"It was…the coffin. All over again." Nick whispered, and Sara almost didn't hear him. He squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back, reassuring him.

"The musty smell, the light breeze…the darkness, the tight space…It just all came rushing at me, and I think I just lost it…" he said quietly as he avoided her gaze, ashamed. Sara did the only thing she could think to do - she scooted up so her hip was level to his and enveloped him in a hug. Now it was his turn to cry on her shoulder, and she massaged his shoulders and upper arms.

"It's okay Nicky…I understand, everyone does…it's alright honey…" she whispered soothingly to him, surprising herself when she called him a pet name.

"I'm sorry I scared you…" Nick whispered into her hair, "I just…froze."

"Don't worry…about scaring me. I'm a big girl…I can take care of myself, and others on occasion." Sara smiled as she leant back, making a joke about herself. Nick smiled and wiped his eyes, and Sara did the same. Then they both reached for the others hand, lacing their fingers firmly together.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts, before Sara heard the distinct sound of Nick laughing, and broke from her reverie to question him.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Sara smiled broadly. This sounded familiar…

"What!"

"Nothing!"

"They weren't…carnal thoughts, were they Mr. Stokes?" Sara grinned slyly, and Nick swatted at her. She blocked his hand with her forearm, and he held his hand against hers for longer than he should have before dropping it back to his side.

"So…what is my debt to you now? Two lives?" he asked jokingly, referring to his abduction and to the latest incident, but she could see the pain in his eyes.

"You don't owe me anything Nicky." She stated simply and truthfully. He smiled at her, and she smiled back, loving the way his eyes caressed her face when he looked at her.

Sometime in the past few minutes, Nicks hand had come to rest on Sara's upper leg as she had folded it under her while getting comfortable, and her hand now rested atop his. She caught his tender smile and blushed, and though she prayed he didn't notice, she knew he had.

A knock sounded at the door, and both Nick and Sara turned as a woman doctor entered, holding a clipboard and apparently ready to share some news.

"Hello Nick, I'm Dr. Geisinger." She said as she shook his hand. "Sara, I was told you were here, so I have results for both of you."

Nick squeezed her thigh and she turned her attention to him. He furrowed his brow in question – why did the doctor have results for Sara? She gave him a small smile and turned her attention back to the doctor, skillfully avoiding his eye.

"Nick, you first." Dr. Geisinger began and, Nick once again focused on her, "We haven't been able to find anything wrong with you physically. Your memory is fine, your motor skills are optimum, and all muscle and brain activity is normal. There is no reason you cannot return home tonight."

Sara squeezed his hand with a wide grin, and Nick smiled too, though not as wide as he should have. He was still waiting to see what was wrong with Sara.

"However Mr. Stokes, it is obvious you suffered a stress or panic induced attack, which caused your body to shut down like it did. It has been highly recommended that you seek professional help for this; a psychiatrist can be recommended if need be. It is the nature of these attacks that once one pops up, others, potentially worse attacks can occur when no action is taken to correct the problem. No offense, but we never want to see you in here again." Joked the doctor, and both Nick and Sara laughed softly. Of course he would need further help, Nick thought, and he was slightly annoyed with himself he hadn't realized the severity sooner.

"As for you Sara," the doctor continued, and Nick immediately shook himself out of his thoughts to listen once again, "our scanners show that the ankle you were complaining about is nothing more then strained. Stay off it for a few days, take a day or two off work if need be, maybe find a friend or relative to help you out around the house. Ice it to keep the swelling down. Aspirin can be your best friend for an injury of this nature."

Sara nodded, and Nick, though relieved her injury was minor, was still confused. Why hadn't she told him….she hadn't even acted as if she was in pain!

"Well, that about covers it for you two….Nick I'll turn your papers in and as soon as everything gets sorted out you're free to leave. Plan on an hour or two." Dr. Geisinger winked at the pair of them as they thanked her, and left the room.

As soon as she did, Nick was on Sara like a hungry dog with questions.

"What is she talking about Sara? Strained your ankle? Why didn't you tell me?" Nick asked all these in rapid succession, and Sara put a gentle hand on his chest to stop him.

"Nick relax, it's nothing. Really, didn't you hear the doctor?" Sara soothed, trying to lessen the significance of her injury, but Nick would have none of it.

"Will you at least tell me how it happened?" Nick asked. Sara nodded and was silent for a few moments, and when she spoke, her words were slow – he could tell she chose them carefully.

"When you…fell, down in the manhole, I caught you, but…it was sudden. One moment you're standing and the next your legs are giving way and you're falling forward. And I caught you…but I wasn't ready. I stumbled, my foot twisted, and my ankle ended up catching us." Sara finished, her eyes in her lap.

"Sweet Jesus Sar…" Nick sighed, threading a hand through her hair as she met his eye. "I could have really hurt you…I just fell? Just like that?"

Sara nodded, and Nick sighed again.

"I'm so sorry…really, I mean…I can't believe you caught me! You're so small and I'm so…well, not. You're stronger then I gave you credit for darlin'!" Nick smiled broadly and Sara cocked an eyebrow.

"You callin' me weak Stokes?" she asked playfully, and he shook his head furiously. Her tone turned serious when she spoke again.

"I guess…I was just so worried…the last thing on my mind was me." She said slowly, trying to explain herself without giving away too much of what she was truly feeling.

Nick motioned for her to come to him, and he enveloped her in his arms, whispering affectionately in her ear.

"You amaze me."

A/N –

So I know a few of you were hoping for a huge shocking reason as to why Nick had his panic attack…sorry if you didn't like the outcome.

Anyway, not sure where I want to take this story just yet….don't plan on another post till mayber around the 30th. Christmas eve's at my house this year, and between having to entertain aunts uncles and my three year old cousin (as the oldest, that responsibility falls to me hahaha) I'm not sure when I can have some alone time to write.

Have the happiest of Christmas's!

The Notorious Cat