Subject: Humanity's Call 1/1 Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 08:13:36 -0700 From: Kristen Fife To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Just a little something that has been brewing for a while since I got my season 2 DVD's :)This is a NN story taking place right after Near Death The usual: Nick and Nat don't belong to me, Sony has that privilege. No infringement is intended. ===================================== Humanity's Call Nick sat with his hand on Natalie's knee, absently kneading it, lost in thought. Schanke waxed on, oblivious to Nick and Natalie's somber faces. Finally, he grabbed his coat and escorted the dazed Doctor Linsman to escort her to the hospital. As Natalie watched them close the door, she looked back to Nick. He stood up, and she followed him. "So, did you learn anything while you were dying on me?" "Yeah, I learned that I have to live with the choice I made 800 years ago, and that forgiveness is not something you ask for, it's something that you earn here, among the living." His eyes were haunted as he looked at her. "Nick, what really happened?" Looking away from her, he didn't answer for so long that she thought he would not. Finally, however, he spoke softly. "I saw my soul. It's still twisted and evil, and the guide said that LaCroix's evil is still the greater part of what I am." He looked back at her. "I saw all the graves of the innocents I killed over the centuries. I've been trying so hard for so long, but it isn't enough." She put her arms around his waist, he enfolded her in a hug. He rested his cheek on her hair, then kissed her crown. Pulling back, he put his finger under her chin and pulled her face up to him. "Do you remember when I told you that LaCroix called me back to him the night I was brought across?" She nodded. "This time, it was your voice that called me back. Thank you." He leaned down and put a gentle kiss on her lips, then reluctantly loosened his hold on her. "I guess we just keep trying. The Guide told me I still have a lot of work ahead of me. Nat, if I hadn't said this recently, I truly appreciate all the help you've given me. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know." A look of sadness entered her eyes. "Thanks Nick." She turned to gather her coat and bag. "And now, I should be off to run some tests on poor Doctor Nystrom." She walked toward the lift, sliding the heavy door back. Just before she entered, she looked back at him. "Nick, don't give up hope. You're doing the right thing, you're trying. Have faith in yourself." She turned and closed the lift behind her. He whispered softly to her retreating figure. "Oh Nat...it was your love that called me back, and your faith in me. Someday maybe I'll believe too." Kristen Fife http://www.fkvoyage.com/fkfanfic/fife_kristen/ "I have a vampire by my side and I'm not afraid to use him!" -Tanya Huff