"Well, Sydney," Nat said to her cat as she set the carrier down just inside the door of LaCroix's apartment, "this is it. Welcome to our new home." Sydney meowed gruffly from within the carrier. "I know, I know. You want out of there. Let me go find Lucien first, OK?" Sydney did not answer, and Natalie took that to mean an agreement had been made. She left him to search of LaCroix.
She found him in the kitchen pouring bloodwine into a glass.
"All finished?" he asked, seating himself at the oak table and patting the chair next to him.
"All except for a few odds and ends. I'll go back for them later," said Nat as she sat down beside him.
"And Monsieur Sydney?" LaCroix asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. He looked about for the cat.
"He's still in his carrier. I thought it would be wise to unpack a little before we let him loose. Otherwise, he's sure to get in the way."
"Of course." LaCroix drained his glass and rose to put it in the sink. All the while, Natalie watched him closely. "Is something the matter, my dear?" he asked.
Nat shook her head. "I just have to get used to seeing you do that, I guess."
"Do what?"
"Drink blood," she replied after a brief pause. "Nick... tried not to drink around me, even if it was only cow." She spoke the words hesitantly, hating to mention Nick at all.
"Is it uncomfortable for you... because it is it human blood?" LaCroix asked.
"Not... so much. Though I have to wonder where you--" she stopped suddenly, feeling awkward.
"Where I get it from?" LaCroix's voice was low and comforting as it washed over her, wiping away her fears about the question. "I assure you, Natalie, this blood was not taken by violence. It was... donated... quite willingly. Does that ease your mind any?"
"Yes," Nat said, "but you didn't have to justify yourself to me. Thank you."
"You're welcome, of course, but I *did,* my dear. Justification was necessary to assure your comfort in my home." He smiled and held his hand out to her. "Come. Let us go find Monsieur Sydney and free him from his prison."
*****
Later, after they had finished unpacking, LaCroix and Natalie sat together on the couch. Nat was snuggled into the crook of LaCroix's arm. Sydney curled into a ball on her lap and was purring contentedly. She really felt as if she was truly home.
She looked up from the movie that was playing to find LaCroix staring at her intently. When their eyes met, they both smiled.
Running his fingers through her hair, LaCroix sighed deeply. "I would that I could stay like this indefinitely, my dear, but the day wears on and I find myself fatigued. Tonight when I rise we shall celebrate with a night of dancing."
"Oh, Lucien... I wish I could!" Natalie exclaimed apologetically. "Have you other plans already?" he inquired.
Nat sighed sadly. "I have to work
tonight. I traded shifts with a colleague so I could spend the day moving.
I'm sorry, Lucien," she explained.
LaCroix kissed her gently as he rose from the couch. "I understand perfectly, my dear. I know what it is like to have prior commitments. We'll celebrate another day."
Natalie watched him as he began to walk back towards the bedroom. He turned back just before he disappeared inside. "Tell me, my dear... are you prepared for having to work with Nicholas again?"
She stiffened slightly. Nick. She
hadn't even thought about Nick when she switched shifts with Dr. Hastings.
Could she handle him? "Yeah, I think so," Nat said as she removed Sydney
from her lap and stood. "I can handle him."