KittyDoggyLover- I don't think you have to be a Jordan/Nigel shipper to enjoy this one. Just beware that I'm planning on making Woody even more of a jerk later on. Just a heads up!
NadezhdaSt- I agree entirely. Sometimes it's hard to find things to read because nearly all of the fics here are Woody/Jordan. That's why I write things that are different. Yes there will be more, and it's okay if you turn into a Jordan/Nigel shipper. I am. Lol.
Mac3- Thanks, I'm doing my best with characterization. I'm afraid that it won't be as good now, because I'm no good at creating Nigel-isms. Or Jordan-Nigel-isms. Oh well.
Thank you for your reviews! I rarely have a chance for others, besides friends and family, to see my work, so I wanted to make sure that I had something worth writing before I continued. I needed the confidence boost, which you have provided greatly, and I shall definately continue now! And I'll finish. (I hate fanfics where they have this great story and then they never finish!)
Sorry for my knowledge of the layout of Jordan's apartment in this chapter, or lack thereof. I've never really paid it much attention. Keep reviewing and I'll keep updating!
The Basement
Chapter Two: Many Cans of Root Beer
-Jordan-
The wind dried what tears were left on my face as we sped along, and for awhile I was enjoying the ride too much to think about Woody. I loved riding with Nigel on his motor cycle. It was like an escape from the monotony of the real world, and right now I needed escape. I found myself wishing that I lived much further away as we pulled into the parking lot. As I stepped onto the pavement and removed my helmet, I noticed that Nigel was not following suit. Then I realized that he had probably been expecting to go right back to the morgue when I was safely at home.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then Jordan," he said. "Call me if you need anything else." But I didn't really feel like being alone. Not now.
"Hey Nige?" I asked. "Do you want to come in? That is, if you're not busy."
"Oh," he said, "I dunno. I will if Dr. M will let me."
"Can you call him?"
In response, Nigel pulled out his cell phone and took a step or two away, turning his back. I waited patiently, listening to what he was saying.
"Hi, Dr. M?" Can I take the day off? …Yes, I know I took yesterday off as well, but something's come up with Jordan. …Yes, she's fine, but she wants company. …Yeah. …Thanks Dr. M." He closed his phone and turned, smiling, back to me. "It's all squared away. I've got the day off."
"Thanks Nige."
"No problem love." We walked up to my apartment together, hand in hand again. I was glad that he was staying. I felt better, but nothing could make me forget what Woody had said to me. I needed to fight back tears again as I relived the memory. I closed my eyes as we approached the door, concentrating on my breathing. Nigel must have noticed because he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I opened my eyes and gave him a small smile, handing over my keys so that he could unlock the door. He pushed it open and guided me to the couch. I sat gratefully, Nigel next to me.
"Do you want a drink love?" he asked. I thought for a moment about my original plan and getting drunk, releasing myself from the pain I was feeling. But I really didn't want Nigel to see me like that. I wanted to be able to have real conversation.
"There's some soda in the fridge," I said. Nigel nodded, gave my hand another squeeze, and walked to the kitchen. He returned moments later with two root beers, giving one to me and sitting down again. We began talking, about nothing in particular. Work, the weather, our favorite TV shows, food, fashion, and even our childhood, which was a bleak point for the both of us. Hours and cans of root beer went by as we talked and laughed, until the sun began to set, casting an orange light through the room.
-Nigel-
I saw Jordan yawn as the sun began to set. She'd had a big day; the sobbing had tired her out. We sat in silence for awhile, until I noticed a single tear running the length of Jordan's face. I slid next to her and draped my arm over her shoulders. She quickly made as to wipe the tear away, but I stopped her hand. Sometimes we need tears in order to let something go. She looked at me and then laid her head on my shoulder. My heart did another flip. More tears came as she cried silently, her eyes closed, while I held her to me. We just sat there for awhile longer, until I could hear Jordan breathing, deep and steady, and knew she had fallen sleep. Still I sat there, just watching her rest. She looked so peaceful in sleep; free of the tortures, the pain, the death that we both faced at our jobs every day. I sighed, and then slowly lifted her off of the couch. I carried her into the bedroom and laid her softly on the bed. I stood there, gazing at her for a moment, and then walked softly back into the other room. There I spread out on the worn couch. It was slightly too small for me, and part of my legs stuck oddly off the end, but it was comfortable. I grabbed some spare pillows that were lying haphazardly on the floor to prop my head against and closed my eyes, falling asleep quickly.
-Jordan-
I felt him lift me from the couch, clearly thinking that I had cried myself to sleep. His movements were gentle and cautious, as though I were something delicate that would break if mishandled, like glass. He set me down just as gently, not letting me jolt in the slightest as he laid me on the bed's surface, lightly and easily as if I were a feather.
Then he stood there, looking at me I could tell. I didn't hear him leave for at least a minute. Then he near silently made his way out. As he pulled the door almost closed behind him, I open my eyes and watched his retreating back. It was really great having a friend like Nigel. Through the toughest times he was always there for me; an arm around me, a shoulder to cry on. I smiled to myself, silently thanking him, before I drifted into sleep.
I awoke the next morning to the blood-red of sunlight shining through my closed eyelids and birds chirping familiar tunes in my ear. It must be late I thought sleepily. Then I sat bolt upright.
Shouldn't I be at work?
I hurtled quickly from the place that Nigel had left me last night and began frantically going through my closet, looking for something to wear.
"Morning love," I heard Nigel mutter sleepily from the door. "Aren't we the busy bee today?"
"Nige, why didn't you wake me up?" I asked while frantically thumbing through hanger after hanger, looking for a shirt. "We're already late."
"Whoa, slow down love!" Nigel said, putting a hand on my shoulder as I attempted to make a mad dash for the bathroom, my clothes in hand. "It's alright Jordan! Dr. Macy gave you another day off and is letting me come in late today. Relax!" I dropped the clothes that I was holding and took a step away from the closet. It didn't occur to me how tired I still was until I stumbled and found myself being saved from landing on my face by one of Nigel's arms.
"Easy love," he said. "Let's get you back to bed. C'mon." He led me over and I slumped down on top of the covers.
"Thanks Nige," I whispered. How many times had I said that now?
"It's no problem Jordan. You just rest a bit more." I nodded and closed my eyes again, falling instantly asleep.
I awoke again still later in the day. Slowly I rolled over onto my side and out of bed. Then, even more slowly, I made my way into the other room. Nigel was there watching TV. He looked up at me and smiled as I entered the room. "How're we feeling today?" he asked cheerfully. I shrugged; in truth, I didn't know how I felt.
"How about some breakfast then?" he asked. "Or rather," he looked at his watch, "lunch?" I nodded. Lunch sounded good.
Sorry if my chapters are short! I just stop when it seems right. Keep reviewing please!