Previous part of Future Promises.

***

Nick tried to get his laughing under control, as Greg glared at him heatedly.

"What's so funny?"

"Your reaction." Nick said, as Solstice started snickering.

"You two are hopeless." Greg said, as he sat on the couch.

"You're just mad because Romulus kissed Solstice." Nick said, as Solstice grinned at her brother.

"I'm going to take a shower, then go to sleep." Solstice said, as she left the boys.

Greg jumped over the couch, and landed on Nick.

"It's not that funny." Greg said, as Nick shrugged.

"It was to me."

"So what's your plan against Todd?" Greg asked, as he nuzzled Nick's neck.

"Uhh...if you don't stop doing that then I won't be able to tell you." Nick said, as Greg stopped.

"So what's the plan?"

"Well how about I act as bait, and then you come up from behind and beat the hell out of him."

Greg started laughing.

"How about no, wait. I've got a better idea. You still want to play bait?" Greg asked, as Nick nodded.

"If it helps to stop him from messing with us." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"I just had a brilliant idea." Greg said, as Nick tilted his head.

"What is it?"

"Ecklie's kidnapping Solstice for safe keeping, so nothing bad can happen to her." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Yeah, we already knew that." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"You play bait, and we'll get Bobby or Warrick to go get your Dad. He's a judge right?"

"Yeah."

"So we get your Dad to listen to Todd saying that he paid to have Solstice kidnapped, and besides that Todd will probably try to grope you or something." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"So basically we're setting him up." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"We just need to get your Dad there at the right time."

"Where will you be?"

"If he touches you I'm going to beat the shit out of you. I'm going to be somewhere around the spot we decide on." Greg said, as Nick kissed Greg.

"You are very smart." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"I know." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"And cocky." Nick said, as Greg glared.

"You love it!" Greg exclaimed, making Nick shrug.

"Maybe I don't." Nick said, as Greg started nuzzling his neck again.

"Well that doesn't matter." Greg said, as he kissed Nick's neck.

"Yes it does." Nick said, as he pulled Greg in for a kiss.

"Oh EW, go to your room if you want to do that!" Solstice said, as she came out of the bathroom.

"How about you go to yours." Greg said, as Solstice went into the kitchen.

Greg smiled at Nick before feeling something cold hit him.

"HOLY SHIT!" Greg said, as he got off the couch.

Nick watched as his boyfriend jumped up and down.

"Ice?" Nick asked, seeing Solstice leaning on the couch.

"Ice." She replied, as Greg got it out.

"You!" Greg yelled, as Solstice ran into her room.
She slammed the door and locked it. Greg smiled at Nick, who started laughing again.

"You meant to do that." Nick said, as Greg just smirked.

"C'mon." Greg said, as he knocked on Solstice's door.

"What?" Solstice yelled through the door.

"Nick and I are going out. Don't let any strangers in the apartment." Greg said, as Nick rose a brow.

"I know that." Solstice yelled through the door.

"Night." Greg said.

"Night." Solstice called back.

Greg smirked at Nick, and pulled him towards the door.

"Where are we going?" Nick asked, as Greg shrugged.

"Anywhere." Greg said, as he walked out the door. Nick followed him, and watched as Greg locked it.

"Which means what in Greg language?" Nick asked, as Greg smiled at him.

"What? Don't you trust me?"

"Yes I do, but I don't trust your places sometimes." Nick said, as they ran down the stairs.

"I'll keep you safe." Greg said, as Nick laughed at him.

"I know." Nick said, as he followed Greg.

"We aren't taking the bike?"

"We're just going to the park." Greg said, as he crossed the street.

Nick walked with Greg, as they came to the actual park.

"Isn't it against the law to be in parks after night?"

"For some parks, not this one." Greg said, as sat on one side of a seesaw.

"You amaze me sometimes Greg." Nick said, as Greg tilted his head.

"How so?" Greg asked, as Nick tackled him to the ground.

"You go from big brother, to a loving boyfriend." Nick said, as Greg rolled them over.

"I haven't done anything loving in the past two hours." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"Being here with me is love enough." Nick said, as he pulled Greg down.

Both laughed into the kiss, making it sloppy.

"I'm surprised you've stuck around. With all the Todd bullshit, me and Solstice thought you'd bolt." Greg said truthfully.

"It would take a million Todd's to get rid of me, and even then I'd still stick around. You can't get rid of me." Nick said, as Greg rested his head on Nick's chest.

"I don't know what I would've done without you this past year Nick." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Probably have gotten arrested." Nick said, as Greg hit him playfully.

"Oh shut up. I wouldn't have gotten arrested, maybe strangled by my sister, but not arrested." Greg said, as Nick kissed Greg lightly.

Greg broke off from the kiss, staring at Nick.

"I didn't come here just to bump uglies." Greg said, as Nick started laughing loudly.

"Is that what you call it?"

"Oh shut up." Greg said, getting off of Nick.

Greg held out a hand for Nick to take, which he gratefully did.

"So why did you come here?"

"For us to think." Greg said, "We can't really think a lot with Solstice in the apartment."

"Are you sad that I'm going home tomorrow?"

"A little bit. You've been at the apartment for so long...it's slightly depressing that you're going." Greg said, as Nick smirked.

"My parents are going on a vacation in the summer, they were thinking about Texas. I could ask them if I could stay here instead. They'd probably let me, if I lied and said I was at Warrick's. They'd probably think we were fucking like bunnies if I said I was staying here." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him.

"Do you really think they'd let you?"

"They let me last summer." Nick said, as Greg tackled him to the ground.

"That's great news."

***

Greg and Nick walked back into the apartment. They walked towards Greg's room, both hearing the loud music of Marilyn Manson.

Greg closed his door and locked it, kissing Nick harshly.

"Your sister is in the next room!" Nick whispered, as Greg smirked.

"Then we can be quiet." Greg said, as Nick glared.

"I don't think I can be."

"Am I that good?"

"Oh shut up. What if she hears us?"

"Her music is too loud." Greg said, pushing Nick down on the bed.

"You can't get enough of me can you?" Nick asked, as Greg nipped his neck.

"You go home tomorrow, and we won't be able to do this a lot." Greg reasoned, as Nick moaned deeply.

"I-I guess you're right."

"Besides, I want to have some form of fun tonight." Greg said, as he kissed Nick's neck.

"GREG! Ecklie's here to see you!" Solstice yelled, as Greg groaned.

"Tell him to fuck off."

"She already said that." Ecklie said, opening the door.

"Don't you knock?" Greg asked, as Nick blushed red.

"I knock when I feel the need." Ecklie said, as Greg threw the alarm clock at him.

"This is my house jackass. So you have to fucking knock." Greg growled.

"You're just pissed because I stopped your fuck session." Ecklie said, smirking.

"Yeah, amongst other things." Greg said, sitting up.

"Well I was just coming to tell you that I'm taking Solstice tomorrow."

"Couldn't you have called?" Greg said, as Solstice shook her head.

"I have a party the day after tomorrow. I can't miss it! I promised Aria." Solstice said, as Ecklie's nose twitched.

"It's your safety Solstice." Ecklie said.

"Couldn't you 'kidnap me' afterwards? I just promised one of my best friends that I'd be there."

"They'd understand." Ecklie said, as Solstice stomped her heel into his foot.

"OWWWW!" Ecklie howled, leaning up against the wall.

"Nice job Sols." Greg said, smirking.

"I'm gong to that party damnit, and there's nothing you can do about it. Or I swear you won't be able to pleasure ANY woman in this EARTH because it'll have been cut the fuck off." Solstice threatened.

"Okay! Fine! Then I'll pick you up after the party..which is when?"

"It ends at 6 at night." Solstice said, "So it'd be believable that I got kidnapped. Now...how long am I going to be gone?"

"A week at the most."

"I START SCHOOL IN A WEEK!" Solstice roared.

"Talk to your brother then. Whenever Todd's out of the picture, then you can come back." Ecklie said, as Solstice turned to Greg.

"It'd better be soon, or my brother will NEVER have a sex life again!"

"Is this about Romulus?"

Solstice blushed.

"NO! Jeez, he may be the only guy who's had enough balls to go on a date with me, but that doesn't mean I'm in love with him." Solstice said, as Nick and Greg smirked.

"Uh huh. Sure it does." Nick said, as Solstice glared.

"Point is, I have good grades and perfect attendance. I'm not having that ruined because Todd is a jackass. I already knew that damnit!" Solstice yelled at her brother.

"Don't worry. It'll get sorted out."

"Sort it out NOW!" Solstice yelled, as Ecklie started snickering, "If you don't shut up you're going to be on the pointy end of a rusty machete."

Ecklie shut up right then, as Nick started laughing.

"I don't want anyone getting hurt, or I swear on all that is holy, that if you aren't hurt then I will hurt you. Got it memorized?" Solstice asked.

"Yeah sure." Greg said, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"Solstice, don't worry about it. We have a plan ready. Now if you guys will please LEAVE." Nick said, as Ecklie smirked and stood in the doorframe.

"Go on."

"How about if you don't leave in ten seconds, when you do leave it will be on your way to the morgue." Nick said, as Ecklie's eyes widened.

"Greg, you're rubbing off on the kid." Ecklie said, as he walked out of the room.

"Have fun." Solstice said, shutting the door.

***

~~A few days later~~

Greg's hands were twisting together.

"Solstice will be fine. Don't you trust Ecklie?" Nick asked.

"Yeah...I'm allowed to worry for her safety..." Greg snapped before sitting down.

"It's going to be okay. We'll figure this out before school starts back up." Nick said, kissing Greg lightly.

"I just want to kill Todd and get it over with." Greg snarled, as Nick sighed.

"Look I have to get going. Mom's making me study tonight with Warrick. I'll see you tomorrow. I promise." Nick said, kissing Greg.

Before Greg could do anything the kiss stopped. Nick smiled before leaving. Greg went to the window, watching him walk off. He saw someone following Nick closely, before he ran out the door.

"Fuck. I knew I should've given him a ride home. Fuck." Greg said, jumping down the stairs four at a time. He was stumbling, but he was going faster.

When he got outside, he started running in the direction of Nick's house. He pushed people out of the way, getting cussed at the whole time.

Platinum blonde hair. Greg could see it, as it hit Nick upside the head. He saw the body catch Nick, before trying to pull him into an alley. A few people stopped, asking if the boy was okay. Greg pushed more people out of his way, before lunging at the body.

Todd sidestepped Greg, making him fall to the ground.

"Now Greg, that wasn't very nice." Todd said, smirking as he threw Nick to the ground.

"Well lucky for you I'm not a nice person." Greg said, making Todd laugh.

"How's Solstice?"

"She's spending the night at Aria's. She had a party." Greg said, playing off the lie.

"What if I told you she wasn't."

"Then I'd say you're full of shit." Greg said, noticing the look in Todd's eye.

Contrary to popular belief, Greg was a good actor when the time came for it.


"Ah but I'm not."

"What have you done to her?" Greg demanded, making Todd laugh.

"If you come with me, then I'll let her go...and maybe let this little bitch live." Todd said, kicking Nick.

"Get the fuck away from him!" Greg shouted, before flicking out his butterfly knife.

"Are you going to cut me? Gut me? Slit my throat?" Todd asked, making Greg smirk.

"I can think of a few more things. Castration, carving out your prostate." Greg said, making Todd wince.

"Do anything and I'll kill Solstice." Todd said, making Greg glare.

"You know Todd, you broke a very BIG rule. You brought innocent bystanders into the mix." Greg said, motioning to Nick, "Very dishonorable of you."

Todd shrugged.

"Break rules to get what you want. Wasn't that your motto." Todd said.

"Not the rules of the street!" Greg yelled, "I meant tiny fucking rules. You know I did."

Todd shrugged at him.

"I don't care. Besides I like seeing you all pissed off." Todd said, "It's very sexy."

"Well sorry jackass, but I'm taken." Greg said, making Todd laugh.

"Not for long." Todd said, pulling out his own knife.

Greg looked at Nick, then at Todd. He tackled Todd again, knocking them both farther into the alley. Both didn't notice Nick coming around, or him calling his father. Nope, both were to into hitting the other.

"Oh look, I have Greg under me." Todd said, pining Greg, "It's what I always wanted."

"Well you're going to have to want it a little more." Greg said, flipping him off of his body.

Both shot up, walking in a circle. Greg was in pain, Todd's knife had hit his arm. He forgot how much it actually stung to get cut. Todd swung out the blade, cutting some of Greg's shirt. Greg's mouth dropped.


"Motherfucker, this was my favorite shirt!" Greg exclaimed, making Todd laugh.

"Always thinking about your appearance."

"Todd, why don't you just give up?" Greg asked, as Todd shoved him up against the wall.

"Because playing cat and mouse is way to much fun." Todd said, making Greg punch him.

Todd backhanded him, sending his head into the wall. Greg slid down it, holding his head.

"Greg! My Dad's here!" Nick yelled, running towards them.

"Why'd he call his dad?" Todd asked, picking Greg up.

"He's a Judge, jackass." Greg said, spitting some blood on to Todd's face.

Todd dropped him, before taking off down the alley. Greg slid back down the wall, taking in deep breaths. Nick stopped infront of him.

"Greg!" Nick exclaimed, dropping to his knees.

Greg saw Bill standing right behind Nick, his eyes widening in shock.

"Are you okay?" Bill asked, squatting down.

"F-Fine." Greg said, "Nicky, you okay?"

"I'm fine, I just got a bump. What'd that asshole do?"

"Nothing. I'm going to be alright...but I think it's about time we told your father what's been going on." Greg said.

"I think it is too." Bill said, helping Greg up.

They went to Nick's house, letting Jillian bandage Greg up. Nick's sisters were waiting with Nick and Bill in the living room. Greg came in, smiling at Nick.

"So what's been going on?" Bill asked.

"I think I should start at the beginning....before I met Nick." Greg said.


"I think you should too." Nick said, "I don't even know the whole story."

"Well...Todd used to be really nice. He was like an older brother to me. He helped Solstice and me live for a while. Giving us money, and my motorbike. I had to pay off for the motor bike though. That's how I spent five years of my life, before high school. Over that course of time, Todd...often referred to me as his pet." Greg started, "I didn't think anything of it at first. I just continued on hanging out with him, David, Archie, and Bobby. I ignored his advances, and his gifts, never thinking anything of it."

By that time, Greg looked towards the floor.

"Todd told me he was going to take me and Solstice away from my father. Before I met Todd my Dad used to beat the hell out of me. Never Solstice, I always made her stay the night at one of her friends. Solstice and I learned how to get by after we met Todd. Solstice hated him though. We always had close calls with rival gangs, she hated the fact that I was out there almost getting killed while she was at a friends house playing around."

Greg stopped talking.

"After my hundredth time in the hospital...Todd started changing. He started being meaner to all of us. Barking orders at us like we were his minions...not so much me as the others. One time I went out with Bobby, and when we came back Todd was furious at us. He tried to smack us, but we got away. That's when I started learning more about weapons, and how to defend myself. I knew enough about fighting to keep me alive, but now I needed it for my own friend."

Nick held Greg's hand, as Greg laughed harshly.

"It was last year, that he started being really nasty." Greg said, "He started making me come over every day. Especially after I met you Nick. He was there that day, I didn't even realize he was. He saw how we interacted, and he knew I liked you."

Nick frowned at him, opening his mouth but shut it quickly when his mom glared at him pointedly.

"A few days later, he hit be really hard. I think it was harder than my Dad's hit. I had to wear eyeliner the next day, making it look like I did a bad job on it." Greg told them, "I went home that night, and avoided my dad. Todd came over...I told him to leave, that I didn't want my dad to hurt him. He pushed inside...I've seen a lot of things, since I've been on the street, nothing scared me that much...but...Todd scared the shit out of me."

"He tried to rape me, but he didn't succeed...David and Archie came in. Todd played it off that we were just wrestling...they knew though...." Greg said, "See the thing with our group is...Todd played off to be the leader...but David and Archie said I was the real one. That's when we stopped following Todd's orders, and started avoiding him. Especially after I paid him for the rest of the motorbike. When I got together with Nick, everything spiraled out of control."

Greg and Nick both told their parents of the first incident with Todd, then told them about this one.

"Is Solstice alright?" Bill asked.

"Conrad is one of my best friends, he'll make sure she's alright." Greg said, "I'm so sorry about bringing Nick into all of this. He didn't deserve to get hit today."

"Neither did you!" Jillian said, "I'm thankful you saved Nick. That was a brave thing you did."

"We have an idea...on how to stop Todd. Mr. Stokes--"

"Bill, call me Bill."

"Bill, you know the story now...but now we need to catch him in the act." Greg said.

'Dad, I came up with the idea of using myself as bait. We can lure Todd in, and then Greg can jump to the rescue...or you can."

"We aren't using you as bait." Greg said, "You're going to stay back with Bill and I'm going to take him on."

"But Gre--"

"No buts. Listen, he'll come out faster if it's me. We just need a few cops or something around so we can get him."

"Boys, you can consider it done. I just have to hear him threaten you, and then it's a done deal." Bill said, "Especially if it goes to far, and he hurts you Greg."

"I'd think it'd be a better idea if he did. If he hits me then it's solid evidence that he's hurt me." Greg said.

Bill nodded his agreement, making Nick shake his head.

"No way! I'm not letting you go up against him Greg!" Nick said, "Look at you right now."

"I've had worse." Greg said, holding Nick's hands, "I'll be fine."

Nick sighed, and laid his head on Greg's shoulder.

"Don't worry Nick, Greg won't get hurt. My only question is, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Bill asked.

"Because I thought I could handle this on my own. I'm supposed to be able to handle my gang. That means boyfriends, and sisters to. I'm supposed to be able to protect them, and I'm doing a shit job." Greg said, "I know I'm failing as a leader, and I need help."

"You aren't failing as a leader Greg. You just grew a heart, and your gang still loves you to death. If they didn't they would've stopped following you months ago." Nick said.

"That's the only thing I don't like about you Greg. You're a really nice boy, but I don't like the fact you're in a gang." Jillian said.

"Don't worry Jillian. Nick won't join it or anything. The other gangs aren't like Todd, they aren't fucked up in the head. He won't be hurt...besides there are only two gangs that hate me, and even they can't anymore. They've seen what I'm going through right now. So now I don't even have any rivals." Greg said, knowing that would make her feel a little better.

Jillian shrugged before standing up.

"I need to start making dinner. Greg, would you like to stay?"

"Sure."

Jillian nodded before going into the kitchen, letting her daughters follow. Bill excused himself shortly afterwards.

"Are you okay?" Nick asked.

"I'm fine. Nick, question."

"What?"

"When this is over with, are you still going to stay at my place for the summer?"

Nick started laughing, making Greg join in a few minutes later.

***

Nick paced around the room, letting the other occupants look at him. Greg's friends were here, along with Ecklie. Nick's friends were here also, along with his parents.

"Nick, it's going to be alright. Greg knows what he's doing." Bobby said, grabbing onto Nick.

"Well what if he screws up?" Nick asked, silencing any other protest the others could think of.

"He won't. Greg's smarter than Todd." David told them, "That's one of the reason's he was Todd's right hand man."

"Yeah...why are you so worried?" Archie asked.

"Because I think Todd might kill him." Nick said, "He was going to yesterday."

"Nick...it's going to be fine." Warrick tried to calm his friend.

"No it's not!"

"Look Nick, Greg won't let Todd kill him. He'd rather shoot himself then let that happen." Conrad told him.

"Yeah Nick, it'll all be fine...where is Greg anyways?" Bill asked.

"Right here." Greg told them, walking into the room.

"What took so long?" Archie asked.

"Todd might've been following me. I had to lose him first." Greg said, "Bill, we don't need a lot of police there. Maybe one or two cops will be fine."

"Why?"

"Because I know he'll be by himself." Greg said, "Nick, you aren't going with me."

"Why?" Nick asked, looking upset.

"Because I'm not going to be able to protect you if I'm fighting him."

"But if it's only him..."

"That's the thing. I don't know if it will be just him. Besides...his friends will split if they see cops." Greg explained.

"What do you need from us, Greg?" Archie asked, as the three stood.

"I need Archie to help Bill and Warrick restrain Nick if he tries to run down that alley." Greg said, "David and Bobby, you already know you're supposed to do."

"What about us?" Grissom asked.

"You three need to use your eyes a lot. See if anyone is coming from any direction, if they look suspicious, tell the cops or someone else." Greg said.

"What's in the bag?" Jillian asked.

"Oh, some things for Solstice...just in case....." Greg trailed off.

"See! You aren't even sure you're going to make it out." Nick said.

"Nick, I've got to be ready for anything. If I get hurt than so be it." Greg said, "But I think I'll be fine...but...one thing I don't understand is why I have to go to a certain alley."

"It's because we have a camera there. It will record what he says, and does." Bill told him, "Plus we'll see who started everything. We'll all be inside a van, except for Sara, Catherine, and Gil."

Nick glared at him.

"I don't want to be in a van..watching what happens." Nick exclaimed.

"Nick..." Greg said, "Excuse us."

Greg pulled Nick into the hall, so they wouldn't see them.

"Nicky, you need to calm down." Greg whispered.

"I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!" Nick yelled.

"Then lower your voice. I'd rather your parents not hear us." Greg said, pushing Nick up against the wall.

"I'm not going to calm down. You could seriously get hurt."

"But I won't. I promise you that I'll come back to you alive."

"You can't promise that." Nick said.

"Yes I can, and I can sure as hell try to come back alive."

"Alive, but will you be able to do anything but lay in a bed? What if he seriously injures you and you go into a coma?"

"That won't happen. I won't let it Nick." Greg said, making Nick laugh.

"What if it does?"

"Nick, stop being pessimistic. That's my job remember. You're the optimist."

"Optimistically pessimistic." Nick said, making Greg laugh.

"Just have faith in me. I swear that I'll come back to you and Solstice." Greg said, "I love you both to damn much to leave anyways."

"Yeah you're to stubborn." Nick said, letting Greg kiss him softly.

"Exactly. So remember that, and let me do this. I don't want him to hurt you...or Solstice...or your family. Fuck, I don't want him to hurt anyone. Besides, he wants me...not you." Greg said, cradling Nick's face.

"This isn't fair."

"Life isn't fair. It gives us things we want all the time, then takes them away."

"Exactly!" Nick said, starting to cry.

"Shh..don't cry." Greg said, putting his forehead to Nick's.

"It's hard not to." Nick told him.

"I love you Nick. I don't let just anyone have sex with me." Greg teased, making the other laugh.

"I love you too. Just...be careful." Nick said, crying a little more when Greg started kissing the tears away.

"Always." Greg said, "Let's get back to the living room before they get suspicious."

They walked back in to see their friends scrambling back to the couch. Nick's family were still in their chairs.

"Unlike some people, we respect your private talks." Jillian said, making the two boys smile.

"We respect them...we're just curious." Bobby said.

"Curiosity killed the cat." Greg said.

"Ah yes, but satisfaction brought it back." Archie put in.

"So is Nick alright with the plan?" Bill asked, as Greg nodded.

"As fine as he can be." Greg said, "So let's get going."

Bill nodded, watching Greg start to leave the room. Nick grabbed his wrist and pulled Greg into a kiss.

Bill and Jillian both smiled at the boys. Warrick, Grissom, David, and Archie looked away. Bobby and the girls all made an aww sound.

"I love you." Greg whispered.

"I love you too. I swear though, if you come back hurt. I'm going to kill you myself." Nick said, making Greg laugh.

"Don't worry so much. It's not attractive on you." Greg said, walking out the door.

Nick watched the door shut, before everyone jumped into action.

They drifted back, and watched Greg from far away. They finally saw Todd step out of the shadows and start following Greg. Soon Greg turned into an alley, and some of the bunch got into the van.

"Hey Judge Stokes, how are you doing?" an officer asked.

"I'll be doing a lot better when this is all over, Jameson." Bill replied.

"Yeah, it's not smart to threaten a judges son." Jameson said, "Where'd you get his guy? The one helping us get him?"

"He's my son's boyfriend. Plus he's the one who knows this guy the best."

Jameson sputtered on some coffee, giving Bill a wide eyed look.

"W-What?"

"You heard right." Bill said, "Now pay attention, and let's get some sound in here."

Jameson turned the sound on, letting the people standing right outside hear the whole thing too.

"Greg, it's not very smart of you to walk by yourself." Todd said, as Greg turned around.

"Well I don't care. Don't you know it's illegal to stalk people?" Greg asked, making Todd laugh sharply.

"You know we've never been one for the rules." Todd said.

"Correction; you've never been one for the rules. I've done nothing wrong." Greg said.

"You know Greg, I thought you were different that David and Archie. They just follow me because they fear me. You followed me because you respected me."

"I never respected you! I hated you! You taught me all I needed to know about survival, and I dreaded our meetings." Greg spat, "The only reason I stayed around so long is because I had to pay you for the motorbike."

"Don't lie to yourself."

"I'd be lying to myself if I said I did respect you. Do you know how many times I wanted to punch you because you hurt someone?" Greg asked, "I was sick to death of all the shit you put me through, but I still stayed."

"Maybe you love me? That's why you stayed."

"I don't love you. It's impossible for me to like you. Besides I'm already taken." Greg said, "To bad, so sad."

"Oh please, like that little bitch can show you any kind of action."

"Not everything is about sex Todd. People can be with each other without it being based off sex. And Nick's not a little bitch!"

"Well in my eyes he is."

"Then your eyes need to get fixed. If anyone's a little bitch, it's you." Greg said, "Why won't you leave me the fuck alone?"

"Because Greg, you're my property."

"I'm a human being! I'm not property or a possession. And you wonder why I never liked you."

"I've been kind to you."

"You wanted power over me."

"I've treated you better than my other gang members."

"You wanted to get into my pants."

"After all of this, you treat me like a jackass."

"That's because you are." Greg said, "Always have been, always will be."

"Don't talk to me like that!"

"Why? Do you not like it? Does it hurt your feelings? If you have any, which I hardly doubt." Greg told him.

"You shouldn't talk to your superior like that."

"The only way you are superior to me, is by being a psychotic asshole." Greg snapped.

Todd glared at him, before smiling maliciously.

"Oh, and just so you know Greg. You are the eviler of the two of us."

"How the fuck do you figure that?" Greg asked.

"Because I don't lead people to a setup, for one thing. And because your friends are all in a touch of danger. Especially Nick."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I've got a gang pointing guns at that fucking van they're in, and at his little friends."

"You're lying." Greg said, making Todd laugh.

"Look for yourself." Todd said, pointing.

Greg looked up, seeing that there was in fact many people with guns pointed down. His breath hitched, as Todd started laughing.

"Todd, I'm done. You and me, final battle. If I kick your ass, then you leave them the fuck alone. They had nothing to do with this to begin with."

"And if I kick your ass?" Todd asked, tilting his head.

"What do you want?" Greg asked, as Todd smirked.

"I was hoping you'd say that. I want you, plain and simple." Todd said, lunging at Greg.

Greg side stepped him, both going into a defense stance. For the first time in years Greg was scared.

If he won, then everything would be great. He and Nick would spend a fantastic summer together, and would have a grand time. They wouldn't have to worry about Todd, or anyone else for that matter....

That's not what scared him though. If he lost, he'd be Todd's for a long time. But it wasn't only that that scared Greg.

Nick would hate him if he lost.

***

"NO!" Nick yelled at the TV screen.

"Nick, chill." Warrick said, looking wide eyed at the screen.

"I'm not going to fucking chill Warrick..." Nick said, letting tears go down his face.

"Don't worry about Greg." Archie said, "He knows how to fight."

Nick shared a look with his dad, before sitting in his lap.

"It's going to be okay Pancho." Bill said, rubbing his son's back.

"I hope so too." Archie said, "I've never seen either look so pissed."

"I hope it's going to be okay...I swear if Greg loses I'm going to kick his ass."

Archie started snickering at that, letting the others come in with their own laughs.

Nick rolled his eyes and turned his face to watch the fight that was about to unfold.

****
Greg smirked at Todd before he ran up the wall, and flipped off of it. He landed right behind Todd, and kicked him in the back. The blow sent Todd into the wall, letting Greg take a few steps back.

Todd recovered almost immediately, running at Greg full speed. Greg ran his shoulder into Todd's thighs, making the latter flip onto his back.

"When the hell did you learn these tricks?" Todd asked, getting up.

"When I knew you'd be trying to kill me." Greg said, as Todd swept him off his feet.

Greg landed on his back, the breath knocked out of him. He braced his arms behind his head, then flipped back up onto his feet, making Todd's jaw drop.

"So what? You went to a karate shop?" Todd asked.

"No." Greg said, doing an aerial kick. He barely hit Todd, but it still had the same affect on Todd.

"Why didn't you learn this when we fought other gangs?"

"Because I knew I'd get out of there alive. I'm not so sure this time." Greg said, going to punch Todd.

Todd caught his fist, pushing Greg so his arm was twisted behind his back.

"I know a few things myself. Remember I taught you most of what you know." Todd said, pulling up.

Greg yelled out in pain, going down to one knee.

"I could pop your arm out of socket, and then you'd only have one arm." Todd said, pulling Greg back up.

Greg's eyes were closed tightly, as he leant forward and then sent it smashing back into Todd's face. Todd let go of Greg's arm, who did a lunge roll. He cradled his arm, letting the blood flow normally.

"Who the fuck taught you these things?" Todd asked, making Greg smirk.

"Bobby and Conrad. When I wasn't spending time with Nick, I was training with them."

"Wait! Conrad Ecklie? The Ecklie I hired to kidnap your sister!" Todd said, outraged.

"The very same. Unlike you, he's my friend." Greg snarled, getting tackled to the ground.

Todd punched Greg a few times, before Greg flipped him off. Greg spit out some blood, getting up quickly.

"He was always a pansy. Just like you."

"Just because he's honorable, doesn't mean he's a fucking pansy." Greg growled.

"In my eyes, it does."

"Well your eyes suck!" Greg said, hearing a scream come from the van.

He turned his head to see what was going on, but in that split second that he looked, gave Todd the advantage. He put a hand around Greg's throat and pushed him up against the wall. Greg choked on the breath he had, hand going straight to the hand on his throat. He tried to pull it off, and then tried to claw it off. He was running out of breath, and very fast at that.

"Will you give up?"

"Fuck.....you..." Greg hissed out, making Todd's grip tighten.

Both heard another scream coming from the van. Greg knew Nick must be going insane in there, seeing him like this. He had an idea, and hoped it would work.

Todd smirked at Greg, letting him see how superior he felt. Greg put an arm up and then thrust it down on Todd's arm. He let go immediately, letting Greg fall down. Greg took deep breaths, letting the air hit his burning lungs. He got up and his eyes widened. Todd had a knife in his hand.

"Knifes aren't allowed in a hand to hand fight Todd....you know that." Greg said.

"I'm not one for the rules Greg." Todd said, coming closer.

Greg kicked the blade out of his hand, and then kicked Todd in the stomach. It sent Todd down, and Greg ran towards the blade. It was short lived however, as Todd had grabbed onto Greg's ankle, sending him down. Todd climbed over Greg to get to the knife, who yanked him back. Punches were delivered, and taken. Greg decided to play dirty however and kicked Todd in the groin.

"You...little...cheat..." Todd said, letting Greg go.

Greg lunged at the knife, throwing it out of the alley.

"You dumb ass. You could've had the upper hand." Todd said.

"No knifes." Greg said, running at Todd.

"Fine."

"No guns either. No weapons of ANY kind." Greg said, seeing Todd's eyes widen.

"F-Fine." Todd said, pulling out a hidden gun. He tossed it out of the alley, and Greg breathed a sigh of relief.

Todd lunged at Greg again, sending them both into the side of a dumpster. Greg smashed Todd's head into the dumpster, before getting back up. He was panting, as he tried to draw in breaths.

"How do we know...when the other wins?" Todd asked.

"When the other person is knocked out." Greg said, smirking.

"What?"

Greg shrugged, before pushing Todd up against the wall. He smashed Todd's head into the wall, hearing a loud moan of protest. Todd flipped them and smacked Greg's head into the wall. Greg saw stars for a moment before kicking Todd in the groin again. The other let go, letting Greg get away. Todd walked over to Greg, who swept him off his feet. Greg put his heel on Todd's throat.

"Move and I'll push down." Greg said, feeling Todd's hand on his ankle.

Greg pushed the heel down on Todd's Adam's apple, making the other choke. Todd pulled Greg's foot up, making the other fall on his back. Both hissed at the pain it brought, Greg heard his back pop rather loudly. Both just laid there, both panting, both bleeding. Todd got on top of Greg, and started to choke him again. Greg flipped Todd off of him again, before standing back up.

"Both of us have too much on the line for this." Todd said, as Greg nodded.

"Yeah, my freedom's on the line. Freedom to walk around by myself, to love, to be my own fucking person. Plus I know that if I lose, nothing is going to stop you from shooting the van. What's on the line for you?" Greg asked, "I'd really like to know."

"You know Greg, I know it's difficult to believe...but I do love you."

"You can't love! You only know fucking pain." Greg yelled, "If you really loved me you wouldn't have tried to rape me last year. You would leave me alone, because you know I'm happy. That's love Todd! You just have an infatuation with making me yours. Which won't happen!"

"How do you know? Love drives people to do crazy things." Todd said, getting up.

"You don't know what love is. Love is taking and giving back. Love is what Nick and I have. What you and I have...is nothing. It's me trying to protect my friends, my family, and my loved ones." Greg said, "If Conrad had said no to you, you would've given Solstice to someone who would've probably raped her. It's a good thing you thought we hated each other."

"I do know what love is."

"No you don't! Will you stop saying that. If you can love, then your type of love is sick, twisted, and I want no part of it." Greg said, backing himself up against the wall.

"Then why do I always think about you? You're always on my mind. I want someone to love."

"You want someone who will be an obedient servant."

"What's wrong with that?"

"That's not love Todd! That's possession. You want something you can't have, and that drives you fucking insane." Greg said, "Because you know, that even if I lose. I'll still never completely belong to you. You know that though my body might be yours, my soul is somewhere else. That kills you doesn't it? To not have what you want."

Todd smacked Greg's head into the wall again.

"Then how's this for love. When you lose, and you will lose. It's inevitable, I'll fucking break you beyond repair, and then send you back to Nick. Let's see how far that love stretches." Todd screamed in his face, "Or better yet, I could change the bet around and give your Nick a test run. Is he any good?"

Greg kicked Todd in the stomach, and then punched him in the nose.

"How about my theory Todd. Because you sure as HELL aren't going to fucking touch Nick, if I'm free then I'll make sure you're dead before you can fucking touch him. Here's my theory, you're about to pass out because you're tired." Greg said, kicking him in the side.

Todd pushed him up against the wall, and stumbled a bit.

"And how about this, you see your fucking friends! They're leaving! They know you're about to fall!" Greg said, "Which they know is a hard thing to do. Because you've never been beaten before. So I guess that would make me the head honcho on the streets."

Todd glared at Greg and tried to punch him. He missed by a long shot, falling against the wall.

"Here's the exception I won't treat people like scum, possessions, or anything else. I'll treat them like people." Greg said, "Because I know they'll like me a whole lot more than you if I do just that. And...oh look, they're gone."

Todd smacked Greg's head into the wall again, making the latter see more stars then the first time. Todd went to punch Greg again, who dodged the hit. Todd passed out, falling flat on his face.

Greg saw the other gangs scram. Greg also saw the van doors open, seeing Nick running out to him. Tears were streaming down Nick's face, as he approached Greg.

"You won!" Nick cried out, stopping in front of Greg. David and Bobby came down the alley.

"We're here....is it over?" Bobby asked, watching Greg smile at them lazily.

"Yep." Greg said, passing out.

Nick caught him, falling down to his knees.

"Shit! Dad! We need an ambulance." Nick yelled, as Bill ran over along with the others.

"Oh God!" Archie said, taking in Greg's bloody face.

"It didn't look this bad in the van." Bill said, hanging up the phone.

"That's because it was in black and white, not color." Archie said, watching Nick run his fingers through Greg's hair.

"So...did Greg win?" Nick asked, as Bobby nodded.

"Yep. Todd passed out first, so he loses in every sense of the word." David answered.

Nick smiled.

"Good. Someone go get Solstice, and get her to the hospital." Nick ordered harshly, making the others take a step back, "Please."

"Okay, let's go guys." David said, motioning for Archie and Bobby to follow.

"I'm going to stay here guys." Bobby said, watching the other two shrug.

"Whatever. See you guys at the hospital." Archie said, as he and David ran off.

Nick cradled Greg's body, getting blood all over his clothes. He didn't care however; he had Greg back.

***

Four Weeks Later

"Solstice!" Greg yelled, yanking her out of the street, "Look both ways before going across the street."

"Sorry."

Nick laughed at the two, smiling widely. Greg had been let out two weeks ago from the hospital. The doctor wanting to make sure all of Greg's wounds were healed.

"Hey Nick, what's crawled up my brother's ass?" Solstice asked.

Greg bopped her on the head lightly.

"Sorry. Butt."

"That's right."

"Solstice why don't you go play with Aria." Nick suggested.

"Fine." Solstice said, walking away with Aria.

"You know Greg, you have no room to talk. You cuss all the time."

"Yeah, but she doesn't need to be a potty mouth like me."

"Nothing's going to stop her from cussing. Not even her big brother."

Greg stuck his tongue out at Nick, who smirked.

"Don't stick it out, unless you intend on using it." Nick said.

"Jeez, I'm rubbing off on you. What happened to my innocent boyfriend." Greg cried out with sarcasm.

"Easy, he had a very perverted boyfriend."

Greg glared at him playfully, before kissing him lightly.

"I'm so glad Todd is gone." Nick said.

Greg flinched at the name involuntarily.

Nick noticed this however, and apologized.

"It's okay Nick. I mean, everything is going to be fine." Greg told him.

Nick kissed Greg, letting their foreheads touch.

"I was so scared." Nick said, "But now everyone is only a little scared of you."

"A little. Try a lot." Bobby said, as he came up.

Warrick and the others were standing behind him.

"Jesus, haven't you guys heard of ruining a moment." Greg said, "Because that's what you just did."

"Um...sorry." David said.

"Bullshit. What do you guys want?" Nick said.

"Oh Kitty has claws." Archie said, as Greg threw one of his school books at Archie's head.

"What do you guys want?" Greg asked, slightly irritated.

"Just to hang out." Warrick said, grinning.

"We hang out all the time now." Nick said.

"Yeah well, we wanted to make sure you guys didn't do anything inappropriate infront of Solstice and Aria." Sara said.

"We've never done anything bad in front of them." Greg said.

Nick started laughing, but quickly turned it into a cough.

"Right." David said, "We totally don't believe you."

"Fuck you." Greg said, bringing Nick into his lap.

"Awww, they're cuddling." Catherine squealed with Sara.

"Must....resist...urge...to....kill..." Greg whispered, so only Nick would hear.

The others gave Nick a confused look when he started bursting out laughing.

"You will not, shall not, and can not do that."

"But it'd be fun."

"You can't kill my friends, sorry."

The others threw a glare at Greg, who shrugged.

"You all annoy me." Greg said, nonchantly.

Nick got out of Greg's lap, and started talking to his friends. They started walking, and Greg stuck his tongue out.

"Fine! Go with them!" Greg said, pulling his butterfly knife.

He started cleaning his nails with it, muttering under his breath. Bobby, David, and Archie all shared a look.

"Greg you need to mellow out."

"I am mellowing out." Greg said, "I had my boyfriend with me, and I was relaxing. Then you all came and stole him from me. I'm in half a mind to kick your ass."

The other three backed up a few steps.

"Sorry Greg." They all chorused.

"Its fine, I'm just really tired." Greg said, yawning.

"Then go to your apartment and sleep. We can keep Nick and Solstice company."

"Its fine, I can sleep later." Greg said, "I'll sleep later."

The other three gave him a worried look.

"Have you not been sleeping well?"

"Been tossing and turning all night."

More worried looks from his friends.

"Don't worry. I'm fine, and I'll be fine." Greg said.

"So what'd Nick's parents say about him staying over at 'Warrick's'?" David asked.

"They're totally cool with it. So he gets to stay here over the summer." Greg said, smiling.

"That's awesome."

"Tell me about it. I need him this summer, so I don't go completely mad, trying to keep the gang fights to a minimum."

"Oh shit! We almost forgot about that." Bobby said, "We'll help it stay to a minimum Greg."

Greg nodded his head gratefully.

"So what's going on with you?" Greg asked them.

"My parents grounded me for the whole Todd situation." David said.

"Then why are you out?"

"Snuck out. Didn't really care."

"What about you Archie?"

"Nothing much. Been sitting on my ass lately."

Greg bit back his reply, and turned to Bobby.

"I'm still conducting races. We've gotten a few new people. They all want to race you though."

"Tell them I'm not going to race for a while." Greg said, "I'm not in the mood."

Bobby nodded his head.

"Who would've thought that you would've overthrown Todd, and been head honcho of the streets." Bobby said.

"Not me." Greg said, "The only reason I am is because I kicked Todd's ass, and he ran everything and everyone. Mainly on fear."

"Mainly, there is no mainly about it. He was running everyone on fear."

Greg nodded his head.

"I'm going to keep Solstice and Nick away from that though. They've dealt with enough bullshit to last them a life time."

"Yes we have." Nick said, coming up from behind him.

"How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." Nick said, "Come on, let's let Solstice spend the night at Aria's so you can get some sleep."

"That sounds like a plan."

"Good, cause I didn't know if you'd like it or not."

"I promise you if I don't like your plans I'll tell you. You know I will." Greg told him, yawning widely.

"I know." Nick said, "You guys tell Solstice, while I get him to bed."

The others nodded, as Nick helped Greg up. The others gave them a wide grin, knowing they were meant for each other.

***