The case had finally wrapped up, the chaos of the scene giving way to the hum of police radios and fading sirens. You took a deep breath, muscles still tense from the hours of high-stakes work. Beside you, Nick was checking his gear, the usually composed and steady demeanor he'd shown all day now softened, eyes searching for something unsaid.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low but earnest. His concern had been palpable throughout the operation, his protective instincts kicking in more than usual. It hadn’t gone unnoticed.

You nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. Thanks to you."

He paused, looking out over the scene before turning back to you. "You shouldn’t have been in the line of fire back there." His voice carried a weight beyond just the job. "I couldn’t let anything happen to you."

You studied him for a moment, noting the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "You've had my back before, but... this felt different."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It is different. You’re not just my partner out there." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "I’ve seen what this job can do to people. You matter to me - more than just the work. I didn’t want to see you become another casualty."