Title: Another You
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG
Summary: Greg is gravely ill and asks Nick a question he would rather not answer.

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Nick sat by Greg's bed watching him sleep. Nick didn't want to admit it, but Greg was getting worse instead of better. Nick had hoped that the leukemia would stay in remission, but it had come back with a vengeance. Nick knew that Greg would not be going home, and the thought cut Nick so deeply that it was hard to breath.

Greg finally called Nick on his optimism just the day before, and told him to stop wanting something that wasn't going to happen. Greg had already made peace with the fact that he was dying, and though he knew it was had to do, he wanted Nick to make peace with it too. Greg's philosophy was simple: Remember me, remember the good times, but keep living.

When Nick heard Greg's philosophy, it hurt. He knew he was probably being overly sensitive, but still. He knew it was because it was Greg. He loved Greg so damned much, and he wanted them to grow old and everything together. Nick had no idea that Greg was about to ask something of him that he didn't think he could do.

When Greg woke from his nap, he asked Nick for some ice water. The two sat there chatting over inconsequential things and Greg decided to go for broke.....

"Nick, I want you to re-marry after I'm gone."

"What did you just say, Greg?"

"You heard me, Nicholas! I want you to re-marry!

"No! Absolutely not!"

"Why not, Nick?"

"Because, Greg, I would feel like I was betraying your memory."

"How would it be betrayal if I'm giving you my blessing now?"

"It just would, Greg! I really don't want to talk about this....."

"Tough shit, Stokes! I want you to find someone and be happy....."

"I understand that , Greg. I really do...but what if I don't want to be happy?"

"Don't had me that line, dude!"

"Fine! I'll find somebody, but only if he's another you!"

END

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