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Chapter Text

Jack reached out even before he had opened his eyes and found his phone on the nightstand. It was a rare morning of starting later in the day as opposed to the early shift. Nikki had no early PMs waiting so Jack had decided to start later to have the morning with her. He saw it was just after eight and put his phone down, looking around the bedroom to see if Nikki was nearby. He heard the toilet flush and the water come on through the half-closed door to the bathroom. 

“Morning,” Nikki said cheerfully as she walked back into the bedroom, toothbrush in her mouth. “Fancy a run?” 

“Mmm,” Jack let out as he stretched. “Yeah, sure.” He propped himself up on and below and smiled at her. “Morning gorgeous.” 

Nikki smiled softly even though she was busy brushing. She walked to her closet and started rummaging around in there until she triumphantly held up running tights and a sweater to wear. She dropped the clothes on the bed before disappearing into the bathroom again. 

Jack got out of bed and followed her. He relieved himself, put the lid down, and flushed before stepping up to the sink to wash his hands. Nikki put her toothbrush away just as he reached for his own and put on toothpaste. “Do I have running gear here?” 

“Probably.” Nikki ran her hand over his back. “I washed and put away something last week.” She left the bathroom. 

They were together for at least five nights a week. Usually, Nikki stayed at his because he had Cara to think of, but some nights she stayed at her place alone or he joined her. The nights they stayed apart were getting seldom these days, walking in and out of each other’s homes as they lived there. It was a sort of intimacy between them that Jack had never had with a woman before, and Nikki hadn’t even shared intimacy like that with Matt, even though he had been the closest she’d been to a serious relationship since she married Tom at the age of twenty. 

Walking into the bedroom Jack found Nikki dressed in her running gear and tying her shoes. Jack found his running gear waiting on him on the bed. His running shoes stood by the bed. He bent down to fetch his clothes from the bed and sneaked in a kiss as he did. He finished dressing, then they were out the door five minutes later. 

The January air was brisk and there were misty clouds from their breaths as they ran side by side along the trail. They had their favorite spots for running and got in two to three runs during the week. They were both physically fit and keeping up with exercise was important to them both. Nikki had her pilates and yoga, while Jack had his fighting. They didn’t do everything together, both realizing early in their relationship that they needed their separate things. Working together meant spending more time together than most couples. At work, they had a strict no PDA rule, which they stuck to religiously except for a few stolen moments here and there when no one was around. They had agreed on that after their first real date, a pillow talk after a hefty sexual encounter at Nikki’s place, where she demanded he never tried anything like that at work. Nikki was his boss at that point, as she functioned as the boss of the Lyell Center until a permanent one could be appointed. To think that two years had already passed them by and they were stronger than ever, made both their hearts beat faster. New Year's Eve had been spent snuggled up on the sofa after attending a crime scene. Cara was with her mother, so at midnight, they celebrated the New Year in bed naked, with Champagne. It had been the perfect start to a new year. 

“Cara is on her way back,” Jack said after answering a text from Cara. They were walking back to his car. “My place for dinner tonight then?” 

“Sure,” Nikki smiled up at him as she took his hand. “The semester won’t start until next week, I would have thought she’d stay longer with her mom?” 

Jack offered an amused look. “I think Cara told Aiofe that she’s starting this week.”

“Isn’t she a bit old to lie to her mother like that?” Nikki chuckled. 

“You’ve met Aiofe.” Jack chuckled as well. “I think Cara is enjoying her newfound freedom. I remember that time. Me in London alone, my Dad was back in West Yorkshire.” 

“What did you do?” Nikki questioned with raised eyebrows. 

“Nothing bad,” Jack reassured. “It was me alone for the first time. Freedom. Didn’t you feel like that?” 

Nikki hesitated. If anything she’d had too much freedom since the age of fourteen. “I guess. I think I would have liked to have someone care though. My Dad wasn’t exactly showing interest in my life.” 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up anything.” Jack felt bad. He knew Nikki’s past wasn’t paved with roses and joy. Her childhood trauma was still haunting her. It had taken Jack two years to break down her barriers and get her to open up to him, letting him into her deepest, darkest secrets. He thought he knew her before they became a couple, but he had been wrong. Nikki kept a big part of herself hidden from everyone, even the people she was closest to. 

“It’s fine.” Nikki smiled up at him. 

Jack bent down and kissed her. A clumsy kiss as they were walking, but it made her giggle, and he loved that. “I care.” He offered his most adoring puppy-eye look and got her big smile in return. Score one for Hodgson, he thought as they walked on. 

“Sometimes you can be very sweet.” Nikki tugged on his hand. It was a side of him that she knew well, but other people weren’t entitled to. Except for Cara. He was going all in as an Uncle. It was a side of him that made Nikki fall even more in love with him. 

“Don’t tell anyone, I have a reputation to keep,” he joked. 

“I’ll keep your secret, Jack.” Nikki let his hand go as they neared the car. “Shower and breakfast?” 

“Is that an invite? For the shower I mean,” Jack smiled cleverly at her as he opened the car door. 

Nikki got into the car and waited for Jack to do the same. “I don’t mind sharing. You can wash my back.” 

Jack smirked. “I’ll wash anywhere you want.” He started the car, before leaning in to kiss her softly. “Thanks for the run. I needed it.” 

“Me too.” Nikki leaned in for another kiss. 

After showering Nikki and Jack had a quiet breakfast together. It was rare for them on a weekday to luxuriate in a long breakfast. Usually, they were in a hurry to get going, sometimes if a call to go to a crime scene came really early there was no time for breakfast. 

“What would have happened if we met while we were both studying in London?” Nikki questioned him. 

Jack peaked up from his newspaper and studied her thoughtfully. “I was really shy back then so I probably wouldn’t dare speak to you.” 

“You couldn’t have been that shy?” Nikki was amused, even though she knew that Jack was shy behind his tough exterior. It was a part he put on, but behind that act, he was sweet and shy, and an absolute gentleman. 

“I was, at least until I’ve had a shot or two.” Jack studied her with a wondering expression. He knew she had been gorgeous back then, he’d seen pictures of her. “You wouldn’t even have noticed me. I was a bit skinny and ordinary.”

“That’s not true, Jack. I’ve seen pictures. I agree that you’ve bulked up since then, but you were cute and tall. And that accent must have turned a few looks.” Nikki batted her eyelashes at him and smiled lovingly. “You were a casanova, just admit it?” 

Jack laughed softly. “I guess I came into myself a bit more in my second year. I realized I was doing pretty good at Uni, and I started working out, boxing, and martial arts. But I was no casanova.” 

Nikki giggled. “You wouldn’t have liked me much back then. I was a bit of a know-it-all.” 

“Was?” He questioned with amusement. 

“Hey!” She swatted his shoulder. “I’m not a know-it-all.” 

Jack laughed softly. “You started a lecture on brain injury five minutes after we met,” he reminded her. 

“You never listened,” Nikki pointed out. “I was doing it because I cared.”

“I know.” Jack reached for her hand. 

“You were an immature boy when we first met,” Nikki smiled as she spoke, her fingers playing with his hand. “It was a bit sexy, and also a bit worrying. You were unpredictable and had a reputation for being hot-headed and defiant towards authority figures. You respected Leo though. I think he appreciated your honesty. He put so much trust in you straight away.”

“Took more work to gain your trust.” Jack’s eyes met hers and he smiled lovingly. 

“Not true. I trusted you relatively quickly, and you became my most trusted friend and ally.” Nikki moved closer to him to kiss him. “I’m glad we grew up a little before we did this though. I don’t think it would have been this way if we had done this years ago.” 

Jack cupped her cheek. “I’m glad we’re doing it now though.” 

“Me too,” Nikki agreed. 

Leaving the Lyell that night they went to Jack’s house. Cara greeted them with big hugs and stories from back home. She admitted that she probably shouldn’t have lied to her mother, but that she really had wanted to come back to London early. And she promised her mother that she’d return for a reading week soon. They cooked and had a nice quiet dinner together. Cara quizzed Jack about a paper he had written about bullet trajectory. She often quizzed her uncle about anything related to her studying criminology and Jack willingly shared. Nikki added some things here and there before she started cleaning up after their dinner. It was nice to be together again all three of them. Nikki had never had this before. A family. Cara even called her Aunt Nikki sometimes and gave Jack looks when she did, hinting about making it official, making sure Nikki was following the conversation when she did. Jack knew what Cara was up to and it wasn’t like he hadn’t thought about asking Nikki to marry him. He thought about it all the time. 

“Cara wants to watch a movie. What do you think?” Jack moved his arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek. 

Nikki closed the dishwasher and turned in his arms. “Okay.” 

Jack kissed her quickly. “I’m suggesting an action movie.” He let go of her and followed Cara to the living room. 

Nikki giggled. Cara and Nikki had made him sit through too many romantic movies. He would usually let them choose. She finished putting away a few items before joining Cara and Jack. “What movie did you pick?” 

“A western.” Jack patted the seat beside him and wrapped her in an embrace when she sat down. 

“I’m making popcorn,” Cara signed. She smiled brightly and disappeared into the kitchen. 

“She’s happy to be back,” Nikki pointed out. 

“Cara admitted that Aiofe wasn’t happy about her going back so soon, but they agreed that Cara should come back for her reading week. Aiofe wants to visit again,” Jack added carefully. 

“Oh.” Nikki knew that Aiofe wasn’t happy about her and Jack’s relationship. Jack had told her about it after Aiofe had visited the first time. “That’s fine, right?” Nikki was still baffled by Aiofe trying to manipulate Jack into believing that she didn’t need him. They had had a long conversation about their relationship after that visit from Aiofe. 

“I guess.” Jack didn’t look too sure. “I just don’t want any drama, and with Aiofe there’s always drama.” 

Nikki tried very hard to be diplomatic when it came to Cara’s mother. She didn’t want to overstep. She was happy to be by Cara’s side, giving advice or spending time with her as family. Nikki would stake her claim on Jack, but not Cara. They were a family, the three of them, but Cara wasn’t theirs and Nikki would never get in the way of Cara’s relationship with her mother. Jack would tell Nikki that she was too diplomatic, but it was easier for Nikki because she didn’t have any history with Aiofe. 

“If Aoife comes to visit, she can stay here with Cara, and you can stay with me,” Nikki said diplomatically. “You and Aiofe are both Cara’s family, and you should be able to put other things aside to make sure Cara is okay.” 

“I know,” Jack agreed. “You are right, and I’m trying. It’s just not that easy when the other party is a stubborn-headed Irish woman, and manipulative. But I will do my part if she decides to visit.” Jack offered a sweet smile. “And I’ll definitely stay with you.”

Nikki was amused by the boyish way he was looking at her. Cara came back with popcorn and they settled to watch the movie.

Chapter Text

Nikki was thankful for Jack trying to cheer her up. It had been a long trial, and she had mixed feelings about the verdict. Not one, but three young lives had been destroyed, one dead and two others in prison. Children all of them. Nikki tried so hard not to let work affect her, but often it was a losing battle. Every dead body came with its own story, and some cases just stuck longer with her than others. 

Running her hand down Jack’s cheek, looking into his green eyes, that loving smile of his. Jack didn’t just love her, he truly liked her and would do anything for her. He knew when a case hit too hard, not to push, but to be there, letting her have her feelings. They both did that. It was so much easier being with someone who understood what impressions they saw every day. 

Nikki knew they were at work, but sneaking in a moment with him when no one else was around didn’t seem so scandalous. They were good at keeping PDAs to a minimum. She kissed him quickly. “Thanks.” 

Jack smiled and stood, going back to his desk to sit down. The moment was over and they were both focused on work again. 

Soon they were involved in a big case again. The idea that a serial killer had resurfaced was bad enough in itself, for Nikki the idea that the pathologist who had worked on the case twenty years ago had lost a wife in the process was giving her a scare. The idea that someone would target her family because of her work gave her chills. She had so much to lose now. Coming home to see that Jack had brought work home and that Cara had seen it made her even more uneasy about the case and what it meant for them to work on it. 

“Can we put work away?” Nikki questioned as Jack turned back to his computer where Calvin Dunn was smirking at them. 

Jack turned back to her. He saw how uneasy she was and closed the laptop before standing up. “I’m sorry.” He kissed her forehead and put his hands on her shoulders. “I shouldn’t have brought it home.” 

Nikki nodded. “I don’t like the idea that he targeted Charles Beck. It scares me, Jack. This case will be high profile, my name will be out there. It won’t be hard to figure out who did this last victim’s PM.” 

“I know.” Jack tried a careful smile. “Let’s put work away for today, okay?” They were getting better at that. They sometimes discussed a case at home, but they tried hard to leave work at the Lyell and focus on other things when they were together outside of work. “I’ll phone DCI Ford with some results. Then we’ll have a nice dinner and a lazy night on the sofa.” 

Nikki relaxed and offered a smile. “Sounds like a plan.” 

It was days later when Jack found Nikki waiting on him at home after the PM on Zoe Beck that he realized just how emotionally involved she had become in the case. Jack had gotten a text from her saying she had finished pilates and that she had gone back to his place. Jack had been at the gym preparing for an upcoming fight. He didn’t do them often, just once in a while to remind himself that he was alive. It got his heart pumping. When he arrived home he found Nikki sitting on the sofa, her knees drawn up to her chest and just staring into space. He wasn’t sure she had even noticed his presence. 

“Hey you,” he tried carefully as he approached her. He crouched down in front of her. “You okay?” 

“Not really.” She knew she couldn’t trick Jack into thinking she was fine when she wasn’t. He would see straight through her. “Long day.” 

“I figured something was up when you sent Velvy out to help me.” Jack smiled softly and rubbed her arms. 

“He was being helpful, but I needed to concentrate. I’m usually a better teacher,” she admitted. Today had just been hard on her. 

Jack rose and took his jacket off before sitting down beside her. He moved his arms around her and moved her into his lap. “Calvin Dunn is dead, Nikki. Even Beck is convinced of that.” 

Nikki relaxed against him, putting her hand above his heart. “I know I’m being irrational, Jack, but the idea that someone would hurt you because of what I do scares me. That’s what Beck has been living with for twenty years, Jack.” 

“I know. It’s a terrible thing.” Jack looked into Nikki’s eyes. “But we don’t meet many Calvin Dunn’s, Nikki. And even if he came for me I could take him. I have a few kilos on him. I don’t want you to worry, okay? Nothing is going to happen to any of us.” 

“You don’t know that.” Her voice was weak as she leaned onto him, letting the beat of his heart calm her down. 

Jack kissed her forehead. “I don’t,” he admitted. “But we’re here, together. And I want to enjoy that. We don’t know what will happen in the future, so I’m going to be grateful for every minute I get to spend with you.” 

Nikki smiled through unshed tears. “You are such a romantic, Jack.” 

Jack smiled lopsidedly at her. “No one has ever accused me of that before.” 

Nikki giggled at his silliness. 

“See, I got you smiling,” Jack said triumphantly. “My sole purpose in life.” He smiled against her cheek. He was madly in love with her, and getting to have her like this, being together meant the world to him. “We’ll get DNA results in the morning, until then I think we should order pizza and plan a trip together.” 

“For a week or three?” Nikki teased. Her mouth found its way to his, kissing him deeply. He was amazing at making her feel calm. When the world was shaking, he was her steady rock that nothing could move. “Thank you for being mine.” 

“That’s all I want,” he said softly, putting his forehead to hers. “Bein' yours.” 

A week later they were hiking at Hampstead Heath to escape the city's hustle and bustle. It had been eventful over the last few days. Nikki had taken an extra day off after the whole Charles Beck situation. She had needed a long weekend to get her mind back on track again. They had stayed at Nikki’s house since Cara was still with her mother, and enjoying some quiet time just the two of them. 

“This is…” Nikki leaned on the bridge railing and took a deep breath. “Lovely.” 

Jack chuckled and turned to look at her. She was at her most beautiful when she was relaxed like this and if possible he fell more in love with her seeing her like this. It had been hard on her to work through what happened with Charles Beck. It had ended in tragedy for the man who had once been a brilliant pathologist. Nikki had found some affinity with the man based on their profession. 

“You are beautiful.” Jack moved in closer and kissed her. “And I love you.” 

Nikki smiled lovingly at him. “I love you too, Jack.” She reached for his hand. “Do you think we should have a bite to eat? I’m starving.” 

“I think that’s a brilliant idea, Doctor Alexander. Let’s go to the nearest pub.” Jack tugged on her hand and made a motion to walk back to where they started. 

“Hang on,” Nikki moved into his arms and grabbed his jacket collar to pull him down so that she could kiss him. 

“What was that for?” Jack wondered when they came up for air. 

“Just because I can, and because you are you,” Nikki said with a gleam in her eyes. “And because you make me happy.” 

“Well, we should do that again then, since you make me happy too,” Jack said in a soft tone, pushing his nose to hers. He kissed her slowly, holding her close as he did. 

Nikki let the kiss linger before she moved back to look at him. She felt the familiar sense of safety and contentment that had grown within her since they changed from just friends and coworkers to lovers and crazy in love. It was the only way to describe it. She was crazy in love with him. “You are my favorite person, Jack.” 

Jack grinned widely. “And you are mine.” 

They walked hand in hand until they reached the pub where they had started their walk earlier in the day. It was past lunchtime now, but it didn’t matter since they’d shared a late breakfast. They found a table and sat down. Jack ordered a beer, while Nikki stuck with tea. The air was brisk outside so having a warm drink to get the warmth back in her body was all she wanted. She loved sitting with him like this, talking about small things. They had spoken about making a move of houses, but they hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Jack had done amazing work on his home and he had Cara living with him, and Nikki loved her house and her garden. She had worked hard to make it just the way she wanted. It was ridiculous to have two houses when they spent most of their time together anyway.  

“What are you thinking about?” Jack searched her face. “You spaced out on me.” 

Nikki hesitated. “It’s not work,” she reassured. 

“That’s something then,” Jack smiled teasingly as he reached for her hand. 

“Just thinking about living with you,” she admitted. “We’ve talked about it but never made the decision. I think we should have a goal of making that decision by summer.” 

Jack nodded. “Yeah, I agree. It’s good to have a timeline. It makes sense to do it. We’re together all the time anyway.”

“Maybe we have to sell both houses and buy something together?” Nikki suggested. “That way we’d get to make our own house.” 

“You love your house, Nikki. And all the work you’ve done with your garden. Would you want to give that up?” Jack knew she was attached to her house, more so than he was to his. He didn’t care where they lived as long as she was happy. 

“I know, but I want both of us to love our house.” She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. “Our place.” She smiled and leaned over the table to kiss him. The waitress brought their food and messed up the moment. 

“Thank you,” Jack said as he moved back to allow space on the table for their food. 

Nikki offered a sweet smile. “It looks lovely. Thank you.” 

“Enjoy,” the lively girl smiled brightly at them. “Let me know if you need anything.” 

Their talk moved into options for a weekend away, and by the time they left the pub, they had agreed on a few options. 

“Let’s get on the tube then,” Jack said, moving his arm around her as they walked. 

Nikki smiled up at him as her arm found its way around him.

Chapter Text

Nikki walked downstairs. Meeting Jack in the doorway she winced. She had heard him come in and walked to meet him, worried about what she might find. He had texted her that he had won, so she knew he would be upbeat and full of himself for a few days, as opposed to the grumbling man he was after he’d lost. He didn’t do many fights, mostly because of her she suspected, but every few months he’d tell her that he’d scheduled a fight. It had been four months now since the last time he came home bruised and battered. She had given him a hard time about it, as usual, but taken care of his wounds with affection. After all, she had a medical degree and he was the only living patient, so of course she’d check him over and make a fuzz. In the days to follow she’d walk around with that look that he hated, and he’d let her know that he hated her mind with a grumpy tone. She’d tease him endlessly. 

“‘llo,” he greeted her. “I ‘on.” 

Nikki stopped on the last step and looked at him funny. “Something wrong with your mouth?” 

“‘it my ‘ongue,” he winced as he spoke. His tongue was swelling up worse and worse and his hand went to his mouth. 

“Poor thing.” Nikki offered a pout as she reached out to touch his face. Even on the last step, she wasn’t as high as him, but it helped to get a better angle to look at his injuries. 

Jack opened his mouth to show her his tongue. 

“Let me glove up,” Nikki pushed him away so that she could move past him. She found the medical kit in the cupboard in the kitchen. Jack had followed her like an obedient dog and sat down by the counter. Nikki gloved up and asked him to open his mouth. “The bleeding has stopped and you don’t need stitches.” 

“‘Iches?” Jack’s eyes widened. 

“I said you don’t need it,” Nikki said with amusement. She let go of Jack’s face. 

“Ga dath my ‘ain ‘s ‘unny ‘or u,” Jack complained. 

“It’s not funny.” Nikki sobered up and studied him with worry. “None of this is. I don’t like seeing you in pain.” She reached for the small flashlight and checked how his pupils were responding. “No concussion.” 

Jack offered a cute pout. “‘Orry.” 

Nikki tended to his wounds, used strips on his cut, then mixed lukewarm water with salt and made him rinse his mouth with it. “You have to rinse after you eat. Keep your mouth clean.” 

Jack nodded. “‘ank u.” 

Nikki tried a careful smile. “Did you bruise your upper body?” 

Jack reluctantly removed his t-shirt and let Nikki inspect the bruising forming on his side. “‘asn a hr ‘unch.” 

“It’s just superficial,” Nikki agreed as she reached for the ointment and started applying it. “You’ll feel worse before you feel better, with your tongue I mean. I’ll prescribe you something that will ease your pain, okay?” 

“‘At ould evr o ithut u?” Jack questioned her. He moved in to hug her. “I op u ant e o,” he whispered into her ear. Nikki reluctantly hugged him back, kissing his forehead as she moved back to look at him. 

“That should be your decision, Jack, not mine.” She started tidying up, heated dinner for Jack which he ate carefully and slowly, and made more lukewarm water with salt for him to rinse his mouth with. Before bed, Nikki checked his pupils again and cleared him of any serious injury. 

“‘Is at winnin ooks ike,” Jack announced as he walked into the bedroom only wearing boxers after finishing up in the bathroom. 

Nikki took in his incredibly fit body and let out a sigh. “It’s a tiny little bit sexy,” she admitted. When he smirked, winced, and walked over to slip into bed with her she told him; “But no sex tonight.” 

Jack let out a disappointed sound. It was just for show because he was in no shape to have sex. His tongue hurt, his face ached, and his body felt sore after taking some pounding. 

Nikki giggled and let him wrap his arms around her. 

Days later Jack was annoyed and scared. It wasn’t often that he felt threatened enough to feel scared, but at the moment he felt attacked and in no position to fight back. He had slept badly, twisting and turning, and he knew that Nikki hadn’t slept well either because of him. Here he was, a grown man in a relationship with the woman of his dreams and now accused of inappropriate behavior toward a young girl he had been trying to help. He should have met them at the Lyell, or home, making sure Cara was there with them. In his wildest imagination, he couldn’t have envisioned that this girl would set him up and in the process used Cara to do so. It made him angry. He got out of bed ten minutes before the alarm rang. He needed a workout and texted Gabriel and suggested they meet at the gym before work. 

“Jack?”  

“Sorry, Nikki, I’m heading out. The gym.” He grabbed his bag before throwing some stuff inside it.

“You okay?” Nikki rubbed her eyes tiredly and sat up. 

“Nah, not really.” Jack shrugged before heading for the bathroom to brush his teeth. He hurried to dress before bending over the bed. “I’m not pushing you away, I just need to blow off some steam.” 

“I know,” Nikki reassured. 

Jack kissed her softly. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” Nikki called after him as he grabbed his bag and left the bedroom. 

Days later Nikki was met with laughter as she walked into Jack’s house at night. She had finished late, lecturing at the university, and then she went home to get caught up on some paperwork while Jack went to the fight with Gabriel.  She wanted to let Cara and Jack have some time together alone after the eventful day. She had texted him, asking him if he wanted to see her tonight, or if he wanted some time alone with Cara. He had replied that he always wanted to see her, adding heart emojis. And to let him know when she was on her way because he was ordering pizza. 

“Hi there,” Nikki said as she walked into the living room. 

“Nikki!” Jack opened his arms to her. “Just in time for pizza and a movie.” 

Nikki bent down to kiss him and was dragged into his arms. “You okay?” Nikki signed after she had gotten comfortable. 

Cara nodded. “Good. Just shaken up. Thanks for finding us.” 

“Any time,” Nikki signed. She turned her focus to Jack. “You are in a good mood.” 

Jack smiled. “Yeah, Gabriel rang. Vanessa took back her accusations and admitted that she had made it up. I guess coming close to death might have changed her ways.” 

“I knew it would be okay.” Nikki smiled up at him. “And if she hadn’t changed her mind there was all sorts of evidence against her claim.” 

“Ah, yes, evidence. Thank God for evidence.” Jack kissed her forehead softly. “We should eat.” 

“How is Gabriel?” Nikki questioned. 

“He didn’t win, but he did great. He might be a bit bruised, but he’ll be alright,” Jack reassured. 

“Are you two starting a fight club now?” Cara questioned with humor. 

“I don’t think Gabriel will do any more fights. He just wanted to know how it felt to hit and get hit,” Jack explained. 

“Why would anyone want to do that?” Cara questioned. 

“It’s a guy thing,” Jack suggested and was nudged in the arm by Nikki. 

“Men are complicated,” Cara signed. She started the movie, a horror movie to Nikki’s disliking. She spent most of it hiding in Jack’s arms, covering her ears. 

When the movie ended Jack started tidying up after dinner. Nikki turned her focus to Cara. 

“Sure you’re okay?” Nikki signed. 

Cara hesitated. “I feel bad about not believing Jack.” 

“He has already forgiven you,” Nikki reassured. “I know there’s a lot to maneuver for you at the moment. Is it hard finding friends?” 

Cara nodded. “People find it difficult because of me being deaf. Vanessa only wanted me to do all the work for her.” 

“You are talented Cara. I see it. Jack too. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this. Promise me that you’ll come to us if you have doubts.” Nikki smiled reassuringly as she stopped signing. She waited for Cara to nod. “We love you.” 

Cara hugged Nikki. “I love you too.” She signed when she moved back. 

Jack joined them again. “You okay?” he questioned Cara. 

“Yes, for the hundred times, I’m okay. Just shaken up.” She admitted. “I’d like to go to Professor Cherry’s funeral.” 

“We’ll all go,” Jack signed. “He was a brilliant man. It’s a loss. He had faith in you. Gabriel got a recommendation from him for a work placement at the Lyell. Gabriel will speak to you about that in the morning.” 

Cara smiled widely. “Seriously?” 

Jack nodded. “Seriously. And don't think for a second that I’ll let you off easy. You have to work hard to prove yourself.” 

Cara nodded. “Don’t worry, I will.” She stood and hugged her uncle. Moving back she signed; “I love you, Uncle Jack.” 

Jack smiled shyly. “I love you too, Cara. I’m proud of you.” 

Cara hugged him again. “I’ll go to bed now. Night.” 

Jack watched her go before turning to Nikki who was smiling at him. “What?” 

“I like this soft side of you, Jack.” She stood and moved her arms around his neck. “You are a good man.” 

Jack moved his arms around her waist. “I don’t know about that.” 

“You are.” Nikki kissed him deeply. 

Jack smiled softly as the kiss ended. “I think you make me better.” 

Nikki returned the smile. “Let’s get some sleep. I’ll probably wake up with nightmares after that movie.” 

“We could have watched something else, Nikki. I know you don’t like scary movies.” Jack turned off the lights as they walked through the kitchen. 

“I’ll survive,” Nikki reassured. 

Jack was already under the duvet when Nikki finished in the bathroom. He was playing with his Dad’s ring and looking thoughtful. Nikki moved under the duvet and got comfortable in his arms. 

“You okay?” 

“Sometimes I feel like I attract trouble. Or do I create it?” He questioned. 

“Jack, this wasn’t on you. It was Vanessa Miller and only her.” Nikki propped herself up on an elbow to study him. 

“Yeah, but maybe if…” 

“Jack, let’s not dwell on it. It turned out alright, and Cara is safe, you’re safe. That’s the most important thing.” Nikki leaned in and kissed him. 

“Peter Cherry isn’t safe,” Jack pointed out. 

Nikki realized that Jack was in one of his philosophical moods and that sleep would have to be delayed. 

“I think he felt like there was no place for him anymore,” Jack continued. “Is there not room for opposing views?” 

“Well, I think there should be. By canceling what people think is the wrong view there is no real discussion, and isn’t that just an attack on democracy?” Nikki hesitated. “There should be room to discuss without labeling someone.” 

“Yeah, I agree.” Jack smiled. “You’re very vice, Doctor Alexander.” 

“Thanks,” she chuckled. “I think Cherry missed his wife, Jack. I think he couldn’t live with the guilt of what his students did. I think his death was complicated. But it was his choice.” Nikki studied Jack with worry. “You would talk to me if you ever…” she choked up and took a calming breath.

“Hey,” Jack moved to his side to look at her, cupping her face. 

“If you ever feel alone, you know I’m here to listen, right? If things look too dark to go on?” Nikki questioned. 

“Of course. I talk to you about everything. You do the same right?” Jack wondered.

“Yeah, I do,” she reassured. “I think you are one of the reasons I can still be doing this after so many years. We can allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and talk about the things we see.” 

“It makes it easier to bear,” Jack agreed. “I love you.” He smiled and cupped her cheek.

“I love you too, Jack.” Nikki smiled as they looked into each other's eyes. 

“We should get some sleep,” Jack suggested and drew her into his arms, kissing her forehead softly. 

“Good night, Jack.” Nikki got comfortable in his arms.

Chapter Text

Nikki loved these quiet nights with Jack when the two of them were together. They had their little moments of caress as they cooked together, kissing each other in between the different tasks. They were no good at cooking either of them, but together they made it happen anyway. Sometimes it turned out great, other times they agreed that it was overcooked or that it had too much or too little spice in it. Their process was try and error, but it gave them something to laugh about or to brag about, depending on the outcome. They spent time on the sofa, talking about small and sometimes big things. Like the first time, they said I love you or agreed that they were both committed to the other despite being scared. Sometimes they read, as they were both book lovers. They read the same books and discussed them afterward. Nikki felt bad about loving having him to herself because she knew Cara depended on him. Nikki would never get between Jack and Cara, and she loved Cara deeply. But despite loving their time with Cara, she needed time with him alone. 

“How do you feel about cosmetic surgery?” 

Nikki put her book down and turned her focus on Jack. He had left his novel on the table and was studying her curiously. 

He was clearly thinking about work. “You don’t need it,” Nikki said teasingly. 

Jack chuckled. “Thanks.” 

Nikki smiled warmly as she put her bookmark in place and put her book on the table. “What’s bothering you?” 

“Well, the need young people have to change their appearance. You see more and more of it,” he pointed out.

It was true. Over the years things had changed and the people on the slab more often had work done on themselves than in the early years of her career. “I do.”

“Do you think it’s because of the internet? Social media? All the influencers?” He suggested. 

“Ah, your favorite subject,” Nikki teased. He was skeptical of influencers. She was too. They were of the wrong generation. 

“I’m getting old,” Jack complained. “Cara thinks I’m ancient.” 

“We are of a different generation,” Nikki reminded him. “We got off easy I think. I’m glad I’m mature enough to realize that growing old is a privilege. Or maybe it’s because of what I see every day. Cut open we all look the same inside.” 

“I guess our work gives us perspective,” Jack agreed. 

“I don’t think I’d be happier if I’d had Botox and bigger boobs,” Nikki said with humor. “Besides, I have a fear of needles, and I only want people cutting me if I need emergency surgery or if I’ve died of unnatural causes.” 

“Your boobs are perfect, and your face is beautiful,” Jack smiled as he leaned in to kiss her. “You are gorgeous.” 

Nikki smiled lovingly at him when the kiss ended. “You give me confidence. I feel beautiful when I am with you.” 

“You are the most amazing woman I have ever known, Nikki. I just love you so much.” He smiled shyly. He wasn’t great at showing emotions, but he tried his best to let her know how special he found her, and how loved she was. 

“I love you too, Jack. And I love you just the way you are. I’m not scared of growing old with you.” Nikki traced his cheek with her finger, before framing his face with her hands, kissing him deeply. 

Jack had to admit that DI Sarah Torres was one of his favorite detectives. It was always great fun when she turned up at a crime scene, except for the tragic circumstances of course, and they worked well together. Jack liked that Torres was genuinely interested in the people around her, no matter where they came from or what their backgrounds were. Jack and Torres were easygoing around each other. They could joke and tease and have serious talks all the while focusing on the task at hand. 

“So, how are you and Nikki doing?” Torres questioned as they enjoyed a cup of coffee from a coffee shop near the Lyell. They’d stopped there on their way back from an interesting visit to a person important to the investigation. 

“Good.” Jack smiled at the mention of Nikki. He couldn’t help it. 

“That smile,” Torres commented. “Are you about to ask her a question?” 

“What question would that be?” Jack asked coyly. He had already been thinking about starting to look for the perfect ring for Nikki. 

“Did you buy the ring?” Torres questioned him dryly. 

Jack smirked. “Not yet.” 

“Afraid she’ll turn you down are you?” Torres was openly teasing him now and enjoying it. 

Jack let out a chuckle. “I’m feeling confident.” 

“Good on you, Jack,” Torres said matter of factually. “People should be happy. Maybe if more people were happy we’d be out of a job. What would you do if you were out of a job?” 

Jack thought about it. He couldn’t ever imagine being in another profession really. His work was a big part of who he was. “I don’t think we’ll ever be out of a job, Torres.”

“You ever think about doing something else?” Torres looked thoughtful. “I sometimes do, then I realize that I’m damn good at what I do.”

Jack nodded. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Maybe that’s a bad thing though. My job defines me.” 

“We spent most of our adult lives in our ob. Of course, it defines us.” Torres started the car. “You met the love of your life through work.” 

“I definitely wouldn’t be without that experience,” Jack said with a smirk as Torres drove off. 

Jack looked around the shop and felt strangely out of place. He had never bought jewelry for a girl before, except for a bracelet for Nikki’s birthday, and a necklace for Christmas one year. But that was not serious jewelry. How would he decide what would fit his Nikki? His Nikki. He liked the sound of that. He was not possessive in any way, but he liked the idea of spending the rest of his life with her. 

“I’m Eleanor. May I help you?” 

Jack turned and faced an elderly woman long past her retirement age. He smiled. “I want to buy an engagement ring?” 

The woman offered a twinkly smile. “What did you have in mind?” 

Jack knew he looked bewildered because soon the woman placed her hand on his arm and smiled warmly. “Tell me about this woman. Or man.” 

“She’s a woman,” Jack clarified. He felt himself relax a little by the warm eyes of this elderly woman. “She’s amazing. Smart. Beautiful. Warm. She doesn’t wear much jewelry, probably because of her work. She has to remove everything before entering a crime scene or the cutting room. A lot of washing her hands.” Jack’s eyes met Elanor’s. “She’s strong. Capable. Compassionate.” 

“I think I know what you’re looking for.” She took Jack by the arm and led him to a glass cabinet. She used her key to open it and reached for a ring display stand. “These are simple but beautiful.” 

Jack looked from ring to ring. “I like that one.”

“That’s a good choice. It’s gold with a one-carat diamond. Simple but elegant.” Elanor took it from the display and handed it to Jack. “When the diamond is cut like this it’s beautiful, but one carat doesn’t feel too heavy on the hand.” 

Jack smiled. “Elanor, you are a star.” 

“I have been at this for a while now.” Elanor smiled warmly. “Buy her a chain so that she can wear it around her neck the times she has to remove it.” 

Jack nodded as he studied the ring. “I’m going to put it in an evidence bag when I give it to her.” 

Elanor looked at him with wonder. 

“I’m a forensic scientist, she’s a forensic pathologist. She’ll get the meaning behind it,” Jack explained. “We look at evidence. It’s what we do.” 

Elanor nodded with understanding. “It must be hard doing what you do?” 

“Sometimes it is, but it feels important.” Jack held the ring towards Elanor. “I’ll take it.” 

Elanor took the ring from him and put the ring display back in the cabinet before locking it. Fifteen minutes later Jack stepped out of the store with the ring securely in a box in his pocket. Now he needed the perfect moment to propose to her. 

Nikk was home when Jack walked into his house so he left the ring in his coat pocket and put the coat away before walking to meet her. The house was quiet except for Nikki’s typing, and Jack wondered where Cara and Velvy were as he bent down to kiss her softly.

“You took your time?” 

Jack smiled. “Yeah, had a few errands to run. Where are the kids?” 

Nikki smiled at the mention of Cara and Velvy as the kids. “Getting dinner for us. Chinese tonight.” 

“Alright then.” Jack smiled as he sat down beside her. “Working?” 

“Just preparing a lecture,” Nikki typed a few more words before focusing on him again. “What errands?” 

“This and that,” Jack shrugged. “New boxing gloves.” He smiled lopsidedly at her after telling a white lie. He had a rule about never lying to her but he figured that this was special circumstances. “How long have they been gone?” he motioned for the front door.

“Should be back soon,” Nikki smiled and reached out to run her hand through his short hair. “Hungry?” 

“Nah, just considering if there’s time to drag you upstairs and have my way with you?” he asked cockily. 

“Not going to happen,” Nikki said with amusement. “We promised them a movie night. Velvy is behind on all the classics. We can do action tonight so you won’t have to suffer through another romantic comedy.” 

Jack smiled cleverly. “Actually, I’m in the mood for romance.” 

“You?” Nikki looked at him funny. 

“Yeah,” Jack tried to look upset. “I can be romantic.” He knew he wasn't the most romantic guy, but he tried to be good at the small gestures making sure she knew he loved her. 

“You can be,” Nikki agreed just as the front door opened. “Love you.” She kissed the corner of his mouth. 

Jack kept her close. “Love you too.” Velvy and Cara stepped into the room and Jack let go of Nikki to be able to sign to Cara. “Chinese and movie night?” 

Cara put down the food on the table. “Velvy wants to watch an action movie.”

“And here I was hoping for a romantic movie,” Jack smirked at Nikki as she poked his chest. “You find the movie, we’ll put the food on the table.” 

Velvy and Cara disappeared into the living room. Jack stole a quick kiss from Nikki before he stood. He didn’t mind movie night with the kids at all.

Chapter Text

Jack saw that the bartender was busy so he stood back and waited. After the tech conference event, Gabriel suggested a drink, which Nikki and Jack had accepted. Jack had many thoughts about the day's impressions, and he had realized a long time ago that technology would make his work harder in the future. What was true? What was the work of AI? Sure the technology had its positive sides, but the possibilities for misuse were endless. 

“It was a great thing you did back there.” 

Jack turned his focus to the person who had spoken to him. A tall brunette smiled and flashed her bright blue eyes at him. “Excuse me?” 

“Stopping those security guards from hurting that protestor,” the woman clarified. “I was in the audience.” 

“Oh, right, yeah, I figured it was unnecessary to hospitalize the bloke,” Jack said firmly. The conference had returned to business pretty soon after the protestors had been led out, but it was still fresh in Jack’s mind. 

“I agree. Although the protestors are a bit much. Don’t you think? I mean, technology is the future,” the woman smiled wider. “I’m Alexa. I work for a tech company in Liverpool. Mostly dating apps and home pages. We’re looking to expand. What do you do?” 

“Forensic scientist. Not as positive to all this as you are though. I see a boatload of trouble in the future,” Jack finally got the bartender's attention. He promised to take his order soon. 

“Don’t you think the positive outweighs the negative?” Alexa asked. “Dating apps connect people.” 

“Superficial,” Jack pointed out. “What happened to meeting eye to eye, and talking? You figure out quickly if you match with someone. People don’t commit to anything anymore.” 

“I don’t know about commitment, but I do have a hotel room nearby,” Alexa said and batted her eyelashes. 

The bartender chose that moment to address him and he asked for two beers and sparkling water with a twist of lime. “I’m committed,” Jack told Alexa just as he felt a hand on his back. 

“I’ll help you.” Nikki smiled up at him and took the glass with sparkling water. 

“Thanks, love,” Jack smiled at her and took the two beers. 

“You found a new friend?” Nikki wondered as they walked back to their table. 

“Discussing technology. Dating apps. You know how I feel about that,” Jack said and winked at her. “It’s a good thing I’m not on the market.” 

Nikki smiled up at him. They reached their table and sat down with Gabriel. 

“Interesting day,” Gabriel said as he took his beer. “Thanks.” 

“I like Felix. Very polite,” Nikki smiled teasingly at Jack.

“You won’t say that when he’s doing your job,” Jack pointed out as he put his hand on her thigh. 

“I don’t see that happening just yet,” Gabriel pointed out. 

They continued chatting about the events of the day and the future of forensics until Nikki reminded Jack that she was on call and needed sleep. They bid Gabriel good night and drove to Jack’s place. He hadn’t been home for two days and needed to check in with the “kids” to see if his house was still standing. 

“Can you check?” Jack motioned for his phone in the console between them. It just made a sound letting Jack know of an incoming message. 

Nikki checked his phone. “Cara has dinner ready.” She texted Cara back and put Jack’s phone in its place. 

“I let her know we’d be home soon,” Jack smirked. “I was worried I would have to make dinner tonight.” 

Nikki offered an amused look and a little head shake.

“It’s good for them to take some responsibility.” Jack smiled brightly now and reached for Nikki’s hand. “Don’t want them to get spoiled.” 

“God forbid,” Nikki jokes and entwined her hand with his. “It was a good thing you did today, stopping that security guard.” 

“No point in giving that kid a brain injury.” Jack was firm as he spoke. 

Nikki always admired him for sticking up for the little guy. Jack was definitely a friendly giant. 

“I hate guys like that. Needing to use excessive force just because they can. Makes them feel powerful.” Jack drove up to his house and shut the engine. 

“It’s kinda hot.” Nikki put her hand on his shoulder. “When you do that thing where you tower over someone and make them step back without argument.” She knew she was flirting and that there was no way for it to lead to anything since they were about to spend time with Cara and Velvy, but it was still fun to see his reaction. 

Nikki got out of the car without waiting for Jack’s reply and squealed when he caught up to her by the door and grabbed her around the waist, not forcefully, but it did take her by surprise. 

“You can’t just say that and walk away,” he whispered in her ear. 

“Behave,” Nikki said, a gleam in her eyes as she opened the front door to his house. 

“That won’t be easy,” Jack kissed her quickly before following her inside the hallway. 

Most of the dinner was spent telling Velvy and Cara about the conference and discussing AI and the future of technology. Cara had her usual comments about Jack being ancient when he brought up his disgust for influencers. It was always great fun to spend time like this. Velvy had found his place there, looking so much better now that he was warm, safe, and in the company of people who wanted him to thrive. 

“So, I have a confession to make,” Jack said as they were alone on the sofa later in the night. Velvy had excused himself to read before bed, and Cara had some studying to do and was in her room.

“Yeah?” Nikki had her head resting in her hand, her legs thrown over Jack’s. She had changed into comfy pajama bottoms and a wool sweater after they finished dinner. Jack was in a tight blue sweater and one of his joggers. They had gotten into the habit early in their relationship of wearing comfortable clothes at home at night. 

Jack as usual had a hand on her thigh, as he always had the need to touch her. “That woman that spoke to me at the bar earlier, she came on to me.”

“Of course she did,” Nikki was amused. 

Jack chuckled. “We were talking about dating apps and I said that no one committed to anything anymore. She said, and I quote; ‘I don’t know about commitment but I do have a hotel room nearby’.” 

Nikki laughed. “Wow, what did you say?” 

“I said, I’m committed. And then you appeared.” Jack leaned his head back on the sofa and looked at her. “Anyway, I just wanted full disclosure.” 

“Thank you.” Nikki put her free hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. “I don’t blame her.” 

“You are so beautiful, and I’m so grateful you haven’t put me on the market again.” Jack kissed her wrist. 

“That will never happen.” Nikki leaned in and kissed him properly, letting him pull her fully into his lap. “I love you.” 

“I love you more.” He kissed her again. Nikki’s phone interrupted them and she made a complaining sound as she reached for it on the table. Jack let Nikki answer and stood to shut the house down for the night. He would go out with Nikki if she had to go to a crime scene. He understood from Nikki’s part of the conversation that it wasn’t about a new crime scene, but about a case concerning a piece of skull found. It was probably another pathologist looking to Nikki the anthropologist for help. 

Jack bent down and kissed Nikki’s forehead as she hung up. “Ready for bed?” 

“Yup,” she smiled up at him and he bent down to kiss her. 

“Bone stuff?” Jack assumed as Nikki stood.

“Yeah, I’ll look at it in the morning. Dr. Miller will have it sent to the Lyell. A bone fragment that the police need to have confirmed is from a human being and if it is, what part of the skeleton it is before they get it DNA tested. Missing persons case.” 

Jack put his hand on the small of Nikki’s back as they walked upstairs. “Leave it to the expert.” 

Nikki smiled at him. He was always complimenting her. She leaned onto him. As soon as they stepped into his bedroom she moved into his arms and kissed him deeply. 

“I thought you needed to sleep,” Jack commented as her hands slipped under his shirt. 

“I do, but…” she pushed his shirt up. “I need you more.” 

Jack closed the door behind them before moving her towards the bed. “What about the ‘kid’ who can hear?” They had been very careful when they stayed at his house not to make it uncomfortable. Jack had already started pulling on Nikki’s bottoms to get them down her legs and wasn’t really that interested in Velvy at the moment, but it could be awkward the next morning. 

“Just be quiet,” Nikki suggested as she stepped out of her bottoms and knickers. She was tugging on Jack’s bottoms as well. 

Jack removed his sweater, then stepped away from Nikki to remove his bottoms and underwear too. He did quick work of her sweater too, and bra, before kissing her again. 

They did manage to be quiet, silencing the sounds with deep kisses. After, they lay spent and wrapped together as they caught their breaths. 

“I’m pretty sure Felix will never be able to do that,” Nikki said after a while. 

Jack burst out laughing. 

They quickly cleaned up and brushed their teeth, before setting their alarms and falling asleep wrapped together.

Chapter Text

After the funeral, Jack is trying to figure out what to surprise Nikki with. As she walks upstairs to change into something more comfortable he opens the back door of her house and walks out into her garden. Nikki has a lovely house and a big beautiful backyard. Jack has tried to give his backyard a cozy atmosphere but it’s nothing like Nikki’s. When she has time off she spends a lot of time out there, tending to the flowers and plants. It gives her peace in a hectic and sometimes grotesque working life. Jack takes a breath and puts his hands in his pockets. The tie is thrown over a chair in the kitchen, and his jacket too. His phone pings and he takes it out of his pocket. It’s from Clarissa. Jack smiles as he reads the text. Clarissa suggests that he’s playing hard to get after canceling dinner yet again. He replies that it wasn’t his fault that they got caught up in a difficult case. Jack lets out a sigh. There have been a few tough cases lately. It takes its toll on them. He thinks that Clarissa and Max should come over and barbeque with them. Around 6. He types and pushes send. What better way to remind them who they are than to spend time with good friends? Jack sends a text to Cara too, asking her to bring Velvy. Then the same text for Gabriel. Jack puts his phone back into his pocket just as he feels a hand on his back. 

“That was quick.” He turns his head slightly to look at her. She’s wearing jeans and a sweater, her hair up in a braid. Some strands of hair have fought the braid and are hanging loosely here and there. If she was going to a crime scene the braid would have been tighter. 

“It’s a nice day.” Nikki smiles up at him just as his phone pings, and then again. “You are popular.” 

Jack reaches for his phone. Clarissa accepted his invitation, and so did Gabriel. “I did something.” 

Nikki looks at him funny. “Something bad?” 

Jack shakes his head and smiles. “Nah, but we need to go shopping because I invited people for dinner. Barbeque.” 

“People?” Nikki looks amused. “Here?” 

“Oh, right, I should specify.” He hurries to text everyone that it is at Nikki’s place. “Yeah, here. You don’t mind?” 

“Who are we having over?” Nikki is curious as she moves her arms around his waist. It’s a warm spring day and her garden looks lovely. She can’t wait to spend many summer nights with him out there. 

“Cara, Velvy, Gabriel, Clarissa and Max.” Jack moves his arm around her and bends down to kiss her. “No better way to remind us who we are than spending time with good friends and family.” 

Nikki likes this Jack. The warm, cuddly, grown-up, Jack. Still himself, in opposition to authority, the quiet (sometimes loud when he’s angry) rebel, cocky, but also sweet and protective, and now he’s hers and he loves her so much. “I think that’s exactly what we should do.” 

Jack smiles lopsidedly at her. 

They go to the market to get what they need. It’s not often that they have guests over and they discuss what to serve and how to cook it. They buy wine and beer, and Jack wants to make drinks too so he finds what he needs for that. He buys flowers for Nikki at a flower shop he passes by, a bouquet of wildflowers.

“Thank you,” Nikki says as he hands them to her. “They are beautiful.”

“Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman.” Jack kisses her softly. “I think we have everything we need now.” 

Nikki takes his hand as they walk back to the car. She can’t remember ever being this in love. There were moments with Matt when she thought he was the one, but with Jack, she’s just sure of it all the time. He’s there when she wakes up, when she’s at work, and when she falls asleep at night, and still, it’s not enough. She doesn’t get tired of having him. They always find something to talk about, they have their little disagreements and then tease each other endlessly. Sometimes they are just together without having to say anything, and that’s a sort of intimacy and security Nikki has never had. 

As they near the car Nikki lets Jack put the alcohol into the back of the car with the bags of food, she waits for him to close the trunk of the car before she moves into his arms. “This was a great idea.” She kisses him softly. 

Jack is pleased with himself and smirks as the kiss ends. He knows he’s done something right when Nikki looks at him a certain way, and the flowers are a nice touch. 

They get home and put the groceries away. Jack is wondering if this might be the perfect moment to pop the big question, but he didn’t bring the ring with him. It’s still safely tucked into the back of his closet in his home where he knows Nikki would never look. And there will come a different moment when he gets his chance. There’s no rush. 

“What are you thinking?” 

Jack shakes out of his thoughts and looks at her looking at him. “Ah, just the menu,” he lies. “I should marinade that meat.” 

Nikki smiles, shakes her head with amusement, and walks past him. 

“Should we eat outside?” she wonders. 

“Yeah, it’s warm enough, and we can move inside if it gets chilly,” Jack suggests as he starts to potter around the kitchen. He feels at home in Nikki’s kitchen, probably more at home than she does. Nikki is very boring when it comes to food. She has a few dishes that she has mastered and she eats chicken or fish, and salads. There’s nothing too heavy in her diet which is probably why she keeps herself so slim. She rarely indulges. Tonight he’s grilling tenderloins. The expensive kind where the cow is local and it’s from organic farming. 

“Need my help?” 

Jack smiles at her as she moves around some flowers in the vase, making sure it looks beautiful before she places it on the dining table. 

“I’m just marinading it. I’ll be quick,” he lets her know. He finishes up with what he’s doing and waits for Nikki to finish watering her plants before he moves his arms around her and hugs her close. He’s incredibly happy at the moment. He kisses her forehead. “We have time for sex.” 

Nikki giggles. “Come on then.” Nikki steps away from him and takes his hand to drag him with her. 

Later that night

Nikki has teased Jack about his Googling while he cooked. Cara has joined them to help her uncle with the food. Between the three of them, everything is ready when the guests arrive, and with the help of Max, the meat survives the barbeque. Dinner is a success. Jack is proud when he gets praise for the food. He gives credit to the recipes he has followed. Nikki and Cara take on the task of clearing the table. Nikki decides to leave everything on the counter for the next day. There is no reason to stay in the kitchen when they have guests. Jack is so happy to see Clarissa again, even though she does tease him quite a bit. Gabriel and Max soon start discussing computers and science. Clarissa questions Velvy about his work at the Lyell, and then Cara about her course at the University. Jack is impressed that Clarissa has learned some sign language and is trying to have a conversation with his niece. 

“You look incredibly well, Jack,” Clarissa says when Jack hands her a drink after dinner.

“Thanks, babes,” Jack smiles as he sits down beside Nikki. It is getting a bit more chill as the night comes upon them and Jack has fetched her one of his knitted coats, the moose one, to wear. 

“Still keeping up with your masochistic tendencies?” Clarissa wonders. 

“A little,” Jack admits and gets an amused look from Nikki. 

“Makes you feel manly?” Clarissa asks in her usual sarcastic tone. 

“Absolutely,” Jack says with an eye-roll. 

“The first case we worked on at the Lyell you were so beaten up, and you told everyone you’d been in a car accident,” Clarissa remembers. 

“Yeah, lying to a pathologist, that was clever,” Nikki chimes in with laughter.

“In my defense, I was a bit star-struck,” Jack says with a chuckle. “I was trying to prove myself.”

After a while, Max demands they play croquet. He has brought a set. Clarissa wants to go inside and get warm so Nikki begs off the game and joins Clarissa instead. They sit down in the living room with a glass of wine 

“Jack truly does look good, Nikki. Is he still getting follow-ups on his lungs?” Clarissa questions. “I’d ask him myself but he would just roll his eyes at me.” 

“He is, and it looks good. He’s back to his old workout amounts. I’m more worried about his brain taking all those hits,” Nikki admits. “I want to be supportive, but…” 

Clarissa nods. “I’m trying to let him know he’s not getting any younger, but all I get is sarcasm.”

“To be fair you’ve brought that on yourself,” Nikki reminds her friend. The relationship between Jack and Clarissa has always amused her and mystified her. No one speaks to Jack as Clarissa does, no one can get him to open up like she does. It should make Nikki uncomfortable, but instead, she is happy that Jack has someone he can talk to who isn’t her. 

“I have,” Clarissa says laughing out loud. “He’s a big boy, he can take it.” She sobers up and studies Nikki. “It’s going well with the two of you?” 

Nikki beams as she sips her wine. “Yeah,” she says happily. She picks on her dress by her knee feeling Clarissa’s eyes on her. “It’s been a nice progress for us.” 

“Meaning there’s a wedding invitation in the near future?” Clarissa sips her wine with raised eyebrows. 

Nikki’s jaw dropped. “What? No!” She is thinking about it though, picturing him as a husband, her husband. The idea doesn’t scare her as she realizes quickly after they become a couple that he is her end game. “Do you think he’s thinking about that?” she asks Clarissa. 

“Of course he is. Not that he’d let me in on that, but Jack has loved you since that first case, Nikki. I always knew he had a thing for you. Not that he said anything, but I always felt it. That went both ways, Nikki, admit it.” 

Nikki hesitates. Of course, Clarissa is right, but it feels scandalous to admit it. “I thought after Mexico… You know.”

Clarissa nods knowingly. 

“But it pushed us apart, and then Matt happened.” Nikki shrugs. 

“Do you still have contact with him?” Clarissa wonders. 

Nikki shakes her head. “Not for a long time. We ended things in a good way. He’s a good man. But he wasn’t…” 

Clarissa smiles when Nikki hesitates. “Jack?” 

“Yeah,” Nikki says with a sweet smile. “After Thomas, Jack’s near death and you leaving, it was the two of us. We got close again, and I realized that there were still feelings there. We made it complicated of course, but after Liverpool, it was no way back.” Nikki sips her wine thoughtfully. “Do you think he’s the marrying type?” 

“I don’t think that he thinks he’s the marrying type. He still blames himself for things in the past, but I think he’s come to terms with all that now. You know more about that than I do. I do believe he is invested in you, Nikki. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he asked you.” Clarissa puts her head in her hand and studies Nikki. “You do make a beautiful couple.” 

Nikki smiles shyly. She has to admit that she loves how good they look together, and how well they fit together. “I would tell him, yes, you know. If he was ever in doubt and asked you about it.” 

Clarissa smiles cleverly. “I’m quite sure he knows. He wouldn’t ask my advice on that anyway I think. 

The subject of the conversation chooses that moment to join them. “I won.” Jack slumps down beside Nikki. 

“Of course you did,” Clarissa says with faked admiration. “You are the alpha male of the group.” 

Jack shakes his head with amusement and puts his hand on Nikki’s thigh. “The abuse. This is why I don’t miss you at all.” 

Clarissa laughs. She studies the pair, the way Jack is looking at Nikki, the way Nikki is looking at Jack. They share something special the two of them.

Chapter Text

Nikki was tired and her body was aching as she opened the front door of her house. Jack went to his place to check on Cara. He didn’t say but Nikki assumed he was staying there tonight. It had been an incredibly long day with seven post-mortems and a thorough walk-through of the PMs with the police. There were still more questions than answers, but Nikki was too tired, her brain too overstimulated to focus at the minute. She needed a shower, comfortable clothes, and food. She put her things down in the kitchen before walking upstairs to shower. There were traces of Jack all over her bedroom, pants slung over a chair, a shirt on the bed after he couldn’t decide what to wear that morning. She pulled his shirt from the bed and slung it over the chair with his pants from yesterday. She undressed and left her own clothes in a pile on the floor, before walking to the bathroom and turning the shower on. 

After the shower she dressed in pajama bottoms and a comfortable sweater before walking barefoot downstairs. The French press stood where they had left it that morning, their half-drunken cups of coffee and half-eaten toast too. The thought of them getting ready for the day together made her smile. She took her phone from the kitchen aisle and walked to the fridge. Checking the phone with one hand and taking yesterday's salad from the fridge, she found a missed call from Jack waiting. She redialled and put it on speaker before putting both the phone and salad down. 

“Hey.” 

“Hey, you.” Nikki found a plate and a fork. “Everything okay at home?” 

“Yeah, the kids were beat. They had already had take-out and were about to go to bed. They have been working hard at the Lyell I think.” 

Nikki had to smile at Jack calling Cara and Velvy kids like they weren’t two young adults, one of them their colleague. She supposed they were like kids in a way, both needing some guidance. 

“I’m on my way to your place.” 

This made Nikki smile even wider. 

“Did you eat? Should I pick up something for us?” Jack wondered.

“We can eat the rest of last night's salad. I just want to eat and head to bed as quickly as possible.” Nikki had even wondered about skipping the late dinner but knew she’d wake up in the night because she was hungry and decided against it. “Just hurry here.” She hesitated. “Not hurry too much though. Safely,” she added.

Jack laughed softly. “See you soon then.” 

The line went dead and Nikki found another plate and fork and set the table. She found garlic bread in the freezer and heated it. When she heard Jack enter the house everything was ready, and she had lit candles. 

“This looks great,” Jack said and kissed her softly. “Long day.” 

“Yeah,” she agreed and put her hand on his cheek. “I’m glad you’re here.” 

“You okay?” he asked with worry. 

“Yes, just sleep better with you,” she reassured. “Even when you steal my pillow.” 

Jack chuckled. He did have the habit of sharing her pillow. “Eat, shower, sleep then.” He held the chair out for her. “A lot of evidence to shift through in the morning.” 

Nikki sat down and let out a sigh. She looked at him as he sat down. “So, Cara and Velvy were tired too?”

“They have put in the hours at the Lyell. Cara has been eager to help out. She’s doing well, isn’t she?” Jack questioned as he filled his plate. 

“Absolutely. She’s talented, but you know that.” Nikki knew that Jack was extremely proud of Cara for doing so well. He wanted confirmation that it wasn’t just him who noticed the talent that his niece held. That he wasn’t playing favorites. Nikki reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. “It’s okay to be proud, Jack.” 

“I know, I just worry that it’s all in my head,” Jack chuckled and shook his head at his own silliness. He worried too much. “She seems happy. That’s the most important thing.” 

“It is,” Nikki agreed. 

They ate and cleaned up. Nikki moved into Jack’s arms and hugged him tight. “I’m so tired.” 

Jack rubbed her back softly and kissed the top of her head. “You’re pushing yourself hard, love. You did well today. I’m proud of you.” 

“We did well today, Jack,” she corrected him and lifted her head to look at him. 

Jack leaned in and kissed her softly. “Let’s get some sleep, I’ll give you a backrub if you want one?” 

“That sounds good,” she said smiling up at him. He was so amazing and tender, always looking out for her. She was a lucky girl. 

After the case had finished Jack felt relief. The Lyell had done good work, and they had gotten results, helping the police find the Kings Cross serial killer. Although sad, the people left behind finally got answers, and the victims all got names in the end. After packing up their mortuary and filing away the paperwork he left the Lyell and went home. Upstairs in his bedroom, he found the ring in the closet behind some of his clothes. He opened the box and studied the ring. 

Was he nervous? No, he didn’t feel nervous, he felt calm. He had looked at the evidence, gone through it, and decided. 

He couldn’t picture a day without Nikki. 

They loved each other deeply. He knew how he felt, and he knew how Nikki felt about him. It had been a long journey for them, years of friendship, of being a surrogate family, then the build-up to Liverpool. He had doubted that they’d ever cross that bridge, but it had been the two of them after Liverpool. 

Jack was just parking outside Nikki’s house when his phone rang and he smiled when he saw her name light up his screen. Her admitting that she had been glad to be home for about ten seconds before she wondered where he was, made him smile. As he exited the car and walked up to her door he knew this was the perfect moment. What possessed him to start a role play he didn’t know, but it seemed to amuse her so he kept it up as they walked through her house. He loved her place, the warmth in it, it was all her. He had the ring ready inside the plastic evidence bag, a detail he was particularly proud of. He knew she’d say yes even before she uttered the word. It was all in her eyes. It was the perfect moment. 

The next morning Jack made breakfast while he waited for Nikki to wake up. When she padded downstairs in her pajamas, her feet bare and hair tussled from sleep, he handed her a cup of coffee and kissed her good morning. 

“Morning,” she smiled up at him. 

“Morning,” he kissed her again. “Did you sleep well?” 

“I did.” She sipped her coffee. Last night they’d had dinner and celebrated, before going to bed early. They had made love and in the afterglow, Nikki had asked Jack how long he’d planned this proposal. He had told her about the old lady helping him find the ring, and he’d given her the chain he’d bought for her to wear the ring around her neck when she had to remove it for work. 

“What do you want to do today?” Nikki asked him. They had the weekend off and hadn’t made plans yet. 

“Be with you.” Jack held the chair out for her. He was smiling lopsidedly at her, his eyes filled with love and hopes for the future. She had said yes. 

“Sitting around doing nothing?” she suggested teasingly. She waited for him to sit down before leaning in to kiss him. “I love you.” 

Jack cupped Nikki’s cheek. “I love you too. I can’t believe I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Lucky me.” 

“Lucky me.” Nikki had been surprised by his proposal. Pleasantly so. They hadn’t spoken about a commitment like that, even though they had spoken about being committed to each other. At first, it had been subtle hints about them being serious, the first being the exchange of keys. Then there were things like clothes moved into each other’s closets, the extra set of toothbrushes and other toiletries so they didn’t have to bring anything when they moved between houses. The I Love You appeared and became more frequent, just as their plans started including letting the other know of them to make it easier to plan things together. It all had happened so gradually and naturally, they didn’t really put a label on what they were. Jack noticed that Nikki stopped introducing him as her friend, and Jack was delighted when instead she called him her partner. They had used that label for a year now. A few months back they had been invited to a christening by a colleague, and they had gotten one invitation, not two. To Nikki and Jack, the envelope read. They were in a well-established relationship and now they had agreed to spend the rest of their lives together. 

“Does Cara know?” Nikki wondered as they enjoyed the quiet time together. There was no rush to get anywhere and they were both enjoying it. 

“I didn’t tell her of my plans. I didn’t tell anyone, well except for Torres maybe, but she guessed and I sort of confirmed my intentions. Anyway,” Jack smiled. “Cara will be thrilled. We can tell her later. We should probably spend some time with her.” 

“Yeah, we should,” Nikki agreed. It had been hectic lately and some time with family would do them all good. 

Later on the sofa, Jack saw that Nikki had abandoned her book and was looking at her ring. He put his own book down before moving to lay beside her, moving his arms around her to keep her from falling off the sofa. 

“What are you thinking?” he questioned as he nuzzled her cheek with his nose. 

“About you, us,” she said quietly. “I’m happy.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” he questioned as he entwined his hand with hers. 

“It’s a great thing. I have never been this happy, Jack. I’m so grateful for you. Sometimes I wonder why we didn’t do this years ago, thinking about how good this is now. I don’t think it would have been like this then. Do you?” 

“No I don’t,” Jack admitted honestly. “I think we shouldn’t dwell on it though. It won’t change anything. I know that this is good now, and I wouldn’t be without this. This Jack is the best version. I feel confident that I can be what you need now.” 

Nikki smiled lovingly, surprised by his words. This Jack was mature, and yes, he was what she needed. More importantly what she wanted. And she was a better version too. “I love that, the best version. I feel that too, about me. Maybe I needed to push forty to find the best version of me. I can give my all into this now, without all the walls I always put up. You know me, good and bad, and you still love me.” 

“That goes both ways, Nikki. You love me despite the things I’ve done. Unconditional love.” He moved her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Partners in crime, partners for life. There’s no one else I could do this with.” 

Nikki moved in to kiss him but hesitated before her lips met his. “Thank you for being mine.” 

Jack smiled, his green eyes sparkling. Her lips touched his and he drew her in for a deep kiss.