Subject: Faith Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 08:40:04 -0700 From: clark To: Stephanie Kellerman This is a sequel to a story I wrote called "Hope". Due to some language and descriptions, I posted that story under an adult header. If you're interested in reading it, you're of legal age, and all that, it's available on my website, http://www.best.com/~sclark/fk/. If you'd rather have the short version, let me know and I can describe it pretty quick. Even without reading the first story, though, I think this one should do ok on its own. Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website and the ftp site. No other permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse. If you're interested drop me a line. As always, feedback is welcomed. This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine. Thanks to TPTB for their use. "Faith" by S. Clark Nick had just stepped out of the caddie in the parking lot where he was met by his partner, Don Schanke. Schanke shoved a bag into Nick's hands. "Here ya go, bud?" Nick opened up the bag and looked inside. Two donuts with chocolate sprinkles. "You really shouldn't have, Schank." "They're not for you." Schanke shook his head. "Nat asked me if I stopped anywhere on the way in, if I could pick something up for her. I wasn't sure, but I think she likes chocolate." Nick looked at the bag again. "And you think I'll be going to see Natalie this evening?" "You think you're so smooth," he shook his head. "But you can't deny that you've been awfully quick to run for lab reports lately." "Whatever you say, Schank." Schanke gave his partner a nudge. "Yeah, you know. You know." Nick pointed to the bag. "Is this my only errand?" "Well, I did kind of have a question." "And?" Nick knew to worry more when his partner attempted to be tactful, than when he just spoke his mind. "Not that I have any room to speak on this matter, and not that it makes a difference to me..." "But?" Nick tried to prompt whatever was on Schanke's mind forth, or he'd be dealing with these half-attempted conversations all evening. "But, do you think Nat's been getting a little chunky lately?" Nick shot Schanke a look that had him holding up his hands defensively. "Like I said, it doesn't matter to me. I mean, it suits her, and all." Nick walked past his partner, not replying to the comments. "It's just a simple observation..." Schanke pursued Nick, trying to clarify his point. And, as usual, making things worse. The soliloquy continued all the way through the station until they arrived at there desk. "Just so you don't misunderstand, it's not something I have a problem with..." "What's that, Schank?" Natalie's voice caught Schanke offguard. She could swear he jumped when she spoke. He sat down at his desk, looking down at the papers, cheeks reddening. "Just talking about a case." Natalie looked over to Nick who mouthed the word 'later,' and was trying to suppress his amusement over the situation. "By the way, Nick has something for you." Schanke pointed at his partner, again not looking up. Nick handed over the bag and Natalie glanced inside. "Thanks, Schank. Chocolate." She gave Nick a wink. "See you guys later." With that, she was out of the station. ### Nick stopped in for Natalie's lunch break. "How we doing?" he whispered over her shoulder. She jumped in surprised, and swiveled on her chair to where she could give Nick a playful tap on the shoulder. "Don't scare me like that." He took the seat next to her desk. "So, you didn't answer my question." "We're just fine." She finished making a few more notes on a report. "But what was up with Schanke earlier? I thought he was just about to jump out of his skin." "I think he was." Nick lowered his voice to a conspiratorial level. "He had made the observation that you were looking a bit, how shall I say, chunky." Natalie giggled at the comment, the way Nick bit out the last word. "Well, we knew it was going to happen eventually. I've made an appointment with my supervisor for tomorrow after my shift. I figure I'll break the news, start working out the details on maternity leave." Nick placed his hand over hers. "So, how is our little chemistry experiment doing today? What did Margaret say?" Nat put a hand to her abdomen. "She said we're on schedule, all systems green." Then her mouth took a downward turn. "What?" "Given the way things are fitting, it is about time I made the switch to maternity wear. Between that and talking to my boss, our little secret won't be so secret anymore." Nick nodded, his face taking on a grave expression to match hers. "I guess there's only one thing to do, then." Natalie raised an eyebrow. "And that is?" He dropped to one knee, still grasping her hand. "Marry me." She pulled her hand away, taking another slap at his shoulder. "Stop fooling around, Nick." Nick reached into his coat. "Wait, I have something?" She glanced down. "More donuts." He pulled out a black velvet box and opened it, showing her the contents. "The shape's about the same." Natalie glanced over the ring. "No chocolate?" "Natalie?" "What do you want me to say, Nick?" He looked up into her eyes. "'Yes' would suffice." "How about, 'I'll think about it?'" Nick smiled, and took his seat. He placed the ring back in his pocket. "Ok, you think about it." "It is still beautiful," she said. "And it will be the next time you see it, too. Which reminds me?" "What?" Nick grinned. "Valentine's day is next week. I thought maybe you'd like to go out. There's a new place opened up downtown. The Azure." Natalie rubbed her forehead. "I don't know, Nick." "Please?" "I don't have anything to wear." "You can go shopping. We've got time." Natalie ran her tongue over her top lip. "I'm not sure." Nick bent over and kissed Natalie's cheek. "I know the baby, my role in all of this, makes me an odd part of your life right now. But I do want to be part of your life." She smiled. "I know." "Then?" She looked up at him, a tear running down her cheek. "Yes." "Yes to dinner?" "Yes to everything." "Everything?" She nodded. "Everything." Nick stood, he took her hands and pulled her to her feet, into his arms. Natalie returned the embrace. Tears now flowing more freely down her cheeks. Nick pulled back and, cupping her chin with his hand, moved to where he could stare into her eyes. He leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. The passion between them, now kindled, burned hot. Nick was forced to pull away. "I'm sorry," he said, eyes clouded with sadness. "I got swept away." He tried to leave, but Natalie retained hold of one of his hands. "Nick, please?" He rubbed his thumb along the back of his hand. "I guess this was a bad idea." She shook her head. "No, Nick. It was a very good idea. I should have said 'yes' the first time you asked." "Should you have?" Natalie gave his hand a squeeze. "I have faith this is right, Nick. And you must, too, or else we couldn't have come this far." She gave him a hug. This time, it was one of support, not of passion. "Have faith in us, Nick. Please?" Nick pulled her closer to him. "I do," he said. He brushed his lips over her temple. "I do." Nick held onto Natalie for as long as he could. Then, knowing it was time to return to work, he forced himself to pull away. "I'll see you later? You can stop by the loft, maybe?" "After I talk to my supervisor." Nick pressed an object into her hand. "Don't forget, you said yes to all." She looked down at the box. "I have faith we can have it all." Nick gave a final kiss to the back of her hand, turned on his heel and was out of the office. Natalie sat back at her desk. She opened the box with the ring and set it in front of her. The stone was not too large, but it was clear and as close to flawless as a diamond could be. Then, taking in a breath, she slipped it onto her finger. A perfect fit. Once again, the wonder that was Nick pulled off another miracle. Natalie watched the light dance off the facets of the stone. "A sign of faith," she told herself. "Faith in us." She placed her hand upon her stomach. "All of us."