Previous part of Family Values.

***

Nick and Greg woke up the next morning, to get to the airport an hour early. They woke Mela up, who rolled out of bed.

The three drove to the airport and ran to their gate.

The 8 hour plane ride to the airport was excruciating for Greg. His batteries in his CD player had died, and their was a cheesy romance movie on. He stuck his tongue out, and Nick snickered at Greg.

"Having fun?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Tons." Greg said, as he watched Mela turn in her sleep.

When they reached the airport, Greg and Mela automatically spotted their mom.

"Mela, Greg, darlings." She said, over doing it a bit.

She hugged the two, who gave Nick a look of complete and utter disgust.

"Hey Mom." Greg said, as he looked around.

"Where's Bryan?" Greg asked, as his mom laughed.

"On another business trip." She said, as she looked at Greg. Her eyes widened, as she sauntered over.

"And you must be Nick Stokes. I'm Jenelle Thyme." She said, holding out her hand, as Nick shook it. She gave him flirty eyes, as Greg growled. He walked over and took the hand in Jenelle's. He gave her a look that screamed, "MINE!"

She glared a little at her son, before smiling.

"The limo is over there." She said, leading the group. She could feel her son and daughter's glare on her back, as they dragged their feet behind her.

Nick bit his lip, and gave Greg a look as he squeezed his hand tightly.

When they reached the limo, Greg got into the car, making Nick sit next to the door, as he sat next to him. Mela sat on her brother's side, and her mom got in next to Mela, looking disappointed in the seating arrangement.

'Evil fucking wench. Don't fucking look at Nicky, evil fucker.' Greg thought darkly, as he and his mother had a glaring contest.

Nick squeezed Greg's hand, and Greg looked at him, looking apologetic.

"So Nick, you work with Greg as a NCI right?"

"It's CSI ma'am, and yes I do." Nick said, as Jenelle nodded.

"So how did you two..erm..fall in love?" Jenelle said, the last part sounding more like a bad word than good.

"It was after your son was in the lab explosion. I was scared out of mind that I had lost him." Nick said simply, as Greg smiled at him.

Jenelle reached over and patted Nick's leg, as Greg let out another low growl. Mela and Greg both team glared Jenelle, who pouted and looked the other way.

When they approached the house, Nick's mouth opened.

"G, this place is bigger than the ranch." Nick said, as Greg snorted.

"Only because they keep adding onto it, right mother dear." Greg said, sarcastically.

"Yes, it seems we always have to room someone, so we just add onto it so we can fit more people." She said, smirking at Greg.

The limo stopped as the driver got out to help the butler get the bags.

"Christian, we can get our bags." Greg said, as Christian smiled.

"That's quite alright."

"That's right. It is alright for us to get our own bags." Greg said, as Christian smirked at Greg.

"How about I help you guys with your bags."

"Then I'll say yes the help is wanted." Greg said, as his mother went inside.

Christian and Greg hugged eachother, smiling.

"I'm so glad you're back Greg. It's been hell here without you." Christian said, sighing.

"Well I'm back for about two weeks, so let's make the best of it." Greg said, as Christian nodded.

Nick glanced at them, as Christian took two bags and went inside.

"Who's that?"

"That's Christian, he's my mom's butler, but he's one of my best friends. He saved my ass a lot of times from Bryan." Greg said, as Mela added, "And mine occasionally."

Nick laughed, as Greg went inside with his bags.

"Mom, am I in my old room?" Greg asked, as she nodded her head sharply.

"C'mon Nick." Greg said, as he watched his boyfriend go up the two flights of stairs first.

"Oh and mom, lay off of my boyfriend if you know what's good for your health." Greg said sweetly, as Mela snorted behind her hand.

They both followed Nick, both smirking wickedly at the fun that would ensue at the house.

***

Greg and Nick walked down the stairs for dinner. His mother smirking at the pair.

"What's for dinner mother dearest?" Greg asked, as his mother shrugged.

"I didn't cook."

"No surprise there." Mela said, coming down the stairs.

She was dressed up, and Greg tilted his head.

"Why are you dressing up?"

"It's a new fucking rule." Mela said.

"Mela." Jenelle said, in a disapproving tone.

"It's a new effing rule." Mela corrected, as the two men laughed.

"Mela, a real lady doesn't cuss." Jenelle told her daughter.

"Good thing I'm not a real lady." Mela retorted.

"You talk like a gutter whore."

"Mother, when I screw someone in the gutter, then I'm a gutter whore." Mela said, as Jenelle glared.

"Do I have to punish you?" Jenelle said, "In front of company."

"No you won't have to." Mela said, glaring at the woman.

Greg glared at his mother too. It was a KNOWN fact that the two siblings despised their mother, and vice versa.

"Greg, why don't you get Christian. Mela, I need you to tell the cook that I want vodka tonight, not wine." Jenelle asked.

"Fine." Greg said, as he grabbed Nick's arm before Jenelle did.

"Nick can stay here."

"I'd rather go with Greg." Nick said, giving the woman a hateful look.

Greg and Nick walked through to the kitchen with Mela.

"That fucking witch." Mela said, "After this, you two had better go change."

"I'm not changing for that bitch." Greg said.

"Greg?" a voice from behind said.

"Kristi." Greg said, hugging the girl.

The girl was dressed in white, with a chef's hat on.

"Who's this? Wait...let me guess. Nick Stokes." She said, as Nick looked shocked.

"Christian gets mail from Greg. He's told us all about you. Let me guess why you're so mad Greg. Jenelle hit on Nick?"

"Profusely. And she won't fucking stop." Greg growled, as Nick smiled at him.

"I'm not interested in older women. Especially one that looks like she's had to much plastic surgery." Nick said, as Greg, Mela, and Kristi started laughing.

"Ain't that the truth. Kristi, where's Christian?"

"Up in your mothers room. We've been trying to find your father's grandmothers old wedding ring." Kristi said.

"I thought Dad took it when he left."

"Jenelle stole it back." Kristi said.

"That fucking bitch." Greg spat out, glaring at the door.

"How long are you here for?"

"Two weeks. Nick wants to know what my childhood was like."

"You'd need to go to Randolph for most of that." Kristi said.

"I know. But until I turned 12, I was here."

"Yep. Did you tell him about the place?"

"Not yet."

"What's all in here anyways Greg?" Nick asked, as Greg laughed.

"9 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, 2 playrooms, 1 den, two libraries, 1 office, and then outback you have our horses." Greg said.

"That's how you knew to ride." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"My Dad thought we should learn how to ride the horses. Although I got a big, stubborn one." Greg said, "Aten."

"Aten will only let Greg ride him. You should've seen Jenelle try to ride him Greg." Kristi said.

"What happened?" Greg asked, "That stupid woman."

"You need to tell him the story of Aten first."

"My father asked me and Mela to pick out one horse each. Mela picked Pride, and I picked Aten. Aten was a weak horse. He was abused by the owner. He was just a colt, and he was small and far to skinny. He was quite pathetic. Mela made fun of me for the longest time for picking him." Greg told Nick.

"I would've too." Nick said.

"Well during that year, I fed Aten. I groomed him, I loved him. He wouldn't let anyone besides me ride him. He trusts me a lot, and I was going to ask you a while back if I could ship him to your parents. I've missed him a lot. Well Mela and my family ate their words." Greg said, smirking.

"Can we go see him?" Nick asked.

"Yeah. The witch won't miss us if we're gone for a few minutes." Greg said.

Greg took Nick's hand as they both walked to the stables. You could hear the horses whining from where they were. Greg opened the stable door, turning on the light.

There were four horses. One was medium sized, but was white with black spots. One was small and was pure white. The third one was medium sized, and was brown. The last was a big horse, which was pure black.

"The pure white one is Pride. The brown one is Ulysses, which is Bryans. The other one is Renee, she's my mother's. This big black one right here is Aten." Greg said, petting the horse.

The horse was whining happily at seeing Greg. Nick smiled at the pair of them.

"We can ride him after dinner." Greg said, "If you want. He won't throw you off if you're with me."

"Are you sure?"
"He didn't throw off Mela." Greg said, putting his head on Aten's.

"You really missed him huh?" Nick asked.

"I missed him and Mela more than anything." Greg said, petting the horse on last time.

"C'mon, I want to know what happened to Jenelle." Nick said, as they both took off towards the house.

When they got there, Christian was smirking at them.

"How's Aten?"

"He looks healthy. Have you all been taking care of him?" Greg asked, as the three nodded.

"Yeah, we've been treating him fine."

"So what happened to Jenelle when she tried to ride him?"

"She got on him, and he didn't do anything at first. Before throwing her off, she landed right into a pile of shit." Mela said, as they all laughed.

"Dinner's ready. Let's get this over with." Kristi said, as they walked into the dining room.

Jenelle was sitting and glaring at all of them.

Nick sat in between Mela and Greg. Who just smiled at their mother evilly.

"So what are you going to be doing after dinner?" Jenelle asked.

"Nick and I are going for a ride." Greg said, as Jenelle opened her mouth.

"Mother, I need your help on a project for school." Mela said, as Jenelle's mouth snapped shut.

"That would be fine Mela dear." Jenelle said to her daughter.

Greg grinned at Mela, who smiled at him.

When dinner was over with, Greg and Nick ran out of the dining room. They ran through the kitchen and to the stables.

"You seem excited." Nick said, as Greg walked into the stables.

"I haven't ridden Aten in so long. Your horses are great Nick, but Aten...he's like my baby. I helped him recover from that bastard." Greg said, opening Aten's gate.

Aten stepped out, and snorted at Nick.

"Aten, listen to me. This is Nick, he won't hurt you. He's like Mela." Greg said, as Nick put his hand on the horses head. He pet the horse, who rubbed his face into Nick's hand.

"Wow, it took him forever to warm up to Mela." Greg said, as he started saddling him up.

"I'm just loveable." Nick said, as Greg finished up.

"C'mon Mr. Loveable. I've got a place to show you, and we only have half an hour till sundown." Greg said, as Nick got onto Aten.

Aten stomped his hooves into the ground, as Greg got behind Nick.

"How come you're behind me? Shouldn't it be the other way around?" Nick asked, as Greg hit him on the head lightly.

"He may like you, but that doesn't mean he'll let you hold the reigns." Greg told him, as he lightly kicked Aten.

Aten didn't need to be told twice before he started full out galloping out of the stables.

"I think this might be his first time out in a while." Nick told him.

"Wouldn't surprise me." Greg said, as Aten galloped into the woods.

A few minutes later they came to a clearing with a pile of rocks in the middle. Greg pulled on the reigns lightly, making Aten stop.

"He's well trained."

"He doesn't need a forceful tug like yours do." Greg said, as they dismounted.

Greg let go of the reigns.

"Aten, you can trot around for a while, but be back." Greg said, as the horse nodded.

"You act like he can understand you." Nick said, watching the horse trot along the clearing.

"He can. Horses are smarter than you think." Greg said, as he disappeared behind the rocks.

"Greg? G? Where'd you go?" Nick asked, as he followed Greg.

"Up here!" Greg called, as Nick looked up.

Greg was on the top of the rock pile. It was a good 25 feet in the air. Nick's shocked face made Greg laugh.

"It's easy." Greg said, as he crawled back down.

"How'd you do that?" Nick asked.

"Just follow me." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

He followed Greg up the slightly dangerous path up the rocks. Greg reached the top in seconds, for Nick it was minutes.

"Wow...the top looks a lot bigger than it does on the ground." Nick said, as Greg smiled.

"This is what I wanted you to see." Greg said, "It's better in Egypt though. We went there on a vacation once. Mela and I got to see the sunset from the Nile. It was gorgeous."

"I'll have to see it sometime." Nick said, looking at the sunset, "G, that's gorgeous."

Greg nodded.

"Mela and me used to come here when we wanted to get away from Jenelle and my Dad's screaming. Then Bryan came...he's such a jackass." Greg said, as Nick leaned up against a rock that was on top of the big pile of rocks. Greg sat in between his stretched out legs. Nick kissed his neck lightly, looking at the sunset.

"Greg, why do you hate Bryan so much?"

"He tried to hit Mela and me when we were younger." Greg said, "I threatened him one day with a knife. I told him if he ever tried to hit us again, I'd kill him. I wasn't lying then."

Nick nuzzled Greg's neck, before kissing behind his ear. Greg moaned at the sensation of it.

"It's not safe to do anything up here Nicky." Greg said, as Nick frowned.

"Why?"

"We could roll off." Greg said, turning around in Nick's lap, "I promise that when we get home we can do whatever you want though."

"Promise." Nick said.

"I promise." Greg said, sealing their deal with a kiss.

"Then let's go." Nick said, as Greg grabbed his arm.

"Let Aten have some free time. He hasn't been out in a while. Don't worry, the bed will still be there."

"You want to throw it in Jenelle's face?" Nick asked, smirking at Greg.

"Her bedroom is next to mine, yes. And she goes to bed in about two hours." Greg said, smirking back at Nick.

"So is that a yes?"

"That's a hell yes. Will you help me in my quest of throwing it in my mother's face?"

"I'd love to."

Payback was a bitch.

***

Nick and Greg crept into the mansion, making sure to be super quiet. They were half way across the living room when the light came on.

"Where'd you two go?" Jenelle asked.

Greg bit back his comment.

"We went on a ride on Aten. Like we said after dinner." Greg said, "We'll be taking another one in the morning with Mela."

Jenelle smiled.

"I'm going to join you." Jenelle said, as Greg's eye twitched.

"That would be fine." Greg grit out, smiling at his mother sweetly.

"I'll see you in the morning then." Jenelle said, going upstairs.

Greg's body twitched before facing Nick.

"This is why I didn't want you to meet her. She's such a BITCH." Greg spat out, making a sour face.

"Is she always like this?" Nick asked, as they climbed up the stairs.

"Yes!" Greg said, going into their room.

"I'm sorry Greg. I didn't know that you hated her that much."

"It's fine. The others make it a lot better to be here." Greg said, changing clothes.

"You seem really close to them."

"I am." Greg said, watching Nick change.

Both got into bed, falling asleep instantly.

"Greg! Nick! Why is Mom coming with us?" Mela asked, shaking them both awake.

"She invited herself. Either way she'd be coming." Greg said, waking up.

"But...." Mela let out a short scream, her lip curling in a snarl.

"It's fine. We have faster horses. We'll lose her." Greg said, as both of them smirked.

Nick woke up, rolling his eyes at the two.

"Well go shower so we can leave." Mela said, going to change.

Greg and Nick decided it would be smart to 'save' water, so they took one together. They dressed quickly, since they'd spent WAY to much time in the shower. They walked down the stairs to see Jenelle fuming.

"What took so long? I sent Mela up there half an hour ago."

"Nick had trouble locating his boxers. Got a problem with that?" Greg asked, as his mother turned a light green.

"No. Let's go." Jenelle said, as they headed to the stables.

She led the way, letting the others lag behind. Greg and Mela were throwing up all kinds of signs, wishing harm on the woman. When they arrived, they saw Christian holding Pride and Aten. Renee was being held by Kristi.

"Only three horses? Can't you strap up Ulysses for Nick?" Jenelle asked.

"I told them Nick and I were doubling." Greg said, taking Aten from Christian.

Jenelle glared at him.

"But wouldn't Aten be more comfortable if Nick rode Ulysses?"

"Aten likes Nick, unfortunately for you Mother. So he's riding with me." Greg snapped, making the other glare.

"I was just thinking about Aten."

"Well don't, because you don't know Aten at all." Greg said, "Oh and next time you try to ride him, you might want to try landing somewhere that doesn't smell."

Nick and Mela's mouth dropped at Greg. Mela had never seen Greg smart off like this with their Mother.

"Well that horse is badly trained." Jenelle said.

"He's trained. He just has good taste in people. He doesn't let just anyone ride him." Greg said, smirking when Jenelle looked like she'd been smacked.

Greg let Nick get on first, before getting on himself. Mela was laughing while getting on Pride. When Greg saw Mela get on, they both broke off in front of their mother.

They knew their mom hated going into the woods, so they headed there. Nick was laughing really hard at the whole thing.

They slowed down when they came to the bridge that let you go over the water.

"Damn! How far does this property stretch?"

"Oh, my Dad's property is over the bridge. It's like...five miles away." Greg said, "I thought you'd like to meet him."

Mela smiled.

"That's the only thing I like about this. Is going to see Dad." Mela said, as they got to the other side.

Aten was in a full gallop until they came to a gravel road.

"How do your parents have so much money?" Nick asked.

"My Dad owns a company, and Bryan makes games for companies." Greg said, making Aten trot.

"Do you think Jenelle is going to be pissed?" Nick asked.

"Pissed, no. Livid, HELL YES." Greg said, "She's used to it though."

Mela smirked from beside him, as they approached a gate.

Greg pushed a button, hearing a little buzz.

"This is the Sanders residence, Jackson speaking." A deep male voice said.

"Hey Jackson!" Greg and Mela chorused.

"Mela? Greg? Is that you?" Jackson asked.

"Yep."

"What are you doing here Greg?" Jackson asked.

"Let us in, and we'll tell you...oh and tell my Father that Nick is here." Greg said, as they heard a loud buzz.

The gates opened up, letting them trot up the driveway. By the time they reached the head of the house, two men were waiting outside. One had brown hair, that stopped at his chin. The other had blonde hair, that stopped at his ears.

Greg stopped Aten, as Mela stopped Pride. Greg got off, letting Nick get off also. Mela jumped off her horse. The blonde man came over and held the reigns.

Greg and Mela ran to the man with brown hair, hugging him.

"Hey Dad!" Greg said, as his father hugged both of them.

"Hey Greg." He said, as he spotted Nick.

He let go of his children, looking Nick up and down.

"I expected your hair to be a bit longer." He said, holding out a hand.

"Nick Stokes." Nick said, as the man laughed.

It was a kind laugh, not fake in the least bit.

"I know who you are. Greg and I have been keeping in touch. I doubt you know me however, I'm Lucas Sanders." The man said, shaking Nick's hand.

"Nice to meet you." Nick said, smiling at him.

"So Greg, what brings you here?" Lucas asked.

"Nick wanted to know about my childhood, so I brought him here." Greg said, as Lucas smirked.

"How do you like my ex-wife?" Lucas asked.

"Bitch." Nick said, as the other four people smirked.

"He's a good catch Greg. Doesn't lie like your other boyfriends." Lucas praised, making Nick's smile widen.

"I thought so too." Greg said.

"Has he met Bryan?" Lucas asked, almost spitting the name out.

"Nope he will tonight though." Greg said, frowning.

"Does he know you're here?" Lucas asked.

"Jenelle told him, so hopefully I won't be dead tomorrow." Greg said, making Lucas glare.

"He touches you or Mela I'll murder him." Lucas sneered.

"Don't worry Dad." Mela said, "Bryan wouldn't hurt us if there's a guest."

Lucas nodded, leading them into the den.

"So will you visit me tomorrow to tell me about how the whole Bryan meeting goes?" Lucas asked.

"We'll probably come visit you everyday." Greg said, "I haven't seen you in years."

"It has been to long. So how's Papa Olaf?" Lucas asked.

"He's okay, he's found a love interest." Greg said, sticking his tongue out.

"That's a little much." Lucas said, laughing.

"OH! Speaking of love interests where is Rebecca?" Greg asked.

"She's outside gardening." Lucas said a smile on his lips.

"Will she be in anytime soon?" Greg asked.

"Actually she's supposed to be coming back inside in about five minutes. She only gardens for an hour." Lucas said, as Nick tilted his head.

"Who's Rebecca?"

"Rebecca is my Father's new wife. She's really nice." Greg told him, as Mela nodded.

"She saves me of the little sanity I have left." Mela told him.

Nick nodded, as they all got into a big conversation. When Rebecca walked in, they were all laughing hysterically.

"Ah, N-Nick, this is Rebecca." Lucas said, introducing the woman.

She was much prettier than Jenelle. Rebecca was brunette, her long hair tied in a ponytail. She was shy of 5'7, and she was pale. Not sickly albino pale, just the kind of pale where someone doesn't spend a lot of time outside. She had emerald green eyes, which shined with a twinkle.

"Oh, you're Nick." Rebecca said, smiling widely.

"Yes, nice to meet you Rebecca." Nick said, shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet you too." She said, sitting down next to Lucas.

"Hey Rebecca." Greg and Mela chorused, making the woman laugh.

"Hey guys." Rebecca greeted, "Mela, where have you been the past few days?"

"In Vegas. Mom shipped me off there to Greg to take care of." Mela said, making both of the adults frown.

"You aren't something to be shipped around Mela. She should've let you come here." Lucas said, eyes narrowing dangerously.

"She knows we enjoy having you over here." Rebecca said, her frown deepening.

"You know how she is." Greg said, "Besides the look on Grissom's face was worth it. I think he thought Mela was my daughter or something."

"I thought she was for a second too. But then I remembered, 'Greg would have told me about a lovechild.'" Nick said.

Greg stuck his tongue out.

"Would you all like to stay for lunch?" Rebecca asked.

"We'd love to." Mela said, as Nick and Greg nodded.

The best part of their vacation was about to start.

***

Lunch with Greg's dad was actually exciting. They talked about all sorts of things. Like Greg misspelling icicle in the fifth grade spelling bee. Greg blushed at that, and muttered something about it being a hard word to spell.

"So why are you staying with Jenelle?"

"Mela." Greg said, "Can't leave her alone with the witch."

"So what time do you need to be back?" Lucas asked.

"In an hour." Greg said, "I'd rather stay here, believe me."

They all got up, hugging Lucas in turn.

"Give Bryan a swift kick in the ass for me." Lucas said, sharing an identical smirk with Greg.

"Will do." Greg said, as they walked outside.

"I want to spend the day with you tomorrow." Lucas said.

"Don't worry! You will!" Greg said, as they got on the horses.

Lucas and Rebecca watched them ride off, and sighed unhappily.

Greg led the way back to the mansion. Letting Aten ride any which way he could, Nick gripping onto Greg for dear life.

They got to the mansion in under thirty minutes. Jenelle waiting for them, tapping her foot.

"Bryan's here. Where were you?"

"At Dad's." Greg said, walking past her.

"Greg! Mela! Where the hell have....who's this?" Bryan asked, looking at Nick.

"This is Nick Stokes, Greg's b-boyfriend." Jenelle said, as Bryan glared at Greg.

"Nice to meet you Nick. If you'll excuse us, I need to speak with Greg."

Mela and Nick both glared from their spot, as Greg followed Bryan into the den. They watched him shut the door, and waited.

"What's wrong with you!?" They heard Bryan yell.

"Nothing."

"Bullshit! You know I don't want your...disease near Mela."

"Sorry about that. Why'd you send her to me if you didn't want her to catch my disease?"

"Because no one else would take the damn brat."

"Don't call her a brat Bryan!" Greg's calm demeanor was gone.

"She's my child!"

"No she's not! And neither am I! We are Jenelle and Lucas' kids, you're just some poor son of a bitch that married my mother!"

"Don't talk to me like that!"

"I talk to you however I want! I'm not a child anymore!"

"Greg, you are about to cross the line."

"Then I'll fucking cross it, because we aren't your kids. I'm not sick with some disease, and I definitely didn't want Nick to meet you!"

Nick started for the door, when he heard a slap, and dull thud from inside the room.

"If you aren't a kid anymore, I can smack you like I would any other man."

"I don't care." Greg said, "I'm the better person. See I'm not a homophobic son of a bitch."

"Greg, you really are crossing the line."

"I hate you! That's why I didn't stick around this hell hole any longer than I had to."

"I know that much." Bryan said, "We were so glad when you left. Had a party even."

"I frankly don't give a damn."

"Why must you always fight with me?"

"Because I don't like jackasses, who dislike me for no apparent reason!"

The door slammed open, as Bryan stormed out. Greg had a big red mark on his face, and it was starting to bruise.

Mela and Nick ran over to him, and checked him out.

"This is why I didn't tell you about them." Greg said, jerking out of their hold.

He ran up the stairs, and locked himself in his room.

Nick looked like he wanted to go after him, but Mela held him back.

"Just leave him alone." Mela said, "He'll be okay."

Nick glared at Bryan as he passed by.

"What I wouldn't give to just hit him." Nick said, glaring at the older man.

"Wouldn't we all." Mela said, "Give Greg thirty minutes, then go comfort him."

With that she went towards the kitchen.

Thirty minutes to comfort his boyfriend. Was she insane? Then again she'd known Greg longer than he had. So he'd wait thirty minutes.

***

Thirty minutes later, Nick lightly knocked on the door.

"Go away!" Greg yelled at the door.

Nick slightly cringed, but remembered the hatred wasn't towards him. It was towards that douche bag.

"G, it's me." Nick said, hearing shuffling.

"What?"

"Aren't you going to let me in?" Nick asked.

"No." Greg said, but opened the door anyways.

Nick walked in, turning to see Greg shut and lock the door.

"You okay babe?" Nick asked, as Greg turned.

Greg's eyes were red and puffy.

"Not really, I think I'm going to puke. You'd think I wouldn't give a damn what the fat ass thinks about me." Greg said, "But it's hard not to."

"Oh G, that guys a jerk. I knew it before I even met him." Nick said, bringing the younger into a hug.

"He's not only a jerk, but he's just.....ugh!" Greg nearly screamed in frustration.

Nick's grip tightened, as he moved over to the bed.

"It's not fair! No matter hard I don't try, I can't help but want their approval. Isn't that insane?" Greg asked.

"No. You wanted my approval when you first started."

"That's because you were hot, and I loved you." Greg muttered.

"Well you wanted Sara's...and Catherine's. You wanted everyone's. Everyone wants people's approvals, it makes them feel like they've done something good."

"Yeah but Nick...he's my step-father. Who inevitably hates me." Greg told him.

"Yeah well it's his loss. You are a great guy. You're funny, intelligent, caring, strange, beautiful." Nick said, making Greg smile.

"Nick, what would I do without you?" Greg asked him.

"I don't know. Probably die from the cold."

Greg hit him with a pillow.

"I'll hit you again, I'm well educated in pillow hitting." Greg told him, holding the pillow like a weapon.

"I'm so scared, I'm shaking." Nick said, smirking.

Greg hit him with the pillow again.

"Sarcasm is my specialty, yours is being stupid." Greg said, squealing when Nick jumped on him.

"What was that?"

"Nothing! I said nothing! It was my twin, that's conveniently dead right now." Greg told him, making Nick laugh.

"Greg, you are so weird."

"That's why you love me!"

"No....it's because you have a nice ass."

Greg smacked him with the pillow, making Nick fall off the bed.

"That's it. No more Mr. Texan." Nick said, grabbing one of Greg's pillows.

Greg gaped at him, and dodged the hit.

"Now Nick, there's no need to be hostile." Greg said, as Nick got a hit in.

Greg toppled off the bed, getting up from the other side. Both started hitting each other repeatedly with the pillows, until Greg's busted. Feathers flew all around them, as Nick pulled Greg in for a kiss.

Greg started giggling loudly, when the kiss broke.

"What?"

"You look like a chicken!"

The feathers had gotten all over Nick's hair, and clothes. They stuck here and there making him look like a chicken.

"Like you look any better."

Greg glared at him, but then smiled.

"I'm a cute chicken right?"

"The cutest I've ever seen." Nick told him, kissing his temple.

"Can you see why I didn't want you to come here?"

"Yeah. Your family is slightly unhinged."

"Slightly! You should see us at Christmas."

"I don't think I want to stay for two weeks. We could go to the ranch. At least we know my family won't put us down."

Greg couldn't help but agree.

"I just can't up and leave Mela."

"She can come with us." Nick suggested.

"I think I'd like that a lot Nick." Greg whispered.

"Good, because I can't spend another moment in this house. Let's go spend the night over at your Dad's."

"That sounds fine with me. Let's pack, get Mela, and ride over there." Greg said, opening the door.

Mela fell down, landing in a pile of feathers.

"What the hell did you guys do? Slaughter a bird?" Mela asked, spitting out some feathers.

"Screw you! Pack up, we're leaving." Greg said, as Mela's eyes twinkled.

"I know. I heard. I'm already packed." Mela said, "Never unpacked. So when do we leave?"

"As soon as we can." Nick said, placing a suitcase outside.

"Oh! This is so awesome! Let's go now!" Mela said.

Greg took the two suitcases and went downstairs.

Bryan and Jenelle came out, and tilted their heads.

"We're going over to Dad's. By we I mean Nick, Mela, and I. We're also going to Texas. Hope you don't mind. She'll be back in time for school." Greg said.

"You----You can't just...." Bryan was furious.

"Go on." Jenelle told Greg.

Mela jumped down the last three steps with Nick, who had the last suitcase.

"Later!" Greg said, going out the back.

They came across a problem however.

"How are we going to get the luggage to your Dad's?" Nick asked.

"Uh......Aten can hold a lot of weight. We can load him up, and I can walk him over." Greg suggested.

"I'm not leaving you out by yourself in the middle of the night."

"Chill! I've got an idea." Mela said, "We'll get Christian to drive it over when we get there."

They agreed to that plan. So they saddled up the two horses, and rode all the way to Lucas'. When they got there, Greg pushed the button.

"Who goes there?"

"Uh two men, and a little girl by the names of Greg, Nick, and Mela." Greg said, hearing a bark of laughter.

"What are you doing here?"

"Let us in, and we'll let you know. Also can you call Christian and ask him to bring our luggage over. Please!" Greg asked.

A buzz was heard, as they trotted up the driveway for the third time that day. Lucas was waiting for them in a robe.

"Are you okay? Greg why is your cheek blue?" Lucas asked, touching the cheek.

Greg shied away from it.

"I'm going to murder him!" Lucas nearly screeched, "How dare he hit you."

Lucas went in to the house, letting the others trail behind him.

"Well I didn't exactly not give him a reason."

"What'd you do?" Lucas asked, getting out some ice.

"Dad, don't worry! All I said was that we weren't his children, I was an adult...and a few other things." Greg said, and yelped when the ice was put on his cheek.

"What I wouldn't give to just..."

"Dad! Calm down! I'm fine, Nick's fine, Mela's fine. We're going to Nick's parents house."

"Where's that at?"

"Texas."

"As in...the state."

"One in the same." Greg said, as Lucas' nose scrunched up.

"Ain't it hot there?"

"About as hot as Las Vegas."

"So not that hot to you."

Greg shrugged.

"Is it cool if we spend the night here Dad?"

"Yes! I mean, yes. You know where your rooms are." Lucas said, as they nodded.

"Oh and Greg."

"Yeah?"

"Why are you covered in feathers?"

Greg blushed.

"Nick and I got in to a pillow fight."

Lucas started laughing, as he left the room.

"Come on Greggo. I'm tired." Nick said, pulling Greg towards the stairs.

Greg nodded, and started pulling the feathers out.

They'd at least get some decent sleep tonight.

***

Greg woke up early the next day, snuggling into the warmth that was Nick Stokes.

"You up?" Nick asked.

"Yeah, let's not leave bed though. It's cold, you warm." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"You just sounded like a caveman."

"Don't care."

Nick hugged Greg to him, before pulling them both out of the bed.

Greg let out something between a yelp, and a scream when he came in touch with the cool air.

"Niiiick, I didn't do anything to deserve that!" Greg said, pouting.

"Yes, but your Dad called us in tickets last night. Which means we have a plane to catch." Nick said, as Greg glared.

"I hate you sometimes!"

Nick shook his head.

"No you don't. Now go take a shower, and get dressed."

Greg stuck his tongue out, and trudged towards the bathroom. When Nick heard the water running, he sat on the bed. He got out a pair of Greg's clothes, then a pair of his own.

When Greg got out of the shower, his hair had been towel dried. His hair was going every direction that wasn't straight, which made Nick laugh.

"Oh shut up. I forgot about my blow drier, and they don't have one." Greg said, putting on his clothes.

"Sure." Nick said, going into the bathroom.

Greg walked out of the room, and down the hall. He knocked on Mela's door, before opening it.

"Mela, you need to get up." Greg said, going into the bright pink room.

Greg would admit that he was scared of the color pink. It was a horrid color that needed to die, and go to hell. That was his stand on that subject. He nudged Mela, who rolled over. Her hair was all over her face, making Greg laugh. He parted the hair, and started tickling her nose.

Mela's nose scrunched up, and turned away from the finger. Greg started tickling her sides, and she woke up giggling loudly.

"I'm up! I'm up!" Mela said, as Greg stopped.

"Good. Now get dressed." Greg said.

"Your hair looks weird. What'd you do?"

"I towel dried it. Now hurry up." Greg ordered, going back to his room.

Nick was walking out, and smirking at Greg.

"You can't tease me!" Greg said, covering his eyes.

"Why not?"

"Because I won't allow it." Greg said, kicking the door closed.

Nick put on his clothes, and then pushed Greg up against the door. Greg's hands fell down, and he smiled at Nick.

"You are so hot." Greg said, kissing Nick lightly.

"Well you're gorgeous." Nick said, hugging Greg tightly.

They stayed like that until someone knocked on the door.

"You guys aren't screwing are you?" Mela asked.

"No!" Both chorused, opening the door.

"Good. Cause breakfast is ready." Mela said, walking down the hallway.

"Come on Nicky." Greg said, leading the way.

Nick followed him, but put his arms around Greg's waist. It was tricky going down the stairs, but they still managed to keep the embrace. The got to the kitchen, and Lucas smiled.

"Morning boys."

"Dad, what are you making?" Greg asked.

"Hash browns, biscuits, eggs, and sausage."

"That sounds so good." Greg said, as Rebecca put some on their plates.

"We hope it tastes good too."

They dug in to the food. Talking was not the matter on hand, it was eating. Greg was hungry because they forgot to eat dinner last night.

"So Dad when does our flight leave?" Mela asked.

"In about two hours. We need to get you guys to the airport." Lucas said, wiping his mouth.

"Greg, I could just stay with Dad." Mela said, "I haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with him lately."

Greg looked at Mela.

"On one condition."

"What?"

"That during Easter break, you come visit us again." Greg said, as Mela smiled.

"Why Easter?"

"Because I know that you and your friends like to play pranks during Christmas Break."

They both shared a wicked smile, and Lucas laughed.

"I think I'd enjoy having her here."

Greg smiled at Mela.

"Fine, you can stay." Greg said, hugging Mela tightly.

"Don't worry Greg, I'll visit soon."

"Jesus, I missed a lot of your childhood. Most siblings would hate the older for that."

"Well you couldn't control it." Mela said, hugging Nick.

"You don't give Lucas a hard time. Save all of that for Bryan." Nick said, "If he tries anything, you call us or your dad. We'll be there faster than you can say our names."

Mela nodded her head, and Lucas chuckled.

"Let's get you two going." Lucas said, as the boys nodded.

Now to explain to Jillian and Bill why they were going to make a surprise visit.

***