Title: Cold Feet
Author: Dee
Rating: R
Word count: 3319
Pairings: Gil/Nick
Characters: Gil Grissom and Nick Stokes
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: In my dreams they are like, totally mine!
Beta: jayceepat and podga for their invaluable help in the Americanisation of the fic and their insightful comments. I thank high_striker for his wonderful icons. I am indebted to them all. Any errors are mine.
A/N: A little light relief!



Thinking about it, it had been idiotic to go to a forensic seminar in early March, in Edmonton, Canada. The RCMP had invited delegates from all over Canada and the States. Since the convention was quite poorly attended Gil had thought a few of the southerners had given some thought to the weather and its inherent instability.

Gil was supposed to be with Warrick but a trial date for one of his cases had clashed so at the last minute Nick had accompanied him. Their arrival at Edmonton via Vancouver had been heralded with calm, gloriously sunny weather, but it was absolutely freezing, as Nick had so eloquently remarked as they exited the terminal building to an epic gust of freezing wind. ‘Geez, I think my tackle just minimised itself!’ Gil thought for a moment and replied. ‘I can empathise.’

At least their hotel was super–warm and where the event was being held, so there was no need to leave until they had to return to the airport. The convention was good; the poor attendance had not diminished either Gil’s or Nick’s input or participation. If anything they all had the opportunity to delve more deeply into, and expand, their topics.

Three days later, the day of the evening they were supposed to leave, they woke up to a blizzard. Snow had fallen heavily during the night and there didn’t seem to be any let up in the relentless onslaught. Nick was both repelled and fascinated. He’d never seen anything like it on his skiing trips…the snow had already fallen in Colorado when he’d arrived at the resort. But the blanketing of everything with this white out made him uneasy.

But midday it’d stopped and was replaced by sunny weather and plummeting temperatures. There were ominous conversations about flight cancellations that were dispelled by locals who’d been keen to point out that this was their normal weather and they knew how to keep the airport open.

Maybe they did and maybe they didn’t and when Gil and Nick arrived at the airport flights were still leaving. They checked in and the lovely girl assured them, ‘absolutely’, that their flight would leave on time. Nick was still uneasy.

The two of them found themselves a fairly quiet spot and sat down to wait…..after about fifteen minutes, Nick excused himself and wandered off. Another fifteen minutes later he returned and Gil noticed he appeared far more relaxed than when he’d left. Another fifteen minutes later an announcement had everyone paying attention.

Of course they were very sorry, but conditions were deteriorating so quickly they couldn’t keep ahead of the icing. Scheduled flights due to arrive had been diverted away and therefore there would be no planes available to take passengers out tonight. They hoped conditions would permit normal service in the morning. In the meantime hot refreshments, blankets and mattresses would be made available.

Gil groaned, he’d spent a number of nights in airports over the years and didn’t relish the prospect. Nick on the other hand grinned, what could be described as a ‘shit-eating’ grin, stood up, grabbed his hand luggage and beckoned with his head for Gil to do the same.

“What’re you up to, Nick?”

“I just had a feeling man; so I booked us into the ‘Airways Country Inn’ over the way. They had three rooms left and would only let me have one….only got a double bed, but figured you’d rather bunk up than lie on the floor in the airport.”

“Nicky, did I ever tell you, you’re a smart guy?”

“No, actually.”

“Oh….well…..”

“Right. Come on. Hopefully they’ll have toothpaste and stuff to buy at the motel; they must be used to putting people up in an emergency.”

“Yes.” Gil was stung from Nick’s retort about being a ‘smart guy’. Nick had not taken it in the light-hearted manner it was meant. It was as if Nick would never expect Gil to say….or think that he was a ’smart guy’. Did Nick think that HE didn’t think he was?

They exited the terminal building and were nearly bowled over by the icy wind blast that assaulted them. There was a shuttle bus about to leave for the motel and there was just enough room for the two men.

Nick booked them in and Gil found the shop and bought supplies for them. Apart from the toothpaste and brushes, he bought a pack of tourist underwear (white with red maple leaves) and a couple of similar tee shirts for them both to use the next day. Shampoos and soap were supplied in the room and he figured they could go without shaving. He also bought some ready made sandwiches, chips and cookies and again ascertained that there was also a bar and facilities to make hot drinks in the room.

The room was about as small as it could be and accommodate a double bed, a TV, a desk, one chair and a closet. It was utilitarian but clean and warm. The bathroom likewise.

They made themselves comfortable and moved around one another quite well – they were used to enclosed crime scenes - with few words. They ate the sandwiches and chips; Nick made coffees and Gil suggested putting some liquor in them. A whisky was shared between them and when they’d finished they were comfortable - both leaning on the headboard watching a local news channel on cable for want of anything better. The weather was barely mentioned, this was a minor blip to them.

They both had a beer and just after ten, Nick said, “I think I’m going to wash up and get in bed. We’ll have to get back to the airport fairly early - if by some miracle they’ve managed to get some flights in we may be able to get out.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll ‘phone the lab and tell them about the delay.”

“Okay.” Nick undressed to his tee and underwear and went into the bathroom. Five minutes later he was out. He remained in his tee and underwear - a pair of tight white boxers, Gil noticed them this time around. ‘Tighty whitey’s’, he thought and hid a smirk.

Gil went into the bathroom and returned with his tee shirt and boxers in situ. ‘Navy silk with a red stripe’, thought Nick, ‘not what I expected…..did I think what I expected? No.’

“Lab okay?”

“Fine, missing us of course, but not as bad as it could be. The big question here Nick, is socks. Do you suffer with cold feet, should we keep our socks on? I have to tell you that if I am assaulted by cold feet in the night I can become aggressive and unreasonable.”

“Errr right, well I don’t normally have cold feet, but then I don’t normally sleep in sub zero temperatures in the same bed as my boss.”

“Unable to verify how you might react. Fair enough, I’m willing to take a chance. Hotels normally reduce the heat during the night to mimic ‘normal’ conditions, though I hope to god they don’t mimic ‘em too closely or we’ll freeze to death and cold feet’ll be the least of our worries.”

“True enough. I’m willing to take the same chance on you not attacking me. Do you snore?”

“No idea, I’m usually asleep.”

“Same here, although I have it on fairly good authority that if I’m loaded there’s a good chance. But I’m not, sooo….”

“Right. All bases about covered. Light’s out?”

“Yeah.”

“Night Nick. Sweet dreams.”

‘Oh my god, why’d he say that? What if…no…impossible…I just wish he hadn’t said that.’ “Yeah, and you.”

They settled in the dark. Getting used to the unfamiliar noises. Both men lay on their sides with their backs to one another and both men fell asleep after a few minutes.

The next thing Nick knew, he was pulling himself into wakefulness, aware that the room was in complete darkness and silent apart from Gil’s heavy breathing, but what had actually woken him was the cold. He was lying on the bed in a curled up, foetal position, uncovered and shivering. The room was icy and still and as his eyes grew accustomed to the dark he could just make out Gil Grissom, snuggled in the ALL the bedding, having rolled it around himself and in the process pulled it all off Nick.

Nick grabbed hold of a corner of the cover and began pulling it back but Gil resisted, holding on to it in his sleep. Nick had no choice but give the bedding a serious ‘yank’.

“Gil, come on man. I’m freezing.” But Gil was not relinquishing control.

“GIL.” Nick shook him.

“Mmmmm.”

“Gil, come on.”

“Whatttt?”

“Man, I’m freezing; you’re hogging the covers.”

“I’m….” Gil suddenly regained consciousness. “Oh god Nicky, I’m sorry, geez, I’m rolled up in it and the rest is on the floor…” He touched Nick’s arm, “…and you’re frozen! I’m sorry! Come on let’s get it straight. It’s fucking cold in here. The electrics have gone, the ‘fridge isn’t on or the clock. God, I’m sorry. I’m just not used to sharing Nick. You should have woken me sooner, I’m sorry.”

Nick was cold to the bone, but he was still amazed at Gil. He’d never heard him babble before and he’d never heard him swear…well not use the ‘fuck’ word anyway.

“I’ll be okay once I get warm, not your fault, you did it in your sleep.” Nick’s teeth were chattering now, he was really cold. He wished he’d left all his clothes on, let alone his socks.

Gil straightened the bedding and Nick felt the warmth of the covers as he got some back. “There was an extra blanket in the closet. I’ll get that and throw it over us.” He did and then got back into the warmth.

“Lie on your side with your back to me Nick and I’ll spoon with you, that’ll warm you up….you’ll be okay in a few minutes.”

Nick did as he was told and Gil’s much more substantial body moved up behind him. Nick felt Gil’s warmth immediately and his shivering almost stopped apart from an occasional shudder. Gil put his arm around Nick’s midriff and started rubbing his hand in circles.

It was warming and comforting and…

“Gil, STOP, please.” Nick’s body had stiffened as the warmth of Gil’s hand and body had seeped into his and had suddenly heightened his senses. He’d become very aware of Gil’s body behind him. So closely fitted against his, the warmth and solidity of the body pressed up against him. He was also POSITIVE that he could feel ‘a more than just soft’ dick pressing up against his ass cheek.

Even as he thought that thought the dick was twitching and becoming harder.

“I’m sorry, Nick.” Gil whispered the words behind Nick but Nick felt the warm breath of the words on the back of his neck. The hairs there were standing up on end at the sensation.

Nick felt Gil move away from him, certainly there was cold space where Gil’s hips had once been. And he pulled his arm away from around Nick.

Whatever possessed Nick to say it he’ll never know, but he whispered back to Gil. “No. It’s okay, don’t go, you’re so warm.” He reached for Gil’s retreating arm and pulled it back around him, settling his hand over Gil’s as it lay on his stomach.

Gil moved his body back to where it had been and this time there was NO mistaking the hard-on the pressed up against his ass. A feeling that had Nick’s own penis responding.

He felt Gil gently kiss his shoulder….no, it was his neck. “Is that okay Nicky, I don’t want to do anything you don’t want.”

“That’s okay.” Nick whispered back. He had absolutely no idea what was going on here. In a matter of two or three minutes he’d gone from sharing a bed with his boss because of the bad weather, to having virtually invited that same boss to kiss him, to rub his dick on him……he was definitely rubbing his dick on his ass.

Gil was giving Nick gentle little kisses or even nibbles around his neck and then licking the flesh. Nick was making tiny little gasping sounds at this gentle assault. But they suddenly stopped and Gil pulled back his arm and body away from Nick.

“Jesus Christ Nick, I’m sorry; I have no idea what I’m playing at. I’m getting up.”

Nick felt Gil move around and sit up as if he intended to get out of bed. Nick moved onto his back and laid a hand on Gil’s arm.

“No, Gil, please don’t go. I don’t want you to stop….I want you to go on…please.”

“Nick I can’t do this…it’s tantamount to…I don’t know…assault, I suppose. You don’t deserve this tawdry behaviour. I should know better. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want you be sorry, don’t ever think assault or…tawdry…..Gil?”

Gil turned towards him and Nick sat up and leaned forwards, kissing Gil Grissom. He was kissing Gil Grissom! He stopped and pulled away. He then leaned in and continued kissing Gil Grissom. He was kissing Gil Grissom...AND HE’S A MAN!

He pulled away once more and grinned at Gil who offered a sweet smile in return – even in the darkness of the room their smiles were clear to both of them. And once more he leaned in and kissed Gil; they fell backwards onto the bed and kissed each other – thoroughly. Nick was unsure who moaned first but it didn’t matter, it went straight to his groin and a fairly hard erection suddenly became a very hard erection and he moved into Gil.

They were facing each other with their arms around each other’s backs. Nick’s hands were still holding onto Gil’s tee but Gil’s hands started moving around Nick’s back massaging the hard muscles through the tee and moving down to the hem of the shirt and then under and up onto the bare skin. He pulled back.

“Hey, you’re still cold, come on, let’s get under the covers at least until you’ve warmed up.”

“Mmmm….okay.” But Nick made no move to do so. He was realising that he was in bed…or on a bed…..with a man – Gil Grissom – they were lying chest to chest and Nick could feel Gil’s erection against his stomach and Nick could feel his erection lying against Gil’s stomach. Even through two layers of clothing it was the most amazingly erotic thing Nick thought he’d ever felt.

Gil moved away from Nick and Nick went with him, reluctant to let go. Gil looked at him again in the darkness.

“Nick we need to be under the blankets, the heating’s not on, probably out with the electrics and even the heat we might generate will not keep us properly warm. Come on.” Gil had spoken these words perfectly correctly in the normal Grissom mode, but the voice could have been that of a stranger to Nick. It was a good octave lower that normal and sort of purred out – it made the hairs on the back of Nick’s neck stand up again, having only just recovered from their first incursion with ‘this’ Gil.

“Good……idea….I was…I am….well…cold…..” Nick’s brain was clearly lacking its normal supply of blood used to deliver coherent speech, having had it redirected to another vital organ.

“You’ll have to let go to allow me to rearrange the blankets.”

“Oh….yeah….okay.” He said the words but still held onto Gil.

Gil pulled Nick’s arms away from him…..by divesting himself of his tee. He ducked under the discarded tee held in Nick’s hands and sorted out the blankets so that they were both covered. The warmth had been lost but their two bodies were generating a fair amount of heat and Gil was confident they’d recoup the heat very quickly.

Gil then tugged the tee shirt out of Nick’s hands and threw over his shoulder and onto the floor. Nick still held his hand in front of him but suddenly discovered that he was now free to touch Gil’s bare chest and he took the opportunity to do so. The sexual heat generated a few minutes before had dissipated a little and Nick ran his hands on the smooth, hairless skin - he’d always imagined Gil would have a light hairy chest.

‘He what?’ Nick’s thought processes had returned – by no means to their normal capacity – but sufficiently for him to question the fact that he’d thought about Gil’s chest hair before tonight. Had he really? He pulled back just a little from Gil who had been gently rubbing Nick’s back to suffuse a little more heat onto and into Nick.

“You okay?”

“I don’t know.”

“What’s wrong, tell me?”

“I’ve never. I’ve never……you know…..”

“You’ve never what - kissed a man, indulged in a little male on male frottage…what?”

“Errrr……all…all of the….above.”

“Okay.”

“Not okay.”

“Why not?”

“’Cause it’s nice….good y’know.”

“I do know. I have obviously done this before Nick.” Gil’s voice, though still deeper than normal, was whispering as opposed to purring. “I’m not going to do anything else Nick. You need to process this. It seems to me that you liked it and maybe you would go further…but I won’t, not now. If this is it then….that’s it. I would like more but you must come to me Nick. If you do…we can maybe try it for size…if not it was nice…..very nice while it lasted.”

“I don’t know whether I want to stop!”

“That’s your answer Nick; ‘you don’t know’. If you knew we’d be hot and heavy by now. It’s your decision….but not tonight; we’ve passed the point where I would feel comfortable with you….not certain if this was exactly what you wanted or just something to keep you warm and less lonely.”

“That’s unfair Gil.” Blood flow appeared to be back to normal. “You started it…I don’t know – unintentionally, whatever – and I did respond and I would like to try…..something…..but you’re writing me off now…”

“No, I’m not…well tonight, yes, but I’ll wait and see Nick. Can you imagine what it might be like tomorrow if we just did it…now…what if you bitterly regretted it, we’ve got to work together?”

Nick thought about this. Rationally it would be foolish to even have a…what…one night stand with Gil…..with a man. But in those few minutes making out with Gil, he’d experienced a sense of……eroticism….he’d never felt before. What did that mean? He’s never even kissed a guy before and here he was castigating Gil. Gil Grissom. Gil fucking Grissom for not wanting to continue. This was weird.

“So, that’s it for tonight?”

“Yes….for tonight most certainly.”

“And if I do want you…you know sometime….I’ve got to approach you?”

“That about sums it up.”

“You’ve got cold feet.”

“No, you’re the one with cold feet.”

“I don’t mean literally.”

“Oh.”

“You know what I mean, you’re being obtuse.”

“I am?”

“Yeah, you are. I’m warm now.”

“Good, shall we try to get back to sleep now…and hope the electric is back on in the morning? I bet the shower is driven by electric pumps and maybe even the water in the faucets.”

“Yeah, okay then.”

Gil rolled over on to his back and then onto his side facing away from Nick. Nick smiled to himself. He moved up behind Gil and spooned putting one hand around Gil’s waist. Gil hesitated for a moment but then covered Nick’s hand with his own.

Nick smiled to himself.

“Hey Gil?”

“What?”

“If you pull the blankets off me again, I’m still going to wait until we’re back in Vegas – just so you know.”

“I’ll hold you to that Nicky…but what if I don’t…do I get a prize or a forfeit?”

“You’ll still have to wait man, what are you…impatient, or what…….?”

The End