yes, we are going there - what have i done 😭 no plot, really. just a moment.
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The last thing Nick had expected to find when walking back into the SVU bullpen was you; and yet, here he was, eyes fixed on you as his strides quickened. He notices Fin’s smirk that finds itself aimed his way as he weaves his way between Amanda and Liv to get to you, but he ignores it.
He lets his gaze drag itself over your form, head down on his desk, the lamp on his desk casting a soft glow around your features; the extra suit jacket he leaves hanging on the back of his chair draped over your shoulders. You have a laptop open in front of you, a case file and note pad within reach, all topped off by an uncapped pen lying caged between your curled fingers. He sees the pair of heels which you had shed, one standing, one lying on its side peeking out from under his desk. A dip of his gaze reveals the deep green of the dress which you had on, one of his favourite dresses on you - one that he knew you had worn in to work today in anticipation of Friday having supposed to be date night.
Nick slows his pace as he approaches you, content in the few seconds to allow himself to watch the gentle rise and fall of your shoulders. The sight stirs a mix of emotions in his chest - the swell of emotion that came rushing in whenever he set his eyes on you, and a heavy tinge of guilt. Guilt that he had to cancel the first date night you both had managed to plan after weeks of clashing schedules, guilt that you taken it so well, and guilt that you had somehow found your way here, to the SVU bullpen so that you could both head home together.
Nick drops to a knee, bringing himself to eye level with your face. He raises his hand to cup the side of your face gently. His touch on your skin is light, soft, but it makes you stir immediately.
“Hey,” Nick’s voice grounds you as you let your mind grind to a start, your surroundings shifting into focus. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought we could go home together,” your lips furl up into a gentle smile, voice soft, your eyes, still hazy with sleep, locked onto Nick’s. You forget your bearings for a moment until you hear a cough from behind Nick as various footsteps shuffle into the bullpen. You straighten up slowly, blinking the sleep from your eyes, legs stretching out beneath you as you offer a wave to the rest of the team trudging in.
“An ADA slumming it at Amaro’s desk?” Fin muses, voice joking and light.
“What would Barba say,” Munch follows, expression deadpan.
“Unbecoming isn’t it?” Liv continues with a quirk of one end of her lip.
“What can I say,” you play along, “not all of us have Barba’s flair.”
“Clearly,” Amanda states, looking pointedly at Nick which earns a series of chuckles from the rest of the team and yourself.
“Yeah, yeah,” Nick waves a hand in the air dismissively, but his gaze doesn’t leave you. You tilt your body downward slightly, hands reaching for your discarded heels. Nick notices and he is back on a knee in one fluid motion.
“Nick,” you protest as he places a hand along your calf, his other propping your heel up, helping you back into your heels. You hazard a glance behind your boyfriend, only to find the rest of the team, tactfully busying themselves with their desks. “I’m not Cinderalla,” you state, but with no real protest as you let him guide your other heel back on.
“I’m not your Prince Charming?” He teases, not caring who else heard, giving your calf a gentle squeeze before winking at you and straightening back into a stand.
“I’ll get back to you on that,” you pull a face as you turn to gather your belongings, making quick work of shoving them into your bag with Nick’s help.
“Way to hurt a man,” he places a hand on his chest as you shrug his spare jacket off your shoulders; Nick takes it from you, hanging it back on his chair.
“She could hurt you more” Fin cuts in again with a sing-song voice. It makes you chuckle, as you catch a wink Amanda throws in your direction.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be Detective Tutuola,” Nick asks all while shrugging off the jacket on his shoulders to place it over yours, letting it hang off your frame. He flicks off the light switch on his desk and picks your bag up.
“If I say no, will you let me tag along?”
Your yes comes at the same time as Nick’s absolutely not, and it earns you another series of chuckles around the room.
“Don’t call me till Monday,” Nick calls out, while threading his fingers through yours as he starts to guide you towards the lift. You barely manage to call out a goodbye, before the lift doors shut on you both.
“I didn’t-” your protest is cut short by Nick’s lips on yours, his free hand circling your waist, going over the fabric of his jacket on your shoulders. You let yourself sink into the kiss, hand sliding up his shoulder and behind his neck as the lift descends to the parking garage.
“I’m sorry I had to cancel today,” he says, forehead resting against yours as he breaks the kiss. His eyes are closed, but you flicker yours open as you run your hand from the back of his neck to cup the side of his jaw.
“You have nothing to apologise for Detective Amaro,” you end with the professional term of address in attempt to diffuse some of the guilt you see in his eyes. “Work,” you continue with a light shrug - Nick was a victim of you cancelling on him as well, and you understood.
“I was really looking forward to tonight,” he says, still apologetic as he finally opens his eyes while leaning his face into your palm.
“I can think of a few ways you can spend the rest of the weekend making it up to me,” you say, dropping your voice to a lower, almost sultry tone as you lean into him, pressing the front of your body into his. Nick responds by pulling you in closer, his hand dipping down the hem of his jacket on your shoulders to slide down onto the curve of your ass.
“Take me home Detective Amaro,” you say as the lift door dings open.
“Your wish is my command,” Nick says in response, taking the opportunity to sear another quick kiss onto your lips before tugging you out of the lift.
Summary: When there’s a bounty on the reader’s head, Nick offers to be her protection detail. But spending the night proves harder than he expected.
Words: 2,000
Warnings: None
A bunch trash and scumbags is what Nick saw when he stared at the evidence wall. Pictures and mugshots, connected by lines to show their place in the gang. Nick hated how many there were, and how many have yet to be identified. He could stare and memorize these faces all day, but it wouldn’t do any good, because anybody on the street could be one of them.
Nick knew he shouldn’t put these thoughts in his head. They’ll only drive him crazy, knowing about all the danger out there and feeling too small to protect you from it. Liv even suggested a protective detail for you; something you were still arguing about in her office.
He was so focused, brooding in the little corner of the precinct, Nick didn’t even notice Amanda make her way over. For a moment, she was quiet, staring at the wall as intently as he was. But then she looked over, putting on a reassuring smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes all the way. “Y/N’s going to be fine. You’ve got to be one stupid bastard to target a cop and think you’ll get away with it.”
Despite the worry and anxiety in his gut, Nick snorted. “Well, I guess there’s a lot of stupid bastards out there.” He replied dryly. And he didn’t even attempt to keep it light. Amanda noticed the wrinkle of his nose and taut jaw. She couldn’t blame his tense mood.
Just then, the door to Olivia’s office opened, and both detectives were quick to make their way over (Nick’s strides being just a little longer and quicker). You didn’t look happy, and not just because of a bounty on your head.
“Y/N is getting a protection detail until this is sorted out.” Liv announced, casting you a look like she expected you to argue. And when you didn’t, she turned back to the rest of the squad. Sonny and Amanda watched with unbreakable attention. Fin was already gone to flag down some officers while Nick felt like he was about to jump out of his shoes. “The rest of us will-”
“Actually, I was thinking that I should be her protective detail.” Nick finally spouted out. And he glanced around, seeing all eyes on him. He really intended to ask Olivia in private, but it just came out. Nick met your confused eyes for just a second before looking back to the Lieutenant. “I mean, I’ve been studying all the pictures and mugshots, just now. So I’d know who to look out for.”
His reasoning was weak; Nick knew that. And he was really close to begging Liv for it. When she turned to look at you, though, and you nodded your head, Olivia turned back to Nick and nodded with an exhale. “Fine. Take her home and stay there. We’ll call when we have something.”
Nick stopped himself from looking too happy or relieved, but in reality, the corner of his lips were quirked upwards as he gathered his things. Slipping his coat on, Nick’s eyes rose up to your desk, watching for a moment as you did the same. Taking some files and phone numbers, no doubt to work at home so you didn’t feel completely useless.
But his sense of relief had been brief; as soon as you both were outside and in the car, Nick was already on full-alert. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, eyes scanning the streets and flickering up to the rear-view mirror. All this taking up his attention, so Nick didn’t fully notice you speaking until he heard his name over and over.
“Is everything okay?”
Nick looked over briefly to meet your gaze, wide and concerned. Maybe even a little scared, with how guard-dog-like he was acting. So Nick put on a light smile, wanting to put you at ease. “‘Course. Everything's fine.” He pressed. And when you looked like you wanted to say more, Nick hurriedly switched on the radio, just to stop your worries from surfacing.
It was almost dinnertime when Nick pulled the car into a space near your apartment. The two of you noted a squad-car already sitting on the opposite side of the street; as if Nick wasn't already going to be on full-alert tonight.
But he followed you in, doing a quick search of all the rooms before deciding it was safe. Not that you were worried, he noticed. “I can order some pizza for dinner?”
“Seriously?” Nick asked, and you looked at him with a confused frown. “You're thinking about pizza at a time like this? There's people out there hunting you down.”
He successfully kept his tone leveled, despite the anxiety in his gut that could have easily made Nick's voice rise. And you simply blinked at him, arms crossing. “What else am I supposed to do?” You asked him, the friendly tone gone and replaced with something harder. “Wait around in the dark, hoping they don't show up?”
You had a point. Nick was starting to realize that maybe he was a little too on-edge. His shoulders slouched as you approached, putting on a light smile. “Besides, you're here. I feel safer already.” You continued before walking off to the bedroom. Nick was grateful you didn't have a chance to notice his blush.
The pizza arrived while you were showering, giving Nick the opportunity to nonchalantly look up and down the street while he paid. Nothing suspicious, from what he could see. Then again, he could only see so much.
Closing the door and locking it behind him didn't help ease his paranoia.
And you were acting like this was a normal night, to Nick's surprise. Putting on a movie while the two of you ate. Even laughing. A great sound, if not for the situation. But Nick had to admit, the sound of your laughter did help ease him. Calm him down.
“Are you sure you'll be okay on the couch?”
As if there was any other option. You made it out to seem like you expected Nick to sleep in your bed tonight. But he smirked and nodded, sitting on the sofa to prove it. “I'll be fine. Go to bed.” He pushed. “I'll keep an eye on things out here.”
You seemed almost reluctant before dipping your head and padding off in cute little pajamas that Nick grinned at when he first saw them.
The night was quiet, mostly. The occasional police siren or loud hooligans outside kept Nick from relaxing completely. But in the dark silence with a blanket that smelled faintly of you, Nick was almost asleep.
Until he heard your voice from the shadows. “Nick?”
He was immediately sitting up, blinking sleep from his eyes and pushing away the comfortable blanket. “What's wrong?” Nick immediately asked.
And through the darkness, you noticed him reach for the gun tucked under the sofa. “Everything's fine.” You answered quickly. His movements stilled, but you can still see how tense he was. And now you felt a little guilty. “Sorry for waking you.”
“You didn't.” The lamp beside to couch was flicked on, and you winced under the sudden light. But Nick was standing, taking in your wringing hands and shuffling feet. Something was definitely up. “Everything okay?” He prompted again.
You let out a light huff, shrugging passively. “It's stupid, but- I kinda had a nightmare.”
Nick found he wasn't surprised. In fact, he was confused as to why you were so hesitant to admit the fear. He approached slowly, offering a comforting smile. “It's not stupid.” He insisted. “You have every right to be freaked out. Is there anything I can do?”
There must have been reason why you woke Nick up; even for something as simple as re-checking the rooms to assure they're empty. But you sighed heavily, giving a self-deprecating smile before motioning toward the bedroom. “I was actually wondering if - and feel free to say no - if you'd maybe...stay with me? Until I fall back asleep?”
Your eyes averted when Nick's went wide. Stay with you? Until you fell asleep? The thought made Nick's chest tight, but in the best way possible. And it only just occurred to him you were starting to regret asking, so he put on a warm smile. “Yeah, of course I can.” He said.
His words both surprised you, and brought on a powerful sense of relief. Relief that your stupid and desperate request hadn't been seen as weird or stepping over any boundaries. So you smiled back and turned, motioning with your head for Nick to follow.
And he did, right after retrieving his gun. Just in case.
Your bedroom was dark, aside from the bathroom light shining through a cracked door. Nick figured you must have done that after your nightmare to chase the blackness away. Hesitantly, you laid back in the covers, leaving more than enough space for Nick beside you.
And he followed, slowly, so you wouldn't think he was being overeager to share your bed. In reality, his heart was pounding. There was a bit of an adrenaline rush once his skin touched the warm sheets, and Nick knew he probably wouldn't get much sleep tonight.
“Thank you for this.”
Hearing your voice was like a spark of electricity. Nick jumped lightly at the sound, glancing over as he rested back against the mattress. “We all get nightmares.” Nick shrugged off. He shifted around, feigning getting comfortable, but really, his skin just suddenly felt much too small for his body. “And the situation you're in? Hell, I'd get them, too.”
Your head shook lightly, laying down next to him, shoulders almost touching. “I didn't mean this. But thanks for it, anyway.” Your soft voice replied, and when Nick looked over, your features were outlined by the warm light. The sight made his chest tight. “I meant...everything. Staying with me. Protecting me. I trust you a hell of a lot more than most people.”
Your admission warmed him, and Nick smiled despite the seriousness of your words. “I'm glad you think so.” He mumbled out lightly. “I don't know what I'd do if I lost you.”
Those words tumbled out before Nick could keep them at bay. When your head turned towards him, Nick quickly turned his to face the ceiling, eyes wide and breath hitched in his chest. He hadn't meant to say that; no matter how strongly he felt it, Nick didn't want you to know, fully, how afraid he was.
Your silence only further amped up his anxiety. And Nick was just about start apologizing and banish himself back to the couch before you turned on your side, facing him. “Really?” You asked quietly.
His brow furrowed, and despite not sounding angry or weirded out, Nick was too afraid to face you. So he just shrugged a shoulder passively. “I mean, yeah. You're important to me. I thought you knew.”
“I didn't. Well, at least not as much as you say.”
It pained Nick slightly when he realized you didn't think you weren't one of the most important people in his life. That he wouldn't go to the ends of the Earth to make sure you were safe.
And he wanted so badly to tell you everything, to spill his feelings. Maybe he'd get lucky, and you'd feel the same.
But tonight wasn't the night. Nick realized that when a car honked outside, and you flinched at the sound. You were still scared, and Nick was supposed to be protecting you. Making you feel safe.
So he exhaled quietly, finally turning his head back, only to press a kiss to your forehead. “Go to sleep. I'll stay awake. You're safe.”
Your tired eyes blinked, and he was pleased when you didn't argue.
The slow, steady sound of your breathing would have been more than enough to lull Nick to sleep, if he hadn't already promised himself that he would watch over you, no matter what.
