Such restraint, Nicholas had always been one to remain carefully in-check, always self-contained. It was absolutely infuriating especially when her temper only seemed to bring out the better assets of his nature. And even now as she felt those dark emotions tumbling in her mind she couldn't help but gloat at his attention. Though there had always existed the potential of physical intimacy those ideas had passed with her maturity and as she became more... sporadic.<br/><br/>Nicholas looked the same to her and though she had only known him for a small portion of his long life she had been tossed into his path at a young age... and he hadn't changed much. Breaking the distance she reached out, hugged him tight, and felt of the burden resting on her shoulders lift. "I've missed you, too." Exhaling shakily she gasped when the stubble lining his cheek scraped the bare flesh of her arm and she pulled away from him with narrowed eyes.<br/><br/>True, it had been awhile since she had seen her closest friend but things were always kept neater when they didn't cross paths: as much as they loved one another their affections and loves would only bring about tragedy... and in some ways Nicholas always suffered the most from their friendship. "There are things happening I can't control... and I need your help on them, Nick." Tucking the bit of paper back into her pocket she nodded farther down the sidewalk. "I'm staying at the Marriott. Come on, I'll explain everything once we are away from prying ears."