He pulled off his helmet as he said it, and I had no doubt. He looked different, he was slightly taller and more muscular, and he'd obviously been biking a ton, but it was definitely the same Nick that I fell in love with almost two years ago. I said the first thing I thought. "You came back." He nodded, smiling. "I told you I would. I promised." He had come back for me. There was nothing better than this in the whole world. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him. He held me tightly against his body, and that's where we were when the others arrived. "Mads, what is this, a rebound? It's a little late for that. Are you just doing it to cope with an entire year without seeing him, I mean, who even is this guy?" Vida asked. Then Nick turned. "Oh, my god. Nick!" Vida hugged him, then Chip, then Xander shook his hand. "Wait - Nick, how did you get in?" I asked. "Guys, I used to work here! I have a key! I did all the set-up and everything for you, like a good absent teammate." We all laughed at that. "Just for the record, I am still pissed at you for not calling me!" I hissed, trying to look menacing. I'm not sure it worked, because Nick looked like he was trying to hide a smile. I smacked his arm and then realized his hand had been against my waist the entire time, and I leaned into his touch. "I love you," I whispered. He smiled. Then Toby arrived with Nikki and Leelee, and all hell broke loose. "Hey guys," called Leelee without looking at us. "Hey guys," called Toby, without looking at us. "Aren't you the Red Ranger?" asked Nikki curiously. Nick nodded. "You've got the right guy. I'm the one who did the setup and put the open sign up." I looked at him. "Yeah, Nick, we don't open for twenty-five more minutes." He smirked. "It's been a year, you tend to forget things." Vida pointed at the door. "The hours are posted right next to the door." Nick sighed. "Fine. I was waiting for Maddie to show up and I knew that that would get her attention."
"There it is!" Vida announced to the others. "He finally admits that he's been in love with her forever! Mission accomplished!" Nick held up a hand in protest. "Ap-ap-ap-ap-ap I didn't say I've been in love with her forever, now I did and I have so who cares?" I held him tighter to my body. "So you do believe in love at first sight." I nodded. "Why, should I not?" I shook my head. "No, I was just wondering if you did, because I definitely went into that forest because you were brave and hot and I wanted to be around you."
"Well, I am the fire Ranger."
"Shut up and kiss me."
OHMYGOD INSOMNIA SUCKS
WHY WAS THIS EVER INVENTED
I HAVE LITERALLY BEEN AWAKE FOR ALMOST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS WITHOUT SLEEPING
WTF