Nick grabbed a crimson-filled bottle from the refrigerator and threw himself down on his couch, shutting his eyes and praying for temporary oblivion. He was tired and frustrated. Within one night, what had once seemed to him to be the ultimate prize was suddenly much less appealing.

****Flashback: earlier that morning****

He and Tracy were reveling in their first fairly slow night in weeks when the call came over the police radio. Ten minutes later, they arrived on one of the worst murder scenes Nick had ever witnessed. Even the vampire lurking within was quelled by the grizzly nature of the killings. The bodies of 67 children, ranging in age from 5 months to 17 years, and 22 adults were scattered throughout the orphanage, slaughtered by gunfire and hideously disemboweled. The perpetrators had apparently turned their weapons on themselves after they had completed their mission, adding eight more bodies to the count. As he surveyed the scene, a child's refuge flooded with blood, Nick's already-wavering faith in humanity plummeted.

****Present****

He leaned into the warm embrace of the soft leather and sighed. It was not the leather's embrace he yearned for. A translucent image of his sire floated just out of reach, unbidden, as desire stirred. His eyes slammed open. 'Where the hell did *that* come from?'

Closing his eyes once more, Nick allowed the earliest memories of his unlife to surface. He was too tired to fight the truth. He recalled the first moment he'd laid eyes on LaCroix -- little did he know how quickly those icy blue eyes would pierce his soul and claim his heart forever.

	The first time I loved forever
	Was when you whispered my name
	And I knew at once you loved me
	For the me of who I am

A lifetime later, or so it had seemed to Nick at the time, he'd found himself standing in the sand facing the doorway to judgement. The soft light had beckoned to him but he could not step in. In the distance, he heard a voice whispering his name over and over, strains of silk calling him back, reclaiming him. He knew that the decision had been his, a choice that was never really a choice. He'd known in his heart that he had to return to those startling eyes, to those tender lips.

	The first time I loved forever
	I cast all else aside
	And I bid my heart to follow
	Be there no more need to hide

Nick felt a familiar presence hovering just outside his skylight and belatedly realized that he'd been broadcasting his inner turmoil down the link he shared with his master. LaCroix descended slowly, landing just behind where his son sat on the couch. Nick did not look up but sent a mental greeting. Unwilling to speak, he opened his mind to share his memories of a time when they had been connected by more than just a psychic link. Cherished days spent wrapped in strong arms melded with images of wild, passionate evenings spent exploring every inch of each other.

	And if wishes and dream are merely for children
	And if love's a tale for fools
	I'll live this dream with you 

LaCroix had come to the loft intending to turn Nicholas' present doubt to his own advantage; subtly twisting the situation to further his own goals and bring his son that much closer to a return to his true nature. The memories Nicholas chose to share with him, however, caused him to re-evaluate his plans. Without a word, LaCroix sat next to his son. Nick felt himself being gathered into his father's arms as soft, warm lips brushed against his forehead. He tilted his face up to his sire's to catch the next kiss with his mouth, turning into the comfort of the embrace. His fear and apprehension at returning to his lover's side began to diminish. Getting back to the intimacy they had once shared would take time, Nick knew, but he could finally admit his desire to try.

	For all my life and forever
	There's a truth I will always know
	When my world divides and shatters
	Your love is where I'll go	

-Fini-

Song Disclaimer: “The First Time I Loved Forever” is the theme song to the TV show Beauty and the Beast. It was written and sung by Melanie. No copyright infringement is implied or intended.

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