What’s a little texting between friends? (A series) 4 of ?
Rating: T (just to be safe)
Pairing: Nico and Dani
Disclaimer: Not mine for real but I am just playing with them a little.
Beta: Don’t have one but if someone wants to volunteer that would be great!
Summary: In “Spell it out” (2.7), Vera comments about the amount of texts and calls between Nico and Dani. In “Shrink or Swim” (2.1), we find out Dani and Nico haven’t talked much in the 6 week off season. Episodes 2.1 through 2.7 take place between mid - February and mid - July which is when Vera gets access to Nico’s phone. How many texts are considered “a lot” in 5 months between friends?
Text messages are in italics. Comments and constructive criticism is always appreciated.
One last one for the weekend, maybe :). Enjoy! Alesia
“Bourbon and Wine”
~~Takes place during “To Swerve and Protect” 2.2
Nico was sitting on his black suede couch staring into a crystal highball glass of bourbon. He and Marshall had been nursing the same bottle of single malt Scotch for a couple of days now and Nico needed something strong but didn’t taste like dirt. So Makers Mark 46 it was. The beep of his phone drew his eyes from the brown liquor to its flashing red light and "Dani" lit up in technology blue.
That was odd. Her children were at their father’s tonight. Normally that meant Donnelly would be spending the night. Just because Nico hadn’t had much contact with Dani as of late didn’t mean he didn’t know most of the comings and goings of her life. Nico kept telling himself it was all about protecting team assets but he knew it was more about preventing a repeat of the night TK was shot. Watching Donnelly come down her stairs was a shock he hadn’t quite been prepared for.
Dani: Thank you, Nico
What did that mean? Nico threw back a mouthful of bourbon and sent back the expected reply.
Nico: You’re welcome, Dani
He wasn’t going to ask what for. He just wasn’t. His resolved lasted about three minutes.
Nico: May I ask what in particular you are thanking me for?
Her reply was so slow in coming Nico was tempted to pick up the phone and call her.
Dani: Um, Marshall was just here. He didn’t know about my divorce. I would have thought he knew everything you know. I am thanking you because he didn’t.
This was not good. No good would come of Dani garnering Marshall’s attention. Nico could tolerate Marshall’s focus just about anywhere else but on Dani. Nico had no idea why he felt the need to shield Dani from Marshall but he did. She didn’t need to be involved in the advance game of one-upsmanship and subterfuge Marshall was engaging in.
Nico: Are you okay?
He had his coat on and his keys in his hand before her reply appeared on the screen.
Dani: I’m fine
Nico believed that as much as he believed Onyx, who was currently curled up in custom made cat bed, wanted to be an alley cat again.
Nico: Dani…
It was his head tilt, raised eyebrow and squint all forced into four letters via text. Hand on his front doorknob; the adrenaline flowed through Nico’s veins flooding his mind and body. What she said next would determine his actions. Dani didn’t keep him waiting long.
Dani: Alright, he scared me a little bit. He is completely all encompassing when you are the only other person in the room.
Ah Hell. Nico knew that Marshall; knew the intimidating head strong Marshall, knew him too well, in fact. Considering what Dani had been exposed to over the last six months - a sometimes violent pro football player, threatening mobsters, a manipulating ex-husband with a seedy private investigator, “a little bit” was probably a Hell of a lot.
Nico: Do I need to come by?
He was in the elevator before he finished typing. Nico knew his message was a bold one. She had probably already called Donnelly. The roar of his Lincoln’s engine masked the beep of her reply but he felt the phone’s vibration against his chest.
Dani: Well… I was gifted with a bottle of Mouton Rothschild this evening. I would be happy to share it with a friend who keeps my private life private regardless of how much he knows or how scary his boss might be.
Ah, redirection at its finest. Nico had to laugh. That woman. Even with all of the turbulence in her life, Dani was a natural flirt. He wondered which bottle Marshall had given her. Depending on which one it was, she may want to pay her mortgage with it instead.
Nico: The 1974?
Dani: How did you know?
Nico: It is an old favorite. I would check the current price on the internet before you decide to open it.
Nico pulled his car into the parking lot of an all-night diner to wait her out. Dani was too naturally curious to not take that bait and go look. As he waited for her reply he reconsidered, maybe going to her wasn’t his best idea.
Dani: Oh my God, Nico!! I don’t think I should touch it, let alone drink it!
Damn, this woman made him laugh, which decided him about going to her.
Nico: Have a good night, Dani. Call me if you need me.
Dani: I will. Good night, Nico.
AN: According to my Google search, a bottle of 1974 Mouton Rothschild sells for between $350 and $500 depending on the vineyard.