Nikki spent nearly a week in the hospital. Jack was by Nikki's side for most of her hospital stay. He made sure to speak to Thomas and Clarissa everyday so they could keep him up to date on the case. They were struggling to find any connections between the Stephen Mills case and Nikki's kidnapping apart from the ransom demand video. Clarissa had tested the clothes Nikki had been wearing when she was taken and Jack had insisted that Nikki be checked over by a Forensic Medical Examiner but nothing of significance had been found. Jack relayed all this to Nikki and shared her frustration at how slow everything was moving.

When Nikki was finally discharged, Jack told her that she was coming home with him. She initially protested but eventually, with some cajoling from Jack, she relented. Nikki realised that she wouldn't manage on her own whilst she was still recovering from her ordeal. Jack pushed Nikki to the car in her wheelchair and lifted her gently into the passenger seat. They remained silent on the journey to Jack's house. When they got there, Jack showed her what he'd done to make things easier for her, so she'd feel comfortable. He'd bought a bed and built it in the living room so she could sleep downstairs. He'd also cleared up the downstairs bathroom so she could use it more easily and put her things in there. Nikki smiled when she saw what Jack had done for her.

"Thanks for all this, Jack" said Nikki quietly.

"It was nothing" Jack paused, "I'd move mountains for you, Nikki". Nikki looked at Jack with surprise. She'd never heard Jack say anything like that before, but she knew in her heart that she'd move mountains for him too. Jack helped her over to the bed and she sat down.

"Could you help me change into my pyjamas?" asked Nikki.

"Sure" replied Jack despite feeling a little embarrassed about the prospect of having Nikki get changed in front of him. He gently removed her socks before supporting her weight so she could lower her leggings and underwear without putting to much strain on her leg. Jack looked away as she did.

"Jack, you're going to need to look to help me put my pyjama bottoms on" she giggled. He looked in Nikki's hospital bag and pulled out a set of light blue gingham pyjama bottoms and a light blue vest. He helped Nikki to put the bottoms on over her bandaged leg and lifted her up so she could pull them up the rest of the way. He then turned around while she changed into her pyjama top. Nikki looked up and saw that Jack's cheeks had gone beetroot in colour.

"You're blushing" she remarked.

"I wasn't expecting to see..." he paused, "so much of you". Nikki giggled.

There was a brief silence before Jack said, "I'm going to turn in for the night, do you need anything?".

"A drink would be nice" answered Nikki. Jack went into the kitchen and came back a few moments later with a glass of water. He placed it on the coffee table which he'd moved next to her bed.

"Night" said Jack before making a move for the door.

"No, stay down here" said Nikki her voice wobbling slightly, "I don't want to be on my own". Jack turned round and sat down on the bed.

"Everything ok?" asked Jack as he put his arm round her. Nikki lent against him.

"I just don't feel safe on my own at the moment" whispered Nikki before cuddling further into Jack's side. He softly kissed the top of her head.

"Ok, I'll stay" he said softly. He helped Nikki lie down before going to the sofa and lying down himself. He looked over at Nikki and smiled before closing his eyes and drifting into a deep sleep. A few hours later, Jack woke to the sound of sobbing. He looked over at Nikki, she was shaking and had her face in her hands.

"What's up?" asked Jack quietly as he sat up. Nikki hadn't heard him. Jack walked over to her and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hey darlin', why are you crying?" whispered Jack. Nikki rolled over to look at him, her face all red and blotchy.

"I had a nightmare about the kidnapping" she cried, "I was back in that awful cellar".

"Well, you're safe here" whispered Jack, "I'd never let anyone hurt you". Nikki looked at him and traced her fingers up and down his arm.

"Lie with me" said Nikki with a gulp, "I want you close to me". Jack was surprised by Nikki's request.

"I... ok, erm... as long as you're happy with it" stuttered Jack as his cheeks reddened a little. Nikki nodded and smiled briefly. Jack lay on his side next to her. Nikki rolled to face him and snuggled up close. Jack instinctively put his arm round her. He pulled her into him. Nikki felt safe having Jack that close to her. She looked at him, he was so close that she could feel his breath on her cheek. Jack's eyes twinkled as he looked at her.

"I want to kiss you", the words came out before Nikki could stop them. She braced herself for Jack to reject her. Instead, Jack moved closer and brushed her lips with his. Nikki's heart skipped a beat. Jack smiled and kissed her again, more deeply than before. Nikki moved closer to Jack and kissed him back just as passionately. The two lay snuggled together for a while, talking quietly, before they fell asleep entwined in each other's arms.