This is a new Round Robin that is being posted to the FK Vals list.
Standard disclaimers apply.Lacroix eyes opened slowly disappointed to find Natalie gone. He closed his eyes listening.

"...suddenly, besides I've got more sick days and vacation time then anyone I know. Thanks, Grace." He heard her hang up the phone and heard her begin to listen through her messages, then listened as her footsteps approached the bedroom. Keeping his eyes closed he felt the bed shift as the doctor laid down again. She was watching him, he could tell, he felt her hand gently stroke his face, tracing his features.

Natalie Lambert marveled at what a few days could bring as she slowly stroked the face of the man she'd once despised. Why had she despised him?

Nick. The name hurt, but then hadn't it always? Nick, the perfect tortured hero type, who needed her to end his centuries of suffering. Why did she feel as though she'd been fooling herself? She'd loved Nick, but she hadn't felt this with him. He'd always been so...unreachable. It wasn't just the lack of a love life, God knew she'd been used to that, it was the way he always pulled away, kept her at arms length on some things....

She sighed, looking down at Lucien worriedly. She wasn't sure what had happened last night, but she did know she cared for the vampire in her bed and that meant worrying about why he'd had his nightmare. Had she triggered it somehow? He'd that thoughtful look when he'd stared into the fire last night, the same she'd seen on Nick when he thought of the past.

She jumped when Lacroix's hand gently caught hers and pulled her to him. He held her against his chest, hand gently stroking her hair, as he spoke in a quiet whisper.

"You are staying home tonight?"

"Yes...we have things to discuss...." Natalie said softly, at the moment though, all she wanted to do was stay in his arms, head against his cool chest. She felt safe in his strong arms. Lacroix nodded, not moving to release her.

"Natalie," he finally began softly, "I did not seduce you simply to save your life. It was...much more then that."

"I know...It's just...last night was so...confusing and sudden and...intense." She sighed and traced patterns on his chest. Lacroix said nothing, for the moment he simply enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. Serious discussion would begin again soon enough.

End part 6