The Night Nikki Didn't Call. Chapter 3.

20 minutes later, Harry and Nikki were still in the pub, making polite conversation. Nothing more was spoken of him holding her hand, that was not the way Harry wanted today to end. Today would be the day he asked her out. Even the thought made him nervous, what if she said no? He would never be able to face her again, even if she didn't mind and suggested that they forgot all about it. Leo had spoken to him about their relationship many times, all of them assuring him he should just go and do it, or as Leo put it 'Grow a pair'. Still, he knew that if his boss had given him advice, the chance of them being forced to work apart was much less likely, probably as long as they kept their relationship out of the workplace. That might be hard for him however, seeing her everyday and not being able to show her affection until they were alone. What if their relationship got so far as them getting married, or having a baby... this was going to be harder than he thought.

"Harry?" Nikki questioned, looking him in the eye. "What you thinking about?"

You.

He took another sip from his nearly empty glass and tried to answer without speaking his mind. "Just... how nice it is to be here... with you". Well it would do, it's not like he said he loved her.

"It's nice to be here with you too, Harry" Nikki said slowly, being slightly sarcastic.

"Look, er... I was wondering. Fancy coming back to mine? I've got half a bottle of wine I don't want to go to waste" Great excuse Harry. "and... we could watch TV or a film-"

"I'd love too" she said, breaking out into a huge grin. "Are you asking me on a date Harry Cunningham?"

"Er..." he looked down at his lap, eventually plucking up the courage to ask her outright. "Yes. Nikki, will you go on a date with me?"

"Why yes, Harry. I would love to!" she said, hopping off her bar stool pulling a note out of her purse until Harry put his hand over it.

Taking a note from his pocket and placing it on the table, next to their drinks, he turned towards her. "I'm paying, my treat"

"Thanks" she said, blushing.

Walking out the pub, Harry took Nikki's hand again, this time determined not to let go. Deciding they would walk back to his, they set off at a gentle pace. However, as they rounded a corner, a loud voice interrupted their conversation as a man's voice shouted Harry's name.

"Leo?" Harry sighed. The second time today their moment had been broken, and he was not happy. Determined not to let this phase him, he squeezed Nikki's hand when he felt her pull away.

"Harry, Nikki, nice to see you" he said, walking closer to them.

"It's been half an hour Leo" Nikki replied, laughing. "I guess you missed us"

"Depends" he smiled. "However-"

"Oh God" Harry started. "You're not going to say there's another body are you?"

"No, no. I just wanted to ask you... are you two..." he pointed towards their entwined hands.

Harry had no idea how to answer. He didn't want to scare her off by saying yes, what if she wasn't ready to be called his girlfriend? However, if he said no, she might think it was just a joke to him, and take it lightly. He was serious this time. He just didn't know how to show it.

"Yes" Nikki confidently replied, stealing away Harry's attention from his thoughts as he wordlessly turned towards her, mouth open.

"Oh really?" Leo asked a smirk on his face. "And for how long may I ask"

Feeling more confident this time, he plucked up the courage and looked at his watch. "Since... about 8 minutes ago" he said, turning towards her, giving her a huge grin, she did the same. "But we were about to head home so, if you didn't mind..." he gestured with his hand until Leo got the idea and stepped out the way.

"Of course, have a good time" he said, smiling again as he let them pass.

Walking away, Harry let go of her hand, much to Nikki's disappointment, and put it around her shoulder. He almost couldn't believe this day had finally come, that he was able to do this without her making a funny remark about him being a flirt. Just before they rounded the next corner, he heard one last call from Leo.

"Make sure you use protection".

TBC...

Hey guys, thankyou very much for reading and reviewing. You have made me a very happy shipper indeed.

Sorry if this chapter isn't much. I'm slowly losing my 'flow'. This was only written as a present so didn't really have the time to plan everything.

Probably one last chapter after this one, Harry and Nikki back at his place, just 'chillin'. And no, I don't write 'M' fictions yet, maybe in the future. Sorry to disappoint.

As always, reviews are welcome but not compulsory. Thankyou.

ScientificAnomaly, x

P.S- Sorry for the mistakes.