A/N: What does everyone think of the season so far? I'm sad to see the finale coming so soon myself. An impromptu trip to visit my kids ailing great grandma and her subsequent passing delayed my writing quite a bit which is why this is posted much later than I planned but at least it's a fairly long chapter. Sorry for all the excuses as it seems I always have one. Anyway, enjoy and let me know what you think of it. I love to read feedback.

As usual, I don't own any of the characters as that honor goes to the creator of the show and USA network.

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"Yes sir, I'll be right down. I can assure you, whatever you think he's involved in must be a huge misunderstanding."

Nico watched Dani hit end on her cell with a stunned look on her face. Unfortunately, this only lasted for a moment before what he later would call later a "Dani freak out" occurred.

"This cannot be happening to me. Not now, and not to my son. He was such a good boy, or rather, is a good boy, so why he made such a monumentally huge mistake is beyond me. I taught him better than that; hell, Ray taught him better. Oh, he's going to wish he hadn't done this by the time I get through with him. The police have nothing on a Santino pissed off, and believe you me, he's going to wish he stayed where he is at right now."

Nico listened to her rant a few more moments before he grabbed her hand and squeezed.

"Dani! Just what the hell happened to Ray Jay, and who was that who called? Obviously, it has upset you, but from what I can gather from your side of the call, it is something that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later."

"Yeah, dealt with is one way to put it. He'll be dealt with, all right." Nico watched Dani shake her head slightly before she continued, calmer this time. "Ray Jay was pulled over by the police for a broken light on his car. In and of itself, that should have just been a ticket, but the officer found several marijuana plants in the backseat. "

"Let me guess, you don't think these plants were his, but someone he knows? I hesitate to call this person a friend, as no friend would put anyone in this situation."

"Right on the money, Nico. I know my son, and while he does many stupid things, he doesn't have anything to do with drugs. The officer tried to call Ray, per his request, but was unable to reach him. I'm not surprised, knowing Ray, so he called me. I'm going to kill both of them. No; kill is too strong a word, for Ray Jay at least, not so sure about Ray."

Nico chuckled some, despite the bad situation. He knew Dani needed to blow off some more steam before she headed down to where Ray Jay was being held. He also knew that their lunch was now over, but not necessarily their time together.

"Well, we better get headed that direction so we can get Ray Jay out of this mess."

"We? Nico, I can handle this on my own, I've handled much worse."

"Yes, we, and I'm well aware that you have handled worse on your own. What you've done with TK alone has shown me that, but you don't have to do this on your own this time. Every now and then, it's perfectly acceptable to be backed up by someone who cares. "

"Don't you have some work that needs to be done, or situations that need to be monitored? My mess, or rather my kid's mess, shouldn't get in the way of it."

"Dani, things always need to be monitored. My crew has it handled and will let me know if anything needs to be addressed while I'm away. "

"Um, ok, if you are sure. You don't think Matt will cause more trouble while we are gone, do you?"

Nico shrugged his shoulders before he encouraged Dani to start heading towards the door of his office.

"He might, but I've got things under control. TK alerted us to his call and knows how to contact us, should anything else come up while we are gone. Please, don't worry about Matt, but stay focused on helping your son and resisting the urge to kill him when we see him. "

"Right...focused on not killing Ray Jay, but maybe I can hurt him, just a little for being so stupid."

Nico gave Dani a look before leaning in and brushing his lips over hers for a quick, reassuring kiss. He then grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the office, not bothering to let go. Discretion be damned. She needed the support, and he didn't care who saw it. Besides, it could be played off as supporting a friend in a time of crisis. Unfortunately, Matt decided at that exact moment to step in front of them. He must have just come out of his office.

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Matt had just got off a call and was walking out of his office when he saw Nico leading Dani out of the office, their hands interlaced tightly together.

"Going somewhere in a hurry there, Dani. I thought you said you were going to be at the facility in case any staff or players needed you. "

"Like you, Matt? I thought I sent a list of counselors for you to check out, or did they turn you down as well?" Dani quipped.

"Funny. So what's got you rushing out of here so fast? Something you need to tell me, Nico?"

Nico felt Dani tense up, but continued to keep their hands laced together. Glancing at her face, she gave a subtle nod.

"You know someone of your level of management should be able to deduce that an emergency may have happened to cause Dani to have to leave. She hasn't gone back on her word unless she has had a very good reason, a reason that she is not required to share. She doesn't report to you, Matt."

"She's employed by the Hawks and I'm the assistant GM so, in fact, she does report to me. My position requires me to know everything that goes on around here, on and off the field. We've established this already, Nico, or did you already forget?" Matt sniped.

Nico took a moment to get his temper under control. He could feel Dani wanting to say something, but was holding back for some reason. She was letting him take control; a huge step for her.

"Let's talk who is employed by whom, Matt, since you brought it up. See if your little peon of a brain can follow this chain of command: Coach, Assistant GM, GM, Security, Counselor, Owner. Before you say anything, I know that the staff psychologist was previously under the Assistant GM, but that has since been changed. For the betterment of the team, of course."

"Changes like that have to be approved, and if I'm not mistaken, nothing was sent out about it in the time we've been here today. Although I'm not surprised you have Dani here under you, in more ways than one, from what I can tell by your hands."

It took everything Nico had to not deck Matt. What was this guy's issue lately? Dani was right about him needing counseling. He almost felt sorry for the guy, so much so that he wasn't going to give Matt the satisfaction of causing him to lose it. Instead, he just smiled and brought Dani's hand up to his mouth for a light kiss, knowing Dani might get mad at the gesture.

"Come now, Matt, jealousy doesn't suit you. Nothing was sent out yet because the changes have just been decided, by the owner of the team; that would be me, in case you forgot. The relationship Dani and I have, had no bearing on the changes, despite your insinuation." Nico paused for a moment before he continued.

"The staff psychologist needs to be able to support all Hawk employees, without fear of backlash based on her decisions. The best way to assure this won't happen is to put the position directly under the owner. An e-mail will be sent shortly outlining these changes, but right now, Dani and I have a situation to contend with, so if you'll excuse us."

Nico raised his eyebrow at Matt daring him to say anything more to him. For once, Matt was smart enough to keep his mouth shut and stepped aside for them to leave. He knew this wasn't over, but at least he was able to hold his temper and defuse the situation. What blew him away was the fact that Dani stayed quiet during the whole interaction. He hoped that was a good thing. Knowing Dani though, she would let him know later if it wasn't.

"Let's go get this thing with Ray Jay figured out. " Nico stated, pulling her toward the exit and not giving her a chance to say much else.

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Nico pulled into a parking spot at the local substation in record time from the Hawks facility. Their hands interlaced with each other during the entire trip, but not one word was said by either of them. Dani just stared out the window, which worried Nico. Normal for Dani would have been running her mouth, not this silence.

"Dani, you ok? Been awfully quiet, which is not like you at all. Talk to me."

"A lot on my mind. I know I should be focused on this situation with Ray Jay but my brain won't let go of everything else that has happened today."

"Understandable. If it's Matt you're worried about, don't be. He's not worth your time, and I've got him handled. "

"Yeah, I saw how you handled him. Nicely done, by the way, even though I really wanted to put him in his place."

"Why was that? You normally don't hold back, but allowed me to take control situation this time." Nico asked.

"This time being the operative word, Nico. Not sure I have an answer. Haven't really thought about it, or at least not ready to acknowledge why just yet. Ask me again later though, after we get this situation with Ray Jay handled, and I may have an answer."

Nico felt Dani squeeze his hand once more before she opened her car door. He wanted to reassure her with a kiss, but knew a police parking lot probably wasn't the best place. Instead he settled for placing his hand on her lower back as they walked into the station. They needed time alone, without any interruptions, but this situation would have to be handled first. It was always something with them.

"Dani Santino, I've been told my son Ray Jay is being held here." Dani told the front desk.

"Yes, let me get the arresting officer. Nico, I'm surprised to see you here. No trouble for you, I hope." The officer stated after she got off the phone.

"Ah, no, not this time. Just here to support my friend, who also is the Hawks staff psychologist. We hope to get this situation cleared up with her son fairly quickly."

Nico turned to Dani, ready to explain why he knew the front desk officer at the local police substation. Before he had a chance, an officer walked up to them.

"Dr. Santino, I presume. Hello, Nico. Surprised to see you here today."

"You know me. Likely to pop up in the most unexpected circumstances. What's going on with Dr. Santino's son? She was told he was arrested for having several marijuana plants in his car."

"Yes. We found 3 plants during a routine traffic stop for a broken taillight. Dr. Santino, your boy insisted that he was getting rid of them, and he had nothing to do with them. Are you aware of this Adam boy he mentioned?"

"Yes, he's a friend of Ray Jay's, but last I heard, they had gotten into a disagreement of sorts. Not sure over what, but was told he would not be seen around again. Per Lyndsay, they had a huge argument in the driveway, he busted out Ray Jay's tail light before he left in a rush."

"Lyndsay would be your daughter?"

"Yes. She was home at the time and watched the fight from the window. Per her, wasn't going to miss the opportunity to catch Ray Jay doing something stupid. The joy of siblings: always ready to throw you under the bus if given the opportunity."

"Well, in this case, your daughter may have saved her brother instead of getting him in more trouble. She and yourself just corroborated the story he told me as well when arrested."

"When will my son be brought out? I'd like to be able to talk to him."

"I'll call down to holding now to have him brought up. I wanted to speak to you first to see if the stories matched between you both. Ray Jay told me that you would know about the fight as you somehow find out everything."

"I am a mom. Moms usually are accused of having eyes at the back of their heads, you know. "

The officer excused himself, briefly stating he needed to talk to his superior about this situation. This gave Nico a chance to explain what his affiliation with the officer was, exactly.

"Nico, how do you know this guy? You seemed rather friendly with him, not that I'm all that surprised. You know everyone. "

Nico chuckled some and rubbed his hand lightly along her back.

"I do know a lot of people. In this case though, we served together in the Navy. When we both got out, he turned to the police force while I turned toward handling security for Marshall. He'll get this figured out, Dani. He's a good guy who backed me up countless times. He'll do what's best for Ray Jay within the letter of the law."

"What exactly is best for Ray Jay though? He obviously made a stupid mistake with Adam when he allowed him to use my garden to plant marijuana. Which is against the law, as you know."

"Yes, I'm aware that being found with marijuana plants is against the law. On the flipside of things though, Ray Jay appeared to be trying to correct his mistake by attempting to get rid of the plants. He just went about it in the wrong way. "

"You could say that for sure. He should have called me. I would've helped. Called the police or more likely, you, to help. You've gotten players out of tighter situations."

"Dani, he's a teenager. If he'd called you for help, you'd know he made a mistake and been in a massive amount of trouble." Nico said while he moved his hand from her back to her hand, linking their fingers in what could be seen as a friendly gesture.

"Instead he tried to handle it himself and got himself in even more trouble. Where's the logic in that decision?"

"Ahh, but logic doesn't usually factor in to most teenage decisions made. Let's just hope my friend found a way to go easy on Ray Jay while being taught a lesson at the same time."

"Speaking of your friend, here they are now."

Nico turned his head in time to see both walking up to them. He tried to let go of her hand, but instead found that she tightened the grip she had on him. Tilting his head slightly in question, she just shrugged.

"Ray Jay! Just what the hell do you think you were doing, transporting marijuana plants! If you were in trouble, you could have called me. Instead you got to experience being booked and thrown in a jail cell. You can kiss any freedom you thought you had goodbye."

The officer and Nico both looked on, trying to not to laugh. Oftentimes mothers were harder on their kids than any law enforcement officer.

"Dr. Santino, let's move this to the conference room, if you don't mind. I've been informed by my superior officer that I can offer Ray Jay a way out of this mess without any of it going on his permanent record. "

Nico stepped close to Dani so as to hide their hands from too many eyes. While Dani appeared to need the support his touch offered, she didn't need any questions from her son at that moment. Not until they figured out exactly what they were doing, at least. Once they were seated, the officer continued.

"We are prepared to offer probation with community service in exchange for his information against Adam. Your son has informed us that Adam has plants being grown at his place as well, and was told about his little side business. Anything else you know, Ray Jay, would be helpful in building a case against him."

"He never told me much about it. Just that he used the money from the plants to fund some fantasy football pools." Ray Jay offered.

"Can you give us a list of his other friends he's made at school?"

"Yeah. Got some paper and pen?"

Nico anticipated this question, so he'd had his small notebook he kept in a side pocket out and ready for him.

"Here you go. Like I said, though, we didn't hang out much as I was usually busy with football, but here are the friends I've seen him with at school. "

"How soon can we get Ray Jay here released? I know Dr. Santino is anxious to get him home." Nico inquired.

"Paperwork should be just about finished now. Just how are you involved, Nico, aside from looking out for Hawks staff?"

Nico looked to Dani as he wasn't sure how to answer the question at this point. Sure they were headed to something more, but nothing had been defined. They hadn't had the time.

"Dr. Santino and I are good friends. We were eating lunch together when she got the call, so I offered to come down with her for support."

Nico glanced over to see Dani nod her head in agreement, a slight smile on her face.

"Somethings never change do they, Nico? You were always the protector of the group, looking out for everyone and getting people out of messes they may have caused themselves off the battlefield. Probably why Marshall asked you to handle security for him, as you are well suited for it. "

Before anything else could be said, another officer brought in the release paperwork for Dani to sign. Once she signed it, Ray Jay was released, with strict instructions to check in with his probation officer once one was assigned to him. In the meantime, he was to stay clear of Adam and anyone one else Adam was associated with so as to not tip him off.

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Nico stayed on his car while Dani made sure Ray Jay got settled inside. He almost felt sorry for the kid. What took him by surprise, though, was that he wanted to get to know him; become someone the kid could confide in or come to when he was in trouble. Before he thought too much on it, he saw Dani come out of the house toward his car. They were going to head back to the facility for a few more hours before they called it a night.

"Everything ok? Ray Jay all settled?" Nico asked before he started the car.

"You've asked me that question a lot today, Nico, not that it hasn't been warranted. If the boy knows what's good for him, he'll follow the rules I laid out for him. Wouldn't want to have to have you bail me out or anything. "

"He's a good kid, Dani, who just made a very stupid mistake. Give him a chance to prove himself and gain back your trust."

"Why does it sound like you are speaking from experience?"

"Maybe because I screwed up once or twice myself. Having someone in my corner who believed in me and gave me a chance to prove myself helped more than the person realized at the time. I'd like to see the same thing done for Ray Jay is all. "

Nico felt Dani reach for his hand before she leaned, in touching her lips lightly to his own. Her hands ghosted down his arms, landing on his hips. They really didn't have time for this but it felt so good after all the drama, and the day wasn't over yet.

"Dani " Nico murmured against her lips. "As much as I want to continue this, we're needed back at the facility."

Nico felt Dani groan in frustration, but after one more deep kiss, slid back over to her seat and fastened her seatbelt, but keeping their hands tangled with each other.

"You are quite the mystery, Dr. Santino. Not sure what caused you to kiss me like that but would definitely like to do it again, especially if we are alone." Nico quipped.

"You cared about not only myself, but my son as well. Something tells me you'd do the same if Lyndsay needed anything as well. For that, you've earned my deep respect and trust, not that you didn't have it before. "

"I'm honored you feel that way, as I know trust and respect don't come easily for you, especially after your ex cheated on you. Something I would never do, so you won't ever have to worry about it with me, assuming we pursue whatever is going on between us further." Nico stated as he started toward the facility.

"You've shown me over and over again you've had my back. Now I think I'm ready to explore more of your front."

Nico faked a cough to disguise his reaction to her rather suggestive comment and the mischievous smirk on her face.

"You game, Nico?" Dani challenged.

"Oh, I'm definitely game. You won't know what hit you. "Nico challenged back, squeezing her hand.

The rest of the ride went far too quickly for Nico's taste as he wanted more time with Dani. Such was not in the cards though. Once parked, Nico pulled Dani into one last deep kiss, letting his tongue touch hers briefly, stopping before they both got carried away.

"We really need to find some uninterrupted time together. The sooner the better, and I don't just mean for what I want to do to your body. I want spend time together, getting to know you in every way possible. "

"Sounds good to me. Maybe we could meet up tonight at my place for dinner? Ray Jay already knows we are friends, based on you being at the station with me, so your presence wouldn't raise any suspicions, and Lyndsay won't mind either."

Nico smiled and leaned in for one more chaste kiss before they both got out and headed in opposite directions.

"See you tonight."

Nico hoped nothing would cause their plans to be interrupted. They needed, no they deserved the time to recharge before another crisis hit, and with the Hawks, another one was surely just around the corner.