Subject: Fate on a Date (01/01) Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 00:14:57 -0700 From: clark To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU This story follows two others entitled "Together by Fate" and "Driven by Fate." If you haven't read the first two, they're available at my website, http://www.best.com/~sclark/fk. Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website and 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. "Fate on a Date" by S. Clark Nick could feel his heart pound out a beat as the lift engaged. It was Natalie. He hadn't seen her, alone and outside of work, for several days. And, with the way his week had been going, he was looking forward to the closeness of just the two of them together. He made a final survey of the table. All seemed in order. Popcorn, soda, and, of course, something from the 'chocolate group,' as Natalie called it. In this instance, a big bowl of M&M's. Nick leaned against the counter, trying not to look too anxious. Out of the corner of his eye, though, he thought he saw something move. He turned and walked over to the area, scanning the room, hoping it was just a trick of the light and not an uninvited guest. "Chasing shadows?" Nick turned. He didn't really want to explain that he was staring into space to confirm he hadn't seen anything. "You know, Sydney does that, too. Maybe I should bring him by. You two could play together." Nick walked over behind Natalie. "Nice to see you, too." He gave her a kiss on the temple as he helped her remove her coat. She surveyed the contents of the table. "And you even went shopping? Is this a special occasion?" He placed her coat over the back of a chair. "Of course. You're here." He peeked towards a bag she'd set on the table. "What movie did you get?" "Well, I wasn't sure what you'd be up for, so..." "Ok, what are the choices." She peered into the bag. "We've got Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'." She looked over at him, and watched him pull a face on that choice. "Or, 'Casablanca.'" This time, no response. "Or, for the third choice, 'The Hunted.'" While Nick had to admit he would have liked the mindless action of 'The Hunted,' 'Casablanca' had much better possibilities of being a cuddling kind of movie. The two of them had watched it many times, and every time Natalie still cried. "You pick," he said. "Are you sure?" "Very sure." She held up 'Casablanca.' "You have tissues?" "A whole box, on the table in front of the couch." Nick took the video, and placed it in the player. Then took a seat in the corner of the couch. He waited for Natalie to settle in next to him, then started the film. As they watched, Natalie edged closer and closer. Not that he minded. After all, it was easier to put his arm over her shoulder that way. She snuggled up against his chest, dabbing the first tears away on his silk shirt. He found himself enjoying her closeness, her warmth, far more than he was enjoying the movie. Nick put a hand under Natalie's chin and lifted her head up to where he could look into her eyes. He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. "I've missed you," he whispered. She moved her lips back to his, responding with a deeper kiss. "I've missed you, too," she said as she pulled away. "Good thing you two left plenty of room for me on the couch." Nick looked at the screen, wondering if perhaps the movie had ended, and the video had trailers at the end of the show. Natalie put her hand on his cheek and directed his gaze back in her direction. "Do you really want to watch the movie?" Nick gave her a boyish grin. "Not if you don't." She winked at him. "I don't." "I do. This is the good part, where Sam plays 'As Time Goes By.'" Nick froze. He heard it again. And it wasn't the television. It was Schanke's voice. "Yo, that's right, over here." Nick saw a hand waving over Natalie's head. It was Schanke, his former partner, his deceased former partner, seated at the far end of the couch. "Nick?" Natalie's expression changed to one of concern. "What's wrong?" "Answer the lady, Knight." Natalie ran her hand up Nick's chest and tweaked his nipple. "Come back, Nick." "Ow!" he said, giving her a look of feigned protest. Schanke burst out laughing at that surprise move. "I had a feeling you two were good for each other, but I never knew how good. Let him have it, Nat." "Stay out of it." "Stay out?" She loosened a button and placed her hand within his shirt, rubbing small circles along his cool skin. "Stay out, really?" Nick pulled Nat's hand out of his shirt and jumped back over the arm of the couch. "I'm not sure this is a good idea, Nat." She put her hand up, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine, Nick. I get the hint." Natalie turned to face the screen, pulling her legs up to her body. "I won't even remind you that you started it." Nick went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle. "I'm sorry, I guess that was just too much surprise. Can I get you a drink?" "No," she said, voice reflecting her pout. He poured himself a goblet of wine, downing half in one swig. "Smooth move, Knight. She's right, you know, you did start it." Nick gritted his teeth. "I don't think you were invited." Natalie got up from the couch and marched over to the kitchen. "Expecting some other mortal, then?" She grabbed her coat and stepped into her shoes. "You can take the videos back. I got them on your account." Nick stood before Natalie, blocking her way to the lift. "I didn't mean that. I guess I'm not making a lot of sense tonight." Natalie ran her tongue over her top lip. "I think it's best if I just leave, Nick." "C'mon, bud," interjected Schanke from his spot on the couch. "You can't just let her walk out." "No." He held up a finger. "Just wait, give me one second." Nick sat his glass down, and walked over to the couch. "Do me a small favor," he whispered to Schanke. "Do not come with us." Schanke gave him a sad face. "Aw c'mon, Pal. I won't get in the way. Promise." From where Natalie was standing, Nick seemed to be talking to the couch. She didn't take it as a promising sign that things would get better this evening. "You're already in the way," Nick hissed. "Now leave me alone to patch things up with Natalie." "If you think that's for the best..." Schanke gave a shrug. "It is." Nick's statement was emphatic. All he wanted was an evening alone with Natalie. Alone. No audience. "Then you better go find her." Nick turned to see the door to the stairs closing. He ran across the room and grabbed his coat, then rushed out after her. "Natalie! Wait! Please?" Schanke could hear Nick's cries echoing up the stairwell. "He'll thank me for this later." Schanke got a wicked smile on his face. "Yup. Myra and I barely fought, but boy, did we like to make up."