Kyer does not own any of these characters. Nick & Nat are imprisoned by Sony/Tristar.

In honor of Susan M. Garrett's birthday, wherefore she didst plead: "So PLEASE write something for my birthday."

Okay.
But Susan... next time you might want to specify parameters. Such as: write something *good* or *that I'd like* or *unless your that Schitzoid Knightie person."
Sorry this is so short-- but I'm supposed to be packing for an out-of-town trip.

Since you neglected to do this...

"Hold that open to this page, will you?"

Natalie Lambert indicated the book as she reached for another ingrediant. Face a study in concentration, Nicholas de Brabant Knight held open th ancient tome as instructed, careful not to damage the fragile pages or crumbling leather binder any further than it was already.

"Are you sure this is going to work, Nat? I mean.. so much of the text is pretty damaged."

Natalie snorted as she measured out the next in a long line of exotic ingrediants and added it to her blender. "You came to me with that thing, remember?" she said, gesturing at the time-worn volume with a finger. "All pleading puppy-dog eyes begging for my help to try it out." She switched on the blender, watching closely as the assortment of colors quickly got ground up into an unappetitizing greenish-brown sludge that did not look anything like chocolate. In fact, 'swamp mud' would have been a closer analogy. "You know I prefer the scientific approach myself."

"Yeah... I know. He gave her a look of pure longing. "You just don't realize how long I've been waiting... how much I've been wanting this. So many times I've felt close--- only to have the 'goal' snatched away from me!"

"Well, Nick," Natalie frowned as she turned off the blender and passed it to him. Her eyes gazed apprehensively into his. "It's ready."

"Your *sure* were not missing something?" Nick eyed the disgusting concoction warily. As much as he wanted this, he couldn't help but think of that 'The Fix' incident. Nat was a good friend, but unfortunately, she was hardly *perfect*.

"Like you said--- the text *is* less than in pristine condition... but, well-- it's your call, Nick."

Nicholas de Brabant hefted the drink up and took a wary sniff. It smelled awful.

However, the ancient verse *had* promised that 'whomever shalt partake of this mixture shalt be granted his heart's verily greatest desire', so... he gave Natalie a nervous smile before he tipped the container back and swallowed down a large mouthful. Stomach pain... dizziness.... falling... blackness...

"Nick?"

"Errrfff ooohh! ... somebody get the registration number of that 747... hit me out of nowhere..."

"Nick! Wake up! Speak to me, Nick. Are you alright?

"... Huh?... D-Did it work?" Nick allowed himself to be helped up into a sitting position, his hand wiping wearily at his face. Maybe Nat was right about sticking to science only. Everything was so blurry... Nat's hazy form seemed to be shifting even.

"Did you hurt yourself? Well, don't worry about it. In fact, don't worry about anything ever again-- not LaCroix, not Franchesca, not Enforcers, not *anything*. Because I'm going to fix everything right up."

Nicholas blinked his eyes several times to further clear his vision. His gaze rested upon the brightly smiling face before him and he sighed in relief. Then he grinned. "It worked!" He hugged her close and gave her a passionate kiss. After *years* of dreaming-- of longing to hold her and profess his love as she deserve to be loved--- now, at last, he was free to be with her: his truest heart's desire--- the woman of his dreams! Never again would he need feel angst or anguish!

"Honey, your awfully silly after you've downed a few from the cow cartons-- you know that?" laughed the female wonder in his arms as she kissed him right back. "You eat it too fast and the ice cream just goes right to your brain!. Oh, and how about you take me flying this afternoon. You know I adore the sunlight on your hair as the wind ruffles through it. We can even buzz the Tower again if you like.. I'll never forget the look on that diner's face when we did it last time."

Nick sighed happily. Part of him was going to miss Natalie, but... No doubt about it--- Mary Sue really *did* know how to make *everything* perfect.

__________________________________________

By the way, Susan--- I *like* the Caddy, color and all. Have a happy B-Day!

Impishly Grinned, :)=

Kyer en Ysh
who is suddenly mighty glad she is going to be going No-Mail for several weeks....

*note to those who are klewless: Mary Sue is the name given to any original character who has the annoying knack of miraculously solving the main characters problems-- usually single-handedly. The despised Wonder Woman of the fanfic world.