This is the first Round Robin that was originally posted to the FK Vals list.
Standard disclaimers apply.

Natalie jerked awake, gasping for breath. It had been a dream, a horrible dream. She looked around, and seeing no one, she flopped back down on the bed. He mind was racing with thoughts of the world's impending doom. Had she really meant it when she had asked Nick to save her? She mused briefly and decided that she had. His refusal cut her to the bone. However. . .

However there was his master, that charming Patrician with the beautiful blue eyes that she had never really noticed before. He seeemed willing to help her. But would she end up like Nick? Manacled to this man for all eternity? Would that be so bad?

LaCroix lingered outside the door, listening to her heartbeat racing, then slowing to a normal rate. When it sounded normal, he knocked gently on the door.

Natalie grabbed the sheets and pulled them up around her. "Umm, come in," she said.

He entered the room, and immediately she could feel his presence, his age, his power. He smiled warmly. "Did you rest well, my dear doctor?"

Natalie realized she was staring, and quickly dropped her eyes to her hands. "Not really. I, um, I had nightmares."

He came forward and stood near the bed. "May I sit?"

She nodded slightly, and he lowered himself gracefully to the bed. "What is it that troubles you so?"

"The asteroid," she sputtered. "I don't think that I'm, that is, I know that I-I'm not ready to die, LaCroix. I haven't had enough time. There are so many things I want to do. . ."

"Is that the real cause of your anxiety? It seems to me that it may be some*one* and not something, as you purport."

"Oh, you mean Nick."

"Yes," he purred. This one was so lovely, so intelligent, so perfect. He wondered at his son's refusal to make her his. LaCroix was glad that he didn't share the same reservations as his errant son.

"I just don't understand him. Why would he refuse me?"

"You know of Nick's. . .difficulties?"

"He's mentioned them before," she admitted.

"My dear doctor, I have none of those difficulties."

"What are you saying?"

He reached on hand to her face, gently tracing a finger down her nose and over her lips. "Simply that I could oblige you where he cannot. It is your choice. I'll be waiting." He then leaned in and brushed his lips over hers, the gentlest of kisses. Like a flash, he was gone, and Natalie was alone to do the most difficult thinking of her short life.

Some time later, she emerged from the room. She found LaCroix, who was sitting in front of the fireplace sipping bloodwine from an ornate crystal goblet. "LaCroix," she said hesitantly.

"Lucien, my dear. Call me Lucien."

"Lucien," she repeated, "I've made my decision. I would like to take you up on that offer."

He smiled and indicated the place next to him. "Come, cherie, and let us get to know one another better. We are embarking on a great journey, you and I."

She moved to him and sat. She was nervous there next to him, afraid that she was making a mistake. LaCroix leaned over and kissed her gently, then deepened the kiss. She surprised them both when she responded in kind. Their journey had begun.

End of Part Four