I'd claim derangement brought on by recent personal events...... but the idea for this puppy was actually born a bit earlier. Please don't hit me.

As usual, Kyer owns nought but her dust bunny collection, So don't bother suing. Flames will be sent to hell where they belong. (and Kyer fervently hopes God has a sense of humor lest she soon follow said missiles.) Words of condolence for my lost mind can be sent to: [email protected]

Ok, I lied. I didn't get this beta read. And I don't know why the postscript for my earlier message showed up twice. Sorry.

"Uh oh."

"What do you mean, 'uh oh', Nat? And why do I feel so strange?"

"Uh oh."

"You already said that. Are you trying to say the cure didn't take? Because I tell you, Nat, I really feel different! The vampire is gone!"

"Umm... I'm afraid that's not the only thing thats 'gone', Nick.... "

"What? OH MY GOD!! Nat?!"

"I KNEW you should have let me test it first, Nick! I *told* you there could be unwanted side affects!"

"Somehow 'sideaffects' doesn't quite do this justice, Nat. What am I going to do! I can't go out like... like THIS!"

"I'm afraid you'll have to. I'll start working on a cure right away... but. Nick, this may take some time!"

"Well, that's just great."

"Damn it, Nick! You think *I* wanted this to happen?!"

"No. No, of course you didn't. I guess I could ask LaCroix for advice... "

"Oh no! Don't you dare go running to that creep, Nick. You don't know what that.. that *man* will do!"

"Creep, doctor? Man? My, the insults are coming fast and furious today."

"LACROIX!"

"Yes. Did you think I would not sense my son's *cure*? Luckily I happened to be nearby when I felt my son's presence ripped from me. I feel I simply must return the favor by ripping out your heart. But first things first. Before you tell me where my son has run off to and I end your misbegotten life, kindly introduce me to your frie--- GODS!..... Fleur?!!!!"

"Um... actually...... its me...... Nick. YouseethereseemstobethisunforseenproblemwithNat'spotionandI'dreally appreciateitifyouwouldhelpmefindanantido--"

"Nicholas? It's really you? Yes... yes... of course... amazing! Do you know, Natalie, that he... or should I say *she* is now the spitting image of his long dead sister?"

"Um... really. That's nice, LaCroix, but Nick really needs your help right now. A new I.D. for starters. "

"Of course. But you must admit, Nicholas, that this *does* bring to mind some... interesting... possibilities."

"LaCroix.... please stop looking at me like that! I am NOT Fleur!"

"Close enough."

"Huh?"

"You do owe me for the heartbeak of that loss, Nicholas."

"Hey! Excuse the intrusion, but has anybody seen Tracy--- ?! Oh WOW! Who's the hot chick? Care to do lunch, quierida?"

"Get your hands off me, Vachon!"

"Nick?!!! It can't be!"

"But it is, young Spaniard, and you would be wise to unhand hi--her right now. 'Nichole' and I already have a date."

"Nichole?! Date?! Now, wait a minute, LaCroix! I never said I would go out with you. Besides.... Vachon's kind of cute."

"Nick!"

"Sorry, Nat. But a girl's gotta have some kinda social life. Look what happened to you."

And Kyer is going to end this right now before she has to THWAP herself!!