Nick can't sleep.

It's been three days, and he hasn't heard a word.

As soon as he'd met the first victim, Nick knew something about this case was going to be different than the rest.

Boy, had he been right about that.

Even after all this time, the only thing he sees when he closes his eyes is the barrel of that gun pointed directly at Amanda's head.

He steps out of his car, and slowly makes the trek up to Amanda's apartment. It's nearly four in the morning, but he can't just sit around and wait for her to call. He has to make sure she's okay. They're, what? Friends? Partners? He isn't entirely sure what the exact label might be, but he does care about her. Immensely.

As soon as the all clear was given, he was gone, shoving past the horde of officers to get to her. Seeing her showered in that Monster's blood, dyeing her blonde hair crimson, set him aback. He'd forgotten just how fragile Amanda could be. He was so used to the tough, reliant facade she made herself to be.

It troubled him far more than he could've ever imagined.

Nick hesitantly reaches up to gently knock on her door. There's some shuffling from inside before the door swings open.

Her eyes are what he notices first.

The aren't the same color he's been hypnotized by so many times. Instead of that piercing sky blue, they're shades darker, resembling a raging storm cloud. Her hair is damp on the ends, like she'd taken a shower a few hours ago. She's paler too, if that's even possible.

"What are you doing here, Nick?"

Instinct surges over Nick causing him to snatch her up into his arm, inhaling the apricot smell of her body wash. He never wants to let go.

"I'm so sorry." He whispers into her hair.

He feels her stiffen in his embrace and he reluctantly draws back.

Amanda's staring up at him, confusion etched on her face.

"What for?"

Nick knows she's putting up a front, trying to act clueless about why he's here, but he doesn't want to upset her, especially now. So, continuing on with her act, he reaches up to rub the back of neck awkwardly.

"For wakin' you up at four in the mornin'."

Amanda gives a sliver of a smile before turning around back into her apartment, leaving Nick to stand in the doorway. He waits, not sure if he should pass the threshold or leave and pretend like tonight never happened.

"You coming?" She calls out in her bell like voice, waving for him to follow.

Nick grins before strolling into the dark room.

He can't wait to finally get some sleep tonight.