As Nick sat in the passenger seat of their patrol car, she noticed a few details she wasn't sure why she hasn't noticed before.
One. Every morning Nick had bought her a cup of coffee. She'd smile and say thank before driving to their job. Instead, today she carefully examined his face when she'd smile. His own smile seemed a bit more radiant today than usual. Has it always been that way? She wonders, but it's not a long thought because now his eyebrow raises and she automatically knows she's been staring at him for owo long.
Two. He rests his hand on the armrest between them, once in awhile she'd put her hand down and accidentally touch his. She'd pull away, mumble an apology, and ignore the fluttering feeling inside of her. But what she didn't see before is his reaction. His eyes gone from their usual half-lidded look to fully open. He touches his hand with the other almost like the contact injured him. And most importantly, the blush that ran over his cheeks. Maybe it was the sun radiating off of his fur. Part of her hoped it was for another reason.
Three. Every time they'd walk into the police station, he made sure he was as close to her without touching as possible, which means that once in awhile his shoulder would bump into hers or her ear would hit his chest. She swears she could feel his heart racing, but refused to bring it up. She blamed it on his prœtection of her. Somewhere in their friendship, he gained that need. A need to keep her safe. Not that she didn't mind, but as she's explained to him multiple times, she didn't need to be protected.
"My apologies, madame, but a cute little bunny like you needs it," was only one of many responses for her statement. Clearly it was a cover up for some other reason.
Four. It was common for their co-workers to assumptions about their 'relationship' and when they did, Nick was quick to shut it down. Yet she didn't understand why it bothered him so 'd ask, he'd say because he hates rumors, but was that really the answer or another cover up? To be honest, the rumors weren't too much of a knew the truth, that's what matters. That's what she always believed. So when she walked into the office that morning, Nick only a foot away, and heard ,'There's the darling police couple now,' she was shocked to find herself feeling almost excited by it. A sense of pride swept over her even though they weren't anything close to a romantic item. She pushed it to the back of her mind and took her seat.
Five. Whether it was parking duty or an actual case, he'd always seemed happy. Parking duty, in his own words, was as boring as watching the sloths at the DMV. She let out a giggle at that joke. He looked as if he accomplished a life goal just by making her smile.
Six. Every day after their shifts had ended, he'd be at her apartment. He despised her place, so she couldn't understand why.
"It's not as bad as you keep claiming it is," then he'd rest himself in her chair, hands tangled behind the back of his head and leg resting on the other, and just look around until he'd settle on staring at her.
"What?" She sat on the edge of her mattress.
He shrugged, "Nothing. Just thinking."
"Okay?" She never asked about what he was thinking. The answer almost frightened her, but tonight she felt bold, "About?"
"Well," his foot shakes, "you."
"Wh-What about me?"
Then, he'd stay silent, but kept both eyes on her. Almost like he was waiting for something. She didn't understand what he wanted. Her ears lowered down, he'd sigh.
"I think your ears are cute down. It makes me feel like you're lowering your defenses."
"I guess, yeah," she grips the comforter, suddenly the room was too dark for her. She wished she bought an extra lamp.
"Thank you."
Now was her turn to feel confused, For?"
The next thing surprised her, "For seeing something in me no one else did. For trusting me."
Before responding, she cleared her throat, "You're welcome."
There was something different about him now.