Title: Bounce
Author: Jedi Princess Clarrisani
Beta: N/A
Rating: G
Pairing(s): Nick/Greg
Summary: Frustrating to do, amusing to watch.
Disclaimer: Still don't own. But I'd love to write one of the books and claim that!

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He stood in the shadows, forcing himself to keep his breathing even and soft as he watched the other. He leaned against the hallway door, letting himself blend into the darkness, eyes never leaving the form sprawled on the living room couch. Greg was oblivious to him where he was stretched out, propped up on cushions with bare feet resting on the arm. A furrow had worked into onto his face where his expression was locked in one of concentration. His jaw was set, Greg's fingers dancing over the keypad of his phone, the blue light casting harshly over his features and reflecting in his narrowed brown eyes.

The only time Nick ever saw Greg so focussed was at work, in the lab or out in the field. The set to his jaw and fine lines in the corners of his eyes told Nick that Greg was struggling with that particular level of his mobile game. Nick smiled, watching as Greg unconsciously squirmed in his seat, huffing every so often in annoyance, toes twitching and clenching as he shifted once again.

A stray curl slipped to fall unnoticed over Greg's eyes as he chewed his lip, leaning forward and drawing his knees to his chest, eyes widening as he began to frantically press the buttons. Nick could hear Greg's breathing hitch and quicken as he curled up tighter, whimpering softly in the quiet room.

Abruptly Greg slumped, sprawling back once more and swearing softly as he rubbed his eyes, all the while watching his phone's screen. After a moment he resumed his original stance, locking in determined concentration that brought a smile to Nick's lips.

It wasn't long before Greg's expression turned to one of a grimace, clenched teeth showing through slightly parted lips as he leaned forward again, only to suddenly swear and toss his phone onto the coffee table. Greg groaned loudly, tossing himself onto his stomach and burying his head under the cushions, sighing heavily once he had settled.

Nick shook his head in amusement, pushing himself off the wall and moving silently into the living room, the carpet absorbing his bare-footed treds as he sat on the couch, bringing a hand up to rest on Greg's back and slowly move in soothing circles. He could feel the tense muscles relax beneath his touch, Greg sighing heavily once more as he pulled the cushion from his head enough to peek out.

"Almost had it."

Nick smiled. "Level 6?"

"Got to Level 7." Greg sighed again, closing his eyes. "I am going to beat your high score. Would've today but that stupid spike..."

"It's okay, G. It's just a game. You can play it anytime." Nick leaned forward, tugging the cushion back so he could place a soft kiss on Greg's forehead. "Now how about using some of that concentration and focus on something else."

Greg laughed softly, twisting so that he was on his back, fingers trailing over Nick's thigh. "Been waiting for me, huh?"

"Mm."

"Why didn't you just say something?"

"I know how badly you want that score." Nick linked his fingers through Greg's, squeezing gently. "I'd wait for you forever."

"Romantic." Greg pushed himself up, leaving a lingering kiss on Nick's lips. "Bed?"

"Bed." Nick stood, pulling Greg up from the couch and enfolding him in his arms. He breathed in Greg's scent, smiling as Greg kissed his neck. "I probably should tell you, G. I got a higher score earlier today. Level 9."

Greg groaned.

END