Thanks for reviewing everyone. I love reading all your thoughts and reactions. They really do brighten up my mood after a long day of college. Hope you like this chapter, I'm not sure how in character everyone is though.

Nikki was the first to arrive at work the next morning, with both Leo and Harry walking in (obviously hung-over – making Nikki glad she gave last night a miss) about half an hour later. Even though it was the last thing in the world she felt like doing, she greeted them both with a loud and cheery 'morning' when they came in. Perhaps it was a little too cheery though as Leo eyed her suspiciously when she said it.

Harry felt like death as he arrived at work and sat down at his own desk for once. Nikki had even greeted him like she used to, although he had to admit it did sound a little forced but he put that out of his mind, and immediately went off to get him and Leo a coffee each.

Throughout the morning Harry noticed that Nikki was being extra nice to them, but just put it down to it being her way of apologising for not coming last night. She didn't need to apologise though, it wasn't her fault.

"Are you okay" He asked. "You know, after yesterday. Leo said you felt ill."

Nikki easily bluffed her way out of it by saying it was 'women's troubles' to make Harry feel awkward and drop it. She really didn't see by men, especially doctors like Harry, were so embarrassed and uncomfortable about such a natural thing.

When Nikki eventually started working on the case she was given yesterday, Harry noticed a complete change in her mood. She had become snappy at anything he said and he was sure at one point she was going to cry. This wasn't like her and he knew it. He'd been on the receiving end of her bad moods a few times and knew this wasn't normal for her, so decided to keep a closer eye on her.

Leo had obviously noticed something too and called Harry in to his office to see if they had had another argument.

"No we haven't spoken since she went home yesterday." Harry said, in response to Leo's question.

"So you have no idea what's wrong with her?"

"No. I asked her if she was feeling better and she just mentioned 'women's troubles' and I left it at that. You don't think she's in some sort of trouble do you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. Maybe her dad has been in contact again." Harry suggested, but Leo shook his head.

"She would've told us about that, surely" He replied.

They both decided to leave it for the time being and just keep an eye on their friend.

Later on, when Leo offered to go and make them all a drink, Nikki declined. She knew caffeine would be bad for the baby and had already started thinking about it. She was scared, obviously, but being a doctor she was also fascinated by the idea of a new life growing inside her. Hesitantly, she rubbed her hand over her still flat stomach and tried to imagine what it would look like. She knew that it was still only an embryo but that a heart was already forming. The thought terrified her, yet she also found herself a little bit excited.

The main thing that was worrying her was Harry hating her when she told him. She hadn't even thought about what would happen when the baby was born, her mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of being rejected by her best friend.

What Nikki didn't realise was that Leo had seen her sneakily put her hand on her stomach (something which Harry missed from being on the other side of the desk) and also noted the fact that she hadn't had her usual morning coffee.

He also took into account what Harry had also mentioned to him about her getting a bit emotional over the case with the pregnant woman. He knew what had happened. All the signs were there, he was just the only one who had caught all of them and had experience from when Teresa was pregnant.

He knew it was probably best not to mention this to Harry yet as it would break his heart to know that Nikki was seeing someone else (as, he noticed, it always did) and he also had no idea how far along she was. Leo decided that the best approach would be to talk to her alone and see what she thinks about it, and also try and find out who the father is. He definitely wasn't aware of her seeing anyone, not that she is very open about her private life but he did like to pride himself in knowing her very well in a father-like way.

"Nikki, can I have a word please?"

"Sure." She replied and got up to walk in to her boss' office. Leo closed the door behind her and motioned for her to sit down.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Leo started, trying to get her to admit it on her own.

His suspicions were pretty much confirmed by how quickly she answered.

"No, nothing. What makes you think I have something to tell you?"

He knew this tactic would probably lead to nowhere so tried a different approach, being methodical like the scientist within him even when it came to dealing with his friends.

"I've noticed a few things today that aren't quite normal behaviour for you."

Nikki tensed slightly but attempted to feign ignorance. "I don't know what you mean, Leo"

"Refusing the coffee, your changing moods, how you don't seem to be mentally coping with your case, not coming out for a drink last night and using the 'women's troubles' excuse to put Harry of the scent and the was your hand keeps making its way towards your stomach. I'm not blind Nikki, or stupid."

He noticed his colleague blush slightly and she asked in a quiet voice: "Is it really that obvious?" Leo nodded his head seriously. "Please don't tell anyone yet." She pleaded.

"How far along are you?"

"About five weeks."

"And who is the father?" He asked but Nikki merely shook her head and stated that she wasn't going to tell him yet.

"Are you going to keep it?"

Nikki stood up, suddenly angry at her boss. "Of course I'm bloody well going to keep it. It's my baby. What do you take me for Leo?" She snapped, but immediately regretted it and mumbled an apology.

"How do you feel about it, Nikki, really?" Leo enquired.

"I don't know. I only found out yesterday and it still hasn't properly sunk in. I'm scared though. I don't think I can raise a child on my own, especially with no one to learn from growing up."

"I'll be here to help you Nikki, as will Harry I'm sure."

Nikki just scoffed at his last remark and sunk down onto the sofa in Leo's office, head in her hands, and started crying.

The older man perched next to her and wrapped a protective arm around her, trying to comfort her like he would a young child who had fallen over, or a teenager when they broke up with their boyfriend or girlfriend; comforting her like he should've done with Cassie.