Author's Note: Well we've finally reached chapter 10! This is officially the longest fic I've ever written, and it's still not over! I already know how I want this to end, it's just a matter of getting there and I have no problem dragging it out since this is so much fun to write. I do have another fic in mind but won't get to serious work on it until after this is over. There are too many distractions in my life as it is lol. But don't worry; this won't be the last of Danico from me!
Anywho, on with the story.
X
Ten o'clock the next morning found Dani in her office preparing herself for her first joint session with TK and Juliette. Corrine had agreed to drive him once every other week until he graduated the program. She had been very receptive of the idea that TK would have yet another person understanding of his issues, especially once he'd be back in the real world. Their appointment didn't officially start until ten thirty but Juliette and Nico were due to arrive in any minute for their discussion of Marshall's will.
Dani leaned her elbows on her desk and rested her head in her hands. The line between therapy and personal was blurring quickly. But if she was honest, said line had been slowly disappearing ever since TK had been brought in to her life. She couldn't help but feel grateful for it in a sense. Sure, it was frowned upon in the therapy field but the fact that she had helped TK so much that he wanted a deeper, more familial connection made her smile.
Nico's sharp knock once on her office door snapped Dani out of her thoughts.
"Come in." She called, the nerves resurfaced and she had to swallow hard as Nico lead Juliette in through the door.
"Hey Dani! Err…Dr. Santino…I think?" Juliette trailed off again, obviously confused by what she should call the woman who had assumed so many roles in her life.
"You can call me Dani in here Juliette, that's fine. Just try to remember that our personal connection won't stop me from doing and saying what I think is best as a therapist once our time starts."
Juliette nodded once and flopped on to the couch. Nico hesitantly sat down beside her and gave Dani a pleading look, silently begging her to start for him. It broke her heart to see him so upset. It wasn't even just the fact that she loved him either. He was normally so calm and collected. Seeing him on edge was…unnerving. But she knew she'd do anything for him, so she rounded her desk and sat in the chair directly across from them.
"Alright, we have about twenty five minutes before TK gets here and there is something both Nico and I would like to discuss with you, if that's alright."
Juliette looked up from her hands, where she was steadily picking away at the skin around her nails. Her eyes darted between Nico and Dani, a flash of panic registering in them.
"You're not gonna send me away are you?" Her voice shook with uncertainty. Nico scoffed at her, blatantly offended by her presumption.
"You know me better than that Jules."
Juliette looked back down at her hands.
"It wouldn't be the first time you sent me somewhere else for treatment."
Nico sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
"And that was a mistake. Besides, I'm not letting you far from my side for a while. Especially not right now." He obviously tried to make his tone reassuring but it wasn't lost on him that the last words had brought them back to the topic at hand.
Dani spoke up, leaning forward in an effort to make eye contact.
"No Juliette, we aren't sending you away. What we want to talk about has to do with your father…and your mother."
Juliette snorted.
"What mother? As far as I'm concerned I'm an orphan."
Dani sighed but pressed on. The sooner it was out there, the sooner she could help her process.
"Tomorrow morning they are doing the official reading of Marshall's will…"
That got the girls attention. Her light brown hair bounced as her head shot up, but she remained silent waiting for Dani to continue.
"Seeing how it was Nico and his team who found it, we already know what it says. And we also need to fill you in so that you are prepared for what is to come."
"You mean prepare for a battle with the Uber Cunt right?"
Nico coughed harshly to cover his laugh, Dani not fairing much better by clearing her throat.
"It's very likely Jules. Your dad left you the Hawks, along with 80% of his other assets. Gabrielle is only getting 5%. The rest is being donated to a charity of your choosing." Nico told her, finding it much easier to say than he expected.
This time Juliette busted out in hysterical laughter, leaving Dani and Nico to glance at each other nervously. After a few minutes, Juliette held a hand up and curled the other around her stomach.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled between laughs. "I guess it's not really funny. Well the part about the bitch only getting a cup full of piss is pretty rich but the rest…" She trailed off again, the reality of it hitting her. "How in the blue hell am I supposed to run an NFL team?!"
And the panic attack began. Nico shifted in his seat and Dani patted him on the knee.
"You can go ahead and do what you do. I've got it from here. If you see TK on your way out, send him in please."
Nico nodded his head and mouthed a thank you before taking his leave.
The two women sat in silence for a moment, Dani allowing Juliette the momentary space she needed to process. She had resumed picking at her nails and her knees were bouncing furiously. Just as Dani was about to reach out, TK walked through the door all smiles and enormous sunglasses.
"Well if it isn't my two favorite ladies! Y'all ready for a little TK in ya therapy?" His smile faltered at the sight before him. "Damn. The tension in here is worse than Monday night football when we're down by 3."
Dani shook her head and motioned for him to have a seat. Once he was settled, she gathered her note pad and cleared her throat.
"Juliette I know you agreed to this joint session last night. I think it is highly beneficial to the two of you to have someone that understands the struggles of addiction. But right now I want to as TK something that involves what Nico and I just told you if that's alright?"
Juliette shrugged her frail shoulders and continued to fidget with her hands. Dani turned to TK who met her with a concerned yet confused look.
"As of tomorrow, Juliette will be the new owner of the Hawks." Surprise filled TK's face before understanding took over and he gently rested an arm around Juliette's back. "That being said, how do you feel about that TK?"
He looked reverent for a minute before speaking.
"The littlest Pittman is now my boss? How awesome is that?" He laughed, nudging Juliette which caused her to crack a smile. "That's what got ya so down babygirl? Chin up. I already know you're gonna do awesome. And if you're worried about how us players are gonna act, well, let's just say we'll all love ya. And if they don't…" He shrugged. "They'll just have to have a little chat with ol' TK."
This time Juliette really smiled and she finally brought her head up to look between TK and Dani.
"Besides, you've got Nico on ya side and half them boys ain't got the balls to even breathe in his direction."
That earned a laugh from both women which left him with a very smug look on his face.
"Do you feel a little more at ease now Juliette? Do you want to discuss what might come up at the reading tomorrow?"
Juliette shook her head.
"Nah. I already knew she was going to be there anyway. If she ends up wanting a fight, she'll get one." The fierce look in her eye should have worried Dani but instead she felt proud. The girl in front of her was a lot stronger than anyone gave her credit for.
"Alright then. How about we move on to another topic. How are you both doing with your withdrawals?"
The rest of the session passed quickly, both patients finding themselves more and more at ease with sharing their stories. None of them noticed the hour had passed until Nico was knocking on the door once more.
"Okay so next week will be individual sessions again. The following week will be another joint session if that is alright with the two of you? I'm impressed with how open the two of you were today."
With responses in the affirmative from both, Dani lead them to the door where Nico stood waiting. TK and Juliette chatted as they walked the path around the house leaving Dani and Nico to have a moment alone.
"There will be a box arriving for you in about an hour. It would be to my utmost pleasure if you wore them this evening." His voice was husky as his eyes raked over her body, mentally picturing her in what he had chosen. Dani's breath caught in her throat as he reached behind her and pulled her hair out of the elastic holder.
"And leave your hair down. You look absolutely stunning this way." He gently tugged on a loose curl before trailing his fingers down her collar bone, making her shiver with the sensation.
Nico leaned in and quickly claimed her lips, pulling away before she could deepen the kiss.
"Patience is a virtue my love." He whispered his breath ghosting over her face.
Dani poked her lower lip out and leaned in to him.
"You should know by now how very impatient I am Mr. Careles."
He chuckled.
"All in good time Danielle. If I remember correctly, I still owe you an ass biting." He winked at her before returning his sunglasses to his face, turning on his heel and walking down the path and out of sight, leaving Dani shaking in anticipation.
X
Seven fifty that evening found Dani in front of her mirror scrutinizing over her appearance. She was dressed in a short black halter style dress, the back consisting of a zipper up the middle with attaching straps crisscrossing over her back. Her heels were black sky high peep toes with matching straps over the tops of her feet and ankles. Her hair was left to dance around her shoulders in soft waves and her makeup was flawless yet understated. She looked gorgeously sexy. And she had to admit, Nico had impeccable taste.
The doorbell rang, signaling Nico's arrival. Dani smoothed the front of her dress one last time before grabbing her clutch off her dresser and heading down stairs. She opened the door and was met with the sight of Nico in all black, the collar of his dress shirt was unbuttoned and his signature blazer was missing. She had to swallow to keep her mouth from over salivating. Dani shivered at the lustfully appreciative gaze his eyes held. Deciding to play the part of the seductress, she leaned on the door frame with one arm extended above her head and flicked her hair over her shoulder.
"You're early Mr. Careles."
Nico smiled and finally rested his wandering gaze on her eyes.
"A gentlemen always is." He offered her his elbow. "Shall we?"
Dani smiled before shutting and locking the door behind her. She let him lead her to his car where he opened her door for her as if it were as common place as breathing.
"Well, I guess chivalry isn't dead after all." She joked before winking at him. Just before she could slide in to her seat, he leaned in and whispered in to her ear.
"You look absolutely stunning Danielle. Though I think the dress will look even better coming off of you later."
Dani's eyes bugged for a moment before nearly stumbling over herself to climb in to the car.
The drive was filled with thick tension. Enough to make Dani shift in her seat but not from awkwardness. No, not even close. The self-satisfied smirk playing on Nico's lips only served to make the heat building within her bubble even closer to the surface.
He pulled in to the parking lot of what appeared to be a small upscale restaurant twenty minutes later. Before Dani could ask where they were, Nico was out of the car and opening her door, his hand extended to help her out. She reached out and took his hand. The spark that shot through her left her gasping for breath. It was unreal the effect he had on her. The intensity of what he made her feel was incredible and she mentally chided herself for denying it for so long.
"We better hurry Danielle. If you want to eat before the band starts playing that is." Nico smiled and tugged her hand in the direction of the entrance.
Before she could speak a word, he had her inside and was holding her chair out for her at a small candle lit table. The hostess and wait staff all seemed to know him well enough to just nod him through. Dani let her eyes wander as she sat. It was a very intimate setting; every table was set for only two, the lights dim and the walls draped in deep red velvet. There was a cast iron railing along what could have only been a second floor balcony above them. Immediately to their right was a hard wood dance floor and black covered stage.
"Like what you see?" Nico's voice asked quietly from his seat across from her. She smiled warmly at him and reached for his hand again.
"It's beautiful in here. I'm guessing this is one of your weekly dinner spots?"
He smiled and drew soft circles with his thumb on the back of her hand.
"Actually no. I usually only come here once a month when my brother's band plays."
Dani drew in startled breath.
"You have a brother?"
He chuckled and his eyes danced in the candlelight.
"Yes Danielle. I also have a younger sister and mother back in Pittsburgh."
Dani smiled at the thought of Nico interacting with his mother, a little elderly woman with white hair who didn't allow him to be aloof like he was with just about everyone else.
"I'd like for you to meet them one day." It wasn't a question, just a statement of fact. Dani nodded once slowly.
"I think I'd really love that." She smiled and held his eyes for what felt like an eternity. The room around them melted away.
"Good evening Mr. Careles! And might I say what a lovely young woman you have with you!" Before them stood a very tall, very lean and blonde server. From the tone of his voice Dani felt comfortable assuming he was gay, which only improved her evening.
"Thomas I've told you to call me Nico I don't know how many times. But I agree, she is absolutely breath taking isn't she." Nico winked at her, bringing a blush to her cheeks.
"And as always I will remain calling you Mr. Careles." Thomas smiled brightly. "Shall I bring you your usual?"
Nico nodded.
"Two please. And a bottle of your finest sweet red."
Thomas quickly scribbled down the order, nodded to the two of them, and made his way towards the kitchen.
"Well he seems pretty amazing." Dani laughed.
"Thomas is probably the best server I've ever had. I told the owner six months ago to give him a raise or I'd let word get around that this place had a bug problem."
Dani's eyes widened.
"Is that true?"
Nico shrugged nonchalantly.
"It is if I say it is."
Dani shook her head and chuckled.
"You're terrible."
Their dinner arrived not long after and it was the most delicious shrimp Alfredo Dani had ever tasted; which was saying something for an Italian. Once they were both decidedly full, Nico turned his gaze towards the stage where a band had begun to take their places.
Dani gasped as she noticed a younger version of Nico walk up to the microphone and proceed with a sound check.
"Your brother I presume?"
Nico nodded and smiled affectionately.
"Yes. That is Christian. He and his band are about to play a song I requested specifically for you."
Dani's breath caught in her throat as she watched him stand and extend his arm yet again.
"May I have this dance Danielle?"
Dani took his hand without hesitation and allowed him to lead her on to the dance floor. She noticed the small nod between the brothers and the guitar started playing the opening notes of a familiar song. Nico pulled her flush against his body, his right arm resting around her waist and his left held her hand out to the side. His face settled so that his lips were beside her ear. As Christian started singing, so did Nico.
This is my life
It's not what it was before
All these feelings I've shared
And these are my dreams
That I'd never lived before
Somebody shake me 'cause I
I must be sleeping
Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today
These are my words
That I've never said before
I think I'm doing okay
And this is the smile
That I've never shown before
Somebody shake me 'cause I
I must be sleeping
Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today
I'm so afraid of waking
Please don't shake me
Afraid of waking
Please don't shake me
Now that we're here, it's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes, one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we're here, it's so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive
And I'm not ashamed to be
The Person that I am today
Dani was in tears by the time the music faded. Nico slowed them to a halt and lifted his head too look in to her eyes. Gently he brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"Please don't cry Danielle. I had Christian play that song because the lyrics are so true for how I feel about you. You make everything I've been through in my past feel like it doesn't matter anymore. You make me want to be a better man, but also to be happy with the man that I already am. No one has ever done that for me. And that is just a small fraction of why I love you."
Dani drew in a deep breath and leaned her cheek in to his hand. When she opened her eyes again it was with determination.
"Take me home Nico." It was a demand, and if it weren't for the lust and longing in her eyes, it would have made him nervous that he'd scared her off. Nico grasped her hand in his once more and brought it to his lips.
"Your wish is my command."
X
She didn't remember the drive back to her house. She didn't remember opening her front door or walking up the stairs. All she knew was that they were now in her room, on her bed, and she had never felt more alive.
Nico leaned up from his position on top of her. Quickly he discarded his shirt and pants, his shoes long forgotten on the floor. He stood before her completely naked and he took her breath away.
"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" Her words were barely a whisper. Nico chuckled at her and leaned back down to capture her swollen lips.
"Not nearly as much as you Danielle."
His hands trailed up the bare spots of her back making her shiver. He deftly slid the zipper of her dress down at an agonizingly slow pace. As the halter straps slid down, Nico placed open mouthed kisses on each inch of baring skin. His touch set her on fire and she was sure if she didn't find release soon she would explode.
"Nico, please." She begged breathlessly.
He chuckled as his lips found the spot just above her nipple.
"Patience Dani. I mean to have you, but I will take my time."
Dani's grunt of disapproval quickly turned in to a gasp and a moan when his lips closed around her hardened nipple. Her dress fell to the floor and pooled at her ankles.
"Oh dear sweet Jesus." She muttered, her hands winding themselves through his hair.
Nico suckled once more before turning his attention to the other, making Dani's knees buckle. He caught her with an arm around her waist and held her to him.
"Easy baby. I hate to say it but those incredible noises you are making is going to help you get your wish sooner rather than later. I just can't resist wanting to hear you once I'm inside of you."
His hands found her thighs and lifted her on to the bed, where he settled between them a split second later.
"Are you sure you want this Danielle?" He asked genuinely, his eyes locking on hers. She nodded at him and raised her hips to meet his length, allowing him to feel just how badly she wanted him.
"I have never wanted anything more in my life. I love you Nico. Now take me. Please." The last word was pleading and she didn't need to ask him twice. Just before he entered her he halted and gritted his teeth.
"Condom?" He breathed out and sighed when she shook her head.
"I've been on the pill since Lindsay was born."
Nico closed his eyes and rested his forehead in the crook of her neck.
"Thank god."
And with that he entered her in one swift movement, the sweet friction causing them both to cry out. He stilled for a moment allowing her to adjust and he to regain some semblance of composure. But when she tilted her hips upward and locked her ankles behind his back, his control all but shattered. He moved in to her at a quickening pace, her moans of approval spurring him onward. Before long she began shaking and tightening around him, begging him not to stop. Like he could even if he tried. Seconds later Dani saw bright white, her world shattering around her in complete bliss. She muttered his name like a prayer in to his shoulder. She nearly fainted when she felt him release inside of her moments later, his triggering yet another from her.
They lay there breathless, arms and legs entangled beyond recognition of who started or ended where. Slowly he slid out of her, chuckling when she moaned at the feeling of loss. Nico rolled on to his back, pulling her with him so that her head rested on his chest and her arm across his waist. That is how they found themselves dosing minutes later; neither remembering a time when they felt more content.
X
AN: Well? Did ya like it? Did ya Did ya Did ya? Lol I hope so since I absolutely LOVED writing this!
Playlist for this chap: Safe and Sound-Taylor Swift ft Civil War (the confession about Marshall's will. Read the lyrics as if Nico were saying them to Juliette.)
So Far Away-Staind (the song Nico sings to Dani)
Bloodstream-Stateless (the bedroom)
Big huge GIANT thank you to everyone who follows, faves, and reviews! You're all fantastical.
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See y'all next chap!