So what did happen that Thursday afternoon thats messed with Nikki's head so much? Lets flashback:
Thursday afternoon:
It had been the end of a difficult case for both Nikki and Jack. Jack had taken it hard, especially when the killer had struck once again just before being caught. If only they'd had the results back a few hours earlier. Maybe their evidence could have saved another young woman's life.
She'd found him in the locker room, sat down with his head in his hands. He'd evidently just showered, hair still damp. Gently moving to sit next to him on the bench Nikki reached across to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I just… if only we'd been just that little bit quicker she would have been bloody saved" Jack said not meeting her eyes.
"I know" was all Nikki could reply with. What more could she say. It had been hard for them all, but difficult cases occurred all the time. She wasn't quite sure if it was just the case affecting him right now, he'd been a little off over the past few weeks. There was something there, some sort of tension that she just couldn't put her finger on. The past week had been markedly worse. He'd seemed more downcast, distant maybe. She'd tried inviting him round for pizza night like they used to, but the past few weeks he'd had excuses both times. She figured maybe he'd met someone. A thought which almost triggered some sort of jealous feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. She put that down to the closeness of their friendship. Why shouldn't she take an interest in who he is or isn't dating right?
They sit together in companionable silence for the next few minutes, Nikki absentmindedly rubbing Jack's shoulder, putting her thoughts together. Not normally one to hesitate she was unsure of how best to address the situation. She knew probing too far might cause Jack to clam up. Yet another part of her thought that there was the slim possibility that he might be waiting for the opportunity to be asked.
Fuck it thought Nikki before asking. "Jack, is everything ok? I mean I know the case has got to you, god knows I'm one of the worst for letting a case take hold of me. Yet it's not just the case is it?"
Nikki feels him shift under her touch, raising his head to look at her. She watches him. Examining his face for any traces of what he was withholding. Her brown eyes on his green blue. There's almost an electricity in the air with that stare. Time seems to slow, the air pregnant with unsaid words. Then suddenly the moment is gone. Looking away at the floor Jack finally replies. "I'm fine Nikki, honestly, nothing a round at the gym won't cure". Then almost as if to lighten the mood he turns back to look at her, with a slight grin, that Jack Hodgson trademark sideways smile that she secretly loves. Yet it feels forced somehow.
"Ok" replies Nikki with a sigh, removing her hand from his shoulder, letting it rest on the bench next to his. "But you'd tell me wouldn't you, if there was something wrong, something going on that you needed help with right? Only you've been pretty distant lately, almost as if you've been avoiding me. Maybe I'm just being paranoid" Nikki looks at him, moving one hand back to rub the back of her neck.
There is a moment of silence between them, whilst Jack forms his reply. Jack starts "Nikki... I... " He falters then, and shifts on the bench. Nikki sees him move his hand away from its position next to hers on the bench. "I mean yeah of course I would, I'm sorry, distance was not my intention. I just..." he trails off. She continues to watch him, a questioning look on her face. "What is it Jack? Tell me?" she says, not understanding what on earth it could be that he can't tell her.
His hands which are now in his lap clench into fists. Acting on instinct Nikki lowers her hand to place it over his left fist. He responds by relaxing his grip, unclenching his fingers and allowing her to gently put her hand in his. It's not an unusual gesture this, they've held hands before. Yet suddenly the gesture feels almost intimate. Nikki slowly goes to withdraw her hand, but before she can Jack takes it in his, interlinking his fingers with hers.
The electricity in the air that had dissipated only moments before now returns, stronger than ever. Nikki isn't sure why but knows that she's got goosebumps running down her arms, yet her hand, which remains in Jack's is on fire. Her heart rate has increased and time has slowed again. Jack looks deeply into her eyes. For a moment there is a silent exchange, souls communicating on a whole other level. With his free hand Jack reaches up to lightly push back a stray blonde curl that's fallen across Nikki's face. He doesn't remove his hand, and Nikki can feel the heat on the side of her face. She sees his eyes move down from holding her gaze to her lips.
She starts to say "Jack" but before she can get the words out his mouth is on hers. It's not a light gentle kiss, it's a kiss full of passion and intensity. The electricity reaches breaking point and she reaches her hand around to the back of his head to deepen the kiss. Her head swims, and all it can think is "Jack, Jack, Jack". She's lost, being pulled out by the tide, and it feels amazing. Every sensation in her is heightened. Then suddenly Jack pulls away. She feels the cold seep into her bones, replacing the heat that was there moments before. She feels the longing deep within her core. Then like awakening from a dream reality hits.
"Nikki I'm sorry, I shouldn't have... ". Jack stands, grabs his coat and his bag, and before she can comprehend what's just happened, never mind find her voice he's gone. She stays sitting on the bench for a good 15 minutes, she's confused. Confused about why, confused about what it meant, but also confused about how good it felt. Suddenly she is snapped out of her reverie by the steady tones of Clarissa's wheelchair. Work. Work, home, bath, wine and bed. Her mantra begins.