title: comfort
by: parkagirl
fandom: CSI: Vegas
pairing: nick/greg
rating: pg
spoilers: Stalker

***

He watches Greg working. His movements are slow and careful. He doesn't smile, just works his way through the pile of data that's been gathering while he was gone.

He'd only been back a week and Nick wondered if it was too soon. He'd even told Greg, two nights earlier, that maybe he shouldn't go back yet. They were lying in bed and Nick had asked how Greg was. Greg had told him he was fine and Nick had mentioned something about not going back to work. Greg had grunted and rolled away. Nick hadn't bought it, but Greg had been doing a lot of denying and nick hadn't been sure what to do.

But as he watches Greg, he wonders if maybe he should have made more of an effort. Maybe told someone. He notices how Greg's hands are shaking. He watches how Greg closes his hands into fists and he feels his stomach clench, fear and worry filling his head.

Catherine's hand on his shoulder makes him jump. He looks over at her.

"Have you talked to him?"

Nick stares at her, confused. "About?"

"His hands. Help."

"How did you know?" He asks, wondering if he means the hands or their relationship.

Catherine doesn't answer his question. "You should. He's still scared."

"I know." Nick says, almost vehemently.

Catherine turns away from the window. She leans in, "Take care of him." She whispers and strides toward Grissom's office.

Nick watches her go and pushes his anger at her out of his mind. He glances at his watch and decides he can take Greg home. He walks toward the make-shift lab, pushing the door open.

Greg's stripping off his gloves, he looks up when Nick enters.

Nick curses himself for ignoring his fears. Greg looks tired; there are bags under his eyes. Nick hates that he sleep so deeply, and as he crosses the room, he promises himself that he'll take better care of Greg. HE stops in front of Greg. He looks down at Greg's shaking hands.

Greg shuffles his feet and lowers his eyes. His fingers clench into fists again.

Nick reaches out and gently grabs Greg's hands. For a moment Greg tires to pull away, but Nick rubs his thumbs over Greg's knuckles. He can feel Greg trying to relax.

Greg raises his eyes up again, meeting Nick's.

Nick keeps rubbing his fingers over Greg's hands. "Let's go home." He says, quietly.

For the first time in a week, Greg smiles.

***