Title: Abandon Ship
By: Carina Scott
Summary: If you are in a sinking ship, do you save yourself or go down with it?
Rating: FRAO
Categories: slash fiction
Characters: Nick, Nick Stokes, Warrick/Grissom
Genres: Slash
Warnings: Angst, Established couple, m/m
Challenges: None
Series: None

Every since his best friend from college, Kevin, came into town, Warrick had been acting like an ass. This first week wasn't so bad, Warrick was the gracious host. He brought Kevin up to the lab, introduced him to everyone (even Hodges), and took him to all the tourist hotspots around Vegas, basically making sure that his friend enjoyed himself. That was the first week, on week 2 he was still a good host, he just started slacking in other aspects of his life. At work, he was efficient as ever, he wouldn't let his work suffer no matter what was going on. To bad he didn't seem to have that same attitude about his relationship. In all honesty, Nick hadn't really noticed much at first. Sure, Warrick and Gil hadn't went to breakfast with him after shift as they normally did once or twice a week, but he assumed they had just been too tired. That was until Rick had told him about the diner he had taken Kevin to one morning after shift. Nick noticed he didn't mention Gil being there, but just assumed it was an oversight. Over the next few days, Nick began to notice Warrick wasn't mentioning Gil being included in any of his outings with Kevin. That's when he began to notice Gil's behavior.

Gil had become more withdrawn and quiet. Most people probably weren't aware of any change, but Nick noticed it. Since Gil had begun dating Warrick, he had become more social, outgoing, and talkative. Talkative for Gil wasn't saying much, seeing as he only talked a lot if it pertained to a case or an insect. However, Nick had noticed that Gil talked and joked more, which was a good thing. However, lately Gil only talked when it was necessary and only then if it was about a case. Otherwise he was holed up in his office. Nick had even asked him to go to breakfast after shift on a few days, but each time Gil declined. Nick was concerned about Gil. He had become to think of Gil as more than his boss and Warrick's boyfriend. In the nine months of his relationship with Warrick, Gil had become Nick's friend. So he wasn't happy about the way his friend was being neglected, even if it was his best friend being neglectful. He planned on telling Warrick just that when he saw him next, but every time he saw him after that they were on the clock, and he couldn't find a time to talk to him in private.

Then Gil called him, frantic, asking if he had heard from Warrick. Confused, Nick told him that he hadn't, which only served worried Gil even more. Apparently Warrick had told him he was hanging out with friends, and assuming he was talking about Nick, Greg, and the infamous Kevin, he decided to call Nick when he couldn't get a response from Warrick after calling him several times on his cell phone. Concerned, Nick told Gil not to worry, that he would find him. So he set out in the middle of the night to look for Warrick. He tried calling him, but gave up after not getting any responses. Going to every place he could think of he kept coming up empty. Trying not to panic, Nick dialed Warrick's cell number once again.

"Brown," Warrick answered loudly, hip-hop music playing in the background.

"Rick? Man, I've been looking all over for you. Where in the hell are you?!"

"Nick, you've been looking for me? What's wrong, is Gil okay?"

Laughing bitterly into the phone, Nick replied, "Is he okay? You have some nerve asking that after the shit you've put him through tonight!"

"Look Nick, I don't know what you're talking about, just tell me that Gil's okay."

"Physically he's fine," Nick answered after a brief pause.

"What do you mean?"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the Montecito. And before you ask, I'm not gambling, just showing Kevin a good time."

"And neglecting your boyfriend," Nick muttered under his breath. "Rick, right now I could really care less what you are doing and with whom. All I know is that I will be waiting outside the Montecito in ten minutes and you had damn well better be there." With that he hung up the cell phone, and made a U-turn towards the casino.

Picking up his cell phone once again, Nick made a call to Gil to give him an update.

"Grissom."

"Yeah Gil, it's me Nick. I finally reached Warrick."

"Is he okay Nicky? Please tell me he's okay."

Hearing the panic and concern in Gil's voice, Nick silently cursed Warrick's name before replying, "He's fine Gil. I'm on my way to pick him up." "Pick him up? Where was he, Nicky?"

"He was at the Montecito with Kevin. Don't worry; he said he wasn't gambling, just hanging out. I'll drop him off at home after I pick him sup; he should be home in no less than a half hour."

There was a long pause, for a moment Nick thought the phone had gone dead, the he heard Gil's soft monotone voice, "Don't."

Confused, Nick asked, "Don't what Gil?"

"Don't bring him home." Then the phone went completely silent as Gil hung up with those final words.

At first, Nick was surprised by Gil's reaction, but the more he thought about it, the more he understood. Warrick had treated Gil as an afterthought, neglecting him for the past few weeks for his friend, basically being an all around jerk. In all actuality, Gil had reacted better than he would have. But that was cold comfort as he drew closer and closer to the casino. Warrick was not going to be happy about Gil's request, but no matter what he said, Nick was going to do his best to keep Warrick away from that house, at least for tonight.

Pulling up outside the Montecito, Nick hopped out of his Tahoe and started looking for his friend. Spotting Rick waiting just outside of the entrance, Nick called him over. He took in his friend's demeanor as Warrick stalked over to him. 'He's pissed.' Nick thought as Warrick stopped in front of him.

"You ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." Warrick replied briskly. Turning around, Nick headed to his truck, Warrick following closely behind. Climbing into the cab of the Tahoe, they buckle up before Nick starts the engine and pulls out into the street. The ride along in silence for a while both of them lost in thought.

"I don't know what's going on Nick and I really would like an explanation." Warrick remarked suddenly.

"Well, I don't know what's going on either and I would love an explanation."

"Excuse me? You want me to explain this? How the hell can I do that if I'm clueless as to why you're acting all pissy? And I really didn't appreciate you hanging up on me earlier."

"Really? Well, you know what? I don't appreciate getting calls in the middle of the night from your frantic lover, asking me if I have seen you. I also don't appreciate being forced to get out of my bed and search everywhere for you thinking you might be hurt or in trouble. And I certainly don't appreciate finding out that not only are you okay, but you're out showing your friend Kevin a 'good time' while me and Gil are worried sick about you. So if you want a clue as to why I'm acting all pissy, as you so eloquently put it, you might want to start there."

"Well excuse me for deciding to show my friend, whom I haven't seen in over a year, a good time while he is in town. I apologize for the inconvenience my hospitality has placed upon you," Warrick replied in the most sarcastic tone possible.

"Sorry, but I can't excuse you for being an inconsiderate jerk. I understand that Kevin is only in town for a month, but that is not a good enough reason for why you didn't answer your phone when Gil called you. Hell, I tried about four times before you finally answered," Nick responded as he pulled up in front of his apartment complex, shutting off the engine.

They sat there in silence for about one minute before Warrick finally spoke. "I didn't hear my cell phone ring seeing as casinos are very loud. The only reason I heard this last call is because I pulled it out to look at the time. So there, you have your precious explanation."

Nick looked at his best friend, as if he was seeing him for the first time. Not liking what he was seeing, Nick jumped out of the car and headed up to his home. Unlocking the door, he walked in with Warrick following him, and closed the door behind them. Sitting down heavily on the sofa, Nick cradled his head in his hands. Warrick sat down in the chair opposite him, in stony silence, jaw set in a hard line. He was angry at Nick's for calling him a jerk and acting as if he owed him an explanation for hanging out with Kevin.

Not looking up, Nick spoke. "Rick, you know that's bullshit. As long as I have known you, you have kept your phone on ring and vibrate. I even asked you about it once. You told me, that because this is Vegas, we are likely to be called to a crime scene at a casino. With all that loud music, we might not be able to hear a cell phone ring, but we would at least be able to feel it." Finally looking up, "After that I set my phone to ring and vibrate too. So I know you got the calls. Also, Gil gave you a beautiful watch for your birthday, which you are wearing now, so I know you weren't checking the cell for the time. So would you care to try to explain yourself again?"

Pissed at having his explanation ripped apart, Warrick jumped up from his seat and began pacing. "No, I don't care to explain myself to you or anyone else. I told you I didn't hear the phone and that's it. What I want to know is why the hell you brought me to you apartment instead of taking me home! Care to explain that?"

"Fine don't tell me. The reason you are standing in my home instead of yours, is because Gil asked me… no, Gil told me not to bring you home. So I didn't."

"What do you mean he told you not to bring me home?"

"Just what I said. He doesn't want you there. When I told him that I found you and to expect you home in half an hour, he told me not to. I asked what he meant, and he said he didn't want me to bring you home. And, unfortunately, I don't blame him."

"Why? Why doesn't he want me to come home?"

"Probably because you have been treating him like shit since your 'friend' Kevin came to town. Tonight was just the last straw."

"What?!? I haven't been treating Gil any differently than I do any other time. "

"God, I hope not. Because for the last three weeks, you have neglected, disrespected, and downright ignored him! There is no way Gil would have stayed with you if you had treated him like that from day one. Who would?"

"No, I haven't treated Gil like that. Have I?" Sitting down suddenly, a pained expression on his face, Warrick sighed, "God what have I done? I have treated him like dirt since Kevin came to town. What is wrong with me?"

"Look Warrick, you are my best friend, and I am here for you no matter what. But I need you to be honest with me, are you cheating on Gil with Kevin?"

"No! How could you even think that?!"

Holding up his hands in defense, "I'm just asking, 'Rick. All I know is that since Kevin came to town, you've been different. So has Gil. He's withdrawing back into himself, 'Rick. He has been holed up in his office all week, rarely speaking to anyone. Hell, I practically begged him to go out to breakfast with me, and he still refused. Are you telling me that you didn't notice anything?"

Leaning back against the seat, Warrick closed his eyes and groaned. "No, I didn't notice anything. I don't blame him, I wouldn't want me either." Opening his eyes, Warrick looked at Nick with despair evident on his face, "What am I going to do Nick? I love Gil, and it would kill me to lose him. But he has every right to be pissed, and I don't think I can convince him to forgive me.

"Look Warrick, I have never lied to you before and I'm not going to start now. Gil loves you and you hurt him. That's the plain honest truth. No amount of begging or empty promises is going to undo the pain you have caused him over the last three weeks. The only thing that might make inroads towards fixing this is honesty. You need to figure out why you've been treating Gil like this. If Kevin is the cause, for whatever reason, you need to fix it. Maybe he's only the catalyst and there are some underlying reasons for your actions. I don't know. Whatever the reason, you need to figure it out and let Gil know. I will help in any way that I can, you know that. You can stay here as long as you need to, however long it takes for you guys to work this out. Okay?"

"Thanks Nick. We have a lot to work out, but I've got to try. I have to talk to Gil first, though. Let me call a cab, no need for you to drive over there, I've put you out enough tonight." Pulling out his cell, Warrick began to dial, before Nick snatched the phone from him.

"Dammit Rick! Were you listening to me? Gil needs time to think as much as you do. I know your first response is to go to him and try to make him understand, but don't do it. I can't stop you, but I have to at least try. You didn't hear Gil on the phone when we last spoke. His voice was so cold and emotionless, like nothing I've heard before. He's hurting and right now he needs time to process whatever is going on in that head of his. You have to give him that time, Warrick. At least wait until tomorrow, after each of you have gotten some rest, before you talk to him."

"Sometimes I really hate you. I mean it. Why do you have to be such a good friend? Here I am, about to screw things up worse than I already have, and there you are to stop me." Running a hand over his face, Warrick continued, "You're right, if I go over there Gil's just going to close himself off even more. I'll give him time to cool off before I try to talk to him. Thanks for letting me crash, among other things."

"No problem. You know where the blankets and pillows are. The couch isn't the most comfortable place to sleep, but it's yours as long as you need it. Goodnight, Rick." Nick said before heading to his bedroom.

"Goodnight, Nicky." Getting up, Warrick went down the hall to the linen closet. Reaching down into the bottom of the closet, Warrick retrieved his bag of clothes. Being that Nick was his best friend, Warrick often stayed over at Nick's on occasion, hanging out all night. Nick had a bag just like it at Warrick and Gils' place. Taking his bag and some bath towels, Warrick took a shower and changed. Getting sheets and blankets from the closet, Warrick made his way to the living room to prepare the couch for the night. Getting comfortable, Warrick lay down to go to sleep.

Warrick lay there for a few minutes before pulling out his cell phone again. This time he made a quick call to Gil. He knew that Gil wouldn't answer but he had to leave him a message at least. "I'm sorry Gil, for worrying you and being a jerk. Nick told me you didn't want me to come home, so I'll respect your wishes. I'll talk to you later, if you'll let me. There are some things I need to explain. After that, whatever you decide, I'll go along with it. I love you baby, please don't ever doubt that."

Hanging up the phone, Warrick stared into the darkness. Tomorrow he needed to talk to Nick, tell him why he had been acting differently since Kevin came to town. Then just maybe Nick could give him some tips on how to explain it to Gil. Maybe Nick could make Warrick understand it himself. Closing his eyes, Warrick drifted off to a fitful sleep.

The next morning when Warrick woke, he decided to make Nick breakfast. Nick loved breakfast, always had according to him. He is the one that started the team going to breakfast at least once a week together. Now, Warrick felt that whatever he ate in the morning was breakfast, but no, not Nick. He liked a 'real breakfast', as he called it, which consisted of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and so on. Since Warrick didn't have his car he couldn't go to the grocery store, so instead he searched Nick's pantry and refrigerator for something to cook. As he began to make his world famous biscuits, a recipe he learned from his Grams, he thought about Gil. Gil loved it when Warrick cooked for him, and Warrick cooked often because he knew that. 'Will I ever get a chance to cook for him again?' Warrick thought as he removed the fresh baked biscuits from the oven.

"Mmmm. Something smells good," said Nick upon entering the kitchen.

"Thanks. Figured I owed you for making you come out searching for me last night. I know how much you love my Gram's biscuits, so that's what I'm making."

"Ooh, I can't wait! Are you gonna make gravy too?"

"You're gonna milk this for all its worth ain't ya?"

"Definitely." Nick replied, flashing Warrick a brilliant smile.

"Whatever. Can you at least put on the coffee?"

"Sure," answered Nick preparing the coffee maker. Looking over at his Warrick, he took in his friends' appearance. He looked tired, the dark circles under his eyes only adding to the look. "Did you even sleep? 'Coz you look like hell."

"Flattery will get you every where Nicky," Warrick scoffed as he looked over at Nick. "I slept a little, but my mind wouldn't rest for long. Spent most of the night thinking and trying to sort things out."

"Oh," was Nick's brilliant response. He decided he'd save the heavy stuff until they had at least eaten breakfast. From the look on Warrick's face, whatever he had decided was serious and needed Nick's undivided attention.

They finished preparing breakfast in silence. Once everything was ready they took it into the dining room and ate their breakfast, engaging in a little small talk. After they had eaten Warrick cleared the table and Nick started the dishwasher. They then changed their clothes and sat on the sofa to watch a golf tournament, neither really paying any attention to the TV.

Finally Nick broke the silence, "So have you decided what you're gonna do about Gil?"

"Always straight to the point, huh? Well, honestly I don't know. He has every right to be pissed and I don't know if I can get through to him enough for him to listen."

"Do you want me to try to talk to him for you? You know, see if he is willing to listen to you?"

"Thanks for the offer Nick, but I've gotta try to explain things myself. Which is gonna be hard considering I don't understand it myself."

"What is it that you don't understand? Maybe I can help."

"This thing with me and Kevin, it's so confusing."

"Okay Rick, I'm a little lost. I thought you said there was no thing between you and Kevin."

"No, there isn't a thing between us, not the kind you're thinking about at least. There's just this incident that happened in the past and since Kevin came to town, this 'incident' refuses to stay where it belongs, in the past."

"Not to be obvious, but I'm still confused. If the incident isn't an affair, what is it?"

"Okay, but what I am about to tell you is not something I'm proud of. I know you are my best friend, and I trust you, but I'll understand if you change your mind about the whole 'best friend' thing after our conversation."

"Warrick! No matter what you tell me, I will always be your best friend. We've been through a lot and you are the best friend I have. You are like a brother to me, Rick, nothing can change that."

"I know you say that now, but believe me it might change after what I'm about to tell you." Seeing Nick's hand raising in objection, Warrick acquiesced, "Okay, you won't run off after I tell you. This goes all the way back to my college days, when I met Kevin. I was a sophomore, working a fulltime job while attending classes, and studying in any spare time. That's where I met Kevin, in the library. He was studying for his midterms, as was I, and we happened to need the same book. He asked the librarian if the book had been checked out and she told him yes. Since I was a usual in her library, she directed him to me, telling him to check if I was finished. So he did. I told him that I was almost finished and if he wanted I would call him when I finished reading the book so he could check it out. So he gave me his number, and when I finished the book I called him. He met me at the library and checked the book out as soon as I checked it in. As a thank you for helping him out, he took me out for dinner. Nothing fancy, just pizza. From then on we were inseparable."

As Warrick took a breather from his story, Nick got up and went into the kitchen, returning with two beers. Handing one to Warrick, he sat down, ready to listen to more.

"I had never had any close friends. I knew all sorts of people, jocks, nerds, artists, but I didn't consider any of them friends. Being an only child, I had gotten used to solitude. So meeting Kevin was a new wonderful experience for me. And that's what college is all about right, new experiences?" Taking a swig of his beer, Warrick leaned back in his seat, and with a heavy sigh he continued. "Well Kevin taught me a lot of things. He taught me what Jell-o shots were, he taught me the difference between inhaling and exhaling, and most important of all he taught me to hurt."

"To hurt? Did he hurt you, Rick?"

"Not me. No he would never hurt me. One night we had been hanging with a group of people at the bowling alley, happy that finals were over. I was underage, and Kevin wasn't, so he snuck me a few drinks. He was a little tipsy; I had a light buzz going, but nothing major. It was just me and him, everyone else had left, so we decided to walk to my Grams house. I knew she would kill us if she knew we were drunk, so we figured a walk would give us enough time to sober up. As we were walking to my house, we saw two figures holding hands in front of us. I hadn't noticed that it was two men holding hands, but Kevin did, and he was not happy. He yelled at them, calling them faggots, and a sin against God. One of the guys tried to calm him down, asking him to just leave them alone, but Kevin wouldn't listen. He kept going on and on about how they were an abomination and that it was disgusting that they would act like that in the public for everyone to see. I tried to calm him down Nick, I really did, but he just kept moving closer to them. I looked at them and told them to run and they ran for their lives. I have never been so scared. After they managed to escape, Kevin turned to me, eyes hard, and asked me why I told them to run. I told him because he was going to hurt them, and it wasn't right. He looked dead in my eyes and asked me, 'why do you care, are you a fag?' then he walked off. I just stood there, unable to move, unable to think. All I could do was stare after my best friend as he walked off in a drunken daze."

"Warrick, you tried to help them, and that's a good thing. Kevin was drunk, and he could have killed them. You did a good thing."

"Yeah, I know. But that's not what haunts me to this day. After everything that happened that night, Kevin and I got back to normal. I figured it was just the booze talking that night, so I ignored it, only vowing never to drink with Kevin again. About two months after that incident, we were at a movie theatre. The movie had ended and once again, neither of us having cars, we walked to my house, Kevin's apartment being too far to walk to. Kevin's football buddies were with us on this night, so Kevin was having a ball. It was rare that I hung with Kevin's football buds, because I just didn't really like them. I loved football, but these guys were jocks in the worse way. You know how they portray jocks on television as being dim-witted Neanderthals? Well, these guys must have been their models because, that's exactly what they were.

Anyway, we were walking to my house when we passed these two guys making out in a back alley. I saw them first, so I tried to sway attention away from them by making jokes and small talk. Then one of Kevin's friends saw them and all hell broke loose. They started beating the guys and kicking them. I didn't know what to do; I just stood there, watching yet again as my best friend treated two people as less than human because of who they loved. Then I heard one of the men scream out in agony, only to see Kevin laughing, actually laughing, because he had broken the guys arm. That's when I acted; I started yelling at Kevin and his friends to stop. They looked at me as if I was from another planet, saying that these guys deserved it because of what they had been and probably were planning on doing to each other. I told them to shut up, that they were lucky no one had called the cops, or they would be in jail right then. I helped the guys they had beaten get up, and stood watch as they got in there car. By this time Kevin and his friends had scampered off, once realization of what I said about the police finally sunk in. Before driving off, the boyfriend of the guy with the broken leg thanked me. Actually thanked me! He said that if I hadn't stopped them, they would probably be dead. Nick, I stood there in that dark alley and watched as they drove off, most likely headed to the emergency room. I should have been ashamed of myself, my friend, everything. But all I could think was that I hope Kevin doesn't do that to me. I vowed then and there that I would never tell Kevin that I was gay. And I still haven't."

They sat there in silence as Nick absorbed Warrick's words. 'Warrick had been part of a gay bashing?' Nick was astounded. Looking up at his friend, Nick saw that Warrick was waiting for his reaction. Reaching out, Nick grabbed Warrick's hand, squeezing gently, "You're still my best friend, Rick. No matter what you did or didn't do in the past, nothing changes that."

Wrapping Nick in a bear hug, Warrick squeezed tight, "Thank you Nick, thanks for understanding."

Gasping for breath, "You're welcome, Rick. But could you ease up, I'm having a little trouble breathing." Letting go immediately, Warrick looked at Nick, who laughed at him. Warrick soon followed, happy that his friend was still exactly that. His friend.

~*~

Warrick spent the majority of the day at Nick's house just hanging out, enjoying his friend's company. Nick hadn't spoken much about Warrick's confession, and for that Warrick was happy. He didn't want to think about it just yet. He had decided that it would be best if he waited another day before speaking with Gil. He had to return to work tomorrow night, but for now he felt that it was best if he waited a little longer. Telling the story to Nick had been emotionally exhausting and he wasn't ready to go again. It would be harder when he explained it to Gil, because he also had to explain why he had chosen to push Gil away instead of telling him the truth, and he wasn't sure if Gil would understand or even care.

Warrick woke bright and early the next morning. He had spent another sleepless night deciding how he was going to explain his actions to Gil. Nick had tried to offer some advice, but in the end it was all up to Gil. Warrick promised himself that he would answer any question Gil had truthfully and accept whatever decision Gil made.

Since Nick had taken Warrick to pick his car up at the Montecito the day before, Warrick didn't have to worry about waking Nick to take him home. Leaving a quick note, thanking Nick for being such a great friend, Warrick headed out the door and drove home.

~*~

Standing at the door, Warrick couldn't decide whether to knock or use his key. That decision was made for him, when Gil opened the door, obviously shocked to see him on the other side.

Without a word, Gil pushed past Warrick and headed to the dumpster, trash bag in hand. Warrick entered the house and headed for the living room. He sat down on the sofa they had bought recently and waited for Gil to re-enter the house.

Gil walked into the living room, and stared at Warrick, emotional mask completely in tact. Giving nothing away on his face or in his voice, Gil asked, "Warrick what are you doing here?"

"Did you get my message?"

"Yes, but I really don't want to discuss it right now."

"I know but we need to. As I said in my message, let me try to explain things, and after that I will go along with whatever you decide no questions asked. Please, Gil."

"Okay, I'll listen, and then I'd like you to leave." Gil replied as he sat down in the chair opposite the sofa.

Warrick sighed at the distance Gil had placed between them, but he continued in spite of it. "I know over the past few weeks I have treated you horribly. I could say it is because of Kevin, and part of it is, but it's more than that. It wasn't until I talked to Nick that I finally understood what the problem is. But I guess I should start from the beginning." Warrick rehashed the story he had told Nick only the day before, watching Gil's face for any reactions. Gil didn't give anything away, hiding all his shock and pain, behind a mask of indifference.

Gathering more courage, Warrick explained further, "Gil, when Kevin came into town, I felt like I was back in my college days. After Kevin and his friends beat those guys for being gay I was afraid. Afraid that if he ever found out about me he would hurt me, or worse, hate me. I had never had a friend like Kevin. Being an only child I was used to being alone, only having my Grams to confide in. Kevin changed that, and the thought of losing him scared me. So I hid who I was to be who he thought I should be. That worked for me in college and afterwards. I dated women, lots of them, to mask my true self. When Kevin moved to Chicago, I was finally able to be me. There wasn't anyone around to say anything about it, so I was content. When Kevin would come to visit, I would hide myself once again, which was easy because I wasn't in a relationship. This time wasn't so easy because I'm in a relationship with you. So instead of being a man, and telling Kevin the truth, I pushed you away. In the need to keep Kevin as my friend, I chose to shut you out. You are the only person that has accepted me for me, never asking for more than I can give, and I threw your gift to me right in your face. For that I am sorry. I plan on telling Kevin the truth, because I can no longer hide who I am and I refuse to deny my love for you any longer to anyone, even Kevin." Rising from his seat, Warrick walked over to kneel next to Gil's chair. Grasping his hand, Warrick looked into Gil's eyes as he spoke, "Gil, baby, I will never be able to forgive myself for hurting you so much. I didn't intentionally try to hurt you, but I know that doesn't make it hurt any less. I'm sorry for letting you and myself down simply out of fear. The fear I felt about being found out doesn't come close to the fear and pain I feel at the thought of losing you. I know I don't deserve it, and I know you do too, but I am begging you to forgive me. I love you so much; I can't stand the thought of losing you." By this time Warrick was crying, and he didn't care to wipe the tears as he awaited Gil's response.

Reaching out, Gil cupped Warrick's face in his hand, wiping away his lover's tears. "I have never felt love for anyone like I do for you Warrick, and I never will. But I have also never felt so hurt and neglected as I have for the last three weeks. When I met you, I knew I could fall for you without even trying, but I vowed not to. Instead I chose to be your friend, and only your friend. But you were relentless, insisting we could be so much more, so I gave in. And until recently I never regretted it. Don't ever hurt me like this again." And with that final declaration, Gil pulled Warrick in for a bruising kiss.

They kissed for a long time, only breaking apart to take much needed breaths. Panting, Warrick ran his thumb over Gil's kiss-swollen lips, "I love you, Gil."

"I know, I love you too, Warrick," Gil replied as he pulled his lover towards the bedroom.

Stripping his lover bare, Warrick touched, traced and licked every inch of Gils' body, as if trying to memorize every spot on his lover's body. Reaching for the lube, Warrick slicked Gil's aching cock, and then prepared himself under his lover's intent gaze. Normally Warrick topped, but tonight he needed Gil inside of him, showing him of what he had almost lost, reminding him of what he had gained the moment Gil Grissom entered his life.

Satisfied that he was stretched enough, Warrick straddled Gil's hips, slowly lowering himself on his lover's cock. Both men moaned as they were connected, feeling passion that burned deep inside rising to the surface. Warrick slowly rocked back and forth, drawing out the pleasure in each of their bodies, relishing in the moans he was pulling from Gil, sounds he feared he would never hear again. Intertwining their fingers, Warrick leaned in and kissed Gil on the lips, making sure they were joined mind, body, and soul as they reached there climax together. Crying out each others name, they lay together; sweat trickling from their bodies, love pouring from their hearts. Slipping out of his lover's body, Gil grabbed a tissue from the night stand and cleaned Warrick, then himself, before sliding back under the covers. They only had a few hours before they had to get ready for work, and they planned on spending all that time wrapped in each other's arms. With a last kiss they each drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Later that night at work, Nick noticed that things seemed to be back to normal. There wasn't any animosity between Warrick and Gil, not that he had expected it, but there wasn't any awkwardness either, which he had expected.

Cornering his partner in the locker room, Nick questioned Warrick. "So what' up, Rick? How'd things go with Griss?"

A radiant smile on his friends face told Nick everything he needed to know, before he heard Warrick's reply, "Things, went great Nick. We had a long talk, I told him about everything with Kevin, as well as other things. Then he told me how he felt, and we made up. So every things fine, thanks in large part to you."

"Me? All I did was keep you from going over there and beating on your chest like Tarzan demanding to be heard."

"Exactly, although I do think Tarzan's a little harsh, and Gil definitely is no Jane. But I digress, if you hadn't stopped me from going over there and trying to force Gil to listen things wouldn't be like they are now. I would have pushed Gil so far back into his shell that he would've never come out. So like I said before, thanks to you, all is right in my world."

"Well, I can't take all the credit……just most of it." Nick laughed as he jumped back from being swatted with a towel. "So you guys wanna go out to breakfast to celebrate, seeing as how we haven't done that in a while?"

"Cant. I'm taking Gil out to breakfast with Kevin, where I plan on formally introducing him as my boyfriend."

"Are you sure that's a good idea. I mean, you should definitely tell him about Gil, but after what you told me about Kevin's reactions, are you sure you want Gil to be there?"

"Well, I had planned on going alone, but Gil insisted on being there. So I couldn't say no, besides either way, this will tell me whether or not Kevin will be my friend much longer. So wish me good luck."

"Yeah right, like I'm gonna let you and Gil face Kevin alone. I'll wish you good luck because you're gonna need it. But just in case things don't work out quite so well, I'll be along for the ride."

Seeing that any protests were going to fall on deaf ears, Warrick gave in, "Fine Nick, I'll see you at Lou's Diner after shift, you know where it is." With that, Warrick left the locker room, to finish his shift. Nick sent up a silent prayer that things would be fine, before heading off to do the same.

~*~

"So, this is Lou' diner, huh? I didn't see this on the tourist map," said Kevin, a 6' foot three dark skinned man, dressed in black slacks and a charcoal sweater. It was obvious he had played football at some point, probably a linebacker from the looks of him.

"No you definitely didn't see this on a tourist map, Lou's is a native secret that only the local's know about," said Nick as he shook Kevin's hand, reintroducing himself.

"Well, it's nice to be treated to the cuisine of the locals," Kevin replied as they sat down at a booth towards the back of the diner. If there was going to be a scene, no need for everyone to witness it.

Since neither Gil nor Warrick seemed to know what to say, Nick continued the small talk with Kevin, "So what are the diners's like in Chicago? I've always wanted to visit, just never got around to it."

"Oh, the diner's in Chicago are wonderful, especially Sweet D's diner, it's great. You should visit one day, it's a great city. So Warrick, when you coming out to the windy city again?"

"I don't know, Kev. Work is pretty busy right now; I'll have to see when I'll have more than one or two days off. Maybe I'll come up on vacation."

"Well, you'd better bring a lady when you do visit; you know how my mother is." Turning to Nick, he continues, "She's always pestering Warrick about when he's gonna settle down. He never gives her a straight answer, just says one day."

"Well, I am settled." Warrick answers interrupting the conversation between Kevin and Nick. Gil shifts uncomfortably in his seat, knowing where the conversation is likely headed.

"Really? Well, who is she and why haven't I met her? I've only been here for almost a month now." Laughing, Kevin turns back to Nick, "So do you know who this mystery woman is, Nick or has Warrick not introduced her to you either?"

Not knowing how to answer, Nick replies the best way he can, "Well, I do know who it is. We've known each other for quite some time now."

"So, who is it, since Mr. Lover doesn't seem to want to tell me?"

Looking over to Warrick, Nick clears his throat, "It's not for me to tell."

"Aww, come on! It can't be that big of a mystery." Looking at Gil, "Do you know who it is?"

"Yes," came Gil's simple reply, not daring to say more. This was Warrick's show.

"Brilliant answer. Come on somebody tell me who it is."

"Fine, I'll tell you. My mystery woman isn't even a woman. It's Gil. I'm seeing Gil, okay?"

Staring at his friend for a minute, Kevin bursts into laughter, "Come off of it Warrick! If you don't want to tell me then just don't tell me. There's no need to lie."

Just then the waitress comes over and takes there order, staring pointedly at Kevin, who is still laughing. After taking everyone's order, the waitress collects the menu's and leaves them to their conversation.

Reaching over to grab Gil's hand, Warrick looks Kevin in the eye, "I wasn't joking, I'm in a relationship with Gil and I have been for nine months. Kevin, I'm gay."

Warrick squirms under Kevin's intense gaze, his only comfort is the knowledge that Gil and Nick are there with him, supporting him. Kevin doesn't say anything for a long while and for a moment Warrick wonders if he heard him, then he sees it. Hate. The same hatred and anger that he saw on those two nights more than ten years ago and it still shakes him to his core. "You fucking fag! You bring me here to tell me that you are gay! What did you think, did you think I was gonna congratulate you? I guess it's my own fault, I should've known. You defended them gay bastards back then, figures you'd turn out to be one. I can't believe all this time I've called you my friend and you've been a closet queer! You disgust me!" Kevin rose from his chair and walked out of the diner quickly.

Luckily, Kevin was too ashamed to be seen with 'fags' so he hadn't raised his voice much. Sitting there, actually shaking, Warrick didn't know what to do. Gil squeezed his hand, offering silent comfort, while Nick went to the counter to tell the waitress to cancel their orders. Paying for the inconvenience, he went back to his friends. They quietly walked out of the diner, into the Las Vegas sun. Surrounded by the love and support of his best friend and lover, Warrick knew he could get through this. It hurt that Kevin didn't value their friendship enough to see past his prejudice, but it was Kevin's loss. Looking at Gil, Warrick saw the love and devotion he felt mirrored in his lover's eyes. It took almost losing the gift of Gil's love for him to realize how much he cherished it. He vowed to never again lose sight of what is important. As Nick hopped in his truck, Warrick sent up a silent prayer of thanks for friends like Nick. It was rare that people like Nick came along, and when they did you were fortunate if you were blessed enough to call them a friend. Warrick was indeed a lucky man. Nick and Gil had taught him the value of friendship, love, and honesty. But the most important lesson of all that he learned from them was the value of self love.

---THE END---