Title: Now Comes the Fallout
Author: Kacey
Rating: FRMA or NC-17
Fandom: CSI: Miami/CSI: Crime Scene Investigation crossover
Pairing: Nick/Warrick (Tina never happened!), Nick/Warrick/Ryan, implied combinations of Nick/Warrick/Greg/Ryan, eventual Eric/Ryan (in the sequel)
Disclaimer: I don't own them. Just borrowing them for fun.
Inspired by: smilla840 and permission from her as well
Disclaimer 2: Totally inspired by smilla840's fic And Then What? Really need to read that first. Set after that. Not the author's sequel, I repeat, not the author's sequel. Just inspired by that fic.
Warnings: Angsty. Not my usual stuff. Didn't end up where I thought it would. Not a happy ending. And, I don't like that, so...drum roll please...I'm going to have to write a sequel. Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I'm not sure if there are spoilers or not. Be prepared in case there are. I don't think there are, but you never know. Total AU, of course, do I write anything but? And, of course, totally made up the personal bits about their lives, just like I always do. Set at the end of Season Four.

***

Ryan walked out of the Crime Lab, his career as a CSI and a cop in Miami over. The sun was just rising when he climbed back in his car. Taking one last look at the building he'd rested all his hopes and dreams on, he closed his eyes in order to fight back the tears. There was nothing left, nothing but his shattered life. He couldn't stay. Too many things had been lost, too many dreams killed. There was no point in resting the last shred of his sanity on the hopes that someday, the man he was in love with would love him back. He wasn't going to be stupid enough to pin anything there. Eric Delko would never love him, and it was time to face that fact, no matter how painful it was. There was nothing for him here now. He'd have to start over, again. Somewhere else this time, though. Miami had taken everything from him, except his life. It was time to get while the getting was good. He'd email or call Alexx later, once he got home. Home. That sounded really good right about now. Hopefully, they'd still welcome him there.

----------------------------- Four years later

Seattle was wet and muggy this time of year. Just like Miami, Alexx thought as she followed Calleigh, Eric and Horatio through the airport. A string of bodies had been found in Seattle, all with ties to their recently closed cases in Miami that had been linked to two serial killers working together. The Seattle PD and Crime Lab had called and asked for their help. So, they'd all packed up and caught the first plane to Seattle.

She was looking forward to seeing Ryan, not that she'd told anyone else where he was at. He'd asked her not to, that way everyone's relationships could get back on track. With him gone, he felt that Horatio and Eric and Calleigh could get their strained relationships back to what they'd had before he ever came along. Alexx had tried to tell him that they never would, but he wouldn't listen to her. Their relationships would never be the same because of two things: Tim Speedle and Horatio Caine not trusting them enough to tell them what was going on. Ryan wasn't to blame for any of it, no matter what Eric or the rest of the MDPD and Crime Lab thought.

Alexx couldn't wait to see Ryan's new house he'd just bought and talk about his job. After he'd gone home and taken care of his own broken relationships, the best that he could anyway, he'd gone back to school, gotten a law degree in two years after testing out of almost a year's worth of courses and was now working as a junior partner in family law at the most successful law firm in Seattle. Scanning the area for their police escort, she was surprised to actually see Ryan sitting across the way.

Smiling broadly, grabbing up her carryon bag, she stalked over to him, leaving her teammates to stare after her in shock, and teased, "Don't I even rate a hug any more?"

Ryan's startled face looked up at her and a happy smile broke out on his face. "Alexx!"

He jumped up and grabbed her up in a tight hug. It had been a little over three months since the last time he'd seen her, and he had really missed her. After all, she was the only mother he'd ever had. She dropped her bag to the floor and squeezed him just as tightly. She'd missed him so much since he'd left. His smile, his little quips, him coming over once a week for dinner, all of them going out once a week for some activity, everything about him and how much he loved her and her family.

Pulling away, she ordered, "Let me look at you, baby."

"Yes, Mom," Ryan grumbled good-naturedly. He turned around in a circle, letting her get a good look at him. When she nodded in satisfaction, he asked, "And how are Peter and the kids? Miami? The morgue? The law firm? School?"

"Are you going to let me answer, or are you going to just keep asking questions, Ryan?" Alexx inquired, amusement in her voice and all over her face.

"Sorry," he said, smiling sheepishly. "It's just that phone calls and email are never as good as actual physical contact and seeing the person you're talking with."

"Don't I know it, baby," she affirmed. "When are you coming back again?"

"Labor Day, if everything works out," Ryan replied.

"Great. So you'll come to the barbecue, then."

"Alexx, you're always first on my list. There's no one else as important as you and your family and two very close friends in my life," he assured her.

"No one?" she asked sadly, knowing Ryan still carried a torch for Eric, even though he'd tried and failed to move on, starting with Maria and recently ending with Jeremyah.

"No one."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping Jeremyah would work out," she quietly consoled him.

Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "It's not his fault. It's mine. It's hard to give your heart to anyone else when it belongs to someone who doesn't even know they broke it or still hold it or that they ever did."

"I imagine it would be," she whispered back, pulling him into a hug. He placed his head on her shoulder and tightened his hold on her.

Letting her go several minutes later, he asked, "How long are you here for?"

"About two weeks, probably. It depends on what kind of help they need on this case. Why? Did you make plans I should know about?"

"No. I just planned on taking you out to dinner and showing you around some, as well as giving you a tour of my place. When do you think we could do any of that?"

"It would depend, Mr. Wolfe, on how much time you think you'd need with Alexx," Horatio said from behind Alexx.

Turning around, Alexx noticed the strained smiles on the faces of Calleigh and Horatio and the totally blank expression on Eric's face. Ryan smiled courteously and with icy politeness said, "It's not Wolfe, any more. Lieutenant Caine. Calleigh. Delko. And I'll take as much time as I can get. I don't ever see enough of Alexx. Kind of hard to do that living on opposite coasts."

"Yes, it must be. It is good to see you again, Ryan."

Nodding his head in acknowledgement, Ryan stated, "It's nice to see you, as well, Lieutenant."

Turning to Calleigh, he gently teased, "And how about you, Cal? Is it good to see me?"

A small sob escaped her as she threw herself at him and scolded him, grabbing on tightly and not letting go, "Oh, God, Ryan, where have you been? What have you been doing? Why didn't you call, write, email, anything? You have no idea how worried I've been."

"I'll explain later," Ryan soothingly promised, drawing back. "That's Erica's flight. I didn't know you were coming today, Alexx, otherwise, I would have told Erica to take a cab."

"Erica? Sikes?"

"Yes, Erica Sikes."

"What's she doing in Seattle?" Alexx demanded, remembering all the pain her boy had been through because of that bitch.

"Her fiancé works at the firm. He's transferring to Miami later this month, and she's here to help him pack up the apartment and whatever else," Ryan explained, smiling at Alexx, amusement in his eyes. "Would you like to say hello?"

"I just said hello the other day, baby. I think I'll pass."

"Are you sure? I still need my entertainment fix today. I'd love to see you put her in her place."

"Don't tempt me, Ryan. So, what time are you picking me up to take me out tonight?"

"Call me when you're free. I'm off for the next few days. The case I'm working on has been postponed until further notice. I'm at your beck and call, Alexx."

"As you should be, as you should be," Alexx said. "I'll call you, baby. Go get that woman and get her away from yourself as quickly as possible."

"Yes, ma'am," Ryan saluted. He called back as he walked off, "Are you sure you're in the right profession? You should have been in the armed services. They would have snatched you up in a heartbeat."

Alexx watched him walk off, shaking her head in fond amusement. Turning back to her teammates, she saw the curiosity on all of their faces, save Eric's. His expression was still blank, and he showed absolutely no emotion. Calleigh looked over at her and tearfully asked, "Why didn't you tell me where he was at? You know I've been looking for him."

"He didn't want me to," Alexx brusquely stated. "He wanted us to work on our relationships with each other, to be able to trust each other again. I didn't have the heart to tell him that nothing would ever be the same again. Besides, he deserved a clean break. His dreams were shattered and his life destroyed. He's happy here, mostly. None of you are going to do anything to upset him. Horatio, you are not going to ask him to help you with anything. Calleigh, you are not going to ask him about what happened. And, Eric, you are not, I repeat not, going to blame him for something that wasn't his fault any more. Do all of you understand?"

All three of them nodded their heads. Eric looked at her and softly said, "I realized it wasn't his fault a long time ago, Alexx."

"Good, maybe you can apologize, then. It was your reaction that hurt him the most, Eric. He thought you were his friend. Ah, here's our escort. We can finally get out of this madhouse," she replied, grabbing up her carryon bag and walking over to the officer headed their way.

------------------------------- Three days later

Alexx had spent the first two nights they were in Seattle with Ryan, getting a look at his place and giving him her stamp of approval. They had gone out to dinner both nights, and he had taken her to all of his most favorite places. Tonight, he was going to spend with Calleigh and talk with her, explain what had happened and maybe tell her some of the things that had been happening in his life, but probably not. Ryan played his cards a lot closer to his chest nowadays than he used to. He didn't reveal anything that he absolutely didn't have to, only with her and her family and a couple of close friends that she didn't know, was he completely open and honest.

Hoping Calleigh would take her warning into consideration and not upset her baby too much, she decided that tonight she was going to take a nice long bath, call her family and hit the sack early. That way she could call Ryan bright and early in the morning and make sure he was okay. Catching a ride back to the hotel with their CSI liaison, the four of them took the elevator up to their floor. Since they were sharing a suite, Horatio opened the door for all of them. Just as they were about to each go their own way for supper, a knock sounded on the door.

Eric, being the closest, opened the door to Ryan. Standing to the side, he let Ryan brush past him into the room. Ryan smiled at Alexx and then turned to Calleigh.

"I'm really sorry, Cal, but Erica and Cooper decided to get married today. We're flying down to Vegas in a couple of hours so they can do so," Ryan explained. "Unless you want to take a quick trip to Vegas, I'm afraid I'll have to cancel on you."

Exchanging amused glances, Alexx asked, "Do you want two dates, baby?"

"Sure, why not?" Ryan shrugged. Glancing over at Horatio and Eric, he sighed and invited them along as well. "Would the two of you like to make a run to Vegas? We'll be back by six a.m. And, Alexx, you can finally meet Antonio and Delphine."

"How's that?"

Smiling at her, he answered, "They own the casino we're going to be at."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Where do you think all of my money comes from?"

"I thought you set it back or invested or something."

"Trust fund, Mom, trust fund."

Alexx shot him a considering look and then pleaded, "Please tell me that you didn't do something like that for Bryan and Janie."

"I do what I have to, Alexx, with or without your permission," Ryan replied, deliberately not answering her question. "Now, are you going to Vegas with me or not?"

"Just let us grab our things," Alexx answered. "Boys, you coming with us?"

Horatio simply smiled and nodded. Eric sighed but nodded as well. Ryan patiently waited while the four of them gathered up the items they'd need for their little jaunt to Vegas. He was escorting Alexx out the door five minutes later, Calleigh, Eric and Horatio following the two of them. They talked about his work on the elevator ride and the beginning of the ride to the airport, eventually moving on to the exploits of Alexx's children and Ryan's, shock of all shocks, nieces and nephews.

When the cab let them out at the airport, Ryan escorted Alexx, everyone else following in their wake, over to one of the gates that was exclusively for privates planes and jets. Glancing around, when he didn't see the couple he was looking for, Ryan looked down at his watch and sighed heavily. Pulling his cell phone out of his jacket pocket, he opened it and dialed someone.

Laughing at the greeting, he said, "Coop, where are you at? The jet's leaving in forty-five minutes with or without you and the future Mrs. Cooper Kinkaid...Great, see you in ten."

Seating Alexx, Ryan slouched down in the seat next to her and explained, "They're on their way. Hopefully, they'll stick to the back and stay away from me."

"If you don't like her, why are you flying her to Las Vegas?" Alexx asked.

"I've never liked Erica. Only ever thought she was attractive," Ryan explained. "However, Cooper's the best friend I have in Seattle. For some reason, and don't ask me, he loves her. I don't get it. She's the most annoying female I've ever met, with the exception of Antonio's secretary."

Alexx laughed and commented, "That secretary must be fairly perky and disorganized to be considered as annoying as Erica Sikes."

"You'll meet her tonight, maybe," Ryan prompted. "Anyway, what should we get Janie and Bryan? They've been hinting about their birthdays whenever I talk to them."

"That doesn't surprise me any," Alexx responded, exasperated. "They know if they hint at any kind of celebration, you'll send them gifts. You've spoiled my children, baby. The only thing they want to know about holidays any more is if you're coming to town."

"Sorry, Alexx," Ryan unrepentantly said. "I love your kids. They're a lot of fun. And, since I never had any siblings or currently have any children of my own, I've decided that I get to spoil yours. Besides, I don't hear any complaints from you or Peter. And, it's not like I can't afford what I get them. So, chill out, Mom."

The arrival of Erica Sikes and the man she was attached to prevented Alexx from answering. The surprise on both of their faces at seeing the group from Miami was pretty amusing, until Erica haughtily asked, "Where's Jeremyah, Ryan? I thought he was going to be your date?"

Simply staring at her until she lowered her eyes, Ryan quietly answered, "We're not together any more, Erica. I was sure Coop told me that he mentioned that to you. I must have heard wrong. Oh well. Coop, I used to work with these people when I was a cop. Everyone, this is Cooper Kinkaid. This is Lieutenant Horatio Caine. Officer Eric Delko. Officer Calleigh Duquesne. And, this is Chief Medical Examiner Alexx Woods, my mother in all but blood. Now, are we ready?"

Cooper Kinkaid shook hands with everyone and seemed like a very pleasant young man. He was very polite and introverted, a perfect friend for Ryan. They conversed politely as they were ushered onto the jet by a well-built black that both Coop and Ryan had greeted as Dyllin. When they were all seated and buckled in, Dyllin turned to Ryan and asked, "Are we ready then, Mr. Barrett?"

Ryan winced slightly at the form of address and responded, "Yes, Dyllin. Thank you."

"No problem," he smiled. "Stay seated please, we'll be taking off shortly."

Once he was sure that Dyllin was out of earshot, Eric turned to Ryan and flatly inquired, "Barrett? As in Antonio and Delphine Barrett?"

Ryan muttered something under his breath and gritted out, "What of it, Delko?"

"That's the names that were on the checks from the foundation that took care of Marisol's medical expenses and other bills," Eric tightly said. "We never could get an answer from them on how they got Marisol's name. Guess we do now."

A string of curse words in several different languages erupted from Ryan's mouth. Everyone watched in amusement as he continuously spoke for about ten minutes before either running out of breath or languages. None of them were sure which it was.

Finally, Ryan looked over at Eric and asked, "Their names were on the checks? Not just the foundations'?"

Nodding his head once, Eric emphatically stated, "Yes."

"Great, just great," Ryan spat out. "I'm going to kill both of them. They weren't supposed to take the money out of the personal foundation. They were supposed to pay out of my foundation if she wasn't eligible. Damnit. No one was supposed to know."

"What, that you're a good guy?" Coop teased. "So, what, you were helping some woman out financially after she obviously had some medical problem. What's the big deal, Ry?"

"That woman was my sister," Eric interrupted. "After the way things were left, why did you bother to help her?"

"Just drop it, Delko," Ryan warned softly. "What I do with my money is my business and the business of the IRS. Other than that, I can spend my money how I see fit."

"When the way you spend your money involves my family," Eric replied, "it becomes my business as well."

"No, actually, it doesn't," Ryan smiled coldly. "I have the law on my side. You don't like it; figure out a way legally to make me tell you. In the meantime, Delko, drop it."

Turning to Alexx and Calleigh, completely ignoring Eric and Horatio, Ryan started up a conversation with them about the souvenirs they wanted to pick up in Vegas. He assured them that he'd take them someplace that charged reasonable prices, as he knew several along the Strip. When the pilot came on and announced they could take off their seatbelts, Ryan immediately unbuckled his, excused himself from their conversation and took off down the hallway.

Coop laughed and sighed, "Same old, Ry. Never does like sharing personal information."

Everyone sat in their seats in an uncomfortable silence until Ryan came back, chatting and laughing on his cell phone. Rolling his eyes, Ryan replied, flopping down on the empty seats across from Alexx and Calleigh, "Yes, Warrick...Yes, Warrick...Well, if you meet me at the airport, I'll introduce you...Unfortunately, yes...Excuse me, but you only solved that case because I told you what everyone who worked the scene missed, otherwise, none of you would have solved that particular case...Sure...Hey, Nick...Yes, I'm fine...Yes, I'm on my way to Vegas for the night...Fine, just please don't bring Greg...No, I love Greg, you know that...He's just a little much after he's spent any amount of time drinking coffee or alcohol...All right, but we have to be back in the air by four...Whatever, Nick...Let me talk to Warrick again...You know, big guy, you should really be able to keep his mouth shut...Yeah, yeah...Anyway, you meeting me?...Great, see you then...Love you, too, bro...Hang the damn phone up."

Shaking his head in amusement, Ryan closed his cell phone and placed it on his belt. Closing his eyes, he laid there patiently waiting for the only mother he'd ever had to ask him about his phone call. Finally, he heard her sigh and sit up. Biting his lower lip to cover up the smile that was threatening, he bet himself she'd ask before he got to ten. When he hit four, she asked, "Who were those two you were talking to, baby? You've never mentioned this Warrick or Nick to me before."

Turning his head to look at her, Ryan smiled gently and explained, "I've known Warrick for years. He used to be a runner at the casino. I spent all of my summers in Vegas when I was younger. We became friends. When he graduated from college, he became a cop and then a CSI. Nick transferred from Dallas to Vegas about ten or eleven years ago. I met him through Warrick. Ever since then, when I'm in Vegas, and one or both isn't working, we get together to watch a game or for dinner or something. They're pretty good guys. I think you'll like them both, Alexx."

"I probably will, if you do," she replied. "You're a very good judge of character, usually. Not always with your heart, though."

"Alexx," Ryan warned, tension plain in his voice. "Let's not bring my heart into this. It's always had a mind of its own."

"Doesn't everyone's?" Calleigh teased, trying to lighten the mood. "None of us can help who we fall in love with."

"No, we can't," Alexx softly said, watching Ryan sadly as he curled up where he was and fell asleep.

--------------------

Dyllin came back some time later and announced that they would be landing shortly. He gently woke Ryan up and teased, "I don't know why you always complain about not liking to fly. You sleep almost all the time."

"I still don't like to fly, Dyllin," Ryan groggily complained, sitting up and buckling himself up. Twenty minutes later, he tore himself out of his chair and all but ran off the plane. Everyone exchanged amused glances. When they walked into the waiting room, they saw Ryan wrapped up in a well-built black man's arms, talking a mile a minute, a well-built white man standing to the side, indulgent smile on his face.

Narrowing her eyes in annoyance, Alexx marched over to them and demanded, "Aren't you going to introduce me, baby?"

Reluctantly extracting himself from the embrace, Ryan turned and faced them, not bothering to remove the hand that was resting on his hip. "Alexx, this is Warrick Brown and Nick Stokes. They both work in the Las Vegas Crime Lab."

Pointing at everyone as he mentioned them, Ryan said, "Warrick, Nick, I used to work with this CSI team in Miami. This is Chief Medical Examiner Alexx Woods, Lieutenant Horatio Caine, Officer Calleigh Duquesne, Officer Eric Delko, my best friend in Seattle Cooper Kinkaid, and his fiancée, Erica Sikes. The two of them are here to get married tonight."

"Congratulations, man," Nick stated, exchanging an amused glance with Warrick. "Let's get you to where you've got to go. Ry, you coming with us?"

"Of course," Ryan replied. "Just as soon as I take Alexx and Calleigh to get some souvenirs."

"How about we drop the lovebirds off and then make a gift run," Warrick suggested. "After that, we'll go to the casino. They can all have fun gambling or what not, while the three of us catch up."

"Sounds like fun, Rick. Can we please get out of the airport?" Ryan asked, shooting pleading eyes Warrick's way.

Sighing heavily in resignation, Warrick replied, "Sure, let's go."

Everyone noticed that he kept his hand on Ryan at all times, making them wonder just what kind of relationship Ryan had with these two men. Alexx noticed the look of disbelief and regret mixed with rage and jealousy in Eric's eyes and wondered just what else he'd been hiding for the last four years. Deciding to keep a close eye on Ryan tonight while she could, Alexx simply followed in their wake.

--------------------------

Two hours and several hundred dollars worth of souvenirs later, they were at the casino Ryan's grandparents owned. An older man and woman greeted them at the door, both hugging Ryan fiercely and asking him about what had been going on in his life. They also warmly greeted Warrick, Nick, and Alexx, but were icily polite with the rest of them. After several minutes of conversation, Ryan managed to extract them from his grandparents and into the main casino. Pointing out the different areas to his guests, Ryan grabbed Warrick and Nick by the hands and dragged them off towards the elevators. The last thing Alexx saw before the doors closed was Warrick claiming Ryan's mouth in a possessive kiss as Nick pulled them back against the wall next to him.

Turning around, she once again caught the fleeting look of disbelief and regret mixed in with rage and jealousy in Eric's eyes as he watched them as well before he deliberately blanked his expression and wandered away to find something to do. Wondering if maybe this was the way to finally get her baby back in Miami, Alexx simply followed Calleigh around as she tried to clean out the casino.

-----------------------

"Warrick, man, maybe you should let him breathe," Nick teased, as he watched his lover playing tonsil hockey with their friend. He laughed when Warrick waved a hand at him in annoyance and said, "Now, Rick, you know he doesn't have the same lung capacity that Greg does."

Ryan jerked back, running into Nick as he started to laugh hysterically. Nick held onto him, as he and Warrick both smiled fondly at hearing Ryan laugh. There hadn't been much in the way of laughter from Ryan for the last six years. It was good to see that he was finally moving on, somewhat anyway. If he was still in love with Delko after four years of not being anywhere near the man, he probably always would be. Any happiness they could bring his way, they'd be more than pleased to do so. As would Greg.

Guiding their amused sometime lover down the hallway to the penthouse suite that was kept reserved for him at the casino, Nick extracted the key card from Ryan's wallet and let them in. Warrick started to strip his clothes off as soon as the door was closed, Ryan attempting to help, though he was more in the way than anything else. Nick stood back and let them get Warrick naked before he got involved in the fray. Grabbing onto Ryan and pulling him back against his body, he exchanged lust-ridden glances with Warrick as they quickly and efficiently shed Ryan's clothes.

Walking forward, Nick guided them into the bedroom, where he shoved both of his lovers onto the bed, watching in amused desire as they gravitated towards each other. Relishing the sight of Warrick's dark skin in contrast to Ryan's paleness, Nick threw his own clothes off as fast as he could before joining them on the bed, entangling himself in their limbs.

Both of them knew that tonight it would be Ryan they would take care of. Ryan only ever came to them when he was feeling vulnerable. He knew they'd take care of him, trusted them enough to let go. The way he hadn't shied away from Warrick's earlier touches and was now leaning into his current ones, they knew that seeing Delko again had affected him more than he wanted to admit. Although both of them had observed the jealousy in Delko's eyes, so they knew that he wanted Ryan, even if he wasn't in love with him. However, the only way either one of them, Greg included, would let Delko anywhere near Ryan was if he was in love with him and promised several things, only one of those things being that he wouldn't hurt Ryan in any way, shape or form.

Helping Warrick out, Nick got up and went into the bathroom, listening as Warrick soothed Ryan when he whimpered at the loss of Nick's warmth against his side. Reaching into the top drawer of the vanity, Nick extracted the tube of lubricant and two condoms. Turning around, he watched as his lover gently and reverently seduced their friend, not that Ryan ever needed to be coaxed into their bed, or, in this case his bed, but Ryan was fragile in a way that most people didn't attribute to him. He was always so blunt and forceful that most people didn't look behind the mask in order to see that he'd been hurt just enough to not be able to trust his own judgment when it came to relationships and sex. Seeing Delko again had only reinforced that. Ryan was still so emotionally injured from what had happened in Miami. Hopefully, he could get some sort of closure while his old coworkers were in Seattle.

Shaking himself mentally, Nick quickly made his way to the bed, just in time to hear Ryan whisper, "Please, Warrick."

"What do you want, Ryan?" Warrick asked, voice muffled by Ryan's neck as he intentionally and strategically left a mark on Ryan's throat that he wouldn't be able to cover up. Raising his brow in amusement, Nick realized that Warrick was flaunting the fact in Ryan's guests' faces, especially Delko's, that Ryan trusted them more, that he came to them when he needed something and leaving them no room for doubt about what they were doing.

"I want you to fuck me," he moaned, body arching up to get more contact with Warrick's.

"I'd be more than happy to," Warrick mumbled, shifting to spread Ryan's thighs further apart and to make himself more comfortable. Taking the lube from Nick, Warrick slowly and carefully prepared Ryan, as the last time he'd let anyone take him had been over six months ago, when he was in Vegas visiting them. Nick kept himself entertained by hitting all of Ryan's hot spots on his upper body with his hands and mouth. He left his own mark on Ryan's throat, a complement to Warrick's, as well as several bite marks.

Claiming Ryan's mouth, Nick gently kissed him, trying to coax him into slowing down. Fast and furious was all well and good, but Ryan needed to regain his emotional equilibrium. The last time he'd been like this had been four years ago. They most certainly didn't want a repeat of that experience. Warrick must have reached the same conclusion because he slowed down as well, ignoring Ryan's whimper of protest.

When he was satisfied that Ryan was ready, Warrick let Nick slide a condom on his erection. He then helped Nick settle back against the headboard, Ryan's back to his chest. Grasping Ryan's hips and lifting, Warrick slowly thrust, burying himself to the hilt. Ryan arched up into him, his hands coming up to grasp Warrick's biceps. Nick gently took hold of his hands, giving him something to hang onto as Warrick began to move, slow and steady thrusts that just weren't enough, even though Warrick hit just the right spot every time.

The moans and whimpers of pleasure coming from Ryan were driving both of them crazy. Neither one of them could understand how Delko could let Ryan, the most tactile person either one of them knew, just leave. It was fairly obvious that Delko wanted him, not that Ryan had picked up on that, so both of them wondered why he had let Ryan just run away. Oh well, his loss was their gain.

Returning his complete attention back to Ryan, Warrick leaned down and bit Ryan on the throat. Moaning loudly, Ryan arched away and then up into Warrick, trying to get away from the slight pain and then trying to get closer to the pleasure, his mind and body tugging him in two different directions. Exchanging glances, Warrick could see the need and want in Nick's eyes. Smiling at him, Warrick tightened his hands on Ryan's hips, stopping him from moving, and began to thrust harder and faster. Smirking at the whine from Ryan, he closed his eyes and cried out as his orgasm washed through him, ignoring the moan of disappointment from their lover.

After he'd recovered somewhat, Warrick eased himself out of Ryan, soothing him through touch when he whimpered at the loss. Discarding the condom, he grabbed the other and placed it next to Nick. Grabbing Ryan's hands, Warrick rolled them until Ryan's back was to Nick and he was lying on his side. Ignoring the desperate look on his face, he leaned down and kissed him harshly, distracting Ryan while Nick quickly put on the condom and some lube.

Plastering himself to Ryan's back, Nick kept himself occupied by turning up the heat on Ryan, running his hands everywhere and getting Warrick in on the act as well. Ryan jerked his head back from Warrick's mouth and hissed out, "Would you just hurry up and fuck me, Nick?"

"What would be the fun in that, Ry?" Nick teased, his hands finally, finally, moving down to Ryan's hips and stopping his movements against Warrick's hips by gripping tightly.

"Bastard," Ryan groaned, baring his throat as Warrick kept himself busy there.

Pushing his knee between Ryan's thighs, Nick slowly and carefully pushed into Ryan. Instead of the strong, steady thrusts Warrick had favored, Nick used barely there movements that drove Ryan to the absolute limit of his sanity, something both of them found humorous. Nick kept him on the edge for as long as he could, until he heard just the slightest hint of pained desperation in Ryan's whimpers. Deciding to let Ryan have his release before he really was in pain, Nick sped up his thrusts and loosened his hold on Ryan's hips. Ryan immediately began to move with him, and Nick gasped at the feeling. Warrick chuckled at him before he leaned down and kissed Ryan gently, coaxing open his mouth and exploring with his tongue.

Reaching between Warrick and Ryan's bodies, Nick wrapped his hand around Ryan's erection and stroked in counterpoint to his thrusts. Ryan moaned in his throat, muffled by Warrick's mouth, and tensed up. On the next sharp thrust, Ryan arched into Warrick and gave a breathy cry, still muffled, as he climaxed. Nick groaned at the feeling and cried out himself as he orgasmed several thrusts later.

Warrick leaned over both of them and reached for the alarm clock. Setting it for twelve-thirty, he gave them a few minutes to recover before he hauled them both out of bed and into the shower. Taking care of Ryan first, Warrick quickly washed and rinsed him off. Then Nick. And then himself. Making sure that Nick had a firm grip on Ryan, Warrick dried himself off and handed the towel to Nick. He left them there in the bathroom and made his way to the bed. Yanking the comforter off, he threw it on the floor and pulled the sheets down. By then, Nick had dried both Ryan and himself off and was helping Ryan to the bed.

Exchanging fond smiles, they placed Ryan in the center of the bed and curled up around him, one on each side. Ryan would let them know if he needed more than this. They fell asleep later, hands entwined, listening to Ryan's deep, even breaths.

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When the alarm went off, Nick looked over and noticed that Warrick was sitting up, Ryan attached to his side, and watching TV silently. Warrick turned his head and smiled at him. "I think we should wake Sleeping Beauty up. He does have a plane to catch."

"I don't think he wants to go back, not with Delko there," Warrick whispered, running his free hand through Ryan's hair.

"No, he probably doesn't," Nick agreed, "but he has to. He can't keep running away. He needs to deal with this, in one form or another. Get over him or get with him."

"There is no way in hell Delko is touching him without me talking to him first," Warrick growled out. "Ryan won't survive if Delko just uses him."

Nodding his head in agreement, Nick gently woke Ryan up, helping him get dressed and gather up his things. Making sure they had everything, Warrick led Ryan down the hallway to the elevator, Ryan glued to his side. Ryan always preferred Warrick when he felt vulnerable because he felt that Warrick could protect him better, not that he didn't think Nick couldn't, but it was a size issue. Warrick was simply bigger, and that appealed to Ryan on a primal level. And not that Ryan couldn't protect himself, he knew how to fight and could hold his own, but his emotional vulnerability brought about issues that he'd buried since his childhood and never talked about, unless he was really, really drunk.

Nick had deliberately not buttoned his dress shirt up all the way, leaving his throat exposed. Ryan was too groggy to really notice, but Nick knew that every single one of his companions would. And, he was sure Alexx would not approve. If there was any way she could get him back to Miami, she would use it, especially since she already knew that Ryan was in love with Delko. Not that it really mattered, Ryan was a grown man and could make his own decisions, with or without her approval. And her approval was probably why they'd never met her before. Ryan didn't want to choose between them and her because he loved all of them.

Mentally shaking himself, Nick watched in amusement as Ryan's group raised a collective brow in astonishment at seeing Ryan and the state he was in. Alexx glared at both of them, not that either of them really cared. All they cared about at the moment was Ryan. Ignoring her, Warrick led Ryan outside to their vehicle, past the waiting limo his grandparents had called for everyone else's transport to the airport. Manhandling him into the backseat, Warrick turned to Nick and took Ryan's things, placing them on the floor next to his feet. He then climbed into the backseat as well, Ryan immediately burrowing into his side.

Alexx watched all of this, a look of disapproval on her face. Nick shut the door and turned to face her. Shaking his head at the expression on her face, he quietly said, "You shouldn't judge what you don't understand, Dr. Woods. No matter what you think, you don't know everything about Ryan. He only shares what he thinks people will be comfortable with."

"So, what," she scathingly asked, "he thought I wouldn't be comfortable with the fact that he's apparently bisexual?"

"No," Nick brusquely stated. "He thought you wouldn't be comfortable with the fact that he can pick and choose who he wants to have sex with, with or without your say-so. He knew you wouldn't approve, that's why he didn't tell you about us. Ryan looks at you as his mother, the only one he's ever had. He wants, no, he needs your support. That doesn't mean, however, that he's going to give up the support he's found in us. You can either accept that or let him go. He's known Warrick for over twenty-five years. Ryan's not going to give him up. You might want to think about that before you force him to do something you'll regret."

"And what about what else he needs?" Alexx shot back. "The two of you are obviously together. He needs someone who will be loyal to him, will love him."

"We do love him," Nick quietly said. "Maybe not how you'd like us to, but we do love him. He comes to us because he knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we won't hurt him. At least we haven't broken his heart, which is more than I can say for the person who currently holds his heart. It's not Ryan's fault that the person is an idiot."

Stepping closer to her, he whispered so only she could hear him, "And if you think for one second that either Warrick or I will just let Delko walk in and sweep him away, you're crazy. If Delko wants him, he's going to have to work for him. He'll have to prove that he won't hurt Ryan and that he loves him. Neither one of us is going to let Ryan just jump into a relationship with Delko. If Delko doesn't love him, he's not getting anywhere near him. Even if we have to move Ryan to Vegas tomorrow. Ryan won't emotionally survive if Delko doesn't love him. He barely survived what happened four years ago, and, I can assure you, he didn't love Delko as desperately then as he does now. We'll protect him in any way that we have to, even if it's from himself. Just remember that, Dr. Woods."

With that off his chest, Nick stalked back over to Warrick's SUV and climbed in the driver's seat, slamming the door. That made him feel better, as did Warrick's rumbling, "Tell her off, did you, love?"

"Just stated some facts for her. I don't think she likes us much."

Warrick chuckled, "Not that you or I really care."

Laughing lightly, Nick started the SUV and pulled out into traffic, driving to the airport, the limo following closely.

--------------------------

Warrick ended up carrying Ryan to their gate and onto the plane since he had fallen asleep and neither one of them really felt like waking him up. Placing him in a seat, they made him comfortable and buckled him in. Turning to leave, Nick was surprised to hear him whisper, "Wait."

Smiling gently, Nick and Warrick both kneeled down near Ryan. He opened his eyes slightly and smiled fondly. "Thank you."

Ruffling Ryan's hair, Warrick gruffly said, "No problem, Ry. You need to come see us more often."

"I'll try," was the weak reply as he drifted off to sleep again.

Alexx shot them a glare as they walked off the plane. Nick simply shook his head, but Warrick turned back around. Staring at her for several seconds, he finally said, "I'm glad that he finally has a mother, you know. But, like every mother in the history of the world, you need to accept the fact that there are things you don't know about your baby boy. Ryan's a living, breathing contradiction, no matter what angle you look at him from. He only shares when he wants to or has to. If you promise to take good care of him, I might be persuaded into talking him into moving back to Miami, although not for the reasons you think."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wallet. Opening it, he handed her a business card. "When you're ready to know, call me. If you're not, he'll be moving to Vegas very shortly. Ryan's my friend, one of the very best. I don't need you or anyone else," he meaningfully said, looking Eric straight in the eyes, "mindfucking him and destroying what little bit of life he has left. Miami nearly killed him. I almost lost my best friend, Dr. Woods. I won't allow that to happen again, even if I have to force him to my will."

With that, he turned and stalked off, Nick smirking at them and then leaving as well. Everyone stood in shock for several minutes before Dyllin came strolling in and announced that they'd be taking off shortly and everyone needed to take a seat and buckle themselves in. He walked over to Ryan, smirking at the bruises he could see on his neck. Reaching up into the storage compartment, he pulled out a couple of pillows and a blanket. Rearranging him so he'd be more comfortable, Dyllin covered him up and left.

---------------------------------

Alexx kept throwing concerned glances Ryan's way the entire plane ride home, and Erica kept shooting glares at him. Cooper thought the whole thing was amusing, which also irritated Erica. Calleigh and Horatio were not sure what to think, since it really wasn't any of their business. And, Eric, well, Eric kept a blank face and stared out the window.

Dyllin came walking back in, trying not to laugh at the strained silence. Shaking his head, he gently woke Ryan up, talking to him until he was coherent. Before he turned to leave, he whispered something which caused Ryan to burst out in laughter, then ran his finger down Ryan's neck, pointedly stopping on every bruise. Instead of shifting away from the touch like he used to always do, Ryan just shrugged. "They're there now, D. What am I supposed to do, pretend they're not? There's nothing I can do about it."

"Do you need a ride home?"

"No, but I do need a ride back to the hotel. My car's at the hotel."

"No problem, kiddo. I'll give you and your friends a ride there."

"Thanks, D."

-----------------------------------

Stepping out of the car Dyllin had driven them back to the hotel in and onto the sidewalk, Ryan waved as Dyllin drove away. Turning back around, Ryan winced as he saw the expression on Alexx's face. He sighed in resignation when she grabbed onto his wrist and dragged him along behind her, leaving Eric and Horatio to carry their bags. Smiling warily at Calleigh, Ryan simply let Alexx do as she wished. I am in so much trouble, he thought as they stepped onto the elevator. She didn't even say anything to him, just tapped her foot in impatience as they rode up in a strained silence. Tightening her grip, Alexx yanked him out as soon as the doors opened. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out the key card and opened the door.

Tugging Ryan over to the couch, she pushed until he sat down. Waving him off until when he tried to speak, Alexx waited until Calleigh, Eric and Horatio each went into their own rooms before rounding on him and speaking. "You are going to sit there and listen. Do not interrupt and do not try to stop me from speaking. When I'm finished, then you can talk."

Taking a deep breath, Alexx quietly said, "I can understand you wanting to keep parts of your life private. I can respect that. You're not my child, Ryan, not biologically, but you are in every other way that counts. You don't need to go to those two to get what you need --"

"Stop right there," Ryan softly ordered. "Don't bring Warrick and Nick into this. They're none of your business. My life, except that which I choose to share is none of your business, Alexx. Look, I love you. I love your family. And, you are the mother I never had. But that doesn't give you the right to judge or comment on my life. Warrick and Nick take care of me and don't ask for anything in return that they know I can't give them."

"Ryan, come back to Miami. The kids miss you. Peter misses you. I miss you. You didn't notice, but Eric does want you. The two of you --"

"No, Alexx," Ryan replied, voice rough with emotion. He stood up and walked over to the windows, looking out on the skyline. "I can't. I've tried everything I can think of to forget him. Nothing's worked. That doesn't mean, however, that I'm going to just jump in bed with him and let him use me. I promised myself...Oh, it doesn't matter. I'm not going back to Miami. Nor am I going to let Eric Delko destroy the last little bit of sanity I have left. He may want me, Alexx, but he doesn't love me. And I won't settle for anything less."

"But you'll let your friends fuck you?"

Turning around and glaring at her, he softly whispered, "They love me. And I love them. That's all that matters. They're in love with each other. Have been since the day they met. I'm just lucky that they both love me, too...I can't deal with this any more. I...I'm moving to Las Vegas, Alexx. As soon as I have a place, I'll call you with the address. Until then, just leave me alone."

Those words hanging in the air between them, Ryan stalked out of the suite, Alexx sadly watching the whole time.

***

Next story in series - And In Comes the Sun.