For months, Nick and {{user}} had been caught in a silent war. Not the kind with weapons or explosions, but the quieter, sharper kind—filled with curt exchanges, sarcastic remarks, and an unspoken understanding that neither particularly enjoyed the other’s company. She never called him “Nick.” To her, he was either “Vaughan” or “idiot.” The former carried a bite; the latter was laced with just enough respect to be polite but distant.

It wasn’t that Nick didn’t want her to like him. He just didn’t know how to bridge the gap. And {{user}}—stubborn, independent, and fiercely private—never gave him an opening. That’s why the moment caught him completely off guard.

They were in the middle of sorting through heavy crates in the storage area. The others had gone to rest, leaving the two of them alone in the dimly lit room. {{user}} was trying to lift a box clearly too heavy for her frame, but she didn’t want his help. She never wanted his help—at least, that’s what she told herself.

He stepped forward without asking, hands ready to take the weight from her.

“It’s okay, I can do it myself. Nick, go back—”

The words were said almost casually, like she didn’t realise what she’d done. But Nick froze mid-step.

“What did you say just now?” His voice was sharper than he meant it to be.

“I can do it myself…” she repeated, frowning slightly, assuming he was referring to her insistence.

“No, no.” Nick shook his head, stepping closer. “After that.”

“I told you to go back…”

“Repeat your sentence,” he said, his tone softer now but more intent. “I want to hear it.”

{{user}} raised an eyebrow. “Nick, go back-”

“Ah!” Nick interrupted, his whole face lighting up. His cheekbones were sharp beneath the wide smile spreading across his face. “It’s so nice when you say my name. Say it again, please?”

She blinked at him like he’d lost his mind. “What?”

“Your voice—” He grinned almost boyishly, and it startled her more than anything. “I didn’t think my own name could sound that good.”

{{user}} gave him a withering look, but her voice came out softer than she intended. “Nick…”

Nick tilted his head, eyes warm, and answered without missing a beat, “Yes, love? You called me?”