The morning after the night before
The couple sat eating in the mess. They'd been hashing out a theory concerning the engines. Reluctantly they had to surrender to their stomachs when the noises became audible.
They would never gossip with others but they did observe everyone and couldn't help but make rather interesting observations.
Elizabeth was very amused and not a little relieved, "It seems the kid has stopped pining over Miss Armstrong and found himself a Marine."
Nicholas frowned, "Not much difference."
She shrugged, "Frankly I don't care but it will mean he is more focussed on his work than Chloe."
Rush seemed unsure and left it with a tentative, "We'll have to see."
Liz arched an eyebrow, "I thought we were going to be more optimistic."
His reply was a very smug masculine smile, "Yes but you gave me a reason to be last night."
"I suppose I did. Think of it this way, imagine how freaked people will be if you start acting nice."
She saw how the thought seemed to strike a chord. The wide smile that spread across his features made his scientists shiver; they were all wondering what he was planning for them.
He started playing with people's minds, "I'll see you later once you've dealt with the linguists." He kissed her hand, the action made the whole mess fall silent. Elizabeth would have sniggered over the shock; I mean anyone would think that she and Nick weren't human.
Elizabeth finished her drink and mused over last night. They had been a bit tipsy but it had loosened their tongues enough so they were truly honest with each other. Of course, once they finally admitted the truth, their actions had gone from verbal to non-verbal. No awkwardness had existed in the morning, they were already comfortable and affectionate with each other. If anything, it seemed to them, to be a logical progression.
She did wonder just how many heart attacks TJ would be treating with the small displays of affection that Nicholas seemed to favour.
Determined to deal with the linguist quickly she walked to the exit. TJ walked through the door and her triumphant smile, let Elizabeth know all she needed to know. Still it would be a good piece of news to share with Nicholas.
A/N The ficlets started off just based on the Nicholas/Elizabeth pairing but it has seemingly spawned into a broader fic. Therefore, I'm going to write an epilogue and start a second Ficlet collection that is a general fic, focussing on all of the characters and pairings that have occurred during this fic.