it. I know you were thinking it." "If I could take this all away, I would." "And what about Nicky? Would you take what happened away from him as well? He's been through a lot worse than I have." She turned away from him and went back to packing her suitcase, stuffing in as much as she could get into the main section. "Look, Nat--" She pulled the top closed and turned, only to see why Nick had stopped. Cadeyrn was standing next to him. "Do not blame Nicholas for any of this. He only has your safety, your very life in mind. In fact, I suggested to him that you're memory should be taken, but he refused it, explaining that he didn't want to take anything more away from you than he already has. He cares for you--do not be angry with him for it." Breaking his gaze with the mortal for a moment, he continued, "Now, if you would please pack quickly so that we can leave." Under the Enforcer's scrutiny, Natalie did as told. Finally, she zipped closed the last pocket on the suitcase, the bag packed as full as she could get it. Turning, she looked Nick straight in the face. "Nick, I'm more afraid than angry. LaCroix is going to do whatever he can to get Nicky, and you know that. Please, watch him." Nick clenched his jaw, nodding. "I will. I will do what I can to assure he comes to no harm. LaCroix knows I will not tolerate any form of force on his part." "Thank you." "Are you ready now?" Cadeyrn demanded, walking over to the suitcase. "Yeah, I'm ready." She watched as Cadeyrn hoisted her luggage off the bed and left the room. As her eyes caught on Nick, she asked him, "So you'll visit or call sometime? I don't know where I'll be living yet, but I'm sure you could find out. You'll probably be sending the rest of my things, anyway, right?" "Yeah." He then managed a smile. "And I'll try to visit." She inwardly stiffened at that, hoping he hadn't sensed any change in her. Then, she left, catching up to Cadeyrn and Frederick by the door. Nick followed her into the hall, but stopped before walking further. Staring after her, he watched as she left, his eyes eventually fixating on the closed door. "You aren't going to see her again, are you?" Nick turned around, finding Nicky's eyes waiting. "I don't know. I want to, but it would be better if I didn't. But that doesn't mean you can't sometime. If you want us to visit, we'll go." He forced another smile to his lips, and then approaching Nicky, turned the younger around and pushed him down the hall to his room. "Rest a little," he said, giving Nicky a soft pushing into the room. Nicky turned with a protest. "I'm not tired, though." "I know, but it would be good to relax a while. And besides, I don't think LaCroix is in the mood to be bothered right now." Nick closed his eyes, pushing away LaCroix' anger which seemed to be uncontrolled at the moment. It was certainly not a good idea to be around LaCroix right now. "I have a better idea. How about we get some fresh air and relax that way?" Eagerly, Nicky nodded, not having been outside much the past weeks except for his barely remembered trip when he'd killed. This time, with a real smile, Nick led Nicky down the hall, past the pacing and somewhat fuming LaCroix, and finally out of the apartment. Something of Great Need - (10/10) The next night Nick sat at the kitchen table, glass in hand, swirling the contents. It was human blood, fresher than he really wanted to drink right now, but he didn't particularly care. He stopped when LaCroix came in, a piece of paper in his hand. Nick watched the paper be stuffed into LaCroix' pants pocket just as Nicky came into the room. "Give it back." "Why?" LaCroix demanded, daring the boy to give him a reason. "Do you really need it? If you wish to speak with Cadeyrn or Frederick, you can always come to Nicholas or to myself. You know that, don't you?" Nicky looked away. There was nothing he could say in response. And, although he really didn't think he needed it, it was a comfort to know that others cared--especially considering Nick and LaCroix rarely got along well with one another, even at the best of times, and he was afraid he'd be stuck in the middle more often than not. He watched from the door as LaCroix poured two identical glasses of blood and sat one on the table in front of an empty chair. "Drink." Nicky gave the elder vampire a glare, but sat at the table and sipped from the glass. He really didn't have a choice. Setting it back down, he asked, "What now?" "We pack." Nicky stiffened and watched as Nick did the same. "Now?" "Now. We will leave here tomorrow night." Although somewhat stunned, Nicky took it in. They'd moved like this before, he just wished they'd spent more time here. "Where are we going?" "Somewhere new. Germany. It'll give you a chance to work on your German some more once you become accustomed to the temptation of mortals." "And until then?" "Your lessons will vary, but I think you'll enjoy them." He stiffened and took a drink from his glass. "Even if Nicholas will be your teacher in those regards." Nicky turned and stared across the table. "What kinds of lessons?" "You are, in one way or another, a vampire. You have our abilities and I figure you could have some practice on some of them." Lights lit up from inside Nicky's eyes. "Flying?" Nick managed a smile. "Yes, flying. Among other things." "You will enjoy that, will you not?" LaCroix asked, an eyebrow raised and one corner of his mouth twisted into a partial smile. Nicky nodded. "Yes, I will. Will you come?" Now it was LaCroix' turn to become uncomfortable. "No. No, I have made an agreement with Nicholas that only he will teach you. Occasionally I may come, but only on occasion." He relaxed somewhat, continuing, "But you have other lessons, as well as free time you may spend with whomever you wish." "Both of you if I wish?" Nick and LaCroix turned to one another, each unsure of the other's response. "Please?" The plead put a smile on Nick's features, and he nodded. When LaCroix found himself in the boy's line of sight, he also agreed. "Now, finish your breakfast and pack. The sooner you are done, the more time we will have left before we leave." Doing as told, Nicky then put his empty glass in the sink and opened the refrigerator, grabbing a bag of chocolate chips. "Put them back. You can bring those with you. Eat something perishable." Reluctantly, Nicky put the plastic bag back, and instead grabbed a similar bag that had carrots in it. And then, quickly he again picked up the first bag and darted out of the room with both bags. Seeing his sire about to start after Nicky, Nick stood and blocked LaCroix' path. "Let him have them. He's had a rough time and they're not going to hurt him any." "Surprising, considering I believe mortals typically *avoid* chocolate." "They don't avoid it, they just know they should. Nicky's not mortal and he could use the calories, so let him have them. He's still recovering. Please, LaCroix. He's still a child." "A growing one that no longer has childish needs." LaCroix waited, expecting his son to say something in reply, but nothing came. Then, reluctantly, he admitted, "But I suppose he could cling to them for a while longer. He is, after all, a teenager only in appearance. And besides, I find his little obsession mildly entertaining." Nick's face relaxed and returned the half-smile that was starting on LaCroix' lips, hoping this wouldn't be the last of LaCroix' somewhat playful mood. ~finis~ Well...it's not *quite* the end yet. Next in the series is 'Something Slaughtered'. Please send me any comments/questions/dark chocolate and other assorted feedback! And thanks for reading and I hope you've enjoyed the story! Jarvinia jarvinia@gmx.com @>--,---`---