A/N: Hope you enjoy this story. Not sure if I'll continue it or not as I'm new to this fandom and it will depend on how it's received. I usually write for the Castle fandom & work with several people in that arena but also love Necessary Roughness. Recently the pairing of Nico & Dani has intrigued me and love reading anything about them. I'm looking for a beta so if you are interested, please let me know. As typical, I don't own any of the characters. Enjoy and please let me know what you think of this story.

"Whoa, what the hell are we doing?"

"I believe its called kissing or in some parts of the world, comforting each other," Nico stated as he leaned slightly back from her. His arms still snaked around her waist.

"I know that but why - no wait, we can't do this. Not now, not after everything that happened. I mean for god sake Nico, you just lost your best friend. I just broke up with Matt. Things are a tad up in the air don't you think?"

"I do but who better to get through this then with a friend. You said it once that I don't need a therapist but a friend. You are not alone in this either and for once Dani, I don't want to fly solo." Nico said softer as he leaned in to kiss her forehead.

"I thought that is what you did best, fly solo. You told me that once then again flying solo hasn't really happened much since I started working with the Hawks has it.

"Not a lot of the time. You've handled the emotional stuff with the players, talked them down, got them out of bad situations while I've cleaned up the mess they've made and they've made a lot these past few months since you started working here. Really we're two sides of the same coin." Nico said looking deep into her eyes. He wanted so much more but wasn't sure she was ready or if he was honest, and he doesn't lie, even to himself, if he was ready.

Nico looked into her eyes for a split second longer before he leaned in for another kiss. This time though he took control, running his fingers through her hair. He could feel her start to relax as the kiss deepened her hands running through his hair and drifting lightly along his upper back. He let the kiss stop naturally but still held on to her.

"What's running through that head of yours? Tell me. Let me help you." Nico urged.

"Its seems lately I've lost control over everything. Having my office bugged, shutting down my practice, and lets not even mention the kids or Matt. " Nico hugged her tighter as she paused to collect her thoughts "Something is going on with Ray Jay and Matt, well I used to be able to count on him, even after the breakup, but when I called him the other night he wasn't able to talk. I got the impression he was rather preoccupied with something or someone. Hell, I shouldn't care but I do. I did love him at one point, I probably still do in some way but know we are not right together. He wants more than I can give. Why I'm even telling you all this stuff is beyond me as you probably don't want to hear about my love life; what you must be thinking after we kiss and I pour my heart out about Matt."

"Dani, I"m here and won't go away. I've been here the whole time and have never let you down. If that means hearing about Matt so you can sort everything out, so be it. For now though, how about we call it quits for the night. It's late and I'm betting you haven't slept much these last few days and neither have I. Before you give me that "look" I'm not talking together in bed. Way too soon for both of us. Once you get inside and get everything locked up, I'll head back to my place," Nico murmured into her ear while he caressed her back.

"Ok, you're right but don't get used to it. Tomorrow will bring its own special brand of chaos I'm sure but at least we won't be alone. I'm here for you too Nico, please don't forget that ok? It was nice tonight that you came to me when you could have leaned on someone else."

Dani felt Nico lean in for one last chaste kiss just before she stepped in and locked up for a few hours. As Dani leaned against her door for a moment, she had to admit that whatever was happening between her and Nico was something unlike she had experienced before, as cliche as that sounded and she hated to be a cliche. She cared about Matt but this thing with Nico went deeper, much deeper. Thinking about it, they started out as acquaintances who annoyed each other with an underlying attraction neither one would admit that slowly developed into a solid friendship. A friendship that could be a springboard into something much more if those kisses meant anything to her, which it did.

SIghing once more, Dani briefly touched her lips and smiled. Maybe it was time to let go of the past and move forward. She knew one thing for sure, it wasn't going to be boring but her life lately never was dull.

Once he heard her lock the door, he took one look at the house and headed toward his car. Yes, tomorrow will be hard for sure but at least he's taken a step to being closer to Dani. Something he's wanted for a some time now as he watched her from afar. No, this time he was going to get her, make her his for once.