Again, any resemblance between Nico's "mission" any any real ones is purely accidental. I know nothing about the SEALs except that they are awesome badasses, and I'm glad they are on our side!
OK, he looks better today.
Dani settled in the recliner next to Nico's hospital bed. He had been moved upstairs to a room after she'd left, and she was glad he had a little bit of privacy. He seemed to be sleeping comfortably, his vitals all looking normal. She watched him for a while, the rise and fall of his chest, the tiny movements of his eyes under their lids. He looked like a little boy, all rumpled and sweet, instead of a tall, stoic ex-SEAL that half frightened her... and half-intrigued her.
Yes. He intrigues me.
She smiled at the thought and reached out for his hand again, gently stroking the back of it with her thumb. She sat there, just holding his hand, letting him get some much-needed rest. After a time, there was more eye movement. He twitched. His lips moved silently, his brow furrowing. His fingers jumped underneath her own. He was dreaming, but it wasn't a good dream. He's having a nightmare. She released his hand slowly, leaning back into the chair, watching. He mumbled unintelligibly, and his head jerked back and forth.
Suddenly, he gave a soft cry, and his eyes flew open. "Johnson!"
Dani was next to him in an instant, taking his hand again. "Nico, sssh, it's just a dream." He turned to look at her, eyes wide and full of fear.
Dani?"
"Yeah." She smiled and laid her free hand on his forehead, smoothing back his dark hair. "You having a bad dream?"
Frowning, he asked, "Is that your professional opinion?"
"Of course not." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm a mother, Nico. My children have had lots of nightmares. I know what they look like. Rapid eye movement, distressed facial expressions. And you cried out someone's name like you were afraid."
He looked nervous for a moment. "I did?"
"Yes. Who's Johnson?" She studied him very carefully.
"Oh, just... an old friend, that's all." He gave her a half-smile. "Thank you for coming to visit me."
Oh, you... change the subject. "Well, I was worried about you. When TK called me last night, telling me you'd been shot, I was... upset, Nico."
He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
"No, it's okay." She rubbed her hands on her jeans. "What do you remember?"
He sighed. "Nothing. I heard a gunshot, and ran over to warn Terrance. Then?" He shrugged, and grimaced from the pain in his shoulder. "Not another thing. I woke up this morning, and a nurse had to tell me what happened." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "And that my girlfriend came to see me in recovery last night."
Crap. "Oh. Yeah. About that..."
He smiled. "It's alright, Dani. I thought it rather amusing, actually." He added, in a serious tone, "Whatever happened, or whatever I said last night needs to stay between us, do you understand?"
She nodded blankly. "Of course."
A long silence fell between them. Dani cleared her throat and laid her hand on his. "Can I get you anything, or bring you anything? A book? Something to eat or drink?"
He took a deep breath. "My phone, for starters. I believe it's in a plastic bag in that closet over there." He pinched the bridge of his nose again. "I need to make a few calls."
"Nico, you're in the hospital," she said sharply.
"I still have a job to do," he said softly.
Huffing, she crossed the room to the closet, opening the small door and digging through the plastic bag containing his personal items. She gasped as she withdrew a soft French blue dress shirt, stiff with dark, dried blood. "Oh, Nico," she said softly, laying it to the side. His jacket followed, also covered in heavy bloodstains. Finally, she found his beloved Blackberry at the bottom of the bag... underneath a pair of soft, heather gray, knit boxer briefs. Oh, my God.
Blushing profusely, she stuffed everything back in the bag and stood up. He was watching her intently. "Here you go," she said, the phone in her hand. He took it from her grasp, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Thank you," he replied, still holding her gaze. "I'm okay, Dani. The doctor said there wasn't any real damage."
"I know. But..." She gestured to the closet. "Your suit, your shirt... so much blood, Nico."
"I'm sorry you had to see that." He transferred his attention to the Blackberry. "I should be out of here tomorrow."
"How are you getting home?" she asked, halfway knowing the answer already.
"I'll call a taxi. No need to worry."
"Oh." She stood there as he clicked through his messages. "Would you like for me to take you home?"
He smiled. "I appreciate your offer, but that won't be necessary."
"Of course. Well, the offer still stands."
"Thank you."
After a moment, she sighed. "Nico, I think I know why you've been so tired lately."
He stopped playing with his phone and looked her dead in the eyes once more. "Do you?"
Her stomach jumped. "Y-y-yes." Tossing her hair, she crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground. "You're having nightmares."
He half-laughed. "Nightmares."
"Yes. You've been so tired the past few days. And you have a nightmare in the hospital? After you've been shot?"
"Ridiculous." He turned his attention back to his phone.
Dani stomped, tossed her hair, and leaned into his face. "Nico Careles! Admit it. Tell me the goddamn truth for once since I've known you. Why won't you trust me?"
"Trust isn't the issue."
"Then what is it?"
Sighing loudly, he leaned his head back into the pillows. "Will you stop badgering me if I tell you?"
She was stunned. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
"I'll take that as a yes." He reached out with his right hand and gestured to the empty chair. "Have a seat, please?"
She crossed the room and sat dutifully, still not speaking.
"Yes. I've been having nightmares. For about a week now." He pushed himself straight up and, to Dani's surprise, yanked down the sheet and blanket. His muscular thighs were half-covered by a thin hospital gown. Embarrassed, she started to look away, but he pointed to a large, pinkish-white, puckered patch of skin just below the hem.
"They're about the day I got this scar, Dani."
