10 Days to Valentine's

Note: this happens the very next day from chapter 3.

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Chapter 4: Feb. 8

It took the rest of the day and all of next to straighten out what ended up being a mess of miscommunication.

Nathan rubbed his temples as he shut down his computer for the night. 'Hurry up so I can go and get something for my headache,' he silently pleaded with his computer as he looked around his office to see what he needed to take home.

He suddenly remembered the watercolor of the lily pad and smiled slightly as he picked it up. "Well, this was an interesting day," he told it.

When his computer finally turned off, he gathered the watercolor and a few other things on his way out the door.

As he exited the compound of Global Dynamics and headed for his car, he couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his Secret Admirer as there had been no new gift or note since the watercolor had showed up on his desk yesterday.

Arriving at his car, he just happened to look inside the driver's side window and paused. 'Ah, so my Admirer still lives,' he studied the newest offering and the folded card underneath.

Opening the car door and settling into the driver's seat, he reached over and retrieved what was on the passenger side to study a little better.

"Rest easy."

Nathan blinked as he suddenly realized the presence of a light headache. Rubbing his eyes with one hand, he smiled wryly. "Shouldn't be surprised, really," he told himself. "What with trying to figure out what was going on at Tesla and how to stop the school from suddenly becoming non-existent."

Looking down, he noted with some surprise that it was a box of assorted fruit flavored herbal teas. 'Maybe they didn't know which flavor I preferred,' he thought.

Putting the tea back down and stuffing the note in his pocket to put with the other notes that he'd been keeping on his bedside table to go over, he was about to insert the key into the ignition when a light tapping came to his attention. Turning to look out the left side window, he spotted the familiar blue eyes of his blond staring in at him.

"Sheriff, what do I owe this visit?" he drawled coolly, suppressing the urge to run a hand through short blond strands. It was becoming a greater annoyance than it was a month ago…

"I was just clearing some things up with Allison and saw you sitting here in the dark. Car doing alright?"

"Of course, but I was a little sidetracked."

Jack frowned and looked past Nathan before nodding. "Another one? What'd the note say this time?"

"Why, Carter, do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Nathan had to tease. "You're not normally so nosy. Especially in my business."

"No, Stark, just making sure that it's not something that's going to give us trouble down the road."

"Right," Nathan nodded, praying to all deities out there that Jack didn't notice the disappointment that Jack wasn't looking out for his personal welfare. It was in Jack's nature to worry about others whether he found them as exasperating as Fargo or as annoying as others employed by Global Dynamics. "Well, this one said, 'rest easy.'"

"Hmm," blue eyes studied him for a second. "You do look sort of wrung out. I'll let you get home and ready for bed."

"Thanks, Carter." Beside the fact that he really didn't want to go, his headache was starting to get a little more painful and he was sure that the blond had other duties to take care of before turning in for the night. "I shall see you later."

Just as he was turning the car on, Jack stopped him from putting the car into gear and taking off.

"Stark," serious blue met curious green. "If you start getting nervous about your Admirer, let me know and I'll find a way to put a stop to it."

Filing the blooming warmth away to treasure later, Nathan solemnly promised, "You have my word that should I feel the need to seek your help, I will do so."

Studying the scientist a little more, Jack nodded and waved at him as the blond turned and went back to whatever it was that he was doing before confronting Nathan.

Smiling slightly, Nathan turned the car toward home. He would be having good dreams, he knew.

***

AN: 4/10 is finished. Hope everyone enjoyed the 44th Super Bowl between the Colts and the Saints.

2. 7. 10 (Su)