It had been a while since Dani and Nico had been in the same car together. 6 months in fact Dai thought as she stared out the front windshield, keeping her eye on the road. While she had been initially annoyed (understatement) that Connor had insisted strongly that Nico accompany her when he had sent her out to 'assess' as he gently put it the wellbeing of one of his newest star recruits, she was now grateful that it was Nico who was maneuvering the car through the rain that had been steadily getting heavier over the last hour. They had been travelling back to V3 when they'd run into a bad storm. The weather station claimed the storm was 'passing through' but as visibility was now zero to none, Dani wasn't sure when the passing would actually be. The weather, ironically she thought, was mimicking her mood. God she hated unplanned, surprise assignments. She had gotten used to…and occasionally looked forward to Nico's middle of the night situations when she was still employed by the Hawks (not that she would ever admit it) and now it looked as though she was going to have to reacquaint herself with the idea of late nights, long hours and unexpected road trips if she was going to continue working for Connor Mclaine and V3.
Dani glanced sideways, trying to get a glimpse of Nico's expression…it was the age old theory, if the stewardesses looked calm during the turbulence, you knew you were going to be alright. Nico looked steely, stoic…his usual self. Her mouth turned up slightly at the corners as she realized he would look like that no matter the situation. While it amused her slightly it did not ease the worry she felt beginning to surface inside her.
The road was narrow and winding and thread right through the middle of a dense forest. The rain beating down on the windshield made it almost impossible to see further than a few feet in front of the SUV. Dani crossed her arms over her lap and curled the fingers of her right hand around the door handle, her knuckles turning white in the death grip. She desperately wanted to reach over and hold Nico's hand, but she knew the action would be both unwise, considering he was using both hands to steer and unwelcome considering their current you ignored me I slapped you stance they were in.
Nico broke Dani from her thoughts, "You're awfully quiet over there Doctor. You doing Ok?"
"Yes, thank you." Dani answered, coolly. "Just didn't want to disturb your concentration"
"How do you know I'm concentrating?" Nico teased, trying to alleviate some of the stress she was radiating.
Dani glanced briefly again in his direction. "You have your 'I'm concentrating face on." She smiled to herself, thinking she had beaten him at his own game.
"Damn and I thought I was wearing my happy face" Nico smirked, looking in her direction.
"Cute," she smiled, then gesturing emphatically towards the windscreen she continued "Eyes forward Mister."
Nico's eyes returned to the road in time for him to navigate the vehicle around a particularly tight bend. He had just managed to avoid a large branch that had fallen across his side of the road, taking the car wider than the road itself to compensate, when the rear tires lost all traction in the gravel along the edge of the bend. He slammed down hard on the brakes and the back end of the SUV slid forward almost sending them over the edge of the road, and into a ditch. Nico heard the telltale sign of a tire blowing obviously they had caught a rock at the side of the road. He glanced at his cell, and seeing he had no reception, he resigned himself to the fact that if they were going to get home anytime soon, he was going to have to kneel in the mud and change the wheel…not something he was readily looking forward to.
Turning the engine off, he looked at Dani. She had her eyes shut and was clearly employing some therapist technique to slow her breathing and calm herself. He touched her shoulder, causing her to jump.
"Damn it Nico, how can you manage to scare me, even when I know you're here?" Angry eyes turned his way.
He smiled gently, "It's a skill" shrugging his shoulders. "I'm gonna have to change the tire. You gonna be ok?"
"I'm going to be more than ok…I'm going to help" Dani smiled her sweetest smile at him. "I've changed tires before and I'm thinking you're going to need help to get the job done fast and get us home."
"So," Nico questioned, one eyebrow raised, "you're going to come kneel in the mud with me?"
Dani laughed, "I'm going to pass you things has you need them. I will not be kneeling today or any other day in the mud, with you or any other person."
He shook his head, "That's what I thought." He smiled.
"I'll probably still get wet though, if that helps"
"Surprisingly, it's extremely comforting" Nico smiled at her, this time meeting her eyes fully. She saw the glint of mischief and humor in their dark depths.
They both climbed from the SUV and headed towards the rear of the vehicle, a small gasp coming from Dani as the cold rain hit her for the first time. Lifting the hatch, Nico uncovered and retrieved the spare. He rolled it to the front driver's tire, the one that was flat and readied himself for the task ahead.
"Pass me the wrench Doctor" Nico shouted, trying his best to be heard over the wind and torrential rain.
"I can't find it, it's not here" Dani was searching the tool bag but between holding the torch and the pouring rain it was virtually an impossible task. She glanced over in Nico's direction and caught the expression that passed across his face. "Yes, Mr Fixer, I do know what a lug wrench looks like. I have my father's old socket set in my car. It was the only thing I managed to get before my mother hocked the rest of his belongings."
"I never said a word, Doctor Santino" he placated, raising his hands slightly in mock defence.
"Have you tried you're phone again?" she called.
"Still no reception. The storm must be interfering"
He looked up and suddenly realized just how soaked Dani was. Her wet clothes made her look even smaller than usual and she was shaking from head to toe.
"This is no good. We need to find somewhere to get out of this rain!" he said as he looked around for possible shelter. He glanced down the road and caught sight of a small cabin in the distance, set slightly back in the woods. "There," he pointed, "let's head for that!"
Dani nodded and they made their way towards the cabin, slipping and sliding in the mud as they went. Nico caught her by the elbow, steading her a few times as her feet slid out from under her. She would wear those ridiculous death traps, he thought to himself, glancing down at her now ruined black leather heeled boots as he righted her once more.
The cabin was harder to reach than expected. The wind was ripping through their clothes, the torrential rain beating down on them, the fallen water running in rivulets down the slope leading to the cabin. By time they arrived they were both out of breath and he notice that Dani was struggling. Nico knocked but didn't really expect an answer. The cabin looked a little run down and shut up for winter, but it would suit their purpose. He shoulder barged the door and it swung open. He motioned for Dani to go in first and he followed, shutting it behind them. Inside it was obvious that it hadn't been used in a while but it was dry and felt a damn sight warmer than outside.
"I'll try making a fire. Take a look around and see if you can find some blankets" he muttered, as he stripped off his jacket. But as he looked round at her she just stood there shivering as if frozen to the spot. He reached out and took her hand, it was ice cold and she barely seemed to notice him holding it.
"Dani, are you ok?" he said gently. He reached his other hand onto her shoulder and turned her to face him. She felt cold to the touch. She shook her head as she realized he was speaking to her.
"I'll... I'll be alright, I just n...need to get warm again" she replied, her lips quivering. Her body felt numb and she stumbled forward, grabbing his arm to steady herself. His other hand rose up to rest gently around her waist, holding her upright on her feet. She could barely feel anything but his arm under touch felt warm, his touch felt tender. She couldn't help but notice the defined muscles in his arms and chest where his wet shirt clung to him, the water dripping across his face from his drenched hair. He looked so good. She wanted to put her arms round him, soak him up, hold him tight, but that wouldn't't happen. He didn't feel that way, they were just friends, weren't they? After the 6 months of radio silence, of disappearing down a Nico rabbit hole and the cold reception he had given her when she came to V3 she wasn't even sure they were friends anymore.
"We need to take our clothes off, get dry" he said, interrupting her from her introspect. He caught the look of uncertainty, of fear that passed across her face before she turned away from him slightly. "Dani, it's the only way to get warm." He stepped in to rest his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him squarely. She still refused to meet his gaze. "Let me help you." At this she met his eyes and nodded once in acknowledgement. He searched her expression for any hint of hesitation, but what he saw in the depths of her chocolate eyes was nothing but trust. He squeezed her shoulders gently and with that he unzipped and slipped her jacket from her body, which was not easy as the leather sucked to her skin. He paused for a moment, glancing up at her to make sure that this was ok, that he could continue and she nodded. He gently peeled off her top and she raised her arms so he could lift it over her head, the palm of his hand brushing lightly against her shoulder. It felt so soft, so smooth. She was beautiful. He wanted her, to hold her, but would have to wait. She needed his help and he would give it. He guided her to the sofa and sat her on the edge. He took off her boots and socks, then carefully slid her slim fit designer denim jeans down and dropped them to the floor. Her toned body sat in front of him, naked but for her underwear. He looked up to see her staring at him, the burning attraction between them growing as they stared silently at one another. She leant toward him and he fought the urge to move closer to her. She was still shaking. He needed to warm her up before she got worse. He shook off his thoughts and stood up.
Dani watched as he walked away from her. She shook her head, letting it fall forward on her neck, trying to stem the tears that were threatening to fall. She could not, would not cry in front of this man. She would not show him anymore than he showed of himself. She would take a leaf out of his book. Build the walls. She blinked twice, clearing the unfallen tears, breathing deeply, calmly, focusing herself for when he returned.
He found a towel in the bathroom and returned to find Dani still seated on the couch, he head down, her eyes closed. He knelt down in front of her. "Dani, I'm going to touch you now." He whispered, bringing her back to reality, causing her eyes to fly open. He looked met her gaze and was surprised to see hurt and sadness in their depths this time. He shook his head slightly, pushing away all thoughts on how it tore his heart to see her hurt, or sad, and knowing he did that to her. She swallowed audibly as he placed his hands in the towel on her shoulders and began to wipe her down carefully so not to burn her damp skin. Her body hurt to be touched and ached from the cold but his touch was so gentle.
She briefly wondered what it would be like for him to touch her without the towel, to run his hands over her body. Would he be just as gentle? She was drawn from her thoughts as he stepped away from her once more. This time, he did not leave to room. He quickly shed his own clothes until all that remained were his boxer briefs. She watched as he dried himself off, rubbing down his legs, across his torso. She hadn't seen him undress before and she couldn't shake the hunger she felt build. She closed her eyes and turned her head slightly, trying to remove his image from her brain, trying desperately to forget just how beautiful he looked.
He dropped the towel to the floor and helped her stand up. He put his arm around her waist and led her into the bedroom, towards the side of the bed.
"Here, lie down Dani" he said as he grabbed some blankets from the dresser and covered her body. He walked round and crawled under the covers. He scooped her up and held her tight. Her shoulders pressed tight against his chest, her ass fit snug to his hips. He felt heat rush through him. She was still trembling, but the touch of his skin felt so warm, so good that she shut her eyes and began to relax. Minutes passed as they lay there, each silently absorbing the intensity of the embrace, each contemplating the depth of their unspoken love. Eventually she turned her head to look at him and spoke quietly,
"I need to tell you something".
"Don't worry," he whispered, "we'll talk when we get back". He dared not think that she would say what he wanted to hear. "Or we can pretend this never happened, if that's what you want."
Dani shifted her position and found herself face to face with him, their eyes met. She leant in and dragged her lips lightly across his. He opened his mouth and slowly nibbled her bottom lip. They drew apart. "I just want you." She whispered. "I just want you."
"I don't" Nico began, only to be interrupted by Dani.
"I know you don't want me, and that's ok. I'll deal with it."
"Dani" he went to interrupt her, but she silenced him with a finger raised gently to his lips.
"I need you to hear this Nico and then we can forget this ever happened. But, Nico I need to say this just once." She looked expectantly into his waiting gaze. He nodded once, allowing her to continue. "I know I ruined it when I couldn't answer why I kissed you. You said you wanted to. You said it only took 4 words. I remember thinking, have you met me? I can't describe anything in just 4 words." She shook her head, trying to refocus her thoughts. "I didn't kiss you because I needed to. I wanted to. I wanted you."
"Why didn't you tell me to stay, Dani? I needed to hear you to say the words." Nico asked, completely thrown by her confession, pain lacing his voice.
"I was scared." Dani lowered her eyes from the intensity of his gaze. She took deep breath before continuing. "But I'm not scared now."
"You're not?" Nico questioned, using his free hand to raise her face, directing her eyes back to his. Her expression betrayed her, the unshed tears, the hesitation. He swallowed; he didn't like making her scared or hesitant.
"No," she paused again. "I am not scared I'm terrified of losing you again. Of admitting to much and having you run from me. Or not saying enough and you leaving me again. I'm terrified of you leaving me, of pushing me away. But if we are going to return to V3 and pretend this never happened I need to tell you I love you Nico." His eyes widened and he smiled at her, hardly able to take in what she'd said. "I have for a very long time. I just didn't know how to say it without destroying what we had. But by not saying it I destroyed it anyway." Her words were starting to run together, getting faster and faster. He smiled, knowing she babbled when she was nervous. He leant forward and caught her lips in a searing kiss, successfully silencing her. His weight rolled them, so she was trapped beneath him, safely encircled in his arms. He withdrew slightly to look into her eyes once more.
"I love you too Dani," he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "I love you too and I'm not going anywhere." He saw the tears threatening to fall once more. He needed to do something to ease the tension, to relax her again. "Except maybe V3, when this rain is done and we can change the damn tire." He continued, smiling down at her.
"And after that?" she looked up at him expectantly.
"After that, unless you say otherwise, you won't be able to get rid of me" He watched her expression tuning from apprehensive to sheer happiness. He leant forward, capturing her lips in another heated kiss. He liked making her happy.
