Disclaimer: This takes place shortly after they arrive back at the headquarters following the episode Church Bells in Bagota. Nicholas helps Shannon deal with her broken heart and then realizes his true feelings for her.
The team had chosen to head off their seperate ways except for Shannon and Nicholas, who had noticed his female teammate still seemed upset. Glancing in her direction as she walked over to one of the couches, he followed her and then sat down beside her. He could tell she was close to tears so he enveloped her in his arms. "Its okay. Let it out." He said in his soft Austrailan dialect.
Shannon immediately let her tears flow. She felt safe and comforted in Nicholas's strong yet loving arms. She sat there for several minutes letting herself cry openly. She could feel his hands rubbing smooth circles across her back, which helped in relaxing her to the point of exhaustion. After awhile, she sniffled and said, "I don't think I am in any shape to drive myself home."
"Do you want me to drive you?" He asked. Thankfully, Jim had also several cots which were kept in a seperate room or they at times just slept on the couches if they were too exhausted to drive home.
"I am thinking about staying here tonight." She admitted. "You can go ahead and go home if you want. I'll be fine."
Nicholas shook his head and said, "After that I am not leaving you alone. I honestly think you would be more comfortable if someone kept you company."
Shooting him a grateful smile, she then nodded. "Thanks."
He smiled in return and said, "You're welcome."
They both got up and grabbed blankets and pillows from the supply closet and then both claimed one of the large size couches. They both laid down on one of them and settled in. Shannon fell into a deep sleep first, giving in to her exhaustion.
Nicholas lay there quietly watching her silently as she slept. He was thinking about how much she meant to him. She really was more to him than just a close friend. He had been hiding his feelings for a long time so he didn't push her away or have it interfere with the team. He let it leave his mind for now as he himself drifted off to sleep. He knew Jim would be arriving prmptly at 7 am.