Title: Close Range
By: Callista_Mythol
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: R
A/N: Okay, this is going to be a fic where the Stokes know Nick's sexuality, some perfectly fine, some uncomfortable. This is focusing on those strange relationships we have with our siblings (anyone who has them knows what I mean!).
Plus in the CSI companion booklet there was this quote from George Eads, which made me think that even if Jillian Stokes was uncomfortable with Nick's preferences she's, still be there for him (Eads was talking about Nick's confession to Catherine in Overload):
/Eads recalls making a very 'method' alteration in Nick's pained recollection, having him say that on the night of the abusive incident, he waited for his MOTHER - not his parents - to get home.
"Nick probably grew up with a 'classically dysfunctional' relationship with his father...whereas I think it was Nick's mother who he asked about sex and his depression. The mother is the one who nurtured this tough kid who has a tough dad."/
Summary: Greg meets the Stokes for the first time and having been an only child he is in for one Hell of a ride...

***

Greg stumbled a little as he lifted his case out of the trunk of the rented car, resting it at his feet a moment before puffing up his cheeks and lifting it again. He tottered forwards before dropping it again to catch his breath then repeated the motion until he was standing next to a bemused Nick.

"I did ask if you wanted me to carry that for you, you know." Nick said pointing at the bulging case now in between them on the Stokes front deck.

Greg frowned as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Nick, I'm meeting your family for the first time...I am NOT having you carrying my cases as though I'm a girl."

Smirking for a second before quickly adopting a serious face Nick tried to look understanding. Greg rolled his eyes.

"Oh shut up." He muttered making Nick chuckle.

"I didn't say anything."

"You were thinking something mean."

"No evidence of that Greggo, as a CSI..."

"Do you want wild monkey sex some time this year?" Greg asked crossing his arms over his chest.

Nick held up a finger, his mouth still open before he closed it with a snap and nodded.

"Then what do you do?"

"Be...quiet?" Nick asked raising his eyebrows and Greg smirked.

"Good boy."

"Woof." Nick deadpanned before, hesitating only for a moment, he lifted a fist and knocked at the door. He could hear the usual pandemonium from behind the glass and could just make out his mother yelling that she'd be 'Just a minute. CALEB, DOOR!'

Greg watched Nick anxiously from the corner of his eye. He bounced nervously on the heels of his Converse trainers and kept clenching his fists then opening them again. It had been bad enough coming to Texas, people staring at him in his Surf brand clothes and walking (hiding) timidly behind Nick. He had visions of whips and pitchforks coming at him before Nick scoffed at him with a 'Well as long as you don't try and hump their leg I think you'll be ok.'

His attention was drawn back to the door as it flew open. He stared at the Rodeo t-shirt in front of him before lifting his gaze a little and looked into the face of a taller, older version of Nick. The difference between his Nick and this clone was that whilst Nick's hair was growing out his double's was curling slightly around his ears. There was the hint of stubble on the man's cheeks and instead of Nick's brown, almost black eyes he was met with a warm blue.

"Hey baby Brother!" the Doppelganger cried before tugging on Nick's arm and grabbed him in a hug. Nick returned it just as fiercely and they did the typical straight man tap on the back before pulling apart.

"Hey Caleb." Nick said chuckling slightly as his older brother smirked then turned his gaze on his brother's companion.

"You must be Greg Sanders." Caleb said and Greg could've sworn the ground shook with how deep this guys voice was. He managed a nod and just about hung onto the little squeak that was threatening to get out.

'PLEASE let him be one of the cool members of this family.' He thought not liking the odds of himself and the titan in a fight.

"Hey I'm Caleb Stokes." Nick's brother said and held out his hand with a friendly smile. Relieved Greg took the hand and let his arm be tossed up and down in what resembled a shake.

"Hi." He said finally getting his voice back.

"Mom in?" Nick asked picking up his own bag and walking past his brother.

"Yeah kitchen mate. Oh hey, lemme get that for you." Caleb grabbed Greg's bag and lifted it effortlessly. He started in and Greg, shoulders slumping briefly in defeat, followed closing the door behind him.

"NICK'S HERE!" Caleb called as he dumped the bag next to Nick's in the hallway. Nick yelled out a greeting and was met with several disembodied replies. Caleb seemed to follow some of the voices and went into the living room.

Looking over his shoulder Nick stopped with his hands in his pockets and turned to Greg.

"You all right?" he asked softly as he stepped forwards, out of the living room doorway so they weren't on show to the family. He placed a hand on Greg's arm soothingly and rubbed it a couple of times. Leaning briefly into the touch Greg nodded.

"Yeah...your brothers tall." He said and Nick chuckled as he stroked a hand over his boyfriend's cheek.

"Yeah, totally sucks. Hate being shorter than him."

"Yeah well I needed a beer rest and so God gave me you." Caleb said as he strolled past to get into the kitchen chuckling at his own joke.

"Shaddup!" Nick cried after him and Greg fought down the image of a five year old Nick saying the same thing. He felt a smile breaking through his nervousness for the first time.

"Nicky? You there? Come in and help me for a second." Greg assumed that was Nick's mothers voice and followed his lover as the Texan smiled at him gently, quickly grabbed his hand to tug him slightly before going on into the kitchen. Giving himself a moment the blonde then followed.

He gaped.

Now he knew the house was going to have to be big, it held seven original children as it was and adding their spouses with kids of their own and you knew space was going to be an issue.

But the kitchen.was.HUGE! It looked like one of those Mexican kitchens with terracotta walls and white floors. There was a large island stretched through the middle with various bowls, appliances, cutting boards and tools were resting. There was a modern cooker and hob set taking up nearly one shorter row of counters and across from it was the other appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. In the centre of the longest wall was a fireplace where Greg imagined a cauldron would sit but there was only odd bits and pieces in there, such as lines of herbs stretched from side to side and two spare wooden chairs, a worn cuddly lion sitting on one with his head tilted.

Sub-consciously Greg mirrored the action with his own head. His attention though was drawn back into the room when there was a chorus of 'Nicky!'

"Hello Darling." Nick's mother said quietly with a smile as she stepped towards him, wiping her hands on a tea towel and stretching up to kiss him on the cheek.

"Hey momma." He said with his patented dimple grin. Patting his cheek she then turned her attention to the twitchy young man staring around the room nervously. His eyes finally settled on her and he tried for a smile but only made himself look more frightened.

Greg had glimpsed her briefly when she was in Vegas during Nick's...kidnapping. He remembered looking between the two parents and noting that Nick obviously took after his mother with his deep brown hair and kind eyes. He also remembered how heart-broken this woman had been, willing to give up everything she owned to have her boy back.

"Is he always this jumpy looking?" Jillian Stokes said in a stage whisper out of the corner of her mouth leaning her head towards Nick. Playing along Nick answered in a similar way.

"Usually takes a roll of duck tape to shut him up. You've obviously still got it."

"Oh good," Jillian said happily, "It's nice to know that you can still intimidate your kids significant others. Greg dear, relax, I won't bite."

A voice from across the room uttered through a mouthful of food, "Nah, that'll be Dad later."

"Hush Jenna. Jillian Stokes." Nick's mom said holding out her hand and relaxing a little Greg shook her hand.

"Greg Sanders."

"Hallelujah, it talks!"

"Jenna! Don't be rude."

Greg risked a glance over to the end of the island and found two brunettes smirking at him wickedly. He gulped.

Frowning Nick casually tossed an apple at the two harpies causing one to hiss and the other to simply catch the apple and take a bite.

"Greg, these two evil doers are my sisters Jenna and Mary-Kate."

"I prefer MK if you don't mind." The shortest of the pair piped up.

"Oh, um okay." Greg took in the sight of Nick's sisters again. These two were obviously twins but Jenna had her hair cut short (in an almost Rock chick style that Greg silently admired) and MK wore her hair long. Both had the same brown eyes their brother and mother had and were both very easy on the eyes.

"Is everyone in this house attractive?" he mused before realising he'd spoken out loud and clapped a hand over his mouth. The sisters perked up and Caleb stopped mid chew through a pear. All three smirked.

"Oh he's a keeper!"

"My God Nick, you may have actually picked a good one this time."

"Is it sad that I can get a compliment out of my brother's boyfriend easier than my wife?"

Nick laughed and tugged Greg's hand from his mouth to pull him towards a stool at the island. The sisters were still looking at him with a mischievous look in their eyes but seemed to like him well enough. Jillian patted his shoulder as she passed and continued back towards the bowl she'd been stirring.

"How was the flight?" she asked and Caleb yawned purposely earning him a smack across the back of his head.

"Long, boring, you know, usual stuff." Nick said sitting on a stool next to Greg and discreetly took his hand under the table.

This line of conversation seemed to get everyone back into the topic they'd been in before Nick and Greg had arrived so Nick took the time to have a quiet conversation with his now more relaxed partner.

"Was that so bad?" he asked teasingly and Greg smiled.

"Nah, I really like them. You look a lot like your sisters."

"Yeah I know...they used to use me for so many make-over experiments." He groused and Greg laughed squeezing his hand comfortingly. Nick seemed to ponder a moment before sighing.

"These guys are what you can call my 'accepting' half. You still have Chrissie, Lori and Kim to meet...and my Dad."

Greg nodded at Nick's sombre warning and ran their joined hands in soothing circular motions on Nick's thigh.

"How bad we talking?" he asked curiously. Nick took a moment to think about it before sighing heavily.

"Lori is my oldest sister so she and Caleb are close. She might be all right with it but then again she might not. She's never really given me a straight answer on it."

Greg nodded indicating for Nick to go on.

"Chrissie is married to a Preacher called Hank...guess how that went." Greg winced as Nick shook his head. "She sure can scream like a banshee when she wants to, telling me I was dirty and sinful. I don't think she's here yet other wise we may have been ambushed already. Oh and my Granddad, on my father's side at least agrees with her.

Kim is...self-centred. Seriously. Always whinging about stuff if it doesn't land in her lap but not willing to help out anyone else in need."

Greg cringed a little and waited for Nick to continue. When he didn't he asked quietly, "And your Dad?"

Nick groaned and let his eyes fall shut.

"He hasn't disowned me per say but he's...well I think I've disappointed him is all."

Hating how sad Nick sounded Greg raised their clasped hands and placed a gentle kiss on the back.

"Cooties!"

Nick rolled his eyes but there was a smile on his face so Greg didn't mind so much being Caleb's new tease toy.

"So mature." Nick muttered as he lowered their clasped hands to the tables.

"Caleb make yourself useful for once and take your brother's and Greg's bags upstairs." Jillian said and Caleb made to complain but changed his mind when his mother placed her hands on her hips. He slumped out of the room with his sisters' jeers behind him, calling mockingly.

"Girls, be nice." Their mother warned and they fell silent, or as silent as they could as they chuckled.

"Thank you Mrs Stokes." Greg said sweetly and Jenna gagged.

"Oh that's okay honey, and call me Jillian if you don't mind. Mrs Stokes is my mother-in-law...evil witch that she is." Jillian said as she returned to her stirring. Jenna was laughing uproarisly as MK and Nick berated their mother.

"Momma!"

"You can't say that Mom!"

"Classic!" Jenna said clapping her hands together and leaning her chair on its hind legs. She swung her booted feet up onto the island but swiftly brought them back down again at her mother's glare. Greg sniggered as he contently watched the interaction of the family, smiling wider when Caleb returned and rushed at Jenna getting her in a headlock and giving her a nuggy.

"Caleb, gerrof man!" she cried angrily and swung her arms to hit him. MK made a dive towards Nick and Greg, hiding behind them. She peeked from in between their shoulders before looking at Nick with a cheeky smile. He returned it.

"Want to ambush lanky over there?" she said and Nick thought for a moment.

"You know, technically with Greg here I'm supposed to be acting all cool and sexy."

"Ahh that'll take ages, come on, while he's open."

Nick looked at Greg, looked at his sister, before shrugging, leaned in quickly to give Greg a peck on the cheek and made a charge for his brother with MK beside him giving out what could only be described as a battle cry.

"CHARGE!"

"Oh Crap!"

"Wait, WAIT, Prisoner still in danger!"

"Casualties of War Jen!"

"Nick, Jenna, Mary-Kate, Caleb, STOP THAT!"

"Looks like we have ourselves the making of a pile up here Cal."

"Nick, I swear man, you..."

"Too late!"

"ARGH!"

"MK, get off you weigh a ton!"

"Greg, Greg jump in!"

"Please don't Greg."

"I won't ma'am."

"You know," Jillian said with a suffering sigh as she watched her three youngest squash her oldest, "You always hold onto the dream they'll grow out of it."

****************************************

"Sorry babe but Momma says that there's no way Dad would agree to us sharing a room whilst we're down here." Nick said as he sat on his bed beside Greg brushing fingers through the slightly curling blond hair of his boyfriend's hair. Greg grabbed his wrist and tugged it to his mouth to kiss it.

"It's okay, I'm just glad I seem to have some of your family on my side."

Nick chuckled and shook his head at the memory of Greg gently poking the Stokes pile up with a broom his Mom had given him.

"I think Momma was just glad to have some help." Nick said flopping back arms wide on his bed. Greg followed and curled an arm around Nick's waist, head resting on his shoulder and stroking his fingers on Nick's hip.

"Well Jenna was sitting on you so I thought I'd better play your Knight in Shining Armour."

Nick chuckled again and turned to face Greg. He kissed the first thing he could find and brushed his lips over Greg's brow. The blonde murmured happily and leant up slightly to press his lips to his boyfriend's questing ones. They lost themselves temporarily, Nick's hand reaching up to circle Greg's cheek and they shifted so Nick was partially over him.

Greg slipped curious hands under Nick's tee then pulled them out again to run them over his lover's broad back.

"Now you're REALLY gonna catch cooties."

They pulled apart shocked and Nick twisted slightly to see his brother there making gagging motions with his fingers.

"GET OUT JACKASS!" Nick yelled indignantly as Caleb rolled his eyes. Greg blushed furiously and hid his face in Nick's arm.

"What? Not like I haven't seen it all before...granted you were dating girls then but seriously, you need to get a lock for your door."

"KNOCK YOU DICK!"

"Fine, fine we were both in the wrong. Just came in to tell you Dad's arrived and so have our daaarling sister and brother in law."

Nick fell silent despite his hand was still pointing at the door. He curled his pointed finger into a fist and lowered it to his lap.

"She brought Hank?" he asked quietly and for the first time Greg could see the more serious side of Caleb come out as he nodded. He crossed his arms over his chest and jerked his head to motion behind him.

"Don't worry, I think Greg here has pretty much won the girls over and Mom is ready to adopt him after his helpful hand downstairs," (Greg beamed happily), "So if worst comes to worst we'll sick Jenna on them."

Nick groaned and dropped backwards onto the mattress again. Greg watched sympathetically as Nick threw an arm over his face and looking up he nodded at Caleb to say he'd take it from here. Caleb gave him a wink and left with a soft click of the door.

"I really can't be doing with her today. She isn't going to help anything and I KNOW she'll say awful things to you, she always does." His arm muffled Nick's voice and gently Greg pulled it away to rest over the chiselled chest.

"Hey," he said softly stroking Nick's fringe out of his face, " I can handle a few words. I know I'm a good person and I certainly know YOU'RE a good person so one fanatics opinion, sister or not, isn't going to change the fact that I KNOW with everything in me that what we have is so right."

Nick looked up at Greg, stunned momentarily before he reached up and brought their lips together in a searing kiss.

"I love you."

"I know."

*******************************************

They bounded down the stairs, conversations filtering in from the living room into the hallway and taking a moment to gather themselves (and not look like they'd been interrupted whilst making out) they stepped into the room.

Jenna and MK had sprawled themselves on the floor with what must've been two nephews and a niece drawing. Caleb was sharing a chair with a blonde woman squished into his side ('His wife' Greg guessed) and felt safe for a moment as they grinned and waved. Then he looked around at the rest of the group.

A female version of Caleb was sitting on the arm of the sofa, a glass of some drink lightly clasped in her hand resting on her thigh. She looked stern but kind, her blue eyes surveying Greg and after a moment she seemed to give a curt nod and the smallest of smiles. This must be Lori.

Beside her was Jillian smiling at the boys as they entered and waved at Greg who returned it. Next to her was a well-manicured, beautifully groomed young woman who had her arms crossed over her shoulders like a petulant child. She threw a look at the pair, rolled her eyes and let out a dramatic sigh.

Ah...Kim it was then.

Now Greg felt more of a chill as he looked at the last of Nick's sisters. Clearly he'd been wrong with the 'everyone being attractive' comment. It wasn't that Chrissie was ugly, oh no she still had the strong cheekbones of a Stokes, and the same mahogany glossy hair that all the Stokes women seemed to have. But her eyes, as blue as her fathers, were ice.cold.

She had stress lines around her eyes and mouth, her face set into a grim look when relaxed and she wore heavy dominating black colours that didn't flatter her. Behind her was a man not much better off than her. His eyes were hateful when they landed on Greg and Nick and his grip tightened on his wife's shoulder as though preparing to pull her to safety if either of the men before then tried to touch her.

Ignoring the vibes coming from them Greg finally rested his eyes on the Man of the Household. Judge Bill Stokes didn't have his sons impressive builds but he stood tall and powerful none the less. His eyes were a strange sort of medium between the warmth his son had and the coldness his daughter had. Lori clearly took after her father.

Deciding to take initiative Greg nodded his head at the Judge politely.

"Hello Sir." He said quietly and for a brief moment Mr Stokes said nothing until a discreet kick in the ankle from his wife prompted the man to nod back.

"Mr Sanders." He said before grabbing his glass and walked into the kitchen. Greg looked at Nick apologetically but Nick's eyes were soft with understanding and he shook his head minutely, silently telling his lover not to worry.

Lori stood looking after her father before she turned her attention to the younger men. She nodded briefly before following her father.

"So, you're gay too then?"

Greg quirked an eyebrow and looked over at Kim who was looking at him as though he was nothing more than a mildly interesting programme. Jenna and MK were staring at her with 'duh' faces.

"Um...kinda, I'm Bisexual." He said quietly and Nick caught his arm to drag him towards the vacated space on the sofa. He settled the nervous blonde onto the sofa and sat beside him on the arm like his sister had.

"Hey, you say tomato..." Kim said rolling her eyes.

He wasn't sure but Greg was pretty sure he heard MK mutter something about 'brain cells' and 'too much hair dye' to her twin. Whatever she said was enough to make one of the nephews giggle. He turned his head slightly to see Nick's face but his lover's gaze was settled unwaveringly on his brother in law across the room.

It was weird to watch if he was honest. Looking back and forwards between the two he was pretty sure there was some dominant male vibe going between them. Hank clearly looked fit to burst, wanting to say something but Nick had that look in his eyes that he'd never seen but had heard Sara talk about it having witnessed it when Nick confronted a teenager to a little girls whereabouts in an interrogation.

Whatever was happening it seemed enough for now. Chrissie and Hank held their tongues despite being red in the face. Probably helped that Caleb was giving them a similar look.

"Who wants drinks?" MK said suddenly and a little bit of tension eased. There were several agreements and jumping up MK and the niece went into the kitchen to get the orders.

Nick's hand was grasping Greg's tense shoulder, rubbing back and forwards comfortingly making Greg lean into him slightly.

"Aw see now why aren't you and me like that anymore?"

Turning his attention to Caleb he smiled when he watched his blonde haired wife give him a semi-amused look with a quirked eyebrow.

"Because I'm embarrassed to be seen with such an old man in public." She retorted and Greg smiled as Nick snorted in amusement. Caleb pouted and jerked a thumb at his wife.

"That's what I call tough love."

Laughing his wife leant towards Greg. She had gentle hazel eyes that were framed with the elegant layered cut she wore her hair in and there were light freckles dotted over her nose. Her hands were soft as she took Greg's hand in hers.

"Tiffany Stokes, nice to meet you Greg. It's nice to meet the other half of the other Stokes man, finally someone I can gripe with when they're being 'menly men'."

Greg laughed and shook her hand before they both settled back into their spaces.

"Caleb think he could play Football professionally as well then?" he joked earning him a prod from a frowning Nick.

"We could." Caleb said lifting his beer bottle from the side table and pointed at Nick with one eye closed. Nick returned the gesture.

Both Tiffany and Greg rolled their eyes.

"Like you can say anything Mr 'I-could've-been-a-Rock-Star'." Nick retorted, Jillian chuckling as she stood to go help in the kitchen.

"I could've!" Greg cried indignantly and chuckling Nick kissed his hairline.

"Urgh!"

They both looked up in time to see Chrissie storm from the room. Hank stayed for a moment, hands clenched at his sides and opened his mouth to speak but instead jumped (like everyone else in the room) when Caleb slammed his bottle down on the table and stood to his full height. He never said a word but his face seemed to give Hank enough to go with and the Preacher left begrudgingly.

"Kill Cal Kill, go on, sniff him out, there's a good boy." Jenna said not looking up from the colouring book she was doodling in, her words muffled from the hand cupping her chin partially over her mouth. She then snarled and yipped.

The two remaining children giggled.

"Thanks Cal." Nick said smiling solemnly at his brother.

"Why did Auntie Chris leave Daddy?" one of the Nephews said as he clamoured up to stand. He wrestled his way onto Tiffany's lap dangling his feet over the edge of the sofa.

"Because she's got a cucumber shoved up her..."

"JENNA! Eric, you remember what I told you about Auntie Jenna?"

"Never listen to anything she says because she needs to have her mouth washed out with soap?"

"Yes, apply it here."

"Okay...but why though?" Eric contented himself with swinging his legs. Caleb managed to peel some of his bottle label off and threw it at his sister. She growled and smirked at him.

"Because Auntie Chrissie doesn't believe that me loving Greg is a good thing." Nick offered as he watched his two siblings reverted back to being five year olds.

"But Greg's a boy!" the other nephew on the floor cried.

"Yes I am, is there a problem?" Greg said smiling at him and the little boy cocked his head confused.

"I thought boys kissed girls," he said sticking his tongue out as though it was a gross idea.

"They do George, but sometimes older boys prefer kissing other older boys." MK said, jumping into the conversation as she entered the room with a tray of drinks, her little niece hanging onto her skirt as she followed.

"Why?" she asked in the tiniest voice that if Greg had the ability too, would make him want to get pregnant straight away.

"Because it feels nice Lizzie." Nick said. Greg felt himself blushing and covered his face with his hand, trying to ignore Tiffany's sniggers.

"But kissing's disgusting." George said followed with a "Yuck!"

"I'll remember that you said that when you're 16 and bringing home all kinds of trailer trash."

"What's Trailer Trash?" Lizzie said and Caleb groaned and dropped backwards.

"Round and round it goes..."

*****************************************

Greg heaved his luggage onto Nick's bed, taking a moment to look around as his boyfriend was down in his sister's room unpacking. Jillian had forced him to give up his bed for their guest but obviously with Caleb's wife being there as well Nick was forced to crash on the Twin's floor.

He smiled at the childhood posters still on the walls, various Football players and movie posters dotted here and there. There was a pin board on one wall with old photos, a much younger Nick, college years probably, grinning up at him with various friends. One with them all holding a pint each, one of him and a baseball team, A set of photo-booth images that made him laugh out loud as Nick and some black haired guy pulled various faces. Folded up notes pinned to the board, a letter of acceptance to Texas A&M, An Aggies logo, all sorts of little nit bits.

He moved back to the bed and sat down, jumping with the springs a little and smiled to himself. He really liked most of the family, okay Judge and Lori Stokes seemed a little intimidating but that's because they simply oozed power. Kim was a little prissy but she seemed harmless, a Drama Queen at most and it made Greg laugh to imagine Nick having a sister like that.

Chrissie however, she made him uncomfortable. And Hank! Man, was he edgy. Greg was just grateful to have both of the Stokes brothers on his side. Granted he was dating one but either way, they seemed to be top dogs here.

Jenna and MK he had practically fallen in love with. Jenna seemed to like playing the rebel but she didn't over do it, she was simply...cool! Greg could imagine her riding fearlessly on horseback, laughing wildly and chasing terrified men off her land. And MK was just so laid back, more like Nick but as a girl. If he wasn't already in love with her brother he could've easily have fallen for her.

And Caleb seemed to know and enjoyed being the eldest. He picked on them all good-naturedly but the minute one of his underlings was under threat his genetic older brother gene kicked in. It was nice as well, to see Nick and Caleb so close. He'd heard stories of eldest and youngest children not being as close due to the age gap but he guessed being the only two boys with five sisters gave them a special bond. Plus his wife Tiffany seemed a suitable ally, spouses sticking together against the underlining discreet madness this family possessed.

Greg was pulled out of his thoughts when there was a knock at the door. Grinning he jumped up and rushed to the door wrenching it open.

His heart leapt into his throat.

Chrissie and Hank stood on the other side, stern expressions cold and Greg screamed in his head.

"Is Nick in there?" Chrissie said and Greg noted how clipped and almost nasally her voice sounded. How the Hell was this girl related to his beautiful man?

"Um, no he's in Jenna's and MK's room." He said, voice cracking slightly as his mouth went dry.

"Oh right." She said and pushed past him into the room, Hank following her but avoided touching Greg altogether.

"Close the door Mr Sanders." She said and Greg hesitated before shaking his head.

"No thank you, I'd prefer to leave it open, it's a little stuffy in he..." his sentence was cut off when Hank bounded across the room and slammed the door closed.

'Nick! Nick get back here!' Greg thought, eyes widening slightly as crossed his arms over his chest defensively.

"Can I help you?" he croaked and Hank looked down at him distastefully.

"You are a sinner Mr Sanders." He said as though what he'd just said was all empowering, the words of the Lord himself speaking through him.

Greg couldn't have stopped his eyes from rolling in boredom even if he tried.

"Oh, it's THAT kind of conversation then." He muttered and settled himself onto Nick's bed. He took a small victory in the fact that Chrissie looked enraged that he would so casually sit on her brother's bed.

"What you are is against the Lord's will and I will not let you taint this family with it. Chris and I won't allow it!" Hank said standing tall and Greg couldn't help thinking 'Caleb does that better'.

"I'm gay, not a leper. It's not contagious." He said in a tone that suggested he's said this to someone before.

"You are disgusting! What you do with other men, lying with them as though you are a woman, it's wrong against everything that's natural." Hank said pointing a finger at him and just to piss him off Greg knocked his hand away angrily. He watched as the Preacher jumped back.

'Ha ha touched you!' Greg thought with a smirk.

"Homosexuality isn't a disease, a person is born with it, and nothing changes that. God creates everyone so obviously he put those feelings there. Can't argue with the big guy if he made the merchandise."

"HOW DARE YOU SHOW SUCH DISRESPECT!" Chrissie screeched and suddenly Greg understood Nick's banshee comment.

"Say it don't spray it." Greg muttered as he rubbed his ears.

"God would never create such atrocities, it is the Devil that puts these feelings in people like you!" Chrissie said joining her husband in pointing at the seated blonde and suddenly Greg had to fight down the urge to laugh.

It was like something out of a Monty Python sketch.

"Wasn't it like 60 years ago people were saying the same thing about black people?" Greg mused aloud and crossed his arms over his chest more arrogantly. "I mean, now it's a sue able thing to call someone a...you know, the N word."

For a sweet moment neither of the couple said anything but it didn't last.

"Stop dragging Nick down with you, let him find redemption for his soul before it is too late." Chrissie demanded as she glared at Greg.

"Sorry to disappoint you but Nick was otherwise inclined before he met me."

"LIES! You are a dirty sinful liar and you will burn in Hell."

"Do you think I'll tan well?"

"You think this is a joke? Your Soul is destined to burn in the Fires of Hell, to be tortured for all eternity!" Hank cried and Greg groaned as he ran a hand through his hair frustratingly.

"And you think bigoted assholes like yourselves are going to be greeted with open arms?" he threw back at them.

It was like watching a car crash. Time slowed and you realised that you should've maybe had hit the brakes before suddenly you're another casualty to the Highway build up.

He managed to duck slightly before Hank's fist collided with his face, hitting his forehead rather than his eye but he still was sent reeling back. Chrissie had screamed and as Greg fell to the floor he caught the door opening and watched as two people entered.

Dazedly he realised that the one that had lunged at Hank was Caleb, his fist drawn back and there was a sickening crunch of bone on bone. The other figure leapt at him and lifted his unresponsive body slightly so his head was in a warm lap.

"Greg, Jesus Christ, Greg!" he recognised Nick's voice as familiar hands brushed hair out of his eyes, tenderly touching the already forming bruise. He managed a moan and buried his head further into Nick's lap.

"God DAMMIT!" Jenna's voice entered into the fray and Greg watched as she leapt onto the once again standing Hank, Caleb catching him around the waist to bring him back down. Chrissie was screaming and beating her brother's shoulders.

"Jenna, Cal stop it!" Nick was yelling but not moving from his place with Greg. He could vaguely hear the sound of thundering feet as more people made their way upstairs but by this time Caleb had Hank's arms pinned behind his back and was roughly pushing him out of the room. He listened as Hank yelled all the way down the stairs until he heard the front door open, Nick's parents shouting and could distinctly hear Caleb shout "And stay out!" before the door slammed again.

"CALEB! HOW COULD YOU? HE'S MY HUSBAND!" Chrissie was yelling from the doorway but she was whirled round roughly to face Jenna who pointed a threatening finger at her.

"If you can't act like the sister you're supposed to be then fuck off!" she hissed and Chrissie glared back at her as Jillian and Bill Stokes entered the room. Jillian surveyed the room, the mess on the floor from the fight, Jenna's clothes all mussed up and Greg on the floor with Nick soothingly speaking to him, stroking his face.

"What the HELL is going on in here?" Jillian said angrily and instantly the two sisters fell silent, Nick freezing and Caleb pausing on his way into the room with the rest of the family standing in the doorway. The only sound that broke through the tense silence was the pounding on the front door.

Jillian moved her angry gaze over each of her involved children before she moved towards Greg who tried to push himself up but found it too nauseating so fell back down.

"Hmm? Well?" She said sharply placing a hand on Greg's shoulders to keep him down. "I don't care what you do but the minute a guest in OUR house is found on the floor with an injury inflicted by one of MY own I damn well make it my business. Do I make myself clear? I will NOT tolerate this kind of behaviour! I didn't raise you this way!"

The guilty silence continued as Jillian looked down at Greg than at Nick.

"There's some aspirin in the bathroom cabinet and a bottle of TCP. Go fetch it and we'll sort him out." She said softly and gently moved Greg's head from Nick's lap to her shoulder.

As Nick left her thunderous look returned as she stood aiding the semi-conscious young man to the bed.

"Get out all of you. You'd better have a damn good excuse when I get downstairs otherwise they'll be Hell to pay. Out!"

The Stokes jumped to it and left quickly, Bill stepping out of the way and cautiously stepped forwards. He went to open his mouth but Jillian glared him down.

"If you say anything you'd better make it good. I'm tired of fighting with you over this, he is your SON!"

Bill froze and Jillian's eyes widened slightly when she noticed Nick standing behind him looking stunned. However she maintained her pride and lifted her chin slightly.

"Well William?" she said and Judge Stokes shifted restlessly before nodding. The smallest of smirks came to his face.

"Knew there was a reason I married you." He said suggestively and Jillian blushed as Nick made a gag face.

Whirling round Bill patted Nick's shoulder as he left.

"I'll speak to Hank." He said and left the room, tugging the door closed behind him.

Nick stared at it, shocked by the recent developments of the last five minutes but shook himself out of it when he heard Greg groan. He moved quickly over to the bed and handed his mother the diluted TCP.

"Is he ok?" he asked shakily and Jillian nodded as she dabbed a cloth at the small cut where the bruise was forming.

"He's fine, probably just took a harder knock than we thought." She said kindly and watched as Nick stroked Greg's cheek, his lip shaking ever so slightly, almost invisibly.

"This wasn't how it was meant to go." He said his voice cracking.

"It's okay sweetie, he's okay." She said reaching up to brush the hair out of Nick's eyes. "You're hairs getting long," she added quietly. Nick didn't even hear her.

"I hate her, I HATE Chrissie!" he said brokenly and Jillian closed her eyes.

"No you don't sweetie, you don't really. You just don't see eye to eye."

"No, I hate her, she always does this! Everytime!"

"Once!" Jillian said cupping Nick's cheek, "it happened once and if he wasn't prepared to stay then he wasn't worth your time."

"It was HER husband that scared him, HER that said those awful things, HER church friend that babysat..." he stopped abruptly and shook his head to clear it.

Greg listened, his eyes closed as he felt Nick move to lie beside him. Jillian seemed to have fallen silent and he could feel the movement as she stroked her son's hair before she got up and left. He listened for the click as the door closed before he carefully opened his eyes, still feeling a little dizzy but better than before.

"Nicky?" he whispered and Nick buried closer to him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think she'd actually..." Greg placed a hand over Nick's mouth and sighed.

"It's okay, something was bound to happen. You couldn't be with me all the time."

Nick grunted and buried his face into Greg's shoulder. "I'm still sorry."

"Well...you could always make it up to me later...when we're back in Las Vegas." He said in a low voice and smiled as he felt Nick give a watery chuckle.

"Promise."

"Good, now smile for me."

***************************************

The rest of the weekend seemed to pass considerably quieter than that first day. Whatever Jillian Stokes had said to her family seemed to reign in any negative feelings, at least out in the open. Chrissie came over occasionally, still glaring at Greg and husbandless at the dinner table before hacking as she put a piece of chicken covered in pepper in her mouth (never noticing the innocent whistling coming from MK as she quickly stashed something up her sleeve that looked remarkably like a shaker).

Greg, now sporting a large purple bruise on his upper eye and forehead, seemed to be in better spirits. He had found himself connecting with George, Eric and Lizzie better than Nick could've hoped to the point they called him Uncle Greg (although helping them to steal cookies and set booby traps probably bumped him up in their books).

Plus Jenna and Tiffany seemed to had made themselves Greg's bodyguards. Caleb found it all very amusing of course and continued to tease Greg but later found himself face down on the floor, his wife sitting on his back and his sister pulling his legs back in a torturous motion. After that it seemed a little less funny.

Lori had actually uttered some words, making a minor joke saying Greg could tell some elaborate story about fights with big bikers when he got home and Greg discovered a shy but proud young woman in her.

Kim offered him make up tips to cover it, which he supposed was nice even if she did go on to say that maybe he should try more facial care as he was beginning to 'droop under the eyes'.

At least she was trying.

MK of course continued to be her pleasant self with him, telling him all kinds of embarrassing stories about Nick's younger days and, with the aid of her mother, went through the photo albums with him even offering him a picture of a smiling four year old Nicky wearing his Uncle's Forest Ranger hat and aviators.

Briefly he wondered how much Nick would hurt him if he blew it up and put it around the lab.

....

...Nah wasn't worth not having sex for months.

Bill Stokes however seemed to hover on his opinion. One minute he's be friendly, not overly chatty but polite all the same and the next he'd hesitate, not sure what to do.

Deciding this was better than he could've hoped, Greg was pleased he'd talked Nick into letting him meet his family.

But Monday had come round again and the two men were packing their cases ready to head to the airport to make the journey back home. Greg dragged his case down the stairs, heaving as he went but absolutely refusing to let MK help as she strolled down after him.

"I mean I could hold one end and you could hold the other."

"No," he said huffing as he went step by step, "I'm a man! I can do this."

MK rolled her eyes and laughed lightly.

Finally making it to the bottom he let the straps go with a happy sigh and watched as Nick trotted down a moment later, bag slung over his shoulder.

"Ready?" he asked when he'd gotten to the bottom and Greg nodded.

"Yeppers!"

Chuckling Nick grabbed his hand after dumping his bag by Greg's and they entered the living room.

"We're off now." He said and everyone stood from their various seats to say their goodbyes.

"Been fun Greg, do you do birthdays and Barmitzas too?" Caleb said shaking his hand vigorously as he slapped him playfully on the back.

"Yeah but I don't come cheap."

"Was nice meeting you Greg," Tiffany said hugging him, "You'll have to come stay with us some time."

Greg returned the hug and nodded happily. He tried not to topple as the three kids hugged his leg and ignored Nick's snort of amusement as he said goodbye to his own brother.

"Pleasure meeting you Greg." Lori said shaking his hand lightly and he returned the sentiment and, going on a whim, kissed the back of her hand. He gloated inwardly when she blushed.

"Remember those tips Greg, you have such nice skin it'll be a shame to see it age before its time." Kim said pinching his cheek roughly and he jerked as politely as he could out of her grasp.

"Yes, thank you." He muttered a little put out before he continued onto the twins. He yelped when he was pulled into a three-way hug and gingerly patted each back as they practically choked him.

"Call sometime, its gonna get dull around here again without you and Nick providing the drama." MK said squeezing tightly again before letting him go.

"Sure, and next time I'll be sure to really bring out the big guns." He promised and MK laughed.

"Now remember," Jenna said slinging an arm over his shoulders, "You have any trouble and I'm happy to come down to Vegas to slug them one."

"Um...sure, thanks Jen." He said and chuckled nervously. She grinned wickedly at him and winked.

"Anytime."

He straightened himself out to say his goodbyes to Jillian. She offered him a hug and he lightly kissed her cheek before whispering in her ear.

"Thank you for liking me."

She laughed and gently slapped his shoulder.

"Well it was hardly a chore Gregory. You just look after my boy you hear?" she said and nodding Greg let himself be patted on the cheek.

Thankfully Chrissie had forgone the goodbyes and wasn't present. Greg did however blanch when he came face to face with Bill Stokes. He nervously cleared his throat and held out a hand.

"It was an honour meeting you Sir." He said and after a moment Bill took his offered hand.

"And I you...will you be joining Nick for Christmas?" he asked, granted a little awkwardly but kindly all the same.

"Only if its alright with you Sir." Greg said holding his breath. From the corner of his eye he could see Nick watching and mentally crossed his fingers.

"...I think we'd like that." Bill said after a moment and a tension he didn't realise was there left the room. Chatter picked up again and Greg let his shoulders slump in relief. He even smiled when he saw something like amusement cross the Judge's face.

Finally they reached the hallway and grabbed their bags, slinging them over their shoulders (Greg just about catching himself before he fell backwards) and made their way to their rental car. Another round of byes were called out as they climbed into the car and they waved as they pulled off, laughing when they watched in the rear view mirror as Jenna mockingly cried after them, chasing them slightly and dropped to her knees in the road letting out a fake maudlin cry.

"You're family is nuts." Greg said pleasantly and Nick laughed as he grabbed Greg's hand keeping the other on the wheel.

"Yes well, you should fit right in then."

Laughing Greg settled further into the chair, Nick's hand clasped in both of his and alternatively kissed the palm and played with the fingers as they made their way back home.

It had totally been worth it.

Fin

***