Ghost Hunting 101

☆Twenty☆

T/W: Minor sexual content.

***

When the team returns to Sahling, everyone scatters, heading for home, eager to just unwind and catch up on some much needed sleep.

Avery was anxious to speak with Nolan about what had taken place during this last investigation, but decided that it could wait. The main thing she was wanting was to have Nolan screw her brains out and then, fall asleep, they're bodies entwined as they slept.

Unfortunately, Nolan seemed to have other plans. Such as going home, alone, and reevaluating his paranormal investigator skills.

Avery tries not to show how disappointed she is when he shares what he wants.

"I get it," Avery murmurs, leaning in to give Nolan a quick kiss on the lips. "You just need some downtime on your own."

Nolan blows his breath out, trying to ignore the wounded look lingering in Avery's eyes. He feels like a jerk for blowing her off. Especially when it might be nice to blow off some stream, using sex.

Nolan chooses not to cave. As shitty as he feels about walking away from Avery right now, he knows this is for the best. Besides, if Nolan pushes himself at this raw and crucial time, he'd probably end up blowing up at Avery and he really doesn't want his stupid insecurities to mess up what they have together.

"I am sorry," Nolan murmurs, holding Avery for a moment.

"Don't apologize," Avery says quickly. "If you need time alone, so be it." Nolan flashes her a brief smile before releasing her and moving to climb back into his SUV.

Avery waves goodbye as Nolan slowly backs out of her driveway and heads off down the street. Avery wraps her arms around herself, a chill settling over her, leaving her almost breathless. She has this bad feeling that Nolan isn't just struggling with self doubt, but something far more deeper. And it worries her.

***

When Nolan reaches his place, he gets out of the SUV and hurries inside, heading upstairs, stripping on the way and walks straight into his shower, screwing on the faucet and standing beneath it, head down, as the cold water penetrates his body.

He doesn't move for several minutes, closing his eyes as the stream of cold water cascades down him. Soon the tears begin and Nolan allows them, as a sharp ache explodes from within his chest, taking his breath away.

After a while, Nolan adjusts the water temperature, and slowly begins to wash himself off. If only it were possible to wash off those negative feelings as easily. Finally, Nolan finishes, stepping out of the shower and snatching up the nearest clean towel and starts drying himself off.

When he finishes with that task, he heads for his bedroom, flipping on the overhead light and moving to begin dressing himself. As soon as Nolan's dressed, he flops backwards on his bed, scooting up further and turning, crashing his face into the pillow that Avery had slept on.

Nolan catches a whiff of her perfume lingering on the fabric. He's immediately assaulted by the longing of Avery. He quickly sits up, going to retrieve his phone and calls Avery. He hopes she's not asleep yet.

Avery answers on the first ring. Nolan immediately breaks down again, begging for Avery to come over.

"I'll be there in five minutes," Avery tells him. Nolan gingerly sits back down on the edge of his bed and just cries, hoping that these feelings will soon pass.

***
Avery hurries up the front steps and knocks on Nolan's front door. She waits about two seconds and then, just goes inside, heading straight upstairs and rounding the corner, spotting Nolan lying on his bed.