Title: Every time we say good bye...
Author: Dee
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 43670
Pairing: Gil/Nick (And more...but I'm not giving the game away...suffice to say my fingers and the fic took a bit of unexpected turn...)
Characters: Gil Grissom, Nick Stokes, the usual suspects and some other characters.
Warnings: AU and OOC
Spoilers: For CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - The 13th Season...but non-specific apart from Sam!
Disclaimer: Not mine; not now, not ever.
Unbeta-ed: All mistakes will be mine
A/N 1: It's a sequel to 'Send in the Clowns...'

***

Every time Gil closed his eyes he could see Nick.  Nick as he'd stood in the bathroom last night.  Dejected.  Horrified.  Disgusted.  With himself.  With Gil.

Gil had done that to him.  Grinding away little by little at his confidence, at his self-esteem, at his very soul.

What made it worse for Gil was that he hadn't known.  He really hadn't known.  He could put his hand on his heart and swear that he had no idea whatsoever what he'd done to Nick.  No idea...  And that in and of itself horrified him.  How could he have gone year after year thinking it was perfectly okay to walk into Nick's life, stay awhile, and then walk out?

He knew that to a certain extent it was Nick's own fault.  Nick had had him back time and time again.  Even Nick acknowledged his own culpability.  But it was Gil who was the real culprit...he accepted the blame.  Fully and unequivocally he had dismantled Nick like a wall.  Brick by brick...

It was only the day after Nick had left the dig in Paraguay that he'd suddenly realised that he'd done something wrong.  Something really wrong.  Something he'd been instantly ashamed of...instantly when he'd realised that was...for ten years he'd taken Nick for granted.   Good old Nick...always there when he wanted him...always left alone when he'd walked away.

How on earth was he going to make it all better?  Even now buried deep inside him was a little voice saying that Nick would be better off without him...Nick could rebuild his life properly without the uncertainty and emotional baggage that Gil would bring with him.

There was only one thing wrong with that idea.  He wanted Nick now...more than he'd ever wanted anything and everything in his life...but was he capable of keeping his end of the bargain?  Would he keep his promise to Nick?  He wanted to... But...

***

They'd hardly spoken as Nick had driven him to the airport. 

At the airport Nick had carried one of Gil's bags for him.  He'd bought a new suitcase and some new warm clothing for the winter ahead in Paraguay.  The suitcase wasn't full by any means but would still have to go in the hold.  Gil had checked in and Nick had waited at the coffee shop.  Gil was going to wait until the last minute to go through security so he could share the last moments and a coffee with Nick.

His coffee was waiting for him.  Nick managed a small smile but it didn't reach his eyes.  Gil knew full well that Nick was not convinced that this was not just another Gil leaving him and moving on scenario.  That...despite their love making last night and surprisingly for Gil, that very morning, and his promises to Nick.

Gil intended to come back to Nick. This time he wasn't leaving him...except to fulfil his obligations in Paraguay...and given half a chance he would stay in Vegas if Nick asked him to.  To love him and cherish him as he should have been doing all along...but it would be an uphill struggle, he knew, to hold onto Nick.  One false move and Nick would be lost to him.

"You're coming back to me?"  Nick had asked staring down into his coffee.  The uncertainty was almost palpable in his whispered question.

"I am.  This time for good.  I promise."  Gil had whispered back and tried to convey as much sincerity as he could into his own voice.  He was sincere, he knew that, but convincing Nick was going to be the most difficult thing he'd ever done.

"You better mean it..."

"I do.  I love you.  No one will ever become between us...that's me really isn't it?  I was the one who came between us all the time."

"Yeah.  I guess.  I love you, Gil, and this time I'm giving you everything I have left...if you don't come back..."  He'd stopped speaking unable to continue and his eyes had been shining brightly with unshed tears.

Gil had reached across the table and put his hands around Nick's hands which were in turn wrapped around his coffee mug.  It was a very rare display of public affection.

"I'm coming back.  Nick?  I can stay now if that's what you want.  I can get my suitcase back and call Anna-Maria."

"No."  He'd shaken his head and tried a weak smile.  "You can't renege on your contract.  You would feel guilty and then I would.  It's best this way and it gives us time to...to reflect."

"I have nothing to reflect about the future, Nick.  I know that.  The future is you and me.  What I need to do is to reflect on my past behaviour and try and figure out why I kept leaving you.  And, even if I don't ever figure it out...or Heather doesn't...I know that I am now quite clear-headed about us.  I feel optimistic and I know you'll think this is odd but I feel happy, really happy inside me...really inside me for the first time in...I don't know how long it's been because I can't remember feeling this way before."

Nick had chuckled.  "Man, you're talking up a storm.  You haven't forgotten how to lecture. And if you're happy inside that can't be the anti-depressants working already can it?  Maybe you're not depressed."

Gil had laughed too because he was certainly used to lecturing but just not about himself and his feelings.  And he knew that's what Nick had meant.  It was also a valid point about the medication he'd been taking for just four days...they couldn't possibly have worked that fast and he'd said to Heather he didn't feel depressed, as such, just depressed at how he'd behaved and he thought that they was a distinction.

"I think I'll take that up with Heather...but I'll continue to take them unless she tells me otherwise."  Nick smiled at him and he knew that was the right thing to say, not dismissing Heather's opinion but questioning it was perfectly okay with Nick.  "I am worried about writing to you each day...my life in camp is not exciting...except when we make a new discovery..."

"...you don't..."

"...I do and I will.  I promised...I'll probably have to resort to telling you about the weather."

"Cold, man, judging by the clothes you bought."

"Yes.  It'll be cold.  Make me appreciate Vegas even more.  And I can think of you every time I snuggle down into your sleeping bag."  Nick had given Gil the bag he'd bought to take to Paraguay and used only once.

"Don't get it covered in jizz."  Nick had snorted and then chuckled.

"No chance.  Masturbation in your tent is a no-no.  Everyone would hear.  I'll use the shower and keep quiet.  That's if the water's even warm...if it isn't I think the chances of an erection of pretty slim; my dick will be in minimalist mode...even thinking about you, I'm afraid."  He'd smirked at Nick.

"I'll think of you as I have to turn down my shower for being too hot."

Gil had screwed his eyes up.  "Don't!  It will be torture thinking of you with all that cascading hot water over your body.  A wonderful image and something I will miss."

"You'd better go...need to nearly undress to get through security and they'll be calling your flight any minute..."  As predicted as Nick had spoken the tannoy announced the flight to Dallas was about to board.

They'd left their half-drunk coffees and walked to the line for security.   Luckily it had been a short line.

Gil had put his duffel bag on the floor and taken Nick into a bear hug.  "I love you.  I'll miss you every moment of every day...starting now."  Nick had nodded into his shoulder.  "Go now and don't wait I can't bear to see you watching me as I walk away."  Nick had nodded once more and looked into Gil's eyes.

"I love you, man."  And he'd turned and left.  Gil had watched him walk away and it took all of his strength not to go after him.  Fuck Paraguay.

***

Boarding the plane had to be done in a hurry since he'd left it so long to get through security but he now had time to really think about his actions...not just in the last few days but in the last few years.  He really didn't have any clue as to why he'd continually rejected Nick.  None at all.  But he also had no idea why he'd married Sara.  None at all.

Complicated crimes he could solve based on the evidence he'd collected.  The village history could be pieced together the evidence they'd collected.  But he couldn't for the life of him understand what he'd being doing in his private life.

He wasn't promiscuous...he didn't think he was.  He'd really only moved from Nick to Sara and back again...and again.  Just as Nick had told him.  They had never overlapped either...it was Nick or Sara, not both at the same time.  He'd explained to Heather and she hadn't given him any idea what she thought was wrong with him.  But he was pretty certain there was something wrong with him.  Men didn't do what he'd done.  Did they?  If he'd been sleeping with other men or other women fair enough but for a lot of the time he wasn't sleeping with either Nick or Sara.  He was...resting.  Maybe he was busy doing other things.

Nick had said that Sara was his victim too and he was right.  He didn't want to marry her and yet he had knowing all the time it would fail.  He was sure it would fail...just not as quickly as it did...and he was sure Sara must have known that too.

He'd been thinking about it all going round and round in circles with no answers for himself or Nick and now he looked out of the window and saw Dallas below him.  He would be meeting with Susan Stokes Garcia at six that evening to start the proceedings to put an end to his marriage.

That was really strange too...all his private papers had been stored in a box at his mother's apartment...he couldn't quite understand why he'd left them with his Mom and not in the marital home with Sara.  Although marital home was a misnomer.  Three weeks surely didn't qualify.  It was Sara's home and it was a lovely place but it wasn't his home...too much glass and not enough bricks; he'd felt as if he'd been on display and had felt acute sympathy for the many insects he'd kept in similar circumstances.

After disembarking he'd nearly walked out without his suitcase remembering at the last minute to wait and collect it.  He switched on his cell and called Nick.  He didn't expect him to answer since he should be asleep.  But Nick's voice was on the voicemail and he wanted to hear it...

'Nick Stokes: leave a message and I'll get back to you. Thanks.' 

That was all it was just a business-like message but it was his voice and Gil felt a stab of longing for Nick.  Wishing he could just hold him again...hug him for a few moments.  Unless Nick changed his mind and visited him in Paraguay he wouldn't see him again for five months.  And again Gil felt that he could just walk out of the arrivals hall and buy a ticket back to Las Vegas and Nick.

"Hi sweetheart, just landed at Dallas and waiting for my suitcase...which I nearly forgot.  Missing you so much and realising just how much I do love you.  Speak later.  Bye."  He ended the call and stared at his cell.  He had a voicemail message from Nick...he pressed play.

'The house is empty without you; even Sam knows there's something wrong.  Maybe I will come out to Paraguay but there again I don't want to leave Sam.  What do you think?  Love you.'

Gil played it twice and then called Nick again.

"Only just picked up your message.  I know you can't...but please try and come as soon as you can.  Sam will understand if you take a couple of weeks to visit me.  Could you get a house and dog sitter?"  Just then he spotted his case coming out onto the carousel.  "My case has arrived got to go.  Love you."

Gil did feel a little better for hearing Nick's voice and for talking to him...even if it was only second hand.  He pulled his case behind him as he went out into the main hall.  He'd booked a room at the Fairfield Inn close to the airport.  He still needed a taxi and joined the line outside. There were about fifteen people ahead of him and no taxis but he bet most people would be like him and be staying close by so the taxis would return quite quickly.  They did and about forty minutes later he was booking into the Inn.

He didn't unpack much...just what he'd need for the evening and tomorrow morning before his flight out of Dallas.  He showered and watched TV for a little while but when he started to fall asleep he got up and dressed and went down to reception and had them call a taxi.  He would go explore Dallas.  While he was waiting he picked up a leaflet for the Dallas World Aquarium.  He'd visit the aquarium to wile away the hours until he met with Susan.

He was surprised that he enjoyed the experience; it was informative without being taxing and exactly what he needed.  He ate at the cafeteria...he'd had better but he'd certainly had worse food.  He was itching to speak to Nick but Nick would still be asleep and he would have to wait.  His meeting with Susan was at six in the evening and Nick usually was up by six but Dallas was two hours behind so it would only be four in Vegas.  Gil guessed he would have to wait until after his meeting with Susan to speak to Nick but then he would have something to tell him about Susan's divorce strategy.  He hoped he would.

He walked into the old style brick building nestled among more modern glass buildings.  He took the elevator to the fifth floor of 'Stokes, Garcia, Friedman and Cooper, Attorneys.'  Nick had said that Susan's husband was a partner in the firm and two more of their class from college.  A cosy and very successful business, according to Nick.

It looked like it too...all neutral colours and leather seating, plants and flowers scattered around.  It did feel cosy.  He didn't.

***

"Dr Grissom?"  The receptionist asked as he walked towards the reception.

"Yes."  He must have acted surprised because she smiled.

"Your Susan's last client...in fact the last client of the day so I didn't have to guess too hard."

He smiled at the woman.  She was comfortable too.

Just a moment later a he heard a woman call out to him.

"So you're the infamous Gil Grissom?"  It was a strong and confident voice with a very pronounced Texan twang.

Gil turned towards the voice and nearly gasped.  Nick had said that people thought that he and Susan were twins and he wasn't surprised.  She was a very beautiful feminine version of Nick.

"Mrs Stokes-Garcia.  Nick told me you were alike but I didn't realise how alike."

She smiled the same wide smile creating the same dimples.  "He likes to tell everybody that I cannot possibly be his twin since I'm so much older than he is."

"I'm afraid he told me that too.   He was very ungallant...but let me say I choose not to believe him."  They were shaking hands as they spoke.

"Smooth operator Dr Grissom, but Nick has told me how you've behaved towards him."

Gil actually blushed at the rebuke.  "He probably hasn't told you half of what I've done over the years but believe me I want to spend the rest of my years putting right my wrongs."

"So you'll have someone to look after you in your old age?"

That stopped Gil in his tracks: he was shocked.  "I assure you that that never for one moment crossed my mind...yes, I'm fifteen years older than Nick but he's never said to me that he feels it's a problem but he's obviously spoken to you about it..."

"...no...no...he hasn't.  I'm sorry that was me being ungracious...looking out for my little brother.  Old habits die hard."

Gil nodded at her but his estimation that she was like Nick had dissipated.  Nick would never be that rude.  He took a few deep breaths as he followed her into her office and she closed the door behind her.

"I am sorry.  It was uncalled for.  Please, take a seat, Dr Grissom."

He wanted to say call me 'Gil' but he couldn't.  Despite her apology he was shaken...if she thought that then maybe Nick did too.

The meeting went by quite quickly.  He related the details of his marriage to Sara...the time they'd spent together, the time they'd spent apart.  The financial aspect.  Susan recorded all the information and asked a few question and studied the papers that Gil had brought with him.

"Everything seems to be in good order.  As I explained when we spoke on the phone I will put it to Mrs Grissom..."

"...Ms Sidle."

"Oh?  Has she never used your name?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"That's interesting.  Not even Sidle-Grissom?"

"Not to me knowledge."

"Okay.  As I was saying, I will put it to Ms Sidle that you should divorce and assume the assets you both had prior to the marriage...as if it had never taken place.  I will word it a little more diplomatically than that.  If she doesn't agree to that then we can press ahead with spousal support...from her to you since you say she earns a lot more money than you?"

"Probably at least twice as much since I earn very little money on the project but I do have my pension from LVPD."

"Are you sure you don't want to press for..."

"...I'm sure.  It would be fair to say that neither of us invested anything into the marriage so it would be best to come away from it as we went into it."

"Then she would be foolish not to accept the terms we will suggest but the spousal support would be our next action if she doesn't agree.  One hundred and twenty thousand dollars which you put into the house.  Right?"

"That's it."

"Okay.  I have all I need.  Your e-mail address for contact and cell number for anything urgent.  You're sure any papers that need your signature will be safely delivered to you."

"I'm not aware that anything has been lost."

"That's all I need.  My husband, Peter, and I are going out for a steak would you join us?"  Susan smiled Nick's smile at him but Gil hadn't forgiven her.

"I'm sorry, I've eaten...besides I do have an early flight out tomorrow."

"I have offended you."  She looked at him very directly.

Gil couldn't lie and say that she hadn't.  He resorted to a smirk and shrugged.

"Nick will be furious with me."

Serves you right, thought Gil.  "Nick is the first to forgive...I've been on the receiving end of his forgiveness more times than I care to remember."

"So have I.  It was me who told Ma and Pa that he was gay when he'd asked me to keep it secret.  I'm a very good lawyer Dr Grissom...I'm much less than a good sister.  He's never told you has he?"

"No."  It was Susan's turn to shrug.  "I don't know what it is about Nick but over the years a lot of people have taken advantage of him.  Walter Gordon.  Kelly Gordon.  Nigel Crane.  Charlie DiMassa.  You.  Me.  We've all had a piece of him."

They sat there in silence for a long time.  Both reflecting on the hurt they'd inflicted.

"I have eaten and I do have to be up at four thirty in the morning."  Gil broke the silence.

"That's fine.  Maybe one day you'll come with Nick to a family gathering.  He's never bought a...friend."

"That would be up to Nick."

"Yes.  He's close to family but it's one thing knowing about him...it's another deal altogether when you see the..."  Susan stalled.

"...evidence?"  Gil supplied."

She nodded.

"He's never really explained and I always wondered why he left Texas when he has such a seemingly close family.   Now I know."  Gil's opinion of Susan had sunk even lower.   And Nick loved her dearly and he must know what she...and the family thought about him.

"Don't judge us too harshly...you've treated him badly yourself."

"Yes, I have and I will never deny that.  But I can look him in the face and tell him and apologise and hopefully make amends.  I think the Stokes family just do it for show don't they...they don't want someone as...as base...as perverted as a homosexual to darken their lives."  Gil stood up and Susan followed suit speaking...

"Let any one of you who is without sin..."

"...Nick.  Nick is the least sinful of all of us and you'd do well to remember that."

"I know..."

***

Back at the motel Gil took a quick shower before calling Nick.  He felt he needed to be clear headed after seeing Susan and discovering a whole new world of the Texan Stokes.

"Hey, Nick...did you sleep good?"  Gil tried for light but knew he was failing as he uttered the few words...since he just didn't do inconsequential small talk.  He sounded strained to his own ears and Nick would notice immediately.

"Yeah, I did.  What's wrong?  Did you see Susan?"

"I have and the divorce has been set in progress...at least I hope it has."

"There's something wrong isn't there?  The divorce...don't you want it..."

"...of course I want the divorce...it's nothing..."

"...bullshit.  You called me transparent and here you are lying and I can tell even though you're thousands of miles away."

Gil remained silent for just a few moments while he thought about what to say.  Nick was dead right but could he actually tell him that he thought his favourite sister was a...bitch?

"Jesus, Gil, what's wrong?  Is this over before it's started?"

"No!  No it isn't...it's just..."

"...what?  For fuck's sake?"

"Susan..."

"...Susan's pissed you off.  That's par for the course...she's blunt."  Nick had relaxed and seemed fine with the thought that his sister had caused Gil's reluctance to speak.

"I didn't know...about your family."

"My family?  What do you mean?"

"That they've never really accepted your homosexuality, they would rather it would go away."

There was silence from Nick now and Gil waited.  "What do you mean?"

Gil, without a second thought waded in.  "That they've never met any partner you've had.  They prefer not to think of you as gay..."

"Susan said that..."

"...well she implied it."

"So she didn't say it, you're putting words into her mouth?"  Nick was pissed again but Gil stood his ground.

"Nick.  She was downright rude to me...and I know I deserved as much...but she's no saint is she and neither are your family?"

"What did she say?"

"Well..."

"...for Chrissakes Gil spit it out you've already set the trap you might as well spring it."

"It isn't a trap...she said that I saw you as a meal ticket to care for me in my old age."

"I've never said that..."

"But you've thought it..."  Now Gil was getting fraught.

"...no!  Man, never.  You're putting words in my mouth now."

"I'm not, Nick.  I don't understand family dynamics you know that...but I spoke to Susan when I was in Vegas and you said what a great sister she was and I was expecting...I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't what I got."

"Maybe I would have been better being an only kid...but I'm stuck with what I've got.  She did tell Mom and Pa..."

"...I know, she told me."  Gil anticipated, correctly, what Nick was going to say.

"Wow.  Really?"  Nick had lost all his antagonism in the blink of an eye.  "We didn't speak for a couple of years...but she apologised...eventually.  I know you haven't experienced this kind of family life but believe me in big families there's always some feud or other going on...doesn't mean that we don't love each other...but..."

"...so what about your brother and other sisters?"

"My brother doesn't speak to me and won't visit with me when I'm home.  He's a fire and brimstone preacher; he's been apoplectic since Obama was elected...and he wants Ellen DeGeneres banned from Texas.  Only to be expected really."  Nick laughed.  "Even the rest of the family think he's a dime short of a dollar."

Gil didn't laugh, he was aghast.  Nick had never mentioned this before and it seemed to Gil that he was lucky to be an only child and he made a mental note never to wish he had siblings again for as long as he lived.

"You okay? You've gone quiet."

"I never knew, Nick, never suspected even."

"Why would you when no one, including me, likes airing their dirty laundry in public."

"Am I the public?"  Gil was joking and Nick laughed.

"You know what I mean.  Look I've got to go to work early to get some lab work done.  How did the divorce talks really go?"

"Good.  Susan took my statement and kept all the documents and as she said before she's going to strongly suggest to Sara that we each leave the marriage with what we took into it and if she doesn't agree to that then go for fifty, fifty and spousal support."

"Wow...you could be a kept man."

"I could be, but I hope Sara goes for the sensible option...honestly...I don't think she'll be vindictive.  I mean I don't know for certain but..."  Gil frowned to himself trying to think if she would be difficult...God knows he knew she could be the dictionary definition of difficult is she really wanted. "...Susan says by leaving Paris and going back to her old job she was, in effect, leaving the marriage at that stage.  She's right."

"So what will you do after the divorce?"

"Marry you?"  Gil said it without thinking but the moment he had said it he knew he wanted it.

"Marry...what the fuck?  I meant with your money..."

"...I mean it, Nick.  Will you marry me?  That's surely the best way for me to show you that my intention is to be with you..."

"...like you said to Sara? 'Til, death do us part?"  Nick was even angrier than he had been earlier in their call.

"I told you what happened at my wedding to Sara...Nick...this is a fucking minefield; I can't say anything without you misconstruing what I'm saying about my intentions..."

"...your intentions?  And whose fucking fault is that?  You walk into my life and you walk out again and now you expect me to believe every word you say?"  Nick was shouting now.

"Jesus, Nick, I can't take this all the time I can't..."

"Then don't."

"Nick.  Nick.  Nick?"  Gil took his cell from his ear and saw that the call had ended.

"Fuck you!"  Gil hurled his cell across the room at nothing in particular but he was lucky it landed on an armchair.

He was sitting on the bed and lay down in a foetal position and wept...  Tears of fury.  Tears of guilt.  And tears of frustration...

***

Gil woke suddenly with a jolt and was momentarily disoriented.

He was cold...he had on a tee and his boxer...he must have pulled some bedding over him in his sleep but not enough.  Then he remembered the fight he'd had with Nick and that he'd cried like a baby...his eyes felt gritty and sore...he'd fallen asleep quite early.  A moment of panic instantly followed...he had to get up at four-thirty and he grabbed his watch from the bedside cabinet and squinted at the time.

It was four-fifteen; he had set the motel's alarm clock for four-thirty and he reached over and switched it off and then swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

Nick.  What was he going to do?  He suspected that Nick had ended it...but he didn't know.  He pushed himself to his feet, he felt like shit despite his long sleep.  He took a piss, threw his tee and boxers on the floor and then stepped straight into the shower.  He thought about Nick and their fight and if he still had a relationship...his chest constricted and his stomach churned that it could be over even before he'd had a chance to prove himself.

But...Nick had been like a firecracker popping off at him.  He couldn't handle that kind of behaviour, he knew that much.  Sara had been at the opposite end of the spectrum...no fighting, just silent treatment and if he was honest with himself and he was trying to be...that had suited him just fine.

He wanted Nick; he loved and he wanted him, but the price he'd have to pay for Nick might be too much for him.  He wasn't emotionally equipped to deal with it...last night proved that and he knew that while he wasn't totally at fault the blame would still lie on his shoulders.

Then there was his cell...what had happened to it...as soon as he was rinsed off he'd have to look for it...he may need to purchase a new one before he boarded his flight to Asuncion.

An oversized bath towel made drying more difficult and longer than it should have taken and it was too big to wrap around his middle so he walked back naked into the bedroom.  He looked around for his cell and found it immediately just lying on the chair.  Luckily it appeared undamaged.

It was still switched on but on silent mode for when he'd been with Susan and he hadn't changed it back.  He put on his glasses and saw that he had five missed calls and eight text messages.  It also needed charging.  He plugged it in and sat on the end of the bed to listen to his messages.

The first message was from Nick.  "Gil, I'm so sorry, I don't know what got into me.  Call me.  I love you."  He sounded worried.  Gil smiled at the message...they would be okay.  At least this time; he would be deluding himself if he thought it would be an isolated occurrence.  But he knew he couldn't withstand too many episodes like they'd had last night.  He knew with certainty.

The second message was also Nick.  "Where are you...answer my calls please?"  He sounded very worried.

The third was from Susan.  "Dr Grissom, Gil, it's Susan Stokes-Garcia.  I need to apologise again.  Nick called me and chewed me out and he said I had no right to speak to you the way I did and he was right, of course.  So I hope you can forgive me.  Bye."  She sounded business-like rather than sincere and she was obviously under orders from Nick.

The fourth Nick was again.  "I'm getting real worried now. I wish you'd just call or text me. I've called Susan and chewed her balls.  I do love you and I don't want to lose you."  He sounded worse and Gil was going to call him straight back but decided to hear the last message.

It was also from Nick.  "I can't call again for a while got a scene to go to.  I just hope you're in bed but your cell is ringing I just hope it's on mute.  Please call me!"  He did sound desperate.

Gil then scrolled onto his text messages.  They were all from Nick.

'Call me text me contact me I'm sorry N xox'

'Come on please N xox'

'Gil please I just hope you're asleep but I'm still worried sick.  N xox'

'DB's asked if I'm ok and Greg is eyeing me suspiciously.  N xox'

'Love you. N xox'

'Really love you.  N xox'

'Sound desperate don't I?  I am. N xox'  Gil knew that he was given the tone of his voice in the last voicemail call

'I'm sorry. N xoxox'  Gil chuckled at the extra hug and kisses on the last text.  He checked the time it had been sent...it was half an hour ago.

He pressed call.  It rang once.

"Hold on."  Nick answered and Gil could hear background voices.  Greg was certainly one of them and he thought maybe the other was DB whom he'd never met.

A few moments later Nick spoke again.  "I had to get out of the house away from the others...jeez, Gil, I've been worried sick.  I'm so sorry; I didn't mean it and I don't know what got into me.  Susan is a bitch...always has been but I figured it was better having her as a friend than an enemy.  Are you okay?  Your cell was ringing but when you didn't answer I was real worried.  Are you okay?"  He stopped speaking for a moment but then added.  "You can talk now."  He was chuckling.

Gil was grinning mostly from relief.  It was going to be okay.  "I fell asleep and my cell was on mute as you guessed...and I'm fine now I've heard your voice.  I love you and having fights over telephone wires is hard.  I thought I'd lost you."

"I was unreasonable.  Totally.  Susan opens her mouth before engaging her brain...always has done and I guess she always will and yet she's a great lawyer.  Weird.  I miss you babe."

"It's good if I'm back to being your babe."

"You never stopped; you always were...look I've got to go...Greggo's been on my case...my nerves are fucking shot to pieces and DB asked if I wanted to go home I feel like a grade A ass..."

"...you're not.  Get back to work and I'll text you regularly until I board my plane and then I'll call as soon as I land.  Sleep tight.  I love you."

"Will do.  Gil?"

"Yes?"

"Telephone wires?"

"Back in the day I used tin cans."

"Yeah, we did that when we were kids.  Love you."

"Love you right back.  Bye."

"Bye."

Gil ended the call and felt happy.  The relationship wasn't over.  Nick hadn't said a word about the proposal of marriage and Gil sure as hell wasn't going to mention that again in a hurry.

He checked the time...he needed to get dressed, finish what little packing he had to do, pay his check, get a taxi, book in and get through security and then he'd get breakfast.  That what his plan...

***

In the motel room there was a complimentary postcard showing a view of the Inn so Gil wrote a short note to Nick.  Thinking about it he should have done it the night before...his first night away from Nick since he'd promised to write every day.  He'd get another postcard from the airport and post both of them there.

He was at the airport check-in desk early and there was still a short line but he'd get rid of his suitcase and then got another postcard and a couple of stamps.  He'd bought good quality writing paper and envelopes in Vegas and they were packed in his suitcase.  He'd bought the best he could find since he believed Nick deserved the best but then he liked using the good quality paper...especially with his fountain pen.  He's also bought extra ink cartridges for the task.  He would have preferred an old ink bottle but even he had to go with the times.

The plan worked well and he wrote another postcard, with a picture of the airport, and mailed both postcards to Nick.   He thought he'd get one at Asuncion too.   He then decided to go straight through security and find a corner somewhere...he could get a coffee and maybe find a plug and get some more charge into his cell before the flight.

There was also something he thought he needed to do.  And he would have enough time to do it.

He bought a blueberry muffin and a coffee and found two plugs together.  Cell and computer taken care of.  He texted Nick.

'In departures waiting. I hate this part of travelling. Last night was pretty bad I thought I'd lost you. We cannot do this to one another. It will destroy us. I love you and miss you. G x'

Gil sipped his coffee for a minute or two and his cell rang making him jump.  He picked it up from the little table where it lay.  Nick.

"Hi sweetheart."

'Gil.  Babe.  It was my fault...'

"...I wasn't apportioning blame Nick, I was simply stating a fact.  Fighting like that will wreck us."

'I know.  I'm sorry.'

"Don't be sorry just let's agree not to fight...it makes it worse that we're not even face to face and we miss the nuances of the conversation.  We must be old enough to try and conduct a reasonable conversation if we have differences.  Some things that are meant as a joke could be...will almost definitely...be construed in a different way."  Nick had listened without interrupting and was then silent.

Gil continued.  "I am not using this as some kind of excuse to explain my behaviour in the past but as a...I don't know...building block...to be able to be together in the future.  I know I have to win you back and I know it's going to be hard but if everything I say and every throwaway remark I make is going to be scrutinised for some hidden agenda then...

"I don't know.  Nick?"

"Yeah.  I'm here, listening to your lecture...and that's a joke, babe.  Susan annoyed the hell out of me because I'd recommended her and the first thing she does is go for your jugular...I could have at least warned you. So I was mad at myself and then you said...some other things and I was..."

"...about marriage?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry.  It wasn't premeditated...I just thought of it and it seemed to me...and I didn't think any more than this...it seemed like a measure of how much I love you and want you.  You were right to throw Sara back in my face.  But, do you know that every time I do something that I haven't thought through properly from beginning to end...it ends in disaster.  My marriage?  Even our fight.  I must stop trying to change...no that doesn't work either since I do need to change...oh, I don't know."  Gil chuckled but it was without humour.

"I shouldn't have thrown Sara back in your face because you have explained it all...and I believe you one hundred percent but it is too soon...you understand that don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"There's only some changes you have to make, you know...how you treat me...shit, got to go...they're all coming back.  Call me when you get to Asuncion."

"I'm glad we had this talk.  Take care.  Love you."

"And you.  Bye."   Nick ended the call but not before Gil heard voices in the background.

Gil sat there for a few more minutes having more of his coffee.  Then he picked up his cell again and texted Nick.

'Forgot to say that I have NO hidden agenda.  What you see, however faulty the goods are, is what you get but I do understand about changing my ways towards you but not perhaps my basic character.  If that makes sense.  Love G xx'

A few minutes later his cell buzzed with an incoming text.

'It does and I think I know you a little better now than I ever did.  Despite everything that's happened between us I know you're not duplicitous. (Good word, eh???) Misguided?  Probably. Greg's hanging behind me trying to see my text.  Lol. N xox'

Gil smirked at the message.  'I can live with that. Greg's only jealous you've got someone to text.  G xx'

Almost immediately another text came back.  No message just a few symbols.  'B-)'

Gil frowned; he didn't know what it meant and then remembered that his texts had a group of icons he could use.  He checked each one until he found it...'cool'.  He chuckled to himself and settled back to finish his muffin and coffee and then remembered the other task he'd set himself...e-mail Heather and tell her about the fight and ask about his antidepressants.

He switched on his laptop and waited for it to load and then went to his inbox and clicked compose.  He then sat back and thought for a few minutes.

Heather

I didn't know whether I should say 'Dear', 'Hi' or even Dr Kessler.  So I settled for Heather.

I'm at Dallas waiting to board the plane to Asunción.  Last evening I saw Susan Stokes-Garcia about my divorce and she is taking it forward... 

Gil gave Heather the salient details of Susan's behaviour and the fight he'd had with Nick and then the apology from Nick but also what he'd told Nick that morning: that episodes such as it was would tear them apart.

...I thought I would keep you up to date and perhaps ask if I'm going about this in the right way.  If we cannot keep from fighting and arguing I really do not see a future for us and yet it is my dearest wish that I spend the rest of days with Nick.  (Despite Susan!)

You know I value your opinion even if I have been very lax at following it in the past.  To my cost.

I am taking the antidepressants you prescribed as instructed (by Nick) but I really do question whether I am depressed or not.  Yesterday at McCarran I felt perfectly happy with myself and Nick...an internal happiness that I'm not used to feeling. I know it is far too soon for any effect of the drug and like I mentioned before I felt angry and annoyed at my behaviour but not depressed.  I will continue to take them until I hear from you, but I am not convinced.

I must go now, my flight is boarding.

Take care and thank you once more.

Gil.

***

His flight was on time.  The cabin wasn't full and he'd been allocated a seat in a row of three seats by himself.  Saved from a talkative neighbour and free to rest.  He read a journal he'd packed in his duffel bag until he fell asleep.  He woke when he was fed and watered and then exercised a little around the cabin.  Easier than it usually was since there were less people aboard.  Nevertheless, he was happy to land at Asuncion.  He was even happier that he had managed to get a connecting flight out to Concepcion that evening.  Only a three hour wait.

He called Nick and left a message on his voicemail and then texted him.  'Landed safely. Boring flight. Missing you more now you're so far away.  G xx'  Nick didn't respond to the call or text; he would later...hopefully he would be in bed asleep and not still working.

He purchased a postcard and sixty stamps from the tourist shop.  He wrote a message to Nick on the back of the picture of Asuncion airport, and posted it.  He hoped he'd be able to get one from Concepcion too, to complete the trio.  He had a room booked at a small hotel and would be on the seven o'clock bus in the morning to Vinchina where he hoped he would be picked up by a member of the team.  He could get a card in Vinchina too...that would be good.

There were no cards at Concepcion and by the time he got to his hotel room he would have less than six hours sleep but he got his paper and envelopes out of his suitcase and penned his first letter to Nick.  It was a very short letter...but he'd promised.  He also made sure that his cell and his computer were fully charged overnight since electricity was a bonus, not a right, in the camp.

Heather hadn't replied to his e-mail.

He had a text from Nick.  'I feel weird.  I think it's with everything that's happened with us and Heather and Susan. I wish now that I was with you so will see about some vacation time when I get in work.  N xox'

'If you could come here that would be really great. Miss you. G xx'

He posted his letter at the bus station and then dozed on the bus all the way to Vinchina.  When he arrived at the small town he felt like death warmed over...but he had an errand to run...

Gil was given a warm welcome by his friends on the dig.  Two new interns had arrived and, allegedly, one was a good enough cook to give Carlos a run for his money.

The traveling had taken its toll on Gil.  His errand in Vinchina was to find a postcard.  He found, possibly, the only one in the village and scribbled a few words and posted it there and then in camp he still made an effort to write a short letter to Nick and then texted him to say he was going straight to bed and would be using his new sleeping bag...Nick's bag.

The weather had changed a great deal for the worse in the nine days he'd been away.  That was about all he managed to say in his second letter to Nick before he clambered, gratefully, into his sleeping bag.

The next morning Gil felt no better and he didn't think it was jet lag.  It was established that he had a temperature so he was sent back to bed with a dose of aspirin and the interns were charged with ministering to his every need.

Any thought that he would gain from the arrangement quickly faded when on Anna-Marie's instructions he was woken every hour to be given fluids and check his temperature.  He texted Nick from the warmth of his cocoon.

'Think have virus confined 2 s/bag. Taking care of me wish it was u. L G xx'   Gil hated using the abbreviated text-speak but it saved power to send as few words as he could.

Nick came back almost immediately.  'It's travelling.  Exposed to all those circulating bacteria.  Keep me updated.  Will try and get vacation time. Don't let anyone kiss you better that's MY job.  Lol.  Feel better.  Love N xox'

Gil smiled. 'Must b careful with battery miss u will write feel better u replied.  L. G xx'

Nick came straight back.  'I know if you don't reply it will be your battery so I won't enter panic mode. (Just yet!) Love N xox'

Gil was happy that Nick had responded so quickly to his texts and that he seemed to be more attentive.  Was that true?  He didn't really know he couldn't think straight.  His head was splitting open with a headache and all his muscles ached.  He hoped he would feel better soon.  But before he really tried to sleep he knew he must write his letter to Nick.  It wouldn't be much, he'd done nothing and with the way he was feeling he could hardly see straight, but he'd promised and he was sure as hell not going to renege on that promise on his second night in camp.

The next morning Gil tried to tell them he felt better but he knew and they knew that he didn't.  He was sent back to bed.  The second of the new interns, Rory, was taking care of him today and it started with a drink of herbal tea.

"Is this a new acquisition for the camp?  I've never had herbal tea here before."  He sipped the hot drink and it was immediately soothing.

"No.  It's mine.  My Mammy insists that there is a herbal tea for every ailment and ensured that I had a supply.  You're lucky, I was going to ditch them in favour of some coffee beans in Vinchina but when the bus got in the van was there waiting for me so I climbed on board and my teas came with me."  Rory had a lilting Irish accent.

"Then I'm the lucky one."

"If you enjoy them they're yours."

"That's very kind of you.  Where are you from Rory?"  Gil didn't really feel like talking but he was sipping the man's tea and he'd been gifted the remainder so thought he'd better make a bit of an effort.

"Dublin itself.  My family's originally from Galway but settled in Dublin when I was a babe in arms."

"I've never visited Ireland; I'm told the Guinness is to die for?"

"So they say.  Dr Grissom I have a terrible secret that I must tell you."  Rory made a big play of looking over each shoulder and moving closer to Gil to whisper.  "I hate the stuff.  My Daddy thinks I'm some kind fecking freak...but I cannot for the life of me swallow the sticky thick stuff...turns my stomach."  He pulled a face and then chuckled.  "Now come on settle down again and I'll bring you another drink in an hour or so...and some more aspirin...and they'll do you a lot more good that me Mammy's tea."

"Call me Gil...we don't stand on ceremony here."

"That's kind of you, Gil.  Rest now."

"I have a favour before I settle.  Could you give my cell it's half hour of charge for me, please?"

"Sure I can."  Gil gave his cell and charger to Rory and then he did settle down.  It was warm in his tent and especially in his sleeping bag but when the tent flaps were open an icy chill invaded the space and Gil cuddled down a little more.  He fell asleep and dreamed of leprechauns invading his tent and swinging around the tent poles singing, 'When Irish eyes are smiling...'

***

It seemed as if he'd only just closed his eyes when he was being gently shaken awake.

"Come on now, Gil, I've found some chicken soup in the supplies.  You've had nothing to eat so it'll do you good and warm the cockles of your heart."

"Jewish penicillin."

"Is that right?"

"Apparently so.  Chicken broth I think."

"Now you can't beat a nice thick broth on a cold winter's night.  I'm making an Irish stew...well kind of an Irish stew with what I can find in provisions...for dinner tonight so I hope you'll be able to take some of that."

The thought did make Gil salivate.  "I think I'm feeling better."

"Well take your aspirin and you will feel better." 

Gil did as he was told and took his tablets with water and then drank his soup slowly and felt better for it.  His bladder demanded attention and although he'd been up earlier that morning the prospect of walking to the latrine made him shiver with cold even before he left his sleeping bag...but it had to be done.

As he got up he noticed his cell phone on the locker beside the bed.  Rory must have put it there when he came in with the soup.  Gil would check him messages when he'd relieved himself.  He hadn't switched on his laptop since he'd arrived back in camp so had no idea if Heather or even Nick had e-mailed him.  Although Nick knew that Gil had disabled his WiFi on his cell to conserve the battery life he might have sent him an e-mail...if he was lucky.  But he'd probably only receive texts or voicemails from him.

It was bitterly cold and Gil was sure it was colder than it had been that morning.  He was going to check the thermometer they had but since it was too cold to stand around he scurried back to his tent and his bag.  He wondered what it was like at the site of the dig...he thought that they would be frigid with cold.  He snuggled into the warmth of Nick's sleeping bag and decided not to worry about what it was like outside when he was warm.  Selfish or sensible?  He settled on sensible.
Gil slept again and was woken by Rory bringing him another drink.  He wasn't really thirsty but thought he did need to get as much fluid down him as possible.  He was definitely feeling better.

He took the time after his drink to start his third letter to Nick and although he didn't have much to say about what was happening...because nothing was happening...he found that he could actually speak a little about his feelings.  He hoped Nick would appreciate that...it wasn't a usual occurrence.

Just as he'd settled down again he heard Anna-Marie and Carlos called from outside his tent asking if they could come in.

"Please, come on in...I could die from boredom."  He laughed as they came into his tent.

"You are feeling better?"  Anne-Marie asked.

"Much better.  This'll be my last day in bed."

"That could be good news or..."  She stopped and looked towards Carlos as if for support.

"...what's wrong?"  Gil wanted to know.

"It is the cold.  It is the coldest I have ever known...in Paraguay...in my life.  I searched the internet and this is coldest weather we have experienced for forty-five years so..."   She shrugged and pulled a camp seat up to Gil's bed and sat down.   "...it is too cold to work on the dig, I think."   She looked again at Carlos.

"It is.  I...we do not think we should be working out in it...we think we could move some of the relics down here and use the refectory tent to sort, examine and catalogue and review the situation in a few days."

"That seems like the best solution.  I was thinking about how cold you must be out there."

"You think it is workable?"  Anna-Marie asked...she seemed hesitant although she was the project leader.

"Of course it is.  If we did run out of work we could always spend maybe some short shifts at the dig...say an hour at a time...depending on the weather.  Have you looked at the long range weather..."

She nodded solemnly and Carlos huffed.  "It is worse.  They have said there is a possibility of snow...it is unheard of..."

"...we have provisions and it's not like we are a long way from civilisation but..."   Carlos was not a happy man.

"Are you saying we should abandon camp?  When is this possible snow due?"  Gil suddenly realised...he must still be drowsy...that Anna-Marie and Carlos were seriously worried about what to do.

"It says..."  But Anna-Marie was interrupted by a call at the tent flap.

"Knock.  Knock."  It was Rory's voice.

"Come on in."  Gil called and a blast of cold air introduced Rory into the tent carrying a tray with three mugs.

"I though you could do with warming.  This is coffee for you two and a herbal tea for the invalid.  I must say they were steaming when I made them..."

"Herbal tea?  Why couldn't I have coffee?"  Gil was rather petulant.

"Because tea's better for you."  He smiled as he handed out the mugs.  The three who were not in a sleeping bag all laughed.

"Thank you Rory, you are very kind."  Anna-Marie smiled at him and Carlos raised his mug.

"I'll let you get on."  He smiled at Gil and then left.

"The snow?  They say it could be a week...or less or more."  She smiled at the fairly useless information.

"Then let's do as you say.  Move as much as we can down here.  We could ask the interns to sleep more than four in a tent and it they agree we could use one of the tents as the...as the laboratory...for want of a better word.  That would mean that the refectory tent would still be available for recreational use.  If we're confined to camp we need some space to be able to eat and interact without work being in the way."  Gil, Anna-Marie and Carlos had their own small tents and Gil looked around the space he called home.  "I could accommodate another camp bed in here if need be."

"We knew you would come up with a solution."

"You came up with it...I just refined it."  He smirked.  "We need to track the weather, it may become necessary to decamp to Vinchina.  And remember that the truck won't carry all of us in one go."

"We would have to be the last to go."  She smiled at Carlos and he nodded.

"Me too.  In fact, counting the driver all the interns could just about fit in the truck...with a bit of a squeeze.  Keep them warm though."  He laughed.  "And then a volunteer driver could come back for us.  Agreed?"

"Agreed."  His two friends seemed a lot easier now that Gil had refined their workable solution.

"We'll discuss it at dinner.  Irish stew I'm reliably informed.  Not going to miss that."

Gil felt a lot better and thoroughly enjoyed his Irish stew although Rory was at pains to point out that it really was just a stew cobbled together, as he said, with anything he could lay his hands on.  It was hot and tasty and an antidote to the biting cold.

***

There was unanimous agreement to the plan and it was decided that they would implement it the next day and vacate one of the sleeping tents.

Rory had his own idea.  "I could move in with you Gil, since I was the last one to arrive and haven't settled in so comfortably just yet."

"That's fine by me."  Gil responded thinking that Rory's logic was sensible as one of the latest interns to join them.  The other intern then agreed to bunk with Carlos using the same logic.

When he'd gone back to his sleeping bag Gil finished off his letter to Nick.

'...I had nothing to report but now I have news!  The weather is expected to get much worse...'  Gil explained almost exactly what they were going to do and as he finished the letter with, 'Love Gil', he realised that he hadn't texted Nick at all that day.  He'd slept quite a bit the day away but nevertheless it was remiss of him.

When he fumbled for his cell he realised he hadn't ever switched it on.   There were three texts.

'Hope you're feeling better.  Have arranged a vacation in two months' time (about half way I thought) and a kennel maid from the K9 squad is going to Sam and house sit for me.  Will make arrangements when we've spoken.  Love you and miss you N xox'

'I haven't heard from you and am *slightly* worried but I think you are probably asleep and getting better.  I remember you liked to get your head down if you felt sick.  Love N xox'

'Still haven't heard from you.  Text me when you can.  Have sent you an e-mail too but guess you won't even have switched on your laptop.  Love N xox'

Nick was worrying and here he was not even bothering to use his cell.  He texted back immediately.

'Pse dont worry forgot 2 switch on slept most of day have eaten & feel much better finished 3rd letter 2 u. Gr8 about vakay Love u  Miss u G x'   He pressed send.  He waited for a few minutes to see if Nick would reply.  He did.

'Missed you.  So happy you're better.  Skype me when you can.  Just going to bed long shift.  Sam sends his love.   Me too.  N xox'

Gil suddenly felt ridiculously happy...he felt close to Nick because they were both awake and texting each other.

'Scratch Sam 4 me love u so much sweet dreams G xx'

Gil switched off his cell and burrowed down into his sleeping bag.  He fell asleep feeling really optimistic about how it was going with Nick...although, of course, it was early days...

They undertook all the changes the next morning...working in shifts of one hour in the increasingly cold weather...now compounded by a bitterly cold wind.  Gil was up and about but given indoor duties in the new lab tent.  But he did feel almost as good as new.

They had heaters in the tents powered with bottled gas and they were efficient and fit for purpose.   Cooking was now done on a similarly powered cooker since it was too cold to cook outdoors.  They still kept a fire going in the middle of camp since it was a focal point for them all...regardless of the fact that they could no longer sit around it and pass the time of day.

The electricity was powered by a small oil fired generator and their lighting, shower and internet router ran off the meagre supply - hence the rationing.  But they had enough to keep on low lights around the camp all night. Cell phones and laptops if they were used too much gradually lost their charge...the secret was to use them sparingly and then the thirty minutes allowed each day could be used to keep them charged...  It was a delicate balance.

Gil, despite his daily thirty minutes, was finding his cell gradually leaking battery power.  He hadn't even switched on his laptop.

While he was sorting out the relics brought down from the dig site he remembered his antidepressants.  He hadn't taken them since he'd arrived back in camp.  It was accidental since he'd been sick and he'd just forgotten about them.  He thought that when he had a spare moment he'd check his e-mails and see if Heather had responded.  He wasn't expecting any more mails.  He wasn't in touch with many people and he didn't use the internet that much to even generate a lot of spam...

He was thinking these thoughts when Rory came into the tent with a mug.  "I've made you a herbal tea...you might be better but you still need to take care."

He was touched by Rory's concern and in fact he was really enjoying the herbal teas.  "That's very thoughtful, thanks Rory.  Who's cooking today?"

"Tobias.  I offered to help him but he...declined..."  Rory chuckled.  "I think he might be feeling the pressure of my Irish stew."

"I'm sure he is...all the cooks now have you as the role model to whom they should aspire."  Gil smirked just before he sipped his tea.

"You don't cook do you...nor Anna-Marie, but Carlos does, why's that?"

"Simple.  Carlos enjoys it and his cooking skills are unrivalled...well there were until you arrived.  Anna and I...we're not in the same league so we chose to have the interns slaving over a hot stove for us."

Rory laughed.  "I bet you're a good cook."

"On what do you base that hypothesis?"

"I just got a feeling...Mammy is big on feelings."  He laughed some more.

"She was right about the herbal teas."

"Now...answer me this, Dr Grissom: why do Americans pronounce herb as 'erb?"  Rory hadn't used the silent letter in his first pronunciation.

"Oh...I'm actually not sure.  I think it's just evolved that way...the way languages do.  And spelling too."

"Ah, but the OED uses the letter 'z' which you Americans use all the time...although it does state it can be an 's' which is what the British...and Irish tend to use."  He'd used 'zed' to pronounce the 'z'.

"The vagaries of evolving language.  Winston Churchill said we were nations divided by a common language."

"It was the Irish writer George Bernard Shaw who first used that saying...Churchill was merely paraphrasing."

"Really?  You learn something new every day."  Gil smiled at Rory.

"That's the pleasure of it, don't you think Gil.  Learning and understanding."

"You've got that dead right."

"I'm sure I have.  Must get back to my work.  I'll see you later; you take care now...first day up and about."

"I will, thank you.  And thanks again for the herbal tea."  This time Gil pronounced the 'h' and smirked at Rory.

"You're welcome, so you are."  And Rory departed leaving Gil in a happier mood than he had been.

He thought he would send a quick text to Nick to tell him how much better he was feeling.

'Feeling much better & at work again. Rory the intern is looking after me. Miss u love u.  Gxx'

Nick replied almost immediately.  'Still at work arson and 419. Rory?  Should I be worried? Love Nxox'

Gil smiled. 'No eyes 4 only 1 young man. Ily G xx'  Gil pressed send and waited.

'As long as 'your young man' is me that's ok but I'm nearly 42! Lol. Nxox'

"You are. Must preserve battery. Ily Gxx'

Gil felt much better and finished off his tea just before the next load of relics arrived.

At lunchtime he ate in the refectory and then went to his tent to use his laptop.  He was surprised to see Rory in there...he'd forgotten that he would be his new tent-mate.

"Settling in?"  Rory was tidying up his belongings in his locker.  There wasn't much room in the tent with two men and their respective kit.

"I have exactly the same amount of storage room I had in the other tent so it should go in in the same way.  What came out should go in."  He sounded exasperated and shoved something quite hard into his locker.

"I didn't bring that much with me to cause that problem."

"Ah, but me Mammy insisted on this and that."

"She was right about the herbal tea...I'm sure it cured me."  Gil sat on his bed and pulled his laptop from his locker.

"No, that would have been the aspirin."  Rory smiled across at Gil.

Gil switched it on and waited and checked his texts while he waited.  Nick had sent another one.  'Just taking Sam out. Hope to be able to sleep for a long time.  Night off tonight but I am on call so keeping fingers xed not needed! Love N xox'

Gil had a pang of longing for the warmth of Vegas, of Sam's soft fur and Nick's hard body and wide grin.

"You look nostalgic if you don't mind me saying."

"I am.  I was thinking about just how hot it would be in Las Vegas."  Among other things Gil thought.

"Ah, Sin City, I've never been but my sisters went to a hen party...I don't think they remember anything at all about the city...or the party.  Drunk they were the whole time."

"They do call it Sin City and from my criminal forensic background I can confirm that that just about covers it...but just out of the main city is the desert and it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth...although I'm biased."  He chuckled.

"You were born and bred there?"

"No.  I'm a Californian by birth.  Santa Monica."

"How romantic is that.  My Mammy used to love The Beach Boys...she still does as a matter of fact...and they always reminded me of sunshine...wall to wall sunshine in dreary wet Dublin."

"Is it wet in Dublin?"

"Is the Pope Catholic?  It's a small compact city but I tell you it gets more than its fair share of rain.  They make the Guinness from all that water in the Lickey."

"Do they?"

"I don't know, to be sure, whether they do or not, but there again it would explain the disgusting taste.  I'm sorry Gil I'm prattling on and here's you wanting to correspond with your loved ones."

Gil smiled.  He didn't nod or agree with Rory but yes he was checking to see what Nick's e-mail said.

***

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