Chapter Seven

Nick.

"Five"

"Four"

"Three"

"Two"

"One!"

"Stop writing!" Demi yelled into Miley's ear,

Miley jumped dropping the pen throwing her hand out slapping Demi on the arm, a pissed expression across her face. "Don't do that, you scare the shit out of me every time! And I don't need a count down, from the entire office thank you!" Miley's head spun glaring at all the officers who had decided to participate in our minute countdown much to Miley's frustration. Instantly all their heads ducked down as Demi snatched the test from Miley's fingers.

"It's good preparation-"

"For what?" Miley snapped frustrated, "They don't do that in the examination."

"How would you know?" I asked leaning back on my chair.

Miley turned and glared at me kicking her foot at my chair causing me to over balance. I threw myself forward just before I went crashing to Earth as I looked at Miley, who was staring at me smugly,

"You're a bitch you know that?"

"Well you're a dick so we're even." She stated smirking at me.

"Perfect match I reckon."

"Do you now? You're dreaming Nicholas." Miley stated looking me up and down.

"They're flirting again aren't they?" Joe asked.

"No!" Miley and me both yelled.

"They sure are," Demi, commented looking at Joe. "Is that lunch?"

Instantly all attention was off us and at the cardboard box that Joe was holding tightly in his grasp. It was like someone had hit an alarm bell and everyone who had ordered lunch from the café next door rushed at Joe like they hadn't eaten in weeks let alone hours. I sat watching the mayhem before me as wrapped sandwiches, baguettes, focaccia, salads and a donut was tossed around until Joe was left standing there, his hair slightly to the left, his shirt crumpled on one side and the box now practically empty.

"There is only three left," Demi announced looking in the box,

"And?"

"And there should be four Joe, there are four of us."

"What? You said-"

"You didn't get Miley lunch did you?" Demi asked glaring at my brother,

He looked completely bewildered as he turned to Miley, "You're staying for lunch now? Don't you have something else better to do?" He asked her as Demi slapped his arm glaring,

"Joe! She's studying! Plus I left a note for you-"

"I didn't get it."

"Well go back and get her lunch."

"It's fine, really." Miley announced,

"No" Demi hissed at Joe, "It's not, go and get it!"

"I'm fine guys, just-"

"I'll split my lunch with you." I announced deciding to take advantage of this situation, plus I couldn't exactly let her train this afternoon on no food I'd almost had her collapse once and I didn't want it to happen again. "I don't mind, I had a big breakfast anyway."

"It's fine Nick," She stated. "I'll go get something myself."

"No! I only have my break for another twenty minutes and we need to go through this once I correct it." Demi proclaimed.

"Well I'll wait until then-"

"Miley it's fine,"

I took my lunch splitting it and handed her half a sandwich, "Honestly just take it I really don't mind." I announced as she looked at me unconvinced,

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! I wouldn't have suggested it-"

"Okay stop just take his lunch!" Demi hissed at both of us.

"Okay geez!" Miley murmured.

She grabbed the half as I smiled at her and I saw a red blush once again come to her cheeks. She'd been here every day for the past week and I'd begun to see the tinge on her face far more frequently. I used to feel accomplished when I could make a girl do that, but I didn't with Miley because it was more than that, those girls did it so frequently it was fake while on Miley it was so genuine. She was opening up to us, joking and teasing around and we were all starting to see her as a friend we'd never really expected. I however had recognized something else… Miley was terribly shy and covered it by her constant attitude and uptight approach, she was also holding secrets that I saw locked in her eyes. That front however had been slipping and I was beginning to see the real Miley.

"So are you coming with us to see mom?" Joe asked,

He sat down on Selena's desk which was opposite mine, she was hardly ever there however today was an exception to that. I saw her glare at Joe but didn't say anything tapping on her computer trying to pretend like none of us existed,

"No, I'm gonna stay here instead."

"Why? I'd take New Jersey over the city any day of the week." Demi proclaimed,

"I don't want to see her,"

"That's a horrible thing to say," Miley added, "She's your mom."

I snorted and shook my head, "You have no idea Miley,"

"I don't care," Miley stated staring at me a strange look in her expression, "She is the one who created you Nick, you shouldn't say stuff like that! What if she died next week and you didn't go and see her this weekend because you didn't want too? You should go, she's your family."

"Whoa," Joe murmured, "That escalated quickly,"

Miley opened her mouth only to close it and instead bit into the sandwich as I stared at her confused. "Well actually I was thinking that we could work this weekend instead Miley." I suggested looking at her, "But maybe you already have plans with your mom?" I added sarcastically.

Miley turned and glared at me, a look of anger in her eyes which dwelled for only a moment before she huffed and nodded.

"Okay yeah sure, that would be great Nick."

"Good," I responded hesitantly, "We have the gym this afternoon too-"

"Actually you don't,"

We all spun to look at Selena who was staring at me, "You may have it on the weekend but you don't have it this afternoon." She smiled at me continuing to tap away on her computer, "Justin and his friends already have it to do some extra training, because you know they're training to move up into the FBI."

"Ooooh the FBI," I murmured rolling my eyes, "Of course he'll fit right in there."

"What's the supposed to mean-"

"Only jackasses are allowed."

Selena just stared at me and picked up a folder off her desk, "Well when you're still living with your brother in twenty years, and Justin and me are settling down because we actually paid off our debts come talk to me Nick." She stated and walked off as Demi stuck out her hand,

"Good call gurl,"

Selena smiled slapping her hand as I gave Demi a look and shrugged, a piece of carrot hanging from her mouth, "What she's right Nick? We all have debts and the FBI pays way better than we get paid."

"So where are we going to train this afternoon?"

Miley looked at me as I stared at her uneasily, good question.

"Umm well…a park?"

Joe and Demi both laughed as Miley just stared at me completely horrified, "It's like a hundred degrees outside! Are you kidding me?" She proclaimed looking at me and sighing, "How about you just come over to my place tonight and we'll-"

"Whoa hold up!" Joe announced, "Nick only goes to girls houses when he-"

"Wants to play?" Miley asked smirking, "Well we can…"

I looked at her with raised eyebrows as she stared at me, "In a different way, I want to actually do some fighting tonight." She announced. Miley had been eager all week and I'd kept knocking her back for my ego's sake,

"That might be hard at your apartment, your mom and dad-"

"I live on my own, it's big enough."

"You live on your own?" Demi asked.

Miley nodded confused, "Of course I do, don't you?"

Instantly all three of us shook our heads, "We can't afford to live on our own, hell I'm still living with my older sister and I hate it!" Demi snapped as I nodded in agreement looking at Joe,

"Same here," I murmured,

"Hey! You love sharing with me-"

"By love I think you mean hate-"

"Anyway," Miley stated cutting the conversation short looking at me, "Will you come over to my place and can we actually fight, please?" I looked at her pleading expression as she stuck her bottom lip out and I felt my head nodding,

"Okay sure,"

Joe laughed sliding off the desk and moving up behind me, "She's gonna kill you."

"I can hear you." Miley singsonged.

Joe just chuckled and stepped back as our eyes all widened, while my lips moved to say something but I knew it was too late. Joe stepped back colliding into the Commissioner's chest as instantly we were all up saluting and I saw my brother's eyes close in absolute horror as he stepped aside raising his hand,

"Sorry sir-"

"What's going on here?" The Commissioner yelled, "Why are you talking, you should be working."

"We're on our break Sir." I responded.

He turned and looked at me as I instantly leaned back completely intimidated as I stared into his eyes, "Does this look like the lunch room Jonas?" He yelled directly into my face as I shook my head.

"No Sir, sorry Sir."

"What did I say about the word sorry?" He hissed at me,

The Commissioner stepped back his eyes looking at me up and down for a moment longer, while I stood almost on the verge of falling backwards. He finally turned as we all just stood there, a nervous tension radiating through every single one of us.

"Well? Get out of my way Jonas!" He yelled at Joe.

"Yes Sir,"

Joe quickly stepped back as the Commissioner purposely pushed past Joe heading towards his office. We all just watched as he opened the door and slammed it harshly. For a moment all of us were frozen as I frowned confused, before a few weeks ago I'd hardly seen the man yet now it felt like he was following me around every step I took? One minute he was calm the next minute acting like he controlled the world. I shook my head confused by our boss; he was a mysterious man that I just couldn't understand.

"Why the hell does he act like that?" Demi murmured,

"Like what?" Miley asked,

We all turned and just stared at her as she shrugged confused,

"He's the boss, isn't he meant to act like that?" She asked almost innocently,

"Yeah but he acts like a complete dickhead," Joe murmured moving over to our desk staring at Miley. "You should know, I mean he fired you and you did absolutely nothing wrong. He's a complete crazy man! I swear I hope he retires soon, he wasn't even meant to get the position anyway."

"He wasn't?" I asked confused,

"No, his brother was…" Demi murmured.

"The one who died on 9/11?"

"Yeah," Joe stated still staring towards the door, "Mom told me about their family. She said Jason used to be the nicest guy, but after Billy and his wife died everything completely changed. I mean I can't say I blame him, he lost his brother and his sister in law." Joe shook his head, "That would screw with anyone's head but clearly it fucked him up big time."

"Yeah and getting stuck with their kid," Demi added,

"My god! Could you imagine living with him?" I hissed,

"I know right, that kid must be so screwed up-"

"She lost her parents and got stuck with that," Demi motioned towards the door shaking her head, "How could you even begin to deal with your parents death when he acts like that?"

"How old would she be now?" I asked intrigued,

"She was younger than you guys, like nineteen maybe twenty? I remember seeing her after school one day." Joe stated scratching the side of his head, "That would have been a good three years ago though, what was her name?"

"Desray?"

"Delilah?"

"Dorothy-"

"It's definitely D something-"

"Destiny," Miley murmured.

"Yes!"

Joe spun as I turned looking at Miley who had seemingly abandoned my lunch,

"How did you know that?"

Miley stared at me for a moment like she was trying to understand the question, only to wave her hand at reception. "It says it on the memorial in reception, I read it the other day when Selena wouldn't let me in." She stated as I nodded.

"Well whatever her name is I wish her luck because he is crazy."

Joe laughed, "She's probably just the same, can you imagine! Hopefully she doesn't decide to join the police too, can you imagine having to deal with both of them?" I groaned not even wanting to consider it

Demi's head suddenly popped up a small smile on her face as she turned her head, "Looks like the little brainiac is back, perfect score Miley!"

I turned grinning as I caught the look of pain in Miley's expression that quickly disappeared a moment later replaced by a seemingly happy expression. I could still see it though, in her eyes, I turned back looking towards the office door completely confused. What had just happened? A minute ago she was fine, then something snapped, first when I mentioned my mom then mentioning the Commissioner? I pushed away the thoughts unable to connect them as I looked at Demi showing Miley through the test, a real smile on her face now, a proud one.

Miley.

I hadn't really thought that much about it when I invited Nick over, nor had I the rest of the day, it wasn't until I got back to the apartment that I really saw the dilemma, literally. The photographs were numerous, from my parents to my uncle and aunt I'd spent a good half an hour pulling down, knocking over and hiding memories of the past I wanted to keep hidden. When gentle knocking fell upon the door I was still scanning the apartment for any obvious signs. One last check came up empty as I rushed over to the door opening in.

"Hey-"

"You live here?" Nick stated,

I stared at Nick who was in the NYPD training gear, his eyes looking everywhere but at me. He leaned to the left trying to gaze in over my shoulder as I snapped my fingers in front of his face insulted by his rude nature,

"Hello would be nice-"

"Hey Miley," He stated turning back to me a dumb expression on his face, "Sorry I just can't believe this! I mean when you gave me your address I was a little surprised to say the least, and rightly so holy hell this place is amazing! Can I come in?"

"Sure,"

I rolled my eyes stepping up against the door as Nick rushed in like an excited puppy at the park. He instantly went straight for the window that spanned from the kitchen all the way across the lounge room, Nick's mouth opening and closing looking now like one of those stupid carnival clowns where you put the ball in their mouths. I smiled seeing him excited though, in a week I hadn't really seen Nick like this and it was attractive on him because it was an honest reaction.

"I didn't know you were so into real estate Nick…"

"I'm not," He murmured his eyes gazing lost in the city lights, "I just love being this high, seeing the views, the city. My apartment stares into a brick wall and alley, while this…" Nick just shook his head a small smile playing across his face, "Is absolutely amazing! I wish I was as lucky as you."

I snorted shaking my head, "Trust me, you don't,"

Nick turned looking at me, "How did you afford a place like this?"

Clearly Nick saw my raised eyebrows and unimpressed expression, as he instantly looked apologetic. "I mean…sorry that was impolite, let me rephrase. How were you fortunate enough to get such an amazing view of the city?"

"I inherited it,"

"Inherited?" Nick murmured still lost,

"Yes, do you want a drink?"

"Uhuh sure," He stated in a complete slur,

I looked at him surprised to say the least; Nick didn't look the type to be captured by a view. Then again I couldn't blame him I used to stare for hours, I still did, but I didn't see the beauty anymore like he did. It was refreshing to see someone look from this window with a smile, when all my family ever did was stare emotionless at themselves in the reflection rather than face the city that would forever be destroyed in our eyes.

"Whom did you inherit it off?"

Nick turned back his focus now returning as I smiled, "Family, water okay?"

"Yeah great thanks."

I grabbed two glasses filling them up, while Nick was gazing around scouring the room. He was constantly curious and digging around I'd discovered that much especially when it had to do with me. He was always all ears whenever I said anything about my life, so was Demi, it was strange really.

"So you're parents let you stay here?"

I nodded handing him the glass while I put mine down,

"Yeah,"

"So where do they live?" He asked.

"Not that far away."

Nick nodded accepting the lie, which was half true my Uncle and Aunt lived just a few blocks away. I felt Nick's eyes on me as I looked at him and he just gave me an intrigued look, "Siblings?"He asked out of the blue.

"None, can we please start?" I questioned.

"I feel like you don't exactly get along with your family."

"I think we should start training,"

"I'm right then," Nick stated, "You're not the only one, I don't get along with mine either which you already know."

He put the glass down and looked at me as I just glared and he held his hands up, "Okay fine no more personal questions, we'll stay strictly professional. So I thought we'd start with the basics…" He announced as I nodded, "Hand combat, and-"

His eyes suddenly fell on something behind me as Nick started laughing in a completely mocking way. I glared at him and he pushed past me shaking his head snatching a trophy off the table and turning to me, "Okay seriously? You're black belt in karate?"

I snatched the trophy back frustrated, "I was fifteen!"

"No wonder you always fought dirty with those high kicks!"

"Nick please," I hissed, "Can you help me or not?"

I put the trophy carefully back on the table as he stared at me and nodded.

"Yep, any other secrets I need to know about?"

I looked to my left and shook my head, "No let's start already!"

Considering Nick was a bit of a smartass he was actually a pretty good teacher. He didn't just expect me to know things and took me through them step by step, holding my hands and pulling at my waist when I had to balance a different way. Every so often though I couldn't help but suddenly feel the flush coming to my cheeks. I didn't want to admit to myself what was happening, instead I tried to hide it as nothing. His hands holding mine, while he spoke calmly into my ear was having an affect on me and even if I tried to ignore it, my body was responding in ways I didn't expect. I'd never once considered Nick like that, so why now?

I felt my breath hasten as he stood behind me, one hand placed on my hip while the other was wrapped around my neck. We were doing defensive procedures, in which Nick was currently the attacker.

"You already know how to do this though," He murmured in my ear, his fingers soft against my skin. "In the club with Chris, he held you like this and you did exactly what you should have. Muscle memory…"

"Uhuh," I whispered distracted,

"Miley?"

"Uhuh,"

I turned to see he was staring at me, a small smirk on his face, God why did he have to look at me like that? I blushed squirming a little as he chuckled right in my ear sending me to tense up.

"You don't look like it," He murmured, "But you're very easily distracted,"

His fingers tightened on my waist as I tilted my head back and he dropped his arm from around my neck. For a moment Nick just stared into my eyes, analyzing me as I looked into his trying to understand his intentions. I didn't see Nick's hand until his fingertips trailed down my face gently, his fingers moving around my chin. His head moved towards mine as I felt a sick feeling in my stomach, like always…

I put my hand up and stepped back from his grasp looking down embarrassed,

"It's late, you should-"

Nick cleared his throat, "Go, yeah, I'll umm see you tomorrow I suppose?"

I looked up and nodded as he smiled at me weakly. Nick moved over as I stood there my body completely tense and flaming. I heard him chuckle again as he moved down placing a kiss on my cheek,

"Bye Miley," He whispered,

"Bye Nick,"

Nick moved away and I just stood there as I listened to the door open and close. The second it did I let you the breathe I didn't even realise I'd been holding in, putting my hand gently on my chest as I bit on my lip. Why did I feel like this, I mean I almost felt happy? I shook my head pushing the numerous strange feelings Nick was giving me aside, but I knew I couldn't make them stop.