Knowing Her, a medical investigation fanfic

Title: Knowing Her

Author: Ellie Franks

E-Mail: FRC (Fan Rated for Children)

Category: Medical Investigation (Stephen/Natalie)

Spoilers: Little Black Book

Feedback: Feedback like totally reeks of awesomeness dude!

Summary: She was right where you knew she would be, right where she always was when she wanted to be alone.

Distribution: My site, anyplace else I would be honored! Just keep my name on it and send me a little note to let me know where it's going!

Disclaimer: Without Prejudice. The names of all characters contained here-in are the property of Laurence Andries and Marc Buckland. No Infringments of these copyrights are intended, and are used here without permission.

Notes: I approached this fic with a new writing style. Hopefully it is not too weird!

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You find her shortly after she left the break room. She was right where you knew she would be, right where she always was when she wanted to be alone.

She leans over the railing, looking down at the people walking the sidewalk in front of the NIH building. She doesn't turn around, but you know that she knows you are there.

"You'll catch your death up here." You speak softly.

It's then that she turns around to face you, and you can see her sorrows etched in her face. Silently, you take off your dreaded suit coat that you had to wear for the press conference, and help her shrug into it. She pulls it tightly around her small frame, and shows you a small smile of appreciation.

You can't help but stare at her in that moment. She looks beautiful.

"What?" She asks, catching your stare.

"Are you okay?" You quickly change the focus of the conversation.

She lets out a deep sigh as she turns back to the railing. "You think you know someone."

You bite your lip in contemplation and then step up beside her, casually placing your arm around her shoulders.

"Some people have secrets." You offer.

"She was my sorority sister. Her and Doug were the best couple on campus, he was like a big brother to me." She explains.

"I know." You tell her. And you do.

"She said we weren't okay. How can she be okay with him, but not me?" She turns to you, her eyes imploring.

You wish you had an answer for her. You hate seeing her in any kind of pain. You remember when she came to you and told you that she and Rob were getting a divorce. When you found out the reason, you wanted to rip his eyes out, but not before ripping some other vital organs out of his body. But when you saw the anguish in her blue eyes, you just wanted her to be okay.

"Give her time, Nat." You begin. Giving her shoulders a soft squeeze. "She'll come around. With your friendship on the line, how could she not?" You offer her a small smile.

She meets your eyes, and returns your smile. "Thanks Stephen." She says sincerely.