Subject: Love (01/01)
Date: Wed, 5 May 1999 09:43:01 -0700
From: clark <sclark@BEST.COM>
To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU

This is follows four other stories I've written, "Hope," "Faith,"
"Charity," and "Peace."  Due to some language and descriptions, "Hope" was
posted 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/.  "Faith," "Charity," and "Peace" are also
posted on the website.

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.  Feedback, virtual mangoes, or time machines are all welcomed.

This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine.  Thanks
to TPTB for their use.

"Love"
by S. Clark

        "I don't suppose you'll contact me once you're settled."

        "Eventually."  Nick sipped from his goblet.

        "And this is how you want things to be."

        Nick frowned.  "This is how they must be."

        "I see."  Janette was past weary, having spent the evening
listening to Nick's rants about his life.  "So, you go off and play the
injured victim, and punish her with your absence.  Very good plan,
Nicolas."  Her voice was strong, defiant.

        He slammed his fist down on the top of the bar.  "She rejected me!"

        "And the child?"

        Nick frowned.  "She wanted the child."

        "And the marriage?"

        "She wanted that, too."  He spat out the phrase.

        "And she asked you for both?"

        Nick was silent.  He took a large swallow from his goblet.

        Janette fixed her eyes upon him.  "I thought as much."

        He turned to face her, eyes filled with anger.

        Janette placed a hand upon his.  "Nicolas, this is not just an
experiment.  These decisions are not something you begin and then abandon
as soon as forces to not go your way."

        A single blood tear rolled down his cheek, betraying the hurt
within.  "I just want what's best."  His voice was softer.  It had lost the
earlier edge.

        "I know you do.  But Nicholas, this is not a situation you can
control.  It involves another, your Natalie.  You cannot compel her
feelings."

        Nick nodded.  "That is why I must leave."

        Janette threw up her hands.  "I will not discuss this further.
Daylight approaches.  You'd best go home and prepare."

        He gave her a curious grin.  "Am I not invited to stay?"

        "You would not want to stay."  Her eyes flashed gold, enforcing the
point.

        Nick rose from his stool.  He leaned in to give her a kiss, but she
turned away.  He took her hand and tenderly kissed the back.  "Au revoir,
Janette."

        She pulled his hand from his, but said nothing.  She did not watch
him leave the club.

        Minutes after he had gone, LaCroix came from his place in the back
of the club.

        "You heard?"

        LaCroix betrayed no emotion.  "I expected as much."

        "He will not reveal his destination.  This does not make you upset?"

        "Should it, Janette?"

        "He's leaving you."

        LaCroix picked up Nick's glass from the bar and sniffed at the
contents.  "And he's leaving her."

        "Ah, so that is the game.  Anywhere is fine, even though it is away
from us?"

        "Time is our ally, Janette."  LaCroix let a smile curl upon his
lips.  "We," he emphasized the word, "are his family.  We shall always find
him again."

<fin>
<sclark@best.com>