Doubt (Chapter 2 - The Perfect Day)
Title:Doubt
Author:glasheen25
Pairing/Characters:Nancy/Ned, Nancy/Frank
Series:post-files
Word Count:1789
Rating:R
Summary:In the first instance Ned misses his flight, missing Nancy's birthday in the process. In the second instance Ned makes his flight, arriving on time. How a seemingly inconsequential event could lead Nancy's life in two completely different directions.
Spoilers:None
Warnings:None
Saturday, 16th February 2008, 5.15 p.m.
Her red-blonde curls tucked untidily into the collar of her coat in a rather futile attempt to shield her hair from the biting wind, Nancy shifted anxiously from foot to foot, alternating between obsessively checking her phone and darting overeager glances down the street, searching for sign of Ned. Having not seen her boyfriend in weeks, Nancy's impatience was understandable; her desire to see Ned, to spend time with him, had grown to almost unbearable proportions in the past few days. The weather was as volatile as it was unpredictable, the sky a vast contradiction of bright blue peering through stormy black, as likely to bestow a sunny, glorious radiance as wreak a wet and miserable revenge. Nancy shoved her hands fiercely into the warmth of her pockets, hoping for a reprieve, however temporary, from the icy cold. Suddenly spotting Ned's broad frame emerging from a cab, Nancy had to command herself not to run over to him, reluctant to make a scene on the busy city street. Even so, she was unable to resist the urge to jump into his arms as he hurried over her.
"I've missed you so much, Nan," Ned murmured lovingly, the couple clinging to each other unashamedly, unmindful of their watchful, rather amused audience.
"I've missed you too," Nancy sighed happily, enclosed in the warmth of his embrace. Feeling his lips suddenly warm on hers, Nancy closed her eyes contentedly, melting into the familiar tenderness of his touch. "Dinner's not until eight, right?" Nancy asked with a suggestive smile, laughing as Ned pulled her in for another kiss. His grip on her was surprisingly possessive, as if demonstrating just how much he had longed and yearned for her.
"Right," he returned with a knowing smile, his hands straying down her back, sending a pleasant shiver up Nancy's spine. "And what do you suggest we do with the time?" he whispered softly, gooseflesh rising on her skin at the feel of his breath, hot against her neck.
"What do you think?" Nancy laughed, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the hotel.
The door closed behind them, Nancy and Ned resumed their makeout session with a fervor, kissing passionately, Nancy tugging off his shirt impatiently and Ned deftly working on her zipper, the purple dress falling to the floor with a flourish.
"God, I've missed you," he murmured, pushing her hair out of her face and kissing her deeply.
"I know," Nancy managed, gasping in pleasure as Ned's hands ran appreciatively over her bare skin.
Sweeping her into his arms in a grand gesture, Ned laid her gently on the bed, smiling as Nancy reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him gently. "I love you so much, Ned Nickerson,” she whispered softly, pulling away for a moment, gazing intently into his eyes.
"I love you too, Nan," he replied heatedly as he grasped her in a fierce embrace, and Nancy succumbed willingly to his advances.
xxxxx
The twinkling night sky obliterated by a heavy blanket of clouds, Nancy and Ned wandered hand in hand out of the hotel, their faces bright with the excitement of being together after the long weeks of separation. It was barely eight o'clock and the streets were crowded with the last of the shoppers, shuffling wearily towards cabs, oversized bags swinging triumphantly from their arms, and the first of the night's revelers, heavily made-up and tottering on dangerously high stiletto heels, eagerly anticipating the night’s fun ahead.
"I'm so glad you're here," Nancy smiled adoringly at her boyfriend, kicking a silver shoe aimlessly at the last dregs of the winter snowfall, the muddied slush gathered forlornly in piles by the sidewalk. "How was the flight?"
"Absolute hell," Ned admitted ruefully before pulling Nancy close to him and stealing a frozen kiss. "Although, having said that, you're lucky I'm here at all, Nan. I swear, I was about two seconds from missing the damn flight altogether, the traffic was crazy."
"Lucky, huh," Nancy retorted jokingly, squirming out of Ned's arms as he tickled her playfully. "The way I see it you're the lucky one, Nickerson. Do you have any idea how much pain I'd have inflicted on you if you had stood me up?"
"I think I do," he laughed, enclosing Nancy in his arms and pressing his lips to hers lovingly.
The restaurant was a brilliant white and chrome affair, the tablecloths starched and unwrinkled. The single white rose perched in the middle of the table, perfect and unblemished, induced in Nancy the irrational fear that her purple dress was somehow intruding on the gleaming perfection of her surroundings.
Picking thoughtfully at the bread basket, Nancy scanned the wine list idly. "What do you think?" she asked curiously, knowing Ned would much rather drink a beer than the pompous overpriced offerings on the menu.
"How about a bottle of champagne?" he tossed out casually, "It is your birthday, after all."
"But you don't even like champagne that much," Nancy returned, her blue eyes searching his suspiciously.
"Oh, I've been known to make exceptions on special occasions," Ned shrugged with a smile. "And we did have a lot of fun with that bottle of champagne earlier, didn't we?" he added, a wicked gleam in his eye.
Their champagne poured with a flourish, Nancy sipped delightedly, the alcohol rendering her instantly lightheaded and giddy. It was so great to finally spend some relaxed time together. With Nancy in her final year at Cornell and Ned rapidly climbing the ranks at a busy investment firm in Chicago, they had to work furiously to make their relationship work. Weekends were spent battling traffic, suffering noisy, overcrowded airports and climbing on planes, all to snatch a few precious hours together. It wasn't enough, though, and with Nancy's finals approaching and the huge demands placed on Ned by his ever expectant bosses, Nancy feared their already stretched and meager hours together would whittle away until they were left making do with spending holidays and the odd weekend together. And if Nancy got accepted into the FBI...
"Are you okay, Nan?" Ned asked worriedly, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on her arm.
Realizing she was doing little good in pursuing this particular line of despair, Nancy gave him a faintly reassuring smile before turning her attention back to her food, the perfectly cooked steak lying untouched on her plate.
"It's just you haven't eaten anything," he added in concern, his brown eyes searching hers worriedly.
"Sorry," Nancy smiled apologetically, unable to break his gaze as she cut into her steak delicately. "It's just I can't remember the last time we've had such a lovely night together and I suppose I wish we could be like this more often. Do you know what I mean?" she asked softly, suddenly struck by feelings of unease and nervousness as she fidgeted awkwardly with her ring.
"I think I do," Ned smiled, reaching out and putting his hand to her cheek tenderly, the soft hum of conversation in the air and the watchful presence of the wait staff evaporating in the intensity of his loving gaze, meant only for her.
xxxxx
"Thanks so much for tonight, Ned," Nancy smiled gratefully, her silver shoes negotiating the puddles carefully, the pools of water shimmering majestically under the bright city lights. A colorful sea of umbrellas spread out before them as people spilled excitedly out of restaurants and bars, determined to make the most of their night despite the unfavorable conditions.
"I'm just glad you enjoyed it," he murmured contentedly, pulling her into the comforting warmth of his embrace.
"I just wish you didn't have to go back to Chicago in the morning," Nancy sighed, her dark mood suddenly threatening to return. "Exams are coming up and you're swamped with work; I'm just afraid it's going to be ages before I see you again."
"You'll be finished with college soon," Ned murmured reassuringly, his arms tightening around her in response. "And we'll be together all the time, maybe even get a place of our own. Please, don't worry about it."
"I suppose," Nancy replied, none too convinced. Her thoughts of pursuing her lifelong dream and joining the FBI clashed with the comforting, familiar thought of moving back to Chicago and settling down with Ned.
"Earth to Nancy," Ned said only half jokingly, glancing in amusement at his girlfriend. "Have you even been listening to what I've said for the past few minutes?"
"Sorry," Nancy apologized, red-faced, pulling herself from her reverie. "I guess I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately."
"About us?" Ned cut in curiously,
"Yeah, about us," Nancy smiled, her enthusiasm rewarded by the tightening of Ned's arms around her and the warm press of his lips against hers.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking myself, Nan," he admitted softly, and Nancy was rendered speechless as, unmindful of the wet ground, Ned knelt in front of her, grasping her hand in his. "Nancy, will you marry me?"
Despite her recent agonizing and the soul-searching that had caused many a sleepless night, Nancy ultimately found the decision surprisingly easy to make. "Yes, I would love to, Ned," she finally managed, her heart swelled with sudden anticipation and excitement as Ned slid the ring onto her finger, the diamond twinkling brightly under the harsh city lights.
Author:glasheen25
Pairing/Characters:Nancy/Ned, Nancy/Frank
Series:post-files
Word Count:1789
Rating:R
Summary:In the first instance Ned misses his flight, missing Nancy's birthday in the process. In the second instance Ned makes his flight, arriving on time. How a seemingly inconsequential event could lead Nancy's life in two completely different directions.
Spoilers:None
Warnings:None
Saturday, 16th February 2008, 5.15 p.m.
Her red-blonde curls tucked untidily into the collar of her coat in a rather futile attempt to shield her hair from the biting wind, Nancy shifted anxiously from foot to foot, alternating between obsessively checking her phone and darting overeager glances down the street, searching for sign of Ned. Having not seen her boyfriend in weeks, Nancy's impatience was understandable; her desire to see Ned, to spend time with him, had grown to almost unbearable proportions in the past few days. The weather was as volatile as it was unpredictable, the sky a vast contradiction of bright blue peering through stormy black, as likely to bestow a sunny, glorious radiance as wreak a wet and miserable revenge. Nancy shoved her hands fiercely into the warmth of her pockets, hoping for a reprieve, however temporary, from the icy cold. Suddenly spotting Ned's broad frame emerging from a cab, Nancy had to command herself not to run over to him, reluctant to make a scene on the busy city street. Even so, she was unable to resist the urge to jump into his arms as he hurried over her.
"I've missed you so much, Nan," Ned murmured lovingly, the couple clinging to each other unashamedly, unmindful of their watchful, rather amused audience.
"I've missed you too," Nancy sighed happily, enclosed in the warmth of his embrace. Feeling his lips suddenly warm on hers, Nancy closed her eyes contentedly, melting into the familiar tenderness of his touch. "Dinner's not until eight, right?" Nancy asked with a suggestive smile, laughing as Ned pulled her in for another kiss. His grip on her was surprisingly possessive, as if demonstrating just how much he had longed and yearned for her.
"Right," he returned with a knowing smile, his hands straying down her back, sending a pleasant shiver up Nancy's spine. "And what do you suggest we do with the time?" he whispered softly, gooseflesh rising on her skin at the feel of his breath, hot against her neck.
"What do you think?" Nancy laughed, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the hotel.
The door closed behind them, Nancy and Ned resumed their makeout session with a fervor, kissing passionately, Nancy tugging off his shirt impatiently and Ned deftly working on her zipper, the purple dress falling to the floor with a flourish.
"God, I've missed you," he murmured, pushing her hair out of her face and kissing her deeply.
"I know," Nancy managed, gasping in pleasure as Ned's hands ran appreciatively over her bare skin.
Sweeping her into his arms in a grand gesture, Ned laid her gently on the bed, smiling as Nancy reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him gently. "I love you so much, Ned Nickerson,” she whispered softly, pulling away for a moment, gazing intently into his eyes.
"I love you too, Nan," he replied heatedly as he grasped her in a fierce embrace, and Nancy succumbed willingly to his advances.
xxxxx
The twinkling night sky obliterated by a heavy blanket of clouds, Nancy and Ned wandered hand in hand out of the hotel, their faces bright with the excitement of being together after the long weeks of separation. It was barely eight o'clock and the streets were crowded with the last of the shoppers, shuffling wearily towards cabs, oversized bags swinging triumphantly from their arms, and the first of the night's revelers, heavily made-up and tottering on dangerously high stiletto heels, eagerly anticipating the night’s fun ahead.
"I'm so glad you're here," Nancy smiled adoringly at her boyfriend, kicking a silver shoe aimlessly at the last dregs of the winter snowfall, the muddied slush gathered forlornly in piles by the sidewalk. "How was the flight?"
"Absolute hell," Ned admitted ruefully before pulling Nancy close to him and stealing a frozen kiss. "Although, having said that, you're lucky I'm here at all, Nan. I swear, I was about two seconds from missing the damn flight altogether, the traffic was crazy."
"Lucky, huh," Nancy retorted jokingly, squirming out of Ned's arms as he tickled her playfully. "The way I see it you're the lucky one, Nickerson. Do you have any idea how much pain I'd have inflicted on you if you had stood me up?"
"I think I do," he laughed, enclosing Nancy in his arms and pressing his lips to hers lovingly.
The restaurant was a brilliant white and chrome affair, the tablecloths starched and unwrinkled. The single white rose perched in the middle of the table, perfect and unblemished, induced in Nancy the irrational fear that her purple dress was somehow intruding on the gleaming perfection of her surroundings.
Picking thoughtfully at the bread basket, Nancy scanned the wine list idly. "What do you think?" she asked curiously, knowing Ned would much rather drink a beer than the pompous overpriced offerings on the menu.
"How about a bottle of champagne?" he tossed out casually, "It is your birthday, after all."
"But you don't even like champagne that much," Nancy returned, her blue eyes searching his suspiciously.
"Oh, I've been known to make exceptions on special occasions," Ned shrugged with a smile. "And we did have a lot of fun with that bottle of champagne earlier, didn't we?" he added, a wicked gleam in his eye.
Their champagne poured with a flourish, Nancy sipped delightedly, the alcohol rendering her instantly lightheaded and giddy. It was so great to finally spend some relaxed time together. With Nancy in her final year at Cornell and Ned rapidly climbing the ranks at a busy investment firm in Chicago, they had to work furiously to make their relationship work. Weekends were spent battling traffic, suffering noisy, overcrowded airports and climbing on planes, all to snatch a few precious hours together. It wasn't enough, though, and with Nancy's finals approaching and the huge demands placed on Ned by his ever expectant bosses, Nancy feared their already stretched and meager hours together would whittle away until they were left making do with spending holidays and the odd weekend together. And if Nancy got accepted into the FBI...
"Are you okay, Nan?" Ned asked worriedly, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on her arm.
Realizing she was doing little good in pursuing this particular line of despair, Nancy gave him a faintly reassuring smile before turning her attention back to her food, the perfectly cooked steak lying untouched on her plate.
"It's just you haven't eaten anything," he added in concern, his brown eyes searching hers worriedly.
"Sorry," Nancy smiled apologetically, unable to break his gaze as she cut into her steak delicately. "It's just I can't remember the last time we've had such a lovely night together and I suppose I wish we could be like this more often. Do you know what I mean?" she asked softly, suddenly struck by feelings of unease and nervousness as she fidgeted awkwardly with her ring.
"I think I do," Ned smiled, reaching out and putting his hand to her cheek tenderly, the soft hum of conversation in the air and the watchful presence of the wait staff evaporating in the intensity of his loving gaze, meant only for her.
xxxxx
"Thanks so much for tonight, Ned," Nancy smiled gratefully, her silver shoes negotiating the puddles carefully, the pools of water shimmering majestically under the bright city lights. A colorful sea of umbrellas spread out before them as people spilled excitedly out of restaurants and bars, determined to make the most of their night despite the unfavorable conditions.
"I'm just glad you enjoyed it," he murmured contentedly, pulling her into the comforting warmth of his embrace.
"I just wish you didn't have to go back to Chicago in the morning," Nancy sighed, her dark mood suddenly threatening to return. "Exams are coming up and you're swamped with work; I'm just afraid it's going to be ages before I see you again."
"You'll be finished with college soon," Ned murmured reassuringly, his arms tightening around her in response. "And we'll be together all the time, maybe even get a place of our own. Please, don't worry about it."
"I suppose," Nancy replied, none too convinced. Her thoughts of pursuing her lifelong dream and joining the FBI clashed with the comforting, familiar thought of moving back to Chicago and settling down with Ned.
"Earth to Nancy," Ned said only half jokingly, glancing in amusement at his girlfriend. "Have you even been listening to what I've said for the past few minutes?"
"Sorry," Nancy apologized, red-faced, pulling herself from her reverie. "I guess I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately."
"About us?" Ned cut in curiously,
"Yeah, about us," Nancy smiled, her enthusiasm rewarded by the tightening of Ned's arms around her and the warm press of his lips against hers.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking myself, Nan," he admitted softly, and Nancy was rendered speechless as, unmindful of the wet ground, Ned knelt in front of her, grasping her hand in his. "Nancy, will you marry me?"
Despite her recent agonizing and the soul-searching that had caused many a sleepless night, Nancy ultimately found the decision surprisingly easy to make. "Yes, I would love to, Ned," she finally managed, her heart swelled with sudden anticipation and excitement as Ned slid the ring onto her finger, the diamond twinkling brightly under the harsh city lights.