So I'm back for a 2nd attempt at this. Again I have to let you know english isn't my first language. I got some constructive feedback on my last fanfic which was much appreciated and I'm hoping I'm doing a few things different this time around that makes it an easier read. I don't own any of the characters unfortunately.
Anywho this one's about Amanda and Nick. I have to tell you though I'm a Fin/Amanda shipper at heart but I can't see Warren & TPTB going there though unfortunately. I think Amanda and Nick might be a possibilty even if I fear the chemistry isn't really there. The thought of them being able to pull of a Debra/Quinn relationship a la Dexter intrigues me a bit though I have to admit.
But on to my story. I guess we're about somewhere at the beginning of season 14. Nick's divorced. It takes place during one single day. It's Nick having Amanda's back since Fin is AWOL. And as you've guessed from the title there's a guest coming and he's not so wanted there. Happy reading!

XXX

"Hey Rollins," came from the gate and she immediately raised her head from the papers that previously had her attention. She spotted the uniform that had called her name and then as her eyes wandered to the figure behind him it was like a fist hit her gut. She quickly looked back down. She knew she had to take control of her body and mind as fast as possible cause otherwise the uniform would bring the unwanted guest inside the squad room and that's the last thing she wanted.
"Hey Rollins, you have a visitor," the uniform called out again. She managed to look back up again, sweeping past Nick's curious eyes across the desk as she did. She swallowed hard and got up from her desk feeling Nick's eyes still on her. She felt relief that her legs carried her as she took that first step towards the gate. She had to gather all strength in her body to hold herself upright and composed.

"He says he's an old colleague," the uniform said as she got closer and he hinted to the figure right behind him. Amanda nodded and managed a weak "Thanks". The uniform looked at her a bit pensive but still turned around and left the two alone. Amanda couldn't even look at the man that she was now left with. She took a few steps out into the hallway where there was a little more space and any curious eyes from her squad wouldn't reach them.

"Hi," he said and she felt her entire body tense up even more by the sound of his voice. Something that felt like motion sickness came crawling up her throat and she swallowed hard. Still not able to look at the man in front of her she looked down the hallway and followed a man and a woman on their way to the elevator. She felt like running after them as they disappeared into the elevator.
"I'm sorry to just show up like this but I didn't have your number," he said after some awkward silence. She bit her lip and managed to just briefly look at him. He looked just as she remembered him, the face that still to this day showed up in her nightmares from time to time. The unreliable half smile and those dark eyes that made her skin crawl.

"What do you want?" she asked quickly as she looked away again. This time she didn't find anyone in the hallway to look at so she ended up just staring at a tiny crack in the wall to the right of this despicable man. She'd like to make a crack in him she thought if that didn't mean she had to touch him.
"I'm in town for this seminar. I arrived yesterday. Well your mom found out from my mom, you know, and she asked me to bring some stuff for you," he sounded a bit unsecure. Not a trait he usually sported.
"Okay. Where is it?" she felt forced to look at him again. She managed to keep her eyes on him even though she felt like she was dying a little inside with every single second that went by.
"Well it's a package. It's back at my hotel."
"Why did you come here without it?" she asked with a frown on her face. He looked as though he had to think about it.
"Well I was here yesterday but I'd just missed you then. I wasn't sure I'd found you today either," he tried to look sincere but she didn't buy that explanation at all and surely the next thing that came out of his mouth proved her right.
"You could come by my hotel. I'll be there the rest of the night. The end of the seminar and then a dinner for the participants," he picked up a card from his jacket pocket and held it out for her.
"It's the Courtyard Marriott. Just across Central Park." She shook her head and looked away.
"Mandy common. It will be quick." She winced when she heard him say her name. Or rather her Atlanta PD nickname.
"Well I'm not sure how the day will play out," she sighed and then clenched her jaws to keep the sickness down that was now threatening to climb up her throat again.
"Common. We both know the NYPD have meal breaks too. I wouldn't be here if your mom hadn't sent me that package for you. She'll ask questions if you don't get it," he held out the card even further to her and she felt like backing up but she didn't. She knew he was right and it annoyed her. She didn't speak to her mom often but she knew she would find a way to turn that into some sort of rejection if she didn't accept that package. Amanda quickly reached for the card and ripped it out of his hand.
"My number's on the back. I'm leaving for the airport at eight am tomorrow morning but you can come by during the night if you get busy here," he said while putting his hands down his jacket pockets.
"That won't be necessary. Just leave it at the front desk if I don't show up," she said through her clenched jaws feeling violated just by him suggesting she would visit his hotel room during the night.
"Common Mandy. There's no hidden agenda. It's just a package from your mom," he said calmly as he shrugged his shoulders. She met his eyes just before he turned to leave. She kept her eyes on his back as he walked down the hallway but then turned her head so she wouldn't have to meet his eyes if he turned back and looked at her. She kept looking at him through the corner of her eye though, wanting to make sure he left. She knew she wouldn't be able to calm down for a while but just having him out of the building would make it easier for her to breath at least. She saw the elevator doors open and he stepped in. He turned around and she averted her eyes until the elevator doors were shut. She took a deep breath and felt a sob slip up her throat. She cleared her throat to hide it in case someone around had heard her. No one seemed to have noticed though. She slipped down the hotel card in her back jeans pocket and went back into the squad room.

"Who was that?" Nick asked as she sat down opposite him. When she looked up at him it looked as though she hadn't heard him and he raised his eyebrows.
"What?" she asked once she realized he was looking at her.
"I asked; who was that?" he repeated and put down the file he held on to on the desk as he focused his attention on her and her somewhat odd behavior.
"Oh, no one," she answered quickly as she looked back over her shoulder to Fin's empty desk. Typically, she thought, that her partner had to be away right now. It wasn't that she begrudged that he had a couple of days off. He rarely took time off but his son had asked him if he wanted to come along and meet Alejandro's, his fiancées, parents who was living in Washington. She knew that Ken asking Fin to come along was a big deal to her partner and she was happy that he'd accepted the invitation. It was just typical that it had to be right now. Fin had the ability to empower her just by his presence and she felt in need of that right now. She suddenly felt very queasy and stood up quickly to make her way to the ladies room. Neither her look at Fin's desk or the sudden paleness before she rushed down the hall went unnoticed by Nick.

Even though she couldn't shake of the earlier encounter the day went on. They soon got a case and while Olivia and Nick took the crime scene Amanda went with Munch to do some door knocking in the neighborhood in hope of finding some witnesses to the rape and murder of a young woman. They didn't find anyone though and on a regular day Amanda would feel apprehensive by this but today she had a hard time focusing so she saw it as a blessing to just be doing manual footwork. And Munch was good at keeping her distracted while trailing along the neighborhood. Only Munches' wit worked on a day like today. Luckily Olivia and Nick had better luck at the crime scene and found both fingerprints and DNA. They were hopeful to catch whoever had decided he could play God.

Amanda soon found herself back at the station setting up a board for the case. Liv and Nick went by Warner in the morgue meanwhile and Munch got in contact with the police in Ohio where the young woman's family lived. They all soon gathered around the board along with Cragen and Amanda got the suspect up on the screen as they made a DNA hit. The suspect worked at the same gym as the woman they soon found out. Cragen sent Olivia and Munch to the gym that was located near Lincoln square while he wanted Amanda and Nick to take the suspects apartment up in East Harlem. Both teams would have police backup waiting for them. Amanda, now finding her way around the city a little better after nearly a year here, knew East Harlem meant her unwanted guest's hotel would be on their way. Of course they had to go straight there and she kept hoping they would find the guy at home so she'd be occupied with the case. Luck wasn't on her side this day though as she'd already figured. Even before they got to the guys apartment Olivia phoned in and informed them that they'd made the arrest at the gym. She told them to search his apartment anyway as they were almost there anyway. Olivia and Munch would take the interview with the suspect meanwhile. They searched the place rather quickly. They found photos of the man and the murdered woman which hinted to the fact they had been more than just colleagues. They decided to drive back into the station and Nick got behind the wheel. He hadn't picked up on any more odd behavior since the running pale to the bathroom business earlier today but now in the car he felt the tension build up around her. No one said anything. He kept looking at her out of the corner of his eye. She were doing the same at him as she was wondering if she would be able to ask him or not. If it were Fin it wouldn't be a problem but she wasn't sure about Nick. They really hadn't built up any kind of trust between them, not that she didn't feel safe with him as backup it was more that they butt heads on cases often. Sure they had one or two tequila races during the year and she'd probably turn to him before she turned to Olivia but she was just worried about the questions he might have if she asked him for a detour. He was rather nosy in her opinion. But she really didn't feel like going to the hotel on her own later one either. The clock had already passed seven thirty and she realized it was now or never.

"Do you mind taking a detour?" she asked quickly before she changed her mind. He looked over at her.
"No. Where to?" He said as soon as he had a look at her and saw the strain on her face. The favor hadn't been easy for her to enquire. She fished up a card from her back pocket and she had a look at it.
"It's a hotel. Courtyard Marriott," she told him.
"That's upper east right?" he asked and she said yes after taking another look at the card.
"No problem. Who's there?" he already were asking questions she thought to herself and took a deep breath.
"No one. I'm just picking up a package," she told him and looked out her window. Nick knew not to pry more and focused back on the road. The traffic was rather bad so a stop by the hotel which was nearby wouldn't be such a bad idea, hopefully it would have slowed down once they got back on the road again. He drove into the hotels parking lot just minutes later. He turned the engine off and relaxed back in his seat. Amanda's side were closer to the hotel and she kept staring out the window to the foyer. She wasn't moving.

"Can I go with you?" he asked. She kept her head still for another few seconds but then she turned to look at him. She looked a little bit lost, like she couldn't make up her mind about his question.
"I've heard they have a swimming pool in the lobby, or at least so you can see it from the lobby," he said to give her a reason for him to join her. She still hesitated a bit but then finally she nodded. She didn't move though so he open his door to get her going. He got all the way out and around the car before she'd even open her door though. He had no idea what was going on with her and it puzzled him to see her like this. She was usually so headstrong and secure and he had rarely seen her unbalanced. But right now she was. Unbalanced to say the least. Once she'd closed the door he locked the car behind them and he took the lead up the hotel. He held up the door for her and then waited back as she went up to the front desk. A lady greeted her with a big smile and he tried to listen in but a couple of older ladies in the foyer were talking so loudly it made it impossible for him to eavesdrop. Amanda soon turned from the desk and hinted with her head for him to follow her further in. He followed her a couple of steps behind and took a door from her. He remained there though when he saw the big company who was in there. About a hundred heads he estimated, mostly men. Gathered around two long tables having dinner. Nothing fanzy, mostly casual dressed some with ties though. Amanda felt reluctant to walk further in but finally did. Nick watched her walk up along the first table as she seemed to look for someone. He spotted a man rising from the 2nd table, she stopped immediately and waited for him to walk up to her. He recognized the man. It was the same man that had visited her earlier at the station. They didn't greet each other with a handshake or anything. He saw them exchange some words and then Amanda turned. Her face was anything but friendly. The man followed her and they walked past Nick. Nick met the man's eyes as he passed him. There was something fishy about him, or maybe it was just that this whole situation felt fishy Nick thought to himself. Amanda let the man pass and then waited a few steps before she followed. Nick let go off the door but was unsure whether he should follow or not. But as Amanda turned and made big eyes as he waved him forward he got that she wanted him to follow and he quickly caught up to her. The man had pushed the elevator button and the doors immediately went up. He stepped in and Amanda and then Nick followed. Awkwardly Amanda stepped to the other side of the car from where the man stood which left Nick in the middle of the two. The man looked at Nick after he'd pushed a button and the doors went shut.

"This is Nick, my partner," Amanda said picking up on the awkwardness. Nick held out his hand and the man took it.
"Shane," the man said and even with the short name the southern accent were distinct. Nick nodded at him as they shook hands. He had a firm grip and his skin felt rough against Nicks palm. They were riding almost all the way up and Nick checked out the man out of the corner of his eye. They were about the same height but Shane had some more weight on him. His hair had a clean cut with shaved sides and back. The top hair giving away his hair was brown. His skin was slightly tanned, like he spent some time in the sun recently. But then again Atlanta, if that's where he was from, had more sun than they had up here. Nick had always wondered how come Amanda's skin were so light coming from such a sunny state. Then again he didn't know much about the Georgia weather so maybe he was fooled by the latitude and the closeness to the state of Florida. Nick's thoughts wandered back to the man they were in the elevator with. He had a shaved face and Nick noticed an inch long scar on his neck. He was casually dressed in jeans and a dark blue sweater over a white shirt. During the walk Nick had spotted the boots he had on. An attribute he shared with Amanda. Nick looked over at her. She was leaning at the car wall and had her eyes down and away. Nick were getting more and more curious about this whole situation he'd been put in.

They finally reached their destination, Nick counting his blessings. Shane stepped out first and led them down a long corridor to the left. Amanda kept a few steps behind and Nick took her flank. So they were at a hotel picking up a package from a man named Shane. A man with fishy eyes but otherwise looking clean cut now leading them to what was most probably his room. With Amanda oozing hostility but also being very mysterious it wasn't a situation Nick felt comfortable in. But he had invited himself in and he under no circumstances wanted Amanda to be on her own right now, even though she had a gun or perhaps cause she had a gun. Shane stopped by a door, swiped his card and held the door open for Amanda. She took it reluctantly and then Shane went down a corridor to a lit room. She hesitated by the door and then turned to Nick and gave him a serious stare.

"Can you keep it open?" she asked with a lowered voice and he nodded. She collected herself in a few seconds and then walked down the corridor. Shane had disappeared around the corner and were out of their sight. Nick kept an eye at Amanda's back. She seemed almost scared as she looked around the corner but then took a few more steps inside before she turned her body towards the room. She stopped in the corner where Nick could see her and he noticed she looked at him too to make sure she had him in eyesight. She was clearly uncomfortable being in this man's room. He could hear Shane's voice but it was subdued so he couldn't make out what he was saying to her. Amanda didn't seem to take part of the conversation though. She just stood there looking bothered, like she couldn't wait to get out of there. A few minutes went by. Nick didn't want to stare but at the same time felt a need to keep an eye on her. He'd looked down the corridor when she finally said something and all he could make out was "will you" and "package". Nick heard Shane again but still couldn't make out what he was saying. Nick looked at Amanda. There was something about her demeanor. She almost looked as though she was shrinking. She looked so fragile and scared Nick seriously started to worry she would fall to the floor soon if she didn't get out of there.

"Rollins we need to head back to the station," he said loudly so Shane would hear him too. That seemed to snap Amanda out of some lethargy and she held out her hand as though she begged for something. A package, about 10 by 15 inches wide, were handed to Amanda and as soon as she got it in her hands she headed out of there.

"Mandy?" Nick heard Shane cry out. He let Amanda pass him and she started to walk quickly down the corridor. Nick let go of the door as he saw Shane re-emerge in the hallway. He looked a bit annoyed and when he spotted Nick a flare of anger came over his face. Nick hurried after Amanda. She'd gotten the elevator doors open by the time he got there and he got in the car right after her. He saw her press the lobby button several times, only stopping once the door were closed behind them.

"You okay?" he asked concerned. The nod he got as response came to quickly and wasn't that believable as she clung to the package in her arms. He were completely perplexed. The ride down seemed faster than when they went up and Amanda hurried out of the car as soon as the doors flew open.

"Welcome back to Courtyard Marriott," the lady behind the desk sung out with a big smile on her face as Amanda rushed by. The lady's smile jaded quickly but picked up a bit as Nick nodded at her with a slight smile when he passed by. Nick clicked the car open so Amanda could get in as soon as she reached the car which was way before Nick got there. She shut the door quickly behind her and had buckled in before he got to the car. He got in, put the keys in the engine but then turned to her before he turned the keys. She'd put the package in her lap and her hands rested on top of it.

"What's going on Amanda?" he had to ask.
"Can we just drive?" she asked. He was trying to figure out what to say when she added; "I'm sorry it took longer than I thought it would."
"That's not a problem Amanda. I'm just," she interrupted him before he could finish.
"Can we just drive?" she repeated. "Please?" she added and looked at him for the first time since they'd left the hotel. She tried to smile at him but it didn't reach her eyes and she had to look away after just a few seconds. Now she seemed embarrassed for some reason he couldn't get his head around. He was known to be stubborn but he wasn't stupid, nor was he malicious. She was clearly not in the mood, or ready, to talk to him about whatever was going on and he didn't know her well enough to know how to help her get there. He turned the keys, got the car in gear and backed out of there.

They rode back to the station under silence. Once back she quickly disappeared inside and by the time he got up to the squad room he spotted the package on her desk but Amanda were nowhere to be found. Liv stepped out of their captain's office along with Cragen.
"What took you so long?" Cragen asked as they approached him.
"Traffic," he said shortly.
"Where's Rollins?" Liv asked and Nick realized she must have rushed passed them so fast they didn't caught her coming in.
"Desperate for the ladies room," Nick covered and smiled at the two. Cragen nodded.

"So the guy confessed. It should be an easy case for the DA. I need you to go with Olivia to pick up the victim's sister though. She apparently just moved to town and she knows the suspect too. She wants to see her sisters body and we should get at least a short statement from her." Nick nodded in agreement and Cragen headed back to his office. Nick looked over to the package on Amanda's desk and then down towards the locker rooms figuring she must have gone down there.
"You ready?" Liv stood next to him with her jacket in hand. Nick hesitated, wanting to know Amanda was okay but not wanting to give anything away to Liv.
"Yeah," he felt forced to answer and headed out after Liv. They would be gone for almost three hours, the sister fainting while in the morgue and needing some extra care from the detectives. They would end up taking the statement outside the morgue and then driving her home again. So it was close to eleven pm when they got back to the squad room. Nick immediately noticed that the package had been moved on Amanda's desk, now placed on the visitors chair. So she had at least been out there but he still couldn't see her. Cragen came out and Liv briefed him on the sister's statement. Their captain informed them that Amanda had taken down the board and arranged the case file for Liv to take to the DA once they had completed it.

"Where is she?" Nick asked.
"I sent her home," Cragen informed him and then continued; "Someone came in looking for her." That immediately caught Nick's attention and he approached his captain.
"Who was it?" he asked. Liv, who was now sitting at her desk, looked up at Nick as she caught the eagerness in his voice.
"I'm not sure but he was fairly drunk and looked like he needed an escort," Cragen raised his eyebrow at Nick.
"In his 40s, about my height, clean cut, southern accent?" Nick asked and Cragen nodded.
"Sounds about right," Cragen said with a wondering look on his face.
"When?"
"About thirty minutes ago," Cragen estimated.
"Is it okay if I head out too?" Nick asked but had already grabbed his jacket again.
"If your partner doesn't object being ditched with the paperwork," Cragen said and turned sideways towards Liv.
"Do you mind Liv?" Nick asked as Cragen walked back into his office letting the two of them work it out. Liv shook her head.

Nick went around Amanda's desk and picked up the package on the chair. Liv came up to him with quick steps as she noticed what a hurry he got in.
"What's going on?" she asked. He should have known she would pick up on what was going on, not that Nick knew and he decided being honest were probably the right call at the moment.
"I honestly don't know," he said.
"Can I help?" she offered but he shook her off.
"I'm not sure I can," he said and got a sympathetic nod from her. He headed out with the package under his arm. It wasn't heavy but he felt something roll around in there. When he got to the parking lot he was puzzled when he saw her car still in its lot. He stopped dead in his tracks and took a look around. The parking lot was still. Where the hell was she? And where was her unwanted guest?