This is the sequel to the first Round Robin, and is currently being posted to the FK Vals list.
Standard disclaimers apply.

Natalie allowed herself to be drawn into LaCroix's embrace. She rested her head against his chest as she used the silence to organize her thoughts. She hoped that Lucien would be as understanding as he had been with what she intended on doing next.

LaCroix stroked Natalie's curls while he tried to calm his own swirling emotions. He knew that she loved him, but he'd sensed her growing restlessness. He understood her need to make her own place in this new existence, but he was scared of losing her. He had not risked his heart for the first time in eight hundred years to just give up without a fight.

He could sense her regret when it came to Nicholas, but he dared not pry any further than her surface emotions. He was well aware that she prized her freedom. He'd tried his best to keep an unobtrusive eye on her, concerned that she would mistake anything else for more than it was. Independent streak or not, she was still only a fledgling, and she did not realize that she had certain...limitations. Maybe it had been wrong, but he'd sheltered her.

He decided to hold off on announcing his other surprise lest she accuse him of trying to control her. He knew from experience that going back to her life as it was when she'd been mortal was not an option. But, she would have to learn that lesson for herself. He'd spoken of other options, and that is exactly what he intended on giving her.

Natalie loved to solve problems; to feel like she was making a difference in people's lives. To that end, he'd arranged to fund a lab where Natalie could research anything she liked and work any hours she pleased, without anyone questioning her. To make matters worse, he was sure that Nicholas wasn't in the area. But telling her any of this now might only make her angry at him; he decided to let her investigate Toronto for herself and come to her own conclusions.

**********

A short while later...

LaCroix stood before the window, staring out into the night without really seeing it. He could sense Natalie's distress, and it troubled him. He'd promised himself that he would give her the space she needed to make her own decisions, but it was extremely difficult. He wondered what her reaction would be to Nicholas' disappearance.

"Mon pere?"

He turned to see Janette looking at him inquisitively. "Good evening, Janette. You're looking well."

Janette came to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, LaCroix. You are looking as handsome as ever." She gently touched his cheek as she continued, "But perhaps a little distracted, n'est-ce pas?"

Ignoring her question, he asked instead, "When did Nicholas leave, Janette?"

Ah, so even now it was about Nicolas...at least in part. "About a month ago. He said he needed to get away, at least for awhile." She moved to the bar to help herself to a drink as she asked casually, "And where is Natalie?"

"Out trying to reclaim some of her mortal life," he replied tightly.

"Surely she must know that is not possible, LaCroix."

"She wants to have something of her own, Janette. I can understand that. When she is ready, I have an already funded lab waiting for her to do whatever research she wishes to pursue."

Janette stalled her reply by taking a long drink from her glass; she really wasn't sure what to say in response to his statement. She said carefully, "Nicolas gave me a letter for Natalie in case she returned to Toronto."

LaCroix sighed. "Perhaps it would be best if you did not leave it with me. I'm sure she will stop by the Raven before she returns home."

"Oui. You will come to visit me soon, non?"

He smiled mysteriously, looking closer to himself. "We shall see, Janette."

**********

Because of the early hour, the Raven wasn't too crowded. Even still, it was like nothing Natalie had experienced since coming across. The air was thrumming with the sound of human heartbeats, and her skin tingled with the sensation of so many vampires in one place.

Even with all that distraction, Natalie sensed a presence very clearly. She was not able to place it, until her eyes met with Janette's, and she knew.

Janette was leaning against the bar, facing the doorway as if she'd been expecting her new 'sister' to appear. And maybe she had, Natalie thought distractedly as she made her way to the bar.

She thought back to the state of the loft when she'd gone to see Nick. She'd noticed the drop cloths on the furniture immediately. She wondered how long Nick had been gone. She didn't know why she'd just assumed he'd be here waiting for her when she returned. He'd almost moved on several times since she'd met him.

But, then again, was it really so surprising that he'd left? There was nothing to keep him here, not really.

Suddenly, the smell of blood assaulted Natalie's senses. She looked behind Janette to see that one of the mortal waitresses had cut her hand on a broken glass. Instinctively wanting to help, Nat moved towards the wounded woman to see what she could do. Her fangs ached, and she struggled to keep them from dropping.

Janette caught Natalie's arm as the young vampire drew even with her. She whispered into Natalie's ear, "I do not think that is wise, Natalie."

Nat opened her mouth to protest, but she realized that Janette was right. She knew her eyes were turning, and she squeezed them shut in an effort to fight the change. Taking care to keep herself in between the injured waitress and LaCroix's newest child, Janette silently led Natalie towards the back rooms.

End Part Five