WAR: LC, LN, Urs, and ValNat meet again (1/1) by Arletta Asbury, Cousin Shelley, and Cousin Tok with assistance from Kim Doherty Lacroix entered the lounge followed by Nick. He said to his son, "We really need to talk about your problem." "Wsst problsss?" Nick slurred. "This drinking problem of yours," Lacroix replied. "I don'st habe a problss," Nick stated indignantly. Lacroix was about to say more when Natalie entered the lounge. She spotted them and walked over, saying, "Honey, I've tried and tried but the new security system just won't let me into our quarters." "Hiya, Nat," Nick greeted her. He tried to slip his arm around her shoulders but due to his inebriated state and her quick reflexes, he missed and nearly toppled over in the attempt. Natalie ignored him and addressed Lacroix again, "What are you going to do about it?" Lacroix replied, "I was not *planning* to do anything about it. However, I wish to state that I am not *your* husband, Madame. Perhaps someone else among us has that distinction but it is *not* I." "But you're wearing *that* shirt. I gave it to you on your last birthday?" Nat replied in some confusion. "Actually, the shirt was a gift from *me*," said Urs who had just entered the room with Kimee trailing her. "Actually ladies, you are both incorrect. I purchased the shirt for myself quite recently," Lacroix stated. "Habse a littsle drinksie on me," said Nick addressing Natalie and once again attempting to slip his arm around her. "No THANK-YOU," replied Nat, somewhat alarmed by Nick's behavior. "What makes you think I want to have a drink with *you*?" Nat said to him. Nick blinked. This was not the response he expected. He tried again, "A littsle drinkie ... wesss haben'st had one tonighst." he said leaning, precariously, in her direction. "Madame," Lacroix said addressing Natalie, "In my reality, *you* are romantically involved with Nicholas, not myself." "Him?" She looked at Nick with dismay. "Yessh, me an you, Natsh....lesh have ush a drinksy!" Nick said, smiling and finally managing to put an arm around her. She ducked under his arm to freedom and glared at him. "Lucian and I are *involved*," Urs said, addressing Natalie." "No, in my reality, you are my employee." said Lacroix. Tears welled up in her eyes. Urs hesitated a moment then turned and fled with Kimee following. Lacroix looked back at his son who was trying to puzzle out the conversation and Natalie who was still perplexed at this turn of events. He made a decision. He left the room in search of Urs. Nat turned to Nick who stood blinking and swaying to and fro. "Never!" she said, and left the room herself. Nick stood staring at the door, unhappy about Nat's rejection of him. * * * Lacroix caught up to Urs and Kimee in the hallway and put his hand on Urs's arm to stop her, saying, "Urs? This time rift has ..." She interrupted him, saying, "Your *employee*? After all we've meant to each other. EMPLOYEE?" "Urs, it's not like that. It's...." he tried to explain but she just looked at him thru tears. "Let's talk privately," he said, trying again. "Kimee, please excuse us." "Sure," Kimee said and left them alone.