Author's Note: This is set in the In Darkness and Hope universe, also tying in with parts seven and nineteen. The words in the title don't get said, but they are implied a lot.
I Like Your Laugh
"I missed that."
Frank looked over at her with a frown, and Nancy smiled, though most of her amusement had faded as soon as she said those three words. They were a reminder of how different things had become between them, how wrong they were. "What? Laughing like idiots over something that shouldn't be funny at all?"
She shrugged, hating that the bitterness was already creeping back into his voice. "I suppose. The rest of it has to do with hearing you laugh the way you did when we were younger—not the scoffing, derisive one I've heard ever since you got back, but the way you laughed back when you finally felt safe, when you were finally comfortable not only with your family but also with the man you were starting to become. That laugh. I missed that laugh. I missed you."
He frowned. "I don't—"
"You've been distant. And this... jaded act of yours isn't you. It's some new defense against whatever happened after we fell out of touch. I know I could have tried more to stay in contact, but I didn't want to push."
"You didn't want to push?"
Nancy saw the look he was giving her and rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know I'm pushy. I also know that you had people pushing you in certain directions—your therapists and your family—and I thought it better not to be another one nagging at you. I was the one you depended upon in the beginning, but that initial push was all you ever needed from me. I know that, no matter what other people say."
"Joe's been trying to convince you to talk me into working for Dad, hasn't he?"
"Maybe a little, but that wasn't the point I was trying to make," she said, reaching for Frank's hand. "I missed you. I don't want to miss you again. I know you only came back because of this case, but that doesn't mean we should let this opportunity go."
"I never said I wanted to reconcile."
"But I do. Please."