- the quarry oneshots -

nick f. - peace at last

- word count: 1,192 || warnings: swearing (will be bare minimum 'cuz this is more wholesome than the others) || 2nd person -

- NOTE: takes place after the main storyline || reader is in a relationship with Nick -

- requested by  mkrfandoms -

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A calmness took over the fear held in your chest.

You felt comfort in his arms.

After a shitty summer plagued with raging monsters and infuriated hunters, you had deserved this nice break from the storm. Albeit small, but perfect. With college looming over you and your friends' heads, there was little time to take a peaceful break to calm the nerves.

"You alright, sweetheart?" a cool Australian voice steadied your breathing, "uncomfortable?"

"Mmm..?" you mumbled, your arms wrapped around his waist. You shook your head in response, nuzzling your head further into his chest.

"Alright," his accent calmed you further, "let me know if you need anything, yeah?"

"M'kay," you smiled, and you felt a hand rub the small of your back in small circles.

You never knew Nick could be the romantic type, but he proved you otherwise. Here you two were, lying on his couch, a blanket enveloping the both of you.

Nick insisted on treating you to a nice dinner at his apartment, which you thought was odd at the time. However, upon realizing Nick's mastery in the kitchen, you appreciated the effort put into his "date" idea.

Here you were now, laying down on his couch, watching a movie. However, despite a wonderful film being put on, you weren't interested. Instead, you basked in the warmth your boyfriend gave off.

Nick's other hand reached your head as he ran his rough fingers through your hair. It soothed you further and your grip on him tightened slightly.

It was quiet, just how you liked it when you were with him. Nick wasn't one to talk too often, and you appreciated that at times.

You finally decided to let go of him and push your body up by placing your hands on the couch. Nick draped both of his arms around your back, confused.

"Hi," your smile grew lazier as you felt yourself growing tired by the second.

"Hey there," a twinkle in his dark brown eyes made the butterflies in your stomach rise from the dead.

You stayed there for a few more seconds before reaching up to give Nick a quick kiss on his lips. He kissed you back, smirking slightly. You pulled away, placing your finger on his lips.

"Don't get too cocky there, Nicky," your smile grew bigger by the second as Nick laughed.

"Sorry, couldn't handle myself, I guess," a hint of hesitation washed over his eyes, but you didn't take care to notice it.

You decided to sit yourself up, and he let go of you with a small frown. You sat right next to him, leaning your head on his shoulder. His head turned to face the top of yours, and he stared at your calm expression.

"Nick?" your mumbling made the dark-haired boy jump out of his thoughts.

"Yeah? Everything alright?" you could feel yourself shuddering at his smooth voice.

Turning your head to face him, you could see the look of adoration in his eyes. This man adored you and would do anything to make your day better.

"Yeah," you smiled, feeling a warmth in your heart, "just wanted to make sure you were still real."

He pinched your chin and turned it towards him, "I'm real, sweetheart, don't worry about a thing. Okay?"

You nodded, feeling tears fill your eyes.

"Now, why don't we do something fun, yeah?" Nick's cheeky grin displayed proudly on his face, "I got a few ideas on what we could do."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," he smiled as he stood up and left you alone on the couch.

Well. That was short-lived.

He eventually came back, a box in his hands, "sorry that took so long. Stupid thing took forever to find."

He placed the box on the coffee table and slid it towards you, "whatcha think?"

You giggled, "you're on."

The box was a board game. Clue. He knew this was one of your favorites as it was the game you enjoyed playing with the campers while being a counselor at Hackett's Quarry.

"Heads up," he paused, "I think I'll figure the murderer out first."

"In your dreams," you laughed as you prepped the game.

When you finished setting the game up, you let loose and fought your way towards victory.

-------

"No freaking way," he noticed your smug grin, "there's no way."

"Yes way," you smirked, "I won!" You threw down the cards, proving your allegations were correct.

"How?!" an incredulous look displayed on Nick's face, "wh-- I think a rematch is needed."

"Are you kidding?" you crossed your arms, "don't be a sore loser, Nicky. That's just how the game goes."

"How the game goes, huh?" a smirk grew on his face, "we'll see about that."

"What are you--" before you could finish, Nick enveloped you, tickling at your sides, "Nick!" You attempted to speak but were trapped under laughs and giggles.

"I think you cheated," he laughed, tickling you some more.

"Nick!" you sputtered out, laughing immediately after, "stop!" You slapped at his chest and hoped he would stop.

Eventually, he did.

You took a moment to catch your breath, "I.. did not.. cheat.."

"Mhm, sure," his smile made you smile.

While laying his arms, you felt that peace again. It made everything you felt at Hackett's Quarry and the PTSD following it wash away with a newfound joy taking its place.

"Nick?"

He cocked his head, "yeah?"

"You ever think about that night?" you went for it, your smile losing its place.

His grin disappeared as well, and he cupped your cheek with his hand, "every day."

Moments of silence let you both reflect on the thought.

"I think about how it all felt," he started, not meeting your eyes, "the bite, the weird thoughts, hurting you."

"Nick--"

"I know what you're going to say, but it still was my fault."

You shook your head and let out an exhale, "Nick, that infection warped who you were. It was not your fault." He sighed in response.

"You know I'm right," you place your hand on his cheek and redirected his face back to you, "I don't blame you for what you did, nor hate you for it."

"Man, what did I do to get someone like you?" he laid his head on top of your chest, "I don't deserve you."

You shook your head with a smile as you ran your fingers through his dark hair, "I could say the same. It's still wild to me that I'm actually dating the sweetest guy in the world."

He chuckled, nuzzling his head further onto your chest.

Peace. You never thought you'd even come close to feeling "at peace." But here, having Nick lay in your arms, his head rising and up down as your breathing calms, was peace. You wouldn't ever let that night leave your mind, that was for certain. However, you could focus on the present and the coming future with your wonderful boyfriend.