From sclark@best.com Tue Jul 28 11:40:42 1998 Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 19:10:11 -0700 From: clark To: fkfanfic@merlin.darkmage.net Subject: To The Hunt Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website as well as FTP site. No other permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse. If you're interested drop me a line. As always, feedback is welcomed. And, as long as you're still reading, I figure I'll take the opportunity to mention a worthwhile FK-related charity that's running concurrent to the posting of this story to the fkfic-l list. Todays event is the GWDFC 'Ger's Birthday Book and Tape Drive.' If this event sounds interesting and you'd like more info check with the GWDFC or feel free to drop me a line. If you don't like the story please don't hold it against the GWDFC. While I asked permission to mention their charity they knew nothing about what story it'd be tacked onto. This story is based on characters and situations that aren't mine. Thanks to TPTB for their use. It's intended as an Easter story. I figure I still have 3 minutes of Easter remaining here on the left coast so that counts, right? To The Hunt (01/02) by S. Clark Natalie slammed the car door. She'd invited Nick over to spend some time with her. He'd refused saying it wouldn't be right on a Christian holiday. She tried to explain to him that for her Easter was a time of family; but family was something she felt she no longer truly had. That was the start of it. They'd exchanged a few words and she'd left. What had started out to be a pleasant evening of videos turned into another verbal war. Whereas she tried to come up with similarities between her customs and his, he could only speak of differences between the two of them. This constant shoving her away, out of his life, frustrated her. She wanted to be closer no matter what he had told her. She wanted to abandon caution. She knew him. She trusted him. And, whether or not it would ever be spoken, she loved him. At least that was how she had felt earlier in the evening. Now, as she entered the darkened apartment, she just felt numb. Unsure what might happen next between them. Would he threaten to leave again? Would it just be better if she let him? She forced those thoughts from her mind and prepared for bed. At least Sydney was glad to see her, as always. She was happy to have one male that didn't push her away even if he did have a tendency to shed over her good clothes at the least opportune time. With thoughts of Nick stirring through her head Natalie fell off into a restless sleep. She could have almost imagined his presence in her apartment as she tossed in a semi-awake state. But she knew that was ridiculous especially after their words the evening before. Natalie battered her alarm clock as it woke her the next morning. She couldn't believe she'd set the thing. "Force of habit," she mumbled trying to hold up the clock and focus on the time. She rolled over to find herself face to face with a purring Sydney. "Good morning, tuna breath," she mumbled and gave him a quick peck on the nose. She got out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen. When she opened up the coffee container she was surprised to find an Easter egg inside. It was an actual egg, hollowed out and covered with gold glitter. She could tell by the weight and by shaking it gently that there was something inside. Although she didn't really want to break the egg her curiosity got the best of her. She gently cracked it and found her car keys within. 'A clue?' she thought. It was intriguing, to say the least. Nat quickly showered, got dressed and headed for her car. Hanging from the rear view mirror she found another egg. It was decorated in the same style, gold glitter. She cracked it open this time too curious to wait, and found an address inside. It was an unfamiliar address but not far. She started the car and headed towards the unknown. The address led Nat to a beauty shop. Being Easter morning the area, mostly small shops, was deserted. She expected the beauty shop to be closed also but as she peeked in the window she saw a woman inside waving to her. Another woman popped her head out the door. "Doctor Lambert? So glad you could join us this morning." Natalie was still unsure of what was going on. But she figured that one certain vampire probably went through a lot of trouble to set all of this up. She'd see where it would lead. After their argument of the previous evening she found she didn't want to spend too much time thinking about Nick. She let herself relax and be pampered. It was challenging but she pushed that cute innocent expression out of her memory and just let her mind stay blank. No thoughts of tousled blond hair. No thoughts of soft blue eyes. Just blank. The women said they'd been instructed to give her a quick set along with a manicure, pedicure and do her makeup. Nat gave a quick glance at the clothes she had tossed on before leaving the apartment, an old pair of sweats, and laughed at the thought of getting fixed up for such an outfit. After a bit of time, she wasn't even sure how long it took, they finally let her look in a mirror. Natalie had to admit they had done an excellent job. Even attired in sweats she looked fabulous. She started to dig around in her purse wondering if she'd remembered to grab any cash before she left. She didn't want to go without leaving a tip for their kind work as well as their being open on a holiday. One of the women, anticipating her actions, tapped lightly on Natalie's arm. "Doctor Lambert, we have been instructed to give you this." The woman held out a basket. It contained one golden glitter egg. "And we are under very strict orders not to accept any gratuities." Natalie felt herself reddening as she accepted the basket. "Well, thank you again." She motioned towards the hair. "It's wonderful." She rushed out to the car and then thought to check the new egg for her next clue. As she adjusted her mirror and prepared to drive away she got another peek at her new look and couldn't help but smile. The next address was for a dress shop. It was very expensive, all designer. Again, she was the only customer and they were expecting her. They already had a dress set aside for her. It was a deep blue. Very chic. And, as she expected, well complimented by the makeup. She again attempted to not concentrate on Nick as she tried on the dress. But, as usual, he'd done a wonderful job with the arrangements. She thought the dress fit fine but the shop owner convinced her to allow a few small alterations. He'd also had several pairs of shoes selected that matched the gown. They quickly found a pair that was a comfortable fit. While she waited she helped herself to the coffee and bagels that had been placed out. She assumed they were set out for her as no one else was present in the shop. The man returned with the dress in a very short time. When she tried it on again she had to admit that the alterations, although minor, did much to highlight her figure. She took a couple more turns to admire herself in the mirror. "I, umm, suppose it's already paid for," she said unable to think of a tactful way to approach the subject. "All arrangements have been made," said the man. He held out a box. "These have been selected for you as well. The gentleman was most specific that I should request you leave attired in your new gown." Natalie accepted the box and popped it open. She blushed as she noticed the undergarments and wondered how well Nick had done picking these out in her size. As she retired to the changing room to try them on she figured he'd have done his usual wonderful job. He had. The store clerk boxed up her garments and presented them to her. She laughted at the tought of the designer labeled box containing her sweatsuit. This caused the man to look at her with a puzzled expression that only made her want to laugh harder. "I feel like a princess," she said. "Thank you so much." The man smiled and handed over a small white box. "I am to give you this, also." Natalie accepted the box and headed out for the car. As she expected the box contained another egg, again with another address. Still chuckling to herself she drove off. To The Hunt (02/02) by S. Clark This new address was for a jewelry store. Again, the shopkeeper had been waiting for his sole customer to arrive. Again, items had already been chosen for her. This time it was a diamond pendant necklace with matching earrings. Natalie almost fainted as she tried to imagine what they cost. "Are you sure this is the right set?" she asked for the third time. The man smiled. "Yes. And the gentleman gave very specific orders that you were to accept them and to wear them out of the store." Natalie looked at them again in the mirror. "I'm just afraid I'll lose them or something." "The earrings and the necklace both have safety clamps. I assure you they will be fine." She smiled nervously at him. "And they look stunning," he added. Natalie turned back for one last look. "Ok," she said, taking in a breath for courage. "Ready as I'll ever be." As she turned towards the exit Natalie motioned to the jewelry. "Thank you so much." The man handed her a bag. "You're welcome." As soon as she got out to her car she searched the bag hoping to find another clue. But it only contained the boxes for the jewelry. No additional eggs. 'The loft,' thought Natalie, and she headed out to find Nick. Nat pulled in front of the loft. She had thought about calling but decided she'd rather surprise him with the finished product. She quickly punched in the security code but as she entered the garage area she noticed that the caddie was missing. "Nick," she shouted as she stepped off the elevator and into the kitchen. The shutters were down but the main room was empty. She ran up the stairs to his room. That was empty, also. Nat slowly made her way down the stairs. 'Why would he go through all this trouble?' she thought. But again her thoughts returned to the evening before. 'Perhaps he changed his mind, didn't want to be here.' Nat returned to her car. She was trying not to cry since that would ruin her makeup but she wondered why she should care. She kept running the previous evening through her mind as she drove back to the apartment. He'd obviously put so much effort and expense into planning and now he didn't even want to see her. Natalie slunk into her apartment and onto the couch. Sydney jumped up to greet her. "Hey Syd," said Natalie. "I suppose I look a little foolish to you, don't I." She dabbed at her eyes still trying not to smear the makeup. "I know I shouldn't care how I look now but so many people went through so much trouble." She smiled and reached down to scratch Sydney in his favorite place, behind the ears. "Hey buddy, what's this? When did you go out and buy a collar?" Natalie inspected the collar closely and discovered a small golden egg charm hanging at the front of it. She inspected the charm and found that it opened. Within was a phone number. A new onslaught of tears started but this time of hope and relief. She wiped them away and called the number. It was for a limosine service. The limosine picked her up in minutes and took her to the King Edward Hotel. As the driver assisted her from the limosine he handed her an envelope "Enjoy your holiday," he said. "Thank you," said Natalie. She was too excited to even remember to try to tip him. Natalie rushed in opening the envelope as she walked. It contained a card with a nice pastel of flowers on the front. Inside was hand written a room number, in Nick's handwriting, along with an electronic room key. As Natalie inserted the key for the room she could feel her heart pounding. The door unlocked with a click but she was almost afraid to touch the door handle. As it turned out she didn't have to. The door was opened from within. Natalie entered. The lights were low. The curtains were closed, naturally. She turned to find Nick standing behind her, closing the door. "I wasn't sure you'd come," he said. Natalie smiled, feeling the color rising in her cheeks. "And here I thought you didn't want to spend any time with me." She looked down at her hands for a moment. "I feel so foolish, starting that argument." "I did help a little in that regard." He grinned taking hold of her hands. "But I had to make sure you were home to find all of your clues." "It's been so wonderful, Nick, everything is perfect." He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. "As are you." She tried to pull away but he moved closer. "Now, you can go down to brunch or we could order you some room service. If you're hungry, that is." "I think I'll stay up here for a while," she stated. "After all, I'm thinking the gentleman may have some ulterior motives." "Me?" Nick asked, innocent look in full display. She smiled and nodded this time taking the bold move of kissing him lightly on the lips. "Well, you do know the original symbolism of the egg this time of year?" Nick smiled. "I don't recall." "I'm sure," said Natalie. "Well, it's daytime. We'll have plenty of time to discuss." She went over to the door and slipped on the 'do not disturb' tag. "So," she asked, playful grin on her face, "ready for the first lesson?" "I'm all yours, Doctor Lambert," he agreed. "Forever."