CHAPTER FIVE

A/N: This isn't my best chapter, but I felt like I needed to update it. Hopefully you won't hate it that much. I promise the next chapter will make up for it!

NICK'S POV

After Nick and Winston had arrived home all Nick had done was think about how he would tell Jess about his feelings. He couldn't just tell her, Jess deserved more than that, he wanted to do something that would impress her. He'd spent the whole day writing down his ideas on the back of napkins and had come to the conclusion that he would take her some place, although he knew asking would be difficult.

Jess arrived home from work, this time her face presented a smile but she still seemed a little edgy. Nick got to work straight away, waiting for her to be alone. He didn't have to wait long before she wondered off to her room.

Go man, go. Now's your chance. Do it just like we practiced, it doesn't have to be awkward. Like the night before he hopped up off of the sofa and headed towards her room, walking with a quick pace so he couldn't back out.

"Jess it's me." He knocked three times, stepped back and waited. This time she answered the door almost straight away, Nick would never get used to her beauty. The first thing that came into sight was her hip and shoulder, as the door pulled open more of her was revealed until she was standing in front of him. Today she was fashioning a black skirt and a stripy top, her hair was in its usual curled style and her eyes were as blue as ever. You are so beautiful. If he could, Nick would marvel at her beauty all day, but it wasn't long before his doubt began to creep in. You could have any guy you want, why would you want me? He could feel his palms become slippery with sweat, he had to say something now that he had nocked. Jess began to look at him with a puzzled look. Say something.

"Hey Jess. Jessica. The J bomb. J Day. Jessica Day." He tried to pull his most convincing smile but he could feel his nerves giving him away. "Yeah I can't do this." Nick decided and quickly turned away, escaping into his room across the hall.

Once the door was between him and Jess his head began to clear, he sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands and began to speak out loud.

"You have to man up." Then an idea came to him. Nick walked across his room to a desk with heaps of bits and bobs dumped on it. "There has to be some paper around here somewhere." He said whilst rummaging through the draws. Finally he found a discarded letter from the bank and scribbled on the back 'Meet me out front in five?' with a black ballpoint pen. "This will have to do."

Nick waited until it was dark before he got ready to post his handmade note. He grabbed a bag and speeded towards the kitchen, keeping his head down as he passed Jess' room. First he had to put some food together. What does Jess like to eat? He grabbed the carton of strawberries from the fridge and plopped them in his bag. She always eats strawberries. Next he proceeded to make some sandwiches, the filling of which consisted of peanut butter and tuna. She is gonna love you, you charmer, you. Nick laughed to himself, his plan was coming together. After he had gathered some salted pretzels, and ginger biscuits, he had to find a way to take her where he wanted.

When Nick needed to drive somewhere he would ask Schmidt if he could borrow his car, Schmidt never said no to Nick. He was sat at the dining table, alternating between watching Nick and tapping away on his laptop keys.

"What are you up to Nick? This is not like you." Another thing about Schmidt was he never missed a thing, after living with Nick for so long he could read him like a book.

"I was wondering if I could borrow your car for a little while?" He asked.

"Just because you're my brother from another mother and I love you. Have fun you little scamp. But be careful! If I find even the smallest of scratches I will become hell to live with" He tossed the keys to him and smiled a smile you'd expect to see on a child.

"You're already hell to live with Schmidt." Nick called back to him, he had already begun walking down to Jess' room. This time he'd do it, without hesitation he slipped the note underneath her door and ran away before she could catch him.

The wait to see if Jess would turn up was a long one, Nick's head was filled with doubts. It's too late to back out now. To his slight disbelief she showed like he had instructed, wearing her pink coat to shelter her from the cool night.

"Hey Nick, what's going on?" Jess' voice was like bird song in Nicks ears. He wouldn't explain everything straight away because he didn't want her to leave just yet.

"Oh, well I felt like going on a drive and I thought 'you know who likes drives? Jess'" Feeling like he needed to sell it more, he lifted the bag in his hand to eye level. "I brought food, thought we could make a night of it." Jess smiled at this.

"You made a picnic? Well I can't say no now. I know you Nick, there's a reason behind this isn't there?" She was beginning to look nervous which only made her look cuter in Nick's eyes.

"Actually I need to talk to ya. I wanted to do it the right way, so will you come with me?" Now Nick was feeling nervous too. She nodded and climbed into the passenger seat. Maybe things would work out. Don't chicken out now Nick, get in there. He got in the car and started up the engine. "Off we go."

"Adventure is out there!" Jess mimicked in her best voice from UP, and that was it, they drove.