Title: Changes
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: Gil/Nick
Disclaimer: I own nothing, just visiting friends.
Summary: Gil wants to make some changes....

Gil was used to routine, order, and simplicity. He had lived this way for more years than he cared to remember, and it was for that reason that his world turned upside down when Nick Stokes came to him and told him how he felt.

Gil wasn't sure what to think at first. He wasn't offended at all. In fact, he was flattered that someone as young and handsome as Nick would even be remotely interested in someone as socially inept and old as he was. However, he was skeptical, and that was the reason that he didn't take Nick seriously in the beginning.

Once he realized that the young man really did want him, he decided that the two of them needed to sit down and talk things through. To be fair, he gave Nick the chance to tell all the reasons why he thought it would work, and then he gave Nick his reasons why he thought it wouldn't.

Gil explained that he thought their being together wouldn't work because of the age difference, the fact that he was, in his own words, "socially retarded", and that the two of them didn't seem to have very much in common outside of work. What he did not say was that he was afraid that Nick would one day tire of him and move on, leaving him alone and bitter. Gil was very afraid of being hurt.

Nick decided to give Gil all the time he needed to make up his mind. He wouldn't pressure him, he would listen when Gil wanted to talk, and bide his time. Gil told Nick that he appreciated everything, especially Nick's patience, and he told him that he was considering all the options, and would let him know when he made up his mind. Although Nick was frustrated and losing his patience, he smiled his maga-watt smile and told Gil to take his time.

Gil knew his being hesitant was taking a toll on Nick. Hell, it was taking it's toll on him, too. He just wanted to make sure he was doing the right thing. But, if he were to be completely truthfull, he was afraid to make the changes necessary to share his life with Nick. After deliberating on it some more, Gil decided that his desire for Nick and the idea that he might be passing up the opportunity of a lifetime made him get off his ass and start making the changes necessary to bringing Nick into his life.

Nick was at home one night watching TV when his phone rang. He smiled when he saw who was calling. He answered the phone, and after exchanging pleasantries with Gil, was surprised when Gil uttered the words Nick thought he would never hear: "Nick, it's time we....."

END