Nick had several things still on his mind, but when he saw Elsa's face, he could see the weariness. He held her silently and was amazed at how quickly she drifted off. The events of the day rolled through his mind. Waking up in the wee hours, still dressed from waiting up for her on the couch. The quick trip to her home and the first time he'd seen her enthusiastic about anything that involved him. The first time he'd felt really happy in months, maybe years, only to feel slightly betrayed and lied to when he realized that the choice of breakfast restaurant was a bit of a play on her part. The excitement when he realized that despite her resistance, she really did have feelings for him, attraction to him. And then the fear of losing her and the exhilarating feeling of triumph and freedom as he realized that Jen was really gone, and he still had Elsa. At least for tonight, he thought. Would he finally push her too hard, too far, at some point and send her crying from him? Or worse, would she find that she simply didn't like him after a few days of getting to know him as he had always wanted to live, himself, whole? He felt a little terrified, but reasoned with himself that there was no point. He was already vulnerable, already on that limb. She could snap his heart and being into tiny little pieces just by saying that she wanted someone or something else. There was no point fearing the heights when you had already jumped.
The thoughts were difficult to bear, and he found himself not wanting to sleep as he looked at her and held her, though he was dead tired. He wouldn't even admit to himself the reason he could pry his eyes away, couldn't stop stroking her hair or gently squeezing her against him: She might not be next to him tomorrow night.
He didn't know how long it took, but eventually sleep found him. He slept fitfully, sure that he was making a little bit of commotion next to her, but every time his eyes opened drearily, she still appeared to be asleep. When he finally roused in the morning, it was from sunlight pouring into the house from the opposite wall. He hadn't set any type of alarm clock. She was still slumbering peacefully, and for some silly reason, he felt greatly relieved to still see her there. As if she might have wandered off or disappeared in the night. Careful not to wake her, he slowly got out of bed and, after a quick trip to the bathroom, went into the kitchen to see what was in the fridge. It was a little sparse, but the cleaning staff had at least put some eggs and a few other things in there. He wished he had more fresh produce, but started to quietly get some things out to make some omelettes. By the time he heard her starting to wake up, he had fried some bacon and was starting the first one.
"Morning, gorgeous," he called softly from the kitchen.