Subject: Peace (01/01) Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 09:22:52 -0700 From: clark To: FKFIC-L@lists.psu.edu This is follows three other stories I've written, "Hope," "Faith," and "Charity." 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" and "Charity" 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. "Peace" by S. Clark "No." Natalie hoped her reserve would hold out. After all the time she'd spent considering the situation, this had seemed the only option. Knowing that didn't make things any easier. Nick threw up his hands, frustrated. "And that's it?" She didn't answer. Nick paced around in front of where she sat. "You drop this news on me. I ask why and all I get is 'we can't talk about it?'" Natalie pinched the bridge of her nose. "We've been over this, Nick. I'm tired." He stopped. "At least wait until the baby comes." "I think it's better, Nick," the strain was now becoming apparent in her voice. "This way, it's better." "You think it's better." He reached for her hand, but she moved it from his reach. "At least talk to me, Natalie." "We've talked, Nick. It's not working." He grimaced. "What's not working? Tell me." "Nick, you're smothering me. I need space." She blurted out the words, the emotion once again starting her tears. Nick flung his arms out. "There's lots of space here." He shouted the words, voice booming through the large room of the loft. "Or perhaps I should move into the garage." The tone was sharp, meant to hurt. "Would that work for you?" Natalie hadn't anticipated how difficult it would be to live with Nick, live in close quarters. Not only because of his constant attention, but also because of her constant desires. While intellectually, she knew that much of how she was feeling came not just because her love for Nick, but also because of hormones, changes within her body. That didn't help emotionally when what she needed, what she craved, was closeness. What she needed was Nick. He gave her everything, and always in abundance. Everything but his body. It was the one thing he couldn't give. The thing she most needed. Nick sat in the chair across from her. "Tell me how to make things right, Natalie." His voice was soft now. The anger replaced by the hurt that lie beneath. "What can I do to make things right?" She wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Accept this, Nick. For me? For us?" He sat back in his chair. "I don't like the thought of you living alone. Not now." She placed a hand on her stomach, gaining comfort as she felt the baby within her move. The buzzer rang. "That's Grace." Natalie put an arm to her side for leverage, and maneuvered off of the couch. She grabbed her bag from where it sat next to the lift. "Good-bye, Nick." He nodded, but didn't look up. She could see the trace of a blood tear on his cheek. She cried all the way to her new apartment. Once there, once Grace had left, she resisted each urge to call him. "This is how it needs to be," she told herself, told her unborn child, the pillowcase damp with tears. "This is better."