Nick Hawley was infuriating. Everything about him absolutely irked your nerves. Everything from his cocky attitude and thieving ways to his cool blue stare and insanely attractive face drove you completely crazy. Yes, you found Hawley hot. Who wouldn't? But that didn't stop you from hating him too. Although sometimes, you weren't sure you actually hated him. You hated what he made you feel.

You had sworn off love a long time ago. There was no point in the life you were living, especially now that you were using your expert hacking skills to help Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane to stop evil from entering the world. There was always a chance you could die or that Hawley would. So why did you let him get to you? You had no idea.

"I'm telling you, Shakespeare, you haven't lived until you've seen the Aztec ruins. The view alone is almost enough to make you forget the treasures hidden there. Almost. Right, Y/N?" You hummed in response, not really even paying attention to the conversation. "I am certain that, unlike you, Y/N truly appreciates the history of such a monument," Crane replied and you smiled at him in thanks.

That comment lead to a debate between the two that had you rolling your eyes. They were always like this. When Hawley said something about taking Abbie with him to see the ruins one day, you had enough. You knew he only said it to get under Crane's skin. Anyone with eyes could see how Crane felt about Abbie. But it bothered you too. "Will the two of you just stop?" You closed the book you had been looking over. You got up, grabbed your gun, and left the archives. Crane and Hawley stared after you in disbelief.

"What's Y/N's problem?" Hawley asked in confusion. The Mills sisters and Crane all snorted out a laugh. "I would say that was obvious, Mr. Hawley," Crane replied with a sly smirk. Jenny nodded. "Y/N has been in love with you for years, Hawley. Why do you think they traveled with you so long?" Hawley's brows furrowed. "Y/N doesn't love me, Mills. No way. Our relationship is strictly business. Profit."

"Is it?" Abbie asked, "Because I specifically remember you not coming onto me until after Y/N turned you down. You were drinking because of it. It's clear you like your former business partner more than you let on." Hawley didn't answer, his mind going over the years of your relationship.

He'd be lying if he said he never felt anything for you. Business and profit had always come first, but you were a very close second. And Abbie was right. He never went to anyone else until you were no longer at his side. And yes, you got on each other's nerves, but you never left each other for long. Hawley was brought out of his thoughts by Jenny's voice.

"You know, maybe Hawley's right. Maybe their relationship is strictly professional. In that case, I think Crane and Y/N would get along great. They'd be perfect together, don't you think, Abbie?" Abbie smirked. "Oh yeah. They're both really smart and into history. They'd be perfect together." She turned to Crane. "Besides, I think it's time for Crane to get into the dating game again. What do you say, Crane?"

"I don't think that would be very app-" he was cut off by Abbie's elbow to his stomach. She gestured to Hawley, who's back was now to them. His shoulders were tense and the back of his neck was red. They were getting to him. "Actually, perhaps you're correct. I suppose I could do well with Y/N." Hawley whipped around to meet the cheeky grins of the others. "Cute. Very cute. I get it. I'll go find Y/N." Hawley grabbed his leather jacket and left the archives through the tunnels.

You hadn't made it very far, for which Hawley was grateful. "Y/N!" You merely looked over your shoulder at him and kept walking. "What do you want, Nick?" That took him back. You never used his first name. "I want to talk to you." He caught up with you and threw his arm around your shoulders. "Come on. Let's head to the bar and grab a drink." You shook your head. "No thanks." Hawley frowned. "Then let's go to my boat."

You sighed heavily. "What do you want to talk about, Hawley, that you can't without a drink?" Hawley wasn't a man of words, unless he was trying to talk his way into a deal, out of prison, or into someone's pants. He didn't handle feelings well. He never had. He never really a need for them. Not being raised the way he was. Then he met you and he was forced to deal with those feelings, but he still didn't know how to express them with words. So, he did the only thing he could think of.

He stopped walking and took your hand. He pulled you back to him. His free hand immediately went to the back of your head and his lips descended on yours. Despite the fact that you hadn't been expecting it, you kissed back willingly. Every frustration and every ounce of feeling you had for him was poured into that kiss.

When you were breathless, you pulled away. "Well," you panted, "That was unexpected." Hawley gave a breathy chuckle. "Yeah it was." You opened your eyes and looked up at him. "What brought this on?" you asked. "Don't ask," he said, kissing you again. Whatever reason he had didn't matter as his lips molded to yours.