January 2000

Tuesday evening:

Natalie didn't know how she had survived the day, but she had managed to do so. She even worked her full shift, thankful that it was a busy night. LaCroix had called earlier in the evening, wanting to know how she was doing, and if she needed anything. She was gathering her things together when she heard someone clearing his throat behind her.

She turned around, expecting to see Nick, but instead it was LaCroix who stood before her, holding a bundle of roses.

"I thought you would enjoy these."

Natalie smiled as she took the flowers from the ancient vampire. She deeply breathed in their scent. "Thank you, Lucien. They are beautiful."

"I was hoping you would do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to breakfast. I believe there is a 24 hour diner by the park that has an excellent reputation."

"Yes, there is, but I'm not much in the mood for crowds."

"I could have them deliver for you, or I believe I can manage to cook you a tolerable omelet, if I must."

"You, cook?"

"I know it sounds amazing, but even when I was on campaigns, I tried to make the best of my rations. I'm sure I can whip you up something to your liking."

"I would enjoy that. Would you meet me at my apartment in about 20 minutes?"

"That will be acceptable. Twenty minutes." LaCroix was gone in the blink of an eye, and Natalie leaned back against her desk, stunned at what had transpired.

Exactly twenty minutes later, LaCroix knocked on Natalie's door. "You are very prompt."

"I try. Now, if you will point me toward your kitchen, I will prepare a meal for you."

"It's this way. Mind if I watch?" "I would be delighted. I love to have an audience." LaCroix smiled wickedly at Natalie. It was the smile that always unnerved her.

"I hope an omelet is to your liking. I thought it best to keep it simple, given the number of years since I last cooked. Ham, cheese, and mushrooms are acceptable, I presume?"

"That would be wonderful."

LaCroix started to unpack the bags he had brought with him. "I recall that you like zinfandel wines."

"Yes, I do."

"I hope this one is to your liking," LaCroix said as he pulled the cork from the bottle of wine. He poured Natalie a small amount and handed her the glass for her approval.

Natalie swirled then sniffed the wine, enjoying its bouquet. She then tasted it, a smile coming to her face. "This is quite wonderful."

"I thought you would enjoy it." LaCroix filled Natalie's empty glass. "I hope you won't mind if I imbibe along with you?"

"No, of course not."

Natalie watched as LaCroix pulled a bottle of bloodwine from one of the bags. He opened the bottle and filled a glass about two-thirds full. To this he added a little of the zinfandel that Natalie was drinking. He swirled the two wines, mixing them. He took a sip and closed his eyes, savoring both the blood and the wine.

When he opened his eyes, Natalie spoke. "It won't make you sick?"

"If I were to drink too much, yes, but diluted with the bloodwine, it is fine. I wanted to share in your pleasure of this wonderful wine, and besides biting you, this was the only other way. Now, where are your pans?"

An hour later, Natalie had feasted on the best omelet she had ever tasted. She was amazed at LaCroix's abilities. They had talked about mundane things, avoiding the reason why the ancient vampire was there.

They sat on Natalie's sofa, listening to the gentle rain as it fell outside and sipping their wine. LaCroix held Natalie's hand in his own and spoke. "I know you must be scared about tomorrow, and I didn't want you to be alone."

Tears came to Natalie's eyes as she let her fear wash over her. LaCroix cradled her, gently rocking back and forth. "Natalie, it will be fine. After tomorrow you will know what is truth, and you will be able to make decisions for yourself."

"I don't know what to do, LaCroix--"

"Lucien. My name is Lucien, Natalie."

"Lucien, I don't know what I will do if it is cancer. I don't want to be sick and lose my hair and my energy--not to mention my breast."

"You don't have to do that, Natalie. You have other options. Options I will make sure are open to you."

"I know that, and that scares me as well. How do I know what I will be like if I become one of your kind? I might lose myself, the way my brother did."

"I doubt that. You have a very strong spirit and will."

"And what about Nick?"

"He is quite stubborn, but I'm sure he will understand."

"How long have you known him?"

"What?"

"I have known Nick many, many years less than you have, and I can tell you right now he will not understand."

"You are right. The sun is going to rise soon. I hate to leave you, but I must return to my home."

"My bedroom is protected against the sun." LaCroix raised an eyebrow at Natalie's statement. "I did it because I work nights."

"Really? And was that the only reason?"

Natalie looked away form LaCroix, a tear running down her cheek. "No, I had hoped that Nick and I would need a place to stay--together." Natalie turned back to LaCroix. "You may sleep in my bed, if you would like. I can stay here on the sofa."

"Is it not usually the man who sleeps on the sofa?"

"Yes, but I don't want to wake up to a pile of ashes in the morning on my sofa that I would have to clean up."

"I am a gentleman, Natalie, but I have no need to die permanently. You can sleep in your bed and I can move your recliner in the bedroom for myself."

"That would be nice. I'm going to get ready for bed. Feel free to move things around and to draw the blinds and curtains." Natalie rose and sequestered herself in the bathroom. When she exited, LaCroix had prepared the bedroom for the day.

"I must say I did not see you as the flannel pajama type. I always pictured you in silk and lace."

Natalie blushed and turned away from LaCroix. "You pictured me?"

"Yes, Natalie. I may be 2000 years old and a vampire, but that does not make me any less of a man. You are a beautiful, sensual woman, Natalie. I'm sure many men--vampire and mortal alike-- have pictured you in your night clothes."

"That's a scary thought. You are all alike."

"If you mean men, yes, my dear Natalie, I am afraid that we are."

"Well, try to keep your male thoughts to a minimum tonight," Natalie said as she climbed into bed.

"I will do my best." LaCroix settled into the recliner and watched as Natalie drifted off to sleep.

When Natalie awoke, she looked at the vampire asleep in the chair across from her. She wondered what he dreamed. After all the years, thoughts filled his mind. Were they of the past or of the future? Were they of campaigns long fought or of woman he loved? Were they of hunting and killing of drinking blood?

LaCroix's eyes fluttered open, and he stared at Natalie. "When must you be at the hospital?"

"In a little over an hour."

"I'm sorry I will not be able to go with you."

Natalie the covers off and got out of bed. "I'll be ok. I won't be back until later this afternoon. Please, feel free to sleep in my bed."

LaCroix watched as Natalie gathered her clothes together and went into the bath.

"I'm off. I'll let you know how things turn out."

LaCroix walked toward Natalie and put his arms around her. "My offer still stands. I will make sure all options are opened to you."

"Thank you, Lucien." She put her hand on his cheek, and kissed him briefly on the lips. "I've got to hurry, or I'll be late."