AN: Just a little headcannon for why we never see Nathan go by a shorter version of his name.

Who I am from the start

Take me home to my heart

Let me go and I will run

I will not be silenced

-Trading Yesterday "Shattered"

"Uncle Nathan, you've been quiet?" Allie commented.

Hearing the concern in his niece's voice, Nathan came out of his thoughts and looked across the table to her. "What?" he asked, having not heard the question.

"You haven't touched your dinner. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Allie. Just thinking about things," he added even as his brief exchange with Lee this afternoon came back to him.

"So how are you settling in to Hope Valley, Nate?" Lee had asked, trying to be friendly.

"Fine," he had replied. "And it's Nathan."

He had walked away then. He was sure if he looked back he would have seen a bewildered look on Lee's face and it was deserved. Lee didn't deserve the curt response. He didn't know the meaning of that nickname.

"Uncle Nathan?"

Nathan shook himself. He had been rude to someone who was just being sociable today and now he was worrying his niece. This couldn't last.

"I'll be back soon," Nathan told his niece getting to his feet. "I need to go talk to someone."

"Okay," Allie replied. "I'll keep your dinner warm for you," she added, reaching across the table for her uncle's untouched plate.

"Thanks," Nathan told her as he headed for the door.

It didn't take him long to walk the short distance to the Coulters house. The door was opened shortly after his knock.

"Nathan," Lee said, clearly surprised.

"I realize I'm probably interrupting your meal, but this won't take long."

"It's not a problem," Lee assured him.

"I just wanted to apologize for my rude behavior this afternoon. You asked a friendly question and I was anything but friendly in return."

"No, it's fine. We barely know each other. I shouldn't have just so casually used a nickname. You've introduced yourself as Nathan and I should've respected that."

"I could've corrected you in a more cordial way," Nathan said, seeing Lee nod in agreement. "It's just that," Nathan paused searching for the words. He didn't often open up to people, especially ones he hadn't known for long. He felt that Lee deserved some kind of explanation though. "The only one that ever called me Nate was my late sister."

Lee nodded in understanding. "Say no more," Lee told him. "Consider it water under the bridge."

"Thanks," Nathan said. "I'll let you get back to your meal."

"Okay," Lee said as Nathan turned to go. The Mountie had only taken a few steps when Lee added, "Hey, Nathan," Lee said, getting the other man's attention again. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."

"Thanks," Nathan said again before resuming his walk home.