Author's notes: thanks for the lovely reviews and to everyone who takes the time to read my nicfics. You knew this was coming..

Nick and Jenny slept soundly after dragging themselves to bed. Any energy they had remaining they left at the workshop. Jenny fell asleep leaning against Nick's shoulder on the drive back to Nick's place. She jerked awake when he turned off the engine.

"Sorry Nick, sitting down just wiped me out."

"No problem, you worked very hard today."

Nick opened the door for her and took her hand to help her out the vehicle. She jumps down and wraps her arms around him.

"As did you. Have I thanked you yet?"

Nick gave her a teasing smile.

"No not yet. Not a word, I feel used and abused. Just wanted for my muscle power."

She laughs

"And don't you forget it, take that away and what am I left with….an incredible face and a guy who makes me feel complete, like I can take over the world and that I'm safe and loved."

She kissed him deeply.

"Is that thanks enough?"

"It was a very long and hard day and you do want me back tomorrow, so it's start…a very nice start."

She cocks her eyebrows at him.

"You drive a hard bargain."

"Toughest negotiator in town."

"Is that right?"

"So I've heard."

"I don't stand a chance then."

Nick shook his head and kissed her. He took his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He stepped back to let her go first then locked the door behind him. Jenny's looking in the fridge.

"I'm feeling a little hungry how about you?"

Nick stood behind her.

"Mmmm a little bit."

He nibbled on her ear, then whispered.

"Grab the strawberries and we'll take them upstairs."

She grabbed the strawberries and Nick took her in his arms and carried her up the stairs.

Jenny puts on her old blue top then pulls her hair in to a ponytail, she then heads downstairs to where Nick is making breakfast. Just the smell of the coffee opens her eyes wider. The time to get up had arrived too quickly this morning. Nick is standing over the stove with an omelet cooking in the frying pan, he's dressed in torn jeans, splattered with old paint and a grey t-shirt. She helps herself to a cup of coffee and they exchange kisses as he hands her a plate with fruit and an omelet on top.

"It smells delicious."

She takes it to the table where Nick has already placed his coffee cup and silverware, plus glasses of juice. He follows behind her with his own plate and the juice. After placing them on the table he reaches for the salt and pepper and bread that were waiting by the hatch.

"I've loaded the paint and brushes etc in to the van, so we're ready to go when we've finished breakfast."

Nick was up before Jenny, as normal. She's discovered he doesn't sleep much and yet manages to fill an active day. She wouldn't be able to function within a week without seven hours of sleep a night. Luckily he's happy to come back to bed when she wakes up and he's her favourite alarm clock.

The morning is going well. The day is bright, letting lots of sun into the workshop which helps everyone work harder. Jenny stops a moment, she looks at her watch and is surprised to find it's almost three o'clock she looks around at the progress being made. The Parisian green is looking good on the walls and the paintwork's being prepared for its coat of paint next weekend. Nick's in charge of the prep and he has commandeered most of the helpers. Currently he's up on a ladder scraping the old paint off the top of the windows. Kara is holding them steady for him. She knows she owes him big time for this and has a surprise in store to give him at the end of the day. The rest are working on the bottom of the windows and the door surrounds. Jenny, Emily and Diana, a good friend, are painting the walls. Nick rented a spray painting machine which is getting the job done efficiently. They each have had a go but Diane turned out to be a natural with it while Jenny and Emily follow her with brushes painting the edges. It's been a productive system and they have only one more wall to complete. She lays down her brush and goes in to the 'kitchen area;' and pours herself some water. As she turns around she hears a shout, the crash that follows makes her jump, her eyes dart to the sound and her heart drops as Nick hits the floor and the ladder land on top of him. She rushes to his side and drops to her knees. Kara is all ready there and looks at her friend with worried eyes as Nick lays unconscious on the floor. Emily's shouts

"I've called 911 and they're on their way.

Jenny is stroking Nick's face with her hands trying to rouse him. Kara checks out Nick's body and is relieved that there appears to be no broken bones, but he hit his head hard. She doesn't understand what happened, the ladder seemed to jump and then slide away from her. She tried to stop its fall but it's weight and momentum was too much for her.

Tears are falling down Jenny's face as Nick remains unresponsive but then he moves underneath her touch and a groan escapes his lips.

"Nick, Nick, wake up, wake up sugar, it's Jenny."

Nick's eyelids flutter and he groans once more.

"Nick you fell off the ladder, are you okay? The paramedics are coming."

Nick opens his eyes but he doesn't seem to recognise Jenny, and they slowly start to close.

Kara speaks:

"No Nick stay with us, you need to stay awake."

Jenny joins in, she's still stroking his face.

"Kara right Nick, you need to stay awake. Just look at me, you're going to be fine."

Nick can hear voices but the thumping in his head is louder. He's certain they're talking to him but they're too far away and he's too tired. He tries to concentrate but his mind is struggling against a darkness that is pulling him away from them, from her. He knows that she wants him to come but he doesn't have the strength and the darkness slowly drags him away.