Nick's POV
Two days after getting injured on the job I was released from the hospital with the warning to tread lightly and take it easy. Of course with my job that was nearly impossible to do but I told the doctor I'd try. And the key word was try.

I parked my car in a space in the parking lot and hopped out. I slowly made my way to the front doors of Portland PD and walked inside. The minute I did, everyone turned my way and started stating comments like 'Glad you're back' or 'glad you're feeling better'.

To be polite I thanked them for their concern and strode over to my desk, where Hank and Wu were quietly discussing something. They hadn't noticed me yet so the conversation must be deep. I cleared my throat and Wu turned around as Hank looked up. They smiled.

"Nick, you're back." Hank says.

I nodded. "Yeah. Just happy to be out of that scare house."

Wu and Hank laughed. "How you feeling?"

"Better, thanks." I tell them.

Hank's face becomes serious as he stares at something over my shoulder. "Why's Renard staring at you?"

I turn my head slightly to get a good look and see Renard standing in the doorway, a deputy talking to him while he held a case file in his hands. But he was also staring at me. I turn back around to face Hank and Wu.

"I don't know." I say.

Wu shook his head. "Seems like the captain's getting weirder by the day."

Wu walks away, leaving me and Hank alone. I could still feel Renard's gaze on me and instead of feeling creeped out or uncomfortable, I felt....special. No that wasn't it...I felt happy.

Sitting at my desk thinking to myself, I began to wonder if I really did have feelings for him. I mean he's saved my life so many times, he'd been there when I needed him most and he cared about me believe it or not. And now whenever I thought about him, my heart stopped or...something.

Like now when he called me to his office yet again.

"Burkhardt! My office, now." He ordered.

Oh God. I just got turned on by him ordering me to his office. This was not good...or was it?

I stood up and made my way across the room to his office and walked in, shifting the door. I turned around and was met by his lips on mine. I didn't push him away, I didn't stop the kiss and I didn't protest. No what I did was I kissed him back.

And I liked it.

Renard was the first one to pull away. I felt almost disappointed. He stared down at me and I stared back.

"You didn't pull away. Why?" Renard asked.

I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face. "Because I didn't want to." I hesitated. "I think I'm in love with you."

Renard's eyes widened and I looked at him almost sheepishly. Renard studied me for several moments. "You're serious, aren't you?"

I stood there and just nodded. "Yeah. Why would I lie?"

And then Renard was kissing me again. And let me just tell you, I enjoyed every second of it.

Renard's POV
Nick said he loved me. Or said he thought he did. This was the best day of my life because I loved him too. There were threats out there that Nick didn't know about and I planned to protect him with my life. No matter what happened I was going to keep him safe and love him to the bitter end.