LUCIEN LACROIX: APARTMENT LOCATOR
by Heather Poinsett

  Finding an apartment isn't as easy as it used to be.  The last time 
I needed one was a few years ago in college.  Back then it was so easy.  
Security wasn't a concern - in College Station, one becomes used to 
midnight runs to Walmart, the local bar and wherever else caters to 
sleep-deprived students.  You don't worry about muggings and people 
following you to your car.  It was always a strange trip back to 
Houston. I would check my car doors to make sure they were locked 
every few minutes, I didn't flash my lights at people who were driving 
around without their lights on, and I sure didn't honk my horn when I 
got cut off.  

  College Station is so darn boring.  But at least there I 
didn't feel like a prisoner in my own home.  

  I leafed through the pages of the apartment locator I had picked up 
at the local gas-n-gulp. I sat in a coffee house, absent-mindedly 
stirring milk into my herbal tea, highlighting the promising looking 
apartments.  My main problem was finding a place that I could afford 
that didn't look like it belonged in a demilitarized zone.  I frowned 
as I continued scanning the pages, not noticing the cool blast of air 
that swept over me and the shadow that blocked my light.

  "Finding an apartment is very difficult, isn't it, my dear?"

  I looked up as I swallowed some tea. I was so suprised to see Nunkies 
examining my apartment guides that I burnt my tongue.  His hand brushed 
mine, and I blushed.  I had forgotten my manners.  

  I nearly dropped my cup as I jumped up. "Would you like to join me?" 
I asked as I coughed. I was still choking a bit on my tea.

  Nunkies took the seat next to mine and patted my back gently until 
I stopped coughing.

  "Thanks," I said. "Yes, it is difficult. I can't find anything that 
I can afford.  I don't want to live in a place where I don't feel..."

  "...safe," Nunkies finished for me as he ran his fingertips against 
my jawline.  I nodded. "You've haven't felt safe since you've moved 
back," he continued.  He gently pulled me toward him, and I shivered 
with pleasure as his lips brushed aganist mine.  I nodded again and let 
him wrap his arms around him.  Entwined in his embrace, he whispered, 
"I know the perfect place for you."

  A few minutes later we arrived at a hotel.  A security guard watched 
us walk to the elevators.  I was still in too much shock to say 
anything.  Nunkies led me to the penthouse and my jaw dropped as he 
opened the door.  I dropped my purse in the hallway and looked over the 
surroundings. The interior was done in black leather and mahogany wood.

  "Very nice," I murmured appreciatively. "I just don't think..."

  "Heather, I need someone to house-sit. I believe you will find 
adequate room for your belongings here."

  I nodded my head as he continued. "I haven't been to Houston many 
times this past year, however..." Nunkies let his hands slide down my 
arms. "I suppose I'll need to stay until you feel safe here."

  I felt myself being swept up into his strong arms again.

  "Lucien?"

  "Yes, Heather,"

  "That might be a long time."

******************************
End

-- 
Cousin Heather (heatherp@smart1.net)
Queen and Keeper of the crazy crossovers
"Lisa, vampires are make-believe.  Just like elves, 
gremlins and Eskimos"-Homer Simpson