The first time Nick said those three words ended up being when he thought it'd be the last time he was alive. After that he'd learned to never be greedy and keep them to himself anymore. They were long overdue. Because there was no way to tell how much time they had left together.

It wasn't the I and the you that mattered so much as the word that came between. This was what carried so much weight. So much meaning. Nick couldn't remember the last time he'd said it and actually meant it.

Ellis of course, returned the sentiment, squeezing his hand gently. They were silent for a while after that. What more was there to say?

"What the fuck were you thinking?" The once mechanic sighed, shaking his head. "I thought I'd lost you.."

"Come on.. I thought it'd be romantic." Nick joked weakly, managing a small half-smile.

In truth, there was no thinking involved when he saw a Tank charging directly for Ellis. Only action was needed. He had managed to pull Ellis away, but also put himself directly in the path. If Ellis had taken a hit like that.. in the condition he was in... it would've been over. Done. Game over. And Nick wasn't about to stand idly by and watch that happen.

"Don't joke about this.. I didn't- You didn't have to be a hero, Nick."

"Ellis, has it ever occurred to you that maybe I can't stand the thought of losing you either?" Nick pulled his hand from Ellis's, his mouth set in a firm line. He tried to set up then decided against it, his ribs were still healing. And probably would be healing for a while yet.

"M'sorry. I'm grateful for it and all. You just.. just really scared me." Ellis said softly, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Yeah. Well, don't expect an apology. I don't regret what I did." Nick crossed his arms in front of his bandaged chest, noticing the look Ellis had adopted. "Oh come on, don't give me that look."

"What look?"

He had to know what he was doing. There was no way that sad puppy look wasn't practiced as fuck. Well practiced enough for it to actually work.

Nick sighed tiredly, "If you plan to sit here all night you may as well join me."

The only slightly broken man patted what mattress there was left next to him, a resigned look washed over his features. Ellis accepted the invitation, cuddling up to Nick's side a little too insistently. The action had become all too normal.

"Fuck, take it easy Ellis." He chided, wincing.

"I'm just happy bout what you said.." Ellis confessed, easing off of Nick. Only a little.

"Oh? That? I could've said it anytime."

"True.. but you actually meant it."

"Yeah.. you got me there, killer." Nick wrapped his arm around Ellis loosely, rubbing his back.

"And uh.. it was kinda cool, Nick. You comin' to my rescue like that." He confessed, directing a gentle smile up at the other man.

"Heh. I'm glad it looked cool. It definitely didn't feel like it." Nick responded, "But I wouldn't have had to save you if you were better at.. well, everything."

Ellis's smile dropped as he heard that, knowing that the constant snark was Nick's way didn't make being on the receiving end any more pleasant. "Nick, you're awful."

"So I've been told." He shrugged, not really having meant his earlier words.

"Didn't someone teach you how be nice to people?" Ellis mock scolded, tipping Nick's chin up gently.

"I.. I might need a refresher." He grasped Ellis's wrist, smirking. "A really gentle one."

"Oh? Then I guess I'll see what I can do." The mechanic couldn't help the smile that found its way to his lips again as he leant in for a kiss.

They would be tired the next day, but that wasn't even a factor anymore.