Title: Grammies
By: Rhardin
Summary: Nick has been getting out of working doubles for a while now. He always ask's Greg to cover for him. Gil is going to put his foot down.
Beta'd by Scarletfbl and Donna, thanks so much my dears
Note: AU only for the fact the they are both CSI's but Greg was never a lab tech. They have only know each other for a year or so. Fandom: CSI: Vegas
Characters: Nick, Greg, Grissom
Genres: AU
Rating: R
Warnings: none

Nick glanced at the clock and took a deep breath.

"Come on Greg, please," Nick begged. "I'll owe you big time."

"Nick, I'm sorry, I just can't. I've been here for 36 hours and I can't see straight anymore," Greg said, rubbing his face. "I'm getting sick of covering for you all the time."

"It's just for a few hours," Nick said, looking at the clock. He shifted his weight back and forth a bit.

"Nick, don't, I can't. I'm not even sure I should drive home I'm so tired. Ask Warrick or Sara," Greg said, opening his locker.

Nick sighed and sat down. "They won't do it either," Nick said, again looking at the clock.

"Why do you keep looking at the clock?" Greg asked. "Late for a hot date?" he said, putting on his jacket.

"I'll give you a thousand bucks," Nick blurted out.

"Nick, you don't have a thousand bucks. You borrowed money from me yesterday," Greg said, putting his keys and wallet into his pocket. "See you tomorrow," Greg said, walking towards the door.

"Greg, please," Nick said, grabbing his arm. Greg pulled away from Nick and walked out of the room. He made his way down the hallway. He stopped and turned back towards the door.

"Go home, Greg, we all have to work doubles and he wasn't worked one in a while," Gil said.

"What's going on with him?" Greg asked, looking at his boss.

"My god you look like shit."

"I worked a double and I covered for him," Greg said, leaning on the window.

"I'm not sure, he won't say," Gil said. "Now go home. I don't wanna see you until Wednesday."

"I'm on tomorrow," Greg said, standing up.

"Nick will cover for you, you need some sleep," Gil said.

Greg nodded and walked out of the door. Gil watched him make his way to his car. He worried about the young man, wondering if he should call him a cab. He turned and went into the locker room.

"Oh, come on," Nick almost shouted. "I will pay you twice as much." Nick pulled the phone away from his face. "Dammit," he said. He looked over at Gil.

"Nick, I need you to work tomorrow night for Greg," Gil said.

"Gil, I can't," Nick said with a look on panic on his face.

"Greg is excused. He's worked 36 hours straight covering for you, it's your turn now. And you are going to have to start working more doubles. You can't keep asking the others to cover for you," Gil said.

Nick sat down. "I know, I've just got a lot going on right now, and it's almost impossible to work any overtime," he said, standing back up.

"We all have lives, Nick. Catherine has a young child but she works her share of doubles," Gil said, crossing his arms.

"Well, Sara doesn't have a life," Nick said almost to himself.

"Is there something going on at home? Are you having problems?" Gil asked.

"Yeah, you could say that. My sister kind of dumped my Grammies on me," Nick said. "I have an aide at the house but she can't stay any later," Nick said.

"Your Grammies?" Gil asked.

"Yeah, my Grandma, she's 97, she's a lot of work," Nick said in a low voice.

"Oh, I see, well you should have told me about this sooner. We could have worked something out. Why didn't you come to me?" Gil said.

"I thought I could handle it. I didn't know how much trouble a little old lady could be," Nick said.

"I don't like you going behind my back and begging the other CSIs to cover for you. Next time you have a problem I want you to come to me. And don't ask Greg anymore," Gil said.

"I won't," Nick said.

"Poor kid could never tell you no," Gil said.

"Why's that?" Nick asked.

"And you are so clueless."

"What are you talking about?" Nick asked, looking up at Gil

"But I meant what I said, you have to work tomorrow."

Nick nodded and he again sat down. He placed his hand on his head. He rubbed the side of his head. He jumped when his phone rang.

"Shit," he said. "Hello?"

"Look, Nick, I can find another job, I don't need this. You said you'd be home 3 hours ago. I have to pick up my son," Jill shouted.

"Jill, I'm sorry, I had to work, I couldn't find anyone to cover for me. I'm so sorry, I tried but my boss wouldn't let me go."

"Well, she's watching TV. I'm sorry but I can't stay any longer."

"Jill, please don't go, come on, I will pay."

"Your last check bounced," Jill said. "And I won't be back."

"Shit, shit, shit," Nick almost shouted.

"Nick, let's go," Warrick yelled. Jim doesn't like to wait around."

"Okay, I'm coming," Nick said, walking out of the locker room.

*************************

*Nick's house after shift*

Nick walked up to the front door.

"Shit," he said, seeing the door was open.

"Grammies?" Nick called out. He walked inside and looked around. The TV was blaring and the radio was on. Nick picked up the remote and turned them both off. He shook his head and walked into the kitchen.

"Oh, Grammies," Nick said as he stepped into water. He ran over to the sink and turned the water off. He turned seeing the fridge and microwave open. He took a step to close them but slipped on the water. He fell, landing flat on his back. He gasped for air and slowly sat up.

"Oh, shit," he said softly, standing up. He walked over to the fridge and closed it.

"Grammies?" he yelled again making his way out of the kitchen. "Grammies, are you awake?" he made his way to her room. She was in bed. He walked over to her.

"Oh, Nicky, I'm so glad you home," she said, smiling at him. She sat up. "What did you do today?"

"Not much," he said, touching her face. "Grammies, I'm very tired, I think we both need some sleep."

"Oh, no, I need to make you breakfast first," she said, getting up.

"Grammies, I ate at work. Really, I'm fine," he said, grabbing her arm.

"Don't be silly, Nicky, I have to cook for you. I need to make a meatloaf," she said as Nick followed her into the kitchen.

"No, Grammies, you can't go in there," Nick said in a soft voice. "I spilled some water on the floor and I don't want you to fall."

"Oh, I can clean it," she said.

"No, I'll do it. Why don't you go and lay down and I'll come get you when I'm done cleaning," Nick said.

"Are you sure? You look hungry, have you lost weight?" she asked.

"No, Grammies, I'm fine, just lay down for a while and I'll come get you when I've got the mess cleaned up," he said. The older lady smiled. Nick led her into her room. He watched her get into bed and lie down. He pulled the door shut then locked it. He slowly made his way to his own room and got into bed. He didn't even remove his clothes. He put his arm under his pillow and closed his eyes.

******************************

"Hey, Nick, are you in there," Nick blinked a few times. He heard knocking on his door. He sat up.

"Oh, shit! Grammies!" he said, jumping out of bed. He ran out of his room but stopped, seeing her door was still shut. He heard the knocking again. He headed to the front door and opened it.

"Greg," he said, shocked to see the young CSI at the door. "What are you doing here?" Nick asked.

"I just wanted to tell you I was sorry. I mean I should have covered for you last night. I mean I didn't even ask why you needed help," Greg said as Nick moved out of the way so he could come in.

"No, I shouldn't have asked. I was out of line, I knew you were tired," Nick said as they entered the living room.

"Man, Nick, your place looks like crap, is everything okay?"

"Yeah," Nick said, picking up a pile of clothes from the couch. Greg sat down. He leaned to the side and pulled something out from under him.

"Hmm, I don't think this is yours," Greg said, holding up a bra.

"Oh, god," Nick said, blushing. He took the bra and tried to hide in the pile of clothes. Greg smiled and looked down. Nick took the pile of clothes and tossed them into the bathroom.

"Can I get you anything?" Nick asked once he reentered the room

"Coffee," Greg said.

"You should still be asleep," Nick said, stopping in the doorway.

"No way. I don't wanna mess up my sleeping habits. I slept like I would any normal night," Greg said as Nick walked into the kitchen. He forgot about the water that covered the floor and once again slipped.

"Nick, are you okay?" Greg said, rushing in to help him. He also slipped and fell almost on top of Nick. Their noses were just a few inches from each other. Greg held his breath for a bit then lifted himself up.

"Are you okay?" Greg asked.

"Oh, god," Nick cried out once he caught his breath.

"What happened?" Greg said, standing up. He reached down and helped Nick up as well. Greg looked around the room. Dirty dishes filled the sink and covered most of the counters and stove. The table was also covered with magazines and tons of mail.

"Just been busy," Nick said, wiping his hands on his pants. He carefully made his way to the coffee pot and turned it on. He then got out the mop and started cleaning up the room.

"Nicky, what is going on?"

Both men turned to the doorway.

"Grammies, what are you doing?" Nick cried out, dropping the mop to the floor.

Greg looked away and covered his eyes, as the older lady was standing there in her birthday suit.

"How did you get out of your room?" Nick said, rushing her out of the kitchen.

"Nicky, slow down," she said. "I'm an old lady. I can't walk that fast.

"And you're not wearing any clothes," he said, guiding her to her room.

"Oh, my. I'm sorry, I most have forgot to get dressed," she said.

"Grammies, put some clothes on please," Nick said, again shutting the door. He again locked it. He'd have to figure out how she got it unlocked later.

"I'm so sorry about that," Nick said as he walked back into the kitchen. He again picked up the mop.

Greg nodded. "Oh, I see now," he said.

"Yeah, my sister dumped her on me for a while. She's lost her mind. She only remembers me. And they won't put her in a nursing home," Nick said as he ran the mop across the floor.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Greg said.

"I just didn't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I mean it's my Grammies, I should be able to help her out," Nick added, still mopping the same spot.

"I would have helped out," Greg said.

"I know you would have, you're a good friend and I haven't been one in return," Nick said.

Greg looked over at Nick. "Yeah, well, I forgive you," he said softly.

Nick stopped moving the mop around. He looked at Greg.

"I've been so busy taking care of her," Nick said.

"Yeah, I know it can't be easy."

"I had no idea," Nick said, putting the mop away. He looked at the clock and sighed. "I have to be at work in two hours and my nurse quit on me."

"I could stay with her," Greg said, looking at Nick.

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that," Nick said.

"I don't have any plans and I'd hate for you to come home to another flood," he said.

"Are you sure? God, it would help me out so much," Nick said.

"You got cable, right?" Greg asked.

"Yeah, yeah," Nick said. "Greg I really owe you man. You're saving my ass tonight," Nick said.

"Just don't tell Gil, he thinks I'm at home sleeping," Greg said, flashing a smile.

Nick nodded. "I'll get you a pizza, I haven't been to the store in a few days," Nick said, walking over to the coffee pot. He pulled out two cups and filled them both up. He walked over and handed one to Greg.

"Thanks," Greg said, taking the mug in both hands. He took a sip. "Not as good as mine but it will do," he said as Nick sat down next to him. Greg looked at Nick and then down at his coffee.

"Nick," he said.

"Hmm?" Nick said, sounding half asleep.

"Nothing," Greg said, again looking down at his coffee.

"What's up, G? It's not like you to be shy," Nick asked, looking at him.

Greg took another sip of coffee and put the cup down. Greg reached over and lifted Nick's chin up. He leaned forward and their lips touched. Nick froze as Greg lips touched him. Greg was about to pull away but Nick placed his hand on his neck and deepened the kiss. Finally, they both pulled away.

Greg looked at Nick and smiled, Nick smiled back.

"Was that it or was there something else?" Nick asked.

"No, that was it," Greg said, softly. "I've wanted to do that for a few months now and then I found the bra on your couch and it almost killed me."

Nick leaned back in his chair. "I'm glad you did," he said, reaching over and taking Greg's hand in his own.

Nick slowly pulled his hand away from Greg. "I, uh, gotta get ready for work," Nick said.

Greg nodded, drinking his coffee.

"So, are things going to be weird for us now?" Greg asked, since Nick was still sitting at the table with a spaced out look on his face.

Nick blinked a few times and looked at Greg.

"Nick, are you okay?" Greg asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," he said. "I've got a lot on my mind," he said, standing up now.

Greg looked down.

"Oh shit, no Greg, not about that," Nick said, sitting next to him.

"I haven't gotten much sleep, I have no idea what to do about Grammies. I've wanted to, well, you know, ask you out for a while but I've been so busy with her," Nick said, again taking Greg's hand.

"I will help any way I can," Greg said. "You don't have to do this alone."

"I really didn't think I was going to have to but my sister just disappeared. I'm a CSI. I should be able to find her. My parents are tired of dealing with her, so it's been just me and Grammies," Nick said, now looking very tired. He again let go of Greg's hand and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I didn't want to try and start something with you until I knew what was going on. But it looks like I'm stuck with her," Nick said, standing again. "It wouldn't be fair to you," he added, walking out of the room. He walked into his bedroom and set out his clothes for the night. Greg stopped in the doorway.

"Greg, thank you again. I'm gonna hop in the shower," Nick said.

"Anything to help out," Greg said, turning back to the living room. He picked up the remote and started flipping through the channels. He and Nick had been working together for about a year now. Greg, the young new CSI level one, and Nick, taking him under his wing, training and teaching him. It didn't take them long to become friends. Greg wondered if Nick felt more for him. But the past few months Nick had stopped hanging out with him and asking him to work all his doubles. Greg never questioned why but he could never tell Nick no either.

It didn't take Gil long to figure out that Greg cared for Nick and he wondered why the young CSI didn't make a move. Greg had thought about it a lot but whenever he was going to, Nick asked him to work for him and left as fast as he could. Greg wondered what was going on with him. He even started to wonder if Nick was mad at him. But now he knew.

"You are not my Nicky," Grammies said, looking at Greg oddly.

"No, I'm a friend of his. I'm Greg," he said.

"Hmm," she said, sitting down near him.

"Where is Nicky at?" she asked.

"He's in the shower, he's got to work tonight."

"He works too much, he never has time for any fun," she said.

Greg nodded and glanced at the TV.

Nick leaned his head on the shower door, letting the cold water run down his body. It felt good and helped wake him up a bit. He turned the water off and reached for a towel.

"Shit," he said, stepping out. He was sure he put a towel there before. He walked out of the bathroom and into his room. The towel was still sitting on his bed.

"Oh my god, Grammies, what are you doing in here?" Nick shouted, covering himself with a towel.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Nick," she said. "I was going to use the bathroom. This isn't the bathroom is it?" she said as Nick wrapped the towel around his waist.

"No, Grammies, it's my room," Nick said. Holding the towel with one hand, he took her by the arm with his other one and led her out of the room.

"Your room is very messy," she said. Nick led her to the bathroom. She went in and shut the door. Nick sighed and went back into his room. He'd have to tell Greg to always follow her when she got up. She never seemed to find the room she was looking for. Nick slid on his underwear and jeans. He picked up the towel and ran it over his hair a few times. He dropped it to the floor and put on his shirt. He made his way back into the living room.

"Here's a few tips about her," Nick said, picking up his work boots . "You should always follow her when she leaves the room to make sure she doesn't go somewhere she shouldn't. I don't want her in my room at all," he added.

Greg nodded.

"Try and keep her out of the kitchen. I'm gonna order a pizza for you guys and I set her pills out. She needs them at ten," he added. He paused as if he was thinking of anything else.

"Just treat her like a two-year-old kid," Nick said, again standing up.

"Sounds fun," Greg said, smiling.

"You are a life saver," Nick said, picking up the phone. "You like any kind of pizza, right?"

"Yeah," Greg said as Grammies entered the room.

"Have we met before?" she asked, looking at Greg.

"I'm a friend of Nick's. We are going to hang out tonight. I'm Greg," he said, smiling at the old lady.

"Grammies, he's my best friend," Nick said, then walked away.

"You're kinda cute," she said, sitting down. "Did you know that my Nicky is gay?" she asked.

"I was hoping," Greg said. "I mean, is he?"

"I hope you're okay with him liking boys," she said, now facing Greg. "Some of his friends don't like that he's gay, but I'm okay with it," she went on saying.

"Pizza will be here in an hour," Nick said as he came back into the room.

"Nicky, I like this one," she said, touching Greg. "He's much better to look at than your last boyfriend."

"Grammies!" Nick said horrified.

"Well, he is. I can't help it if he's a pretty boy. No, that last guy was not very pretty at all. He was too old for you."

Nick rolled his eyes. "I have no idea who she is talking about," Nick said, facing Greg. "I haven't dated anyone in a few years."

"Oh, you do too know. That man that was here," Grammies said.

Nick shrugged his shoulders. "You're right Grammies, I forgot about him," he said, hoping she would stop talking about this man.

Greg smiled and glanced at the older lady.

"The last time he was here you got into a fight with him and he left, Nicky. You were very upset when left."

Nick looked at her. "Grammies, I…" Nick stopped and thought for a while.

"Grammies, that wasn't my boyfriend," he said

"Oh, so you're not gay?" she asked.

Nick let out a long breath. "Yeah, I am, that's what we were fighting about," Nick said.

"If it wasn't your boyfriend, who was it?" she asked.

"Don't worry about it. It was a long time ago," Nick said, walking over to her.

"But you were so upset, I just want you to be happy," Grammies said, touching Nick's face.

"I am, like I said it was a long time ago," Nick said. "Grammies, you know, Greg doesn't know how to play Gin."

"Oh my god, get the cards out," she said. "You poor child, going your whole life not knowing how to play a card game." she said, getting up and rushing to her room.

"I hope you don't mind playing cards," Nick said. "It's one the few things she remembers besides me," his voice was a bit quieter now.

"It's better than checkers," Greg said as Grammies returned with a deck of cards in her hands.

"Go easy on him, Grammies, don't play for money," Nick said as he picked up his jacket. It was warm now but Nick knew it would get much cooler later on tonight.

"If you need anything just call my cell phone" Nick said. "Have fun with Greg," he added, kissing the old lady on the cheek.

"I love you, Nicky," she said.

"I love you, too," he said. "Thanks again, G," Nick said

"It's going to be fun," Greg said, watching Nick leave the house.

Nick walked out to his truck and got in. He sat there for a while then started the truck. He pulled out his cell phone.

"We are fine, you've only been gone like 10 minutes," Greg said as Grammies smiled at him.

"Nicky worries all the time," she said, dealing out the cards.

"That's not it," Nick said, looking up a bit. "I forgot to leave a check for the pizza."

"No big deal," Greg said.

"I feel like an ass, G," Nick said as he backed the truck out of his driveway.

"Nick, don't worry about it, I got it," Greg said.

"Okay, I'm sorry," Nick said

"Don't work too hard," Greg said and hung up the phone.

"Are you ready to learn this game?" Grammies said.

"Yeah," Greg said, setting his phone down on the table.

Nick pulled into the lot at the lab and parked his car. He leaned back and closed his eyes. He put his hand on his stomach.

"Nick," Sara said, tapping on the window.

He jumped and looked over at her. He opened the door and got out.

"You look like shit," she said.

"Just stressed," he said as they walked inside.

"I thought Greg was on," Sara said as they entered the locker room.

"Gil gave him the night off so you guys get me," Nick said, forcing a smile. He sat down in front of his locker.

Sara looked at him. "You know you always listen to me when I have a problem," Sara said, watching him rub his head.

"Thanks, Sara, but I'm good, really," he said, opening his locker but not standing up.

Sara looked down. "Okay, see you in the break room," she started to walk away.

"Sara, wait," Nick said, looking up at her.

"Greg and I kissed," he said.

"Well, it's about time, you guys have had a thing for each other for months," she said. "Why the stressed look?"

"The timing is bad, that's all," Nick said.

"Nick, I know more than anyone that there is never a perfect time to try and start something. You'll be waiting forever for that to happen."

Warrick walked into the room and opened his locker. He put his things away and walked out not saying a word to either one of them.

"He still mad at you?" Sara asked.

Nick nodded. "All this shit is happening at the same time. My Grammies is getting worse, my head hurts, Gil is on my ass to work more. I have no money to my name, I think I'm negative 2,000 bucks, my cards are maxed out, I have my car payment and rent is due, and Warrick still won't talk to me," Nick said, putting his hands over his face.

"Nick, I can help you," Sara said.

"No, I'll be okay," Nick said, standing up. He looked in his locker.

"Nick, that's what friends are for," she said.

"Sara, it never works out to borrow money from friends," he said.

Sara touched his shoulder.

"I just didn't think my sisters would do this to me. They said they would give me money so I wrote a check to pay the aide. They didn't and now I'm so far behind," he said.

"Let me help you, Nick," Sara said "Please."

"You have that kind of money?" he asked.

She smiled and looked down a bit. "I have no life outside of work, I'm still waiting on him," she said. "So you'll let me help out?" she asked.

"I don't have much of a choice," Nick said, again putting his hand on his stomach.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Way too much stress going on," he said. He shut his locker, not seeing what he was looking for.

"Nick, Sara, I'm waiting on you two," Gil said, opening the door. He turned and walked away.

"Remember when we used to be this big old happy family," Sara said as they walked out. They headed down to the break room.

"Well, nice of you two to join us," Catherine said.

Nick and Sara both sat down.

"Greg, you look a lot like Nick tonight," Catherine said.

"I gave him the night off," Gil said. "Okay, ladies you get a DB at the zoo. It looks like someone put the body in the lion's cage. Warrick, a break in at a gas station. Nick, you're with me tonight. A DB was found at a nursing home. They think it was murder."

"I'm driving," Sara said, standing up. Catherine just nodded. Warrick stood up.

"No, wait, Warrick you go with Nick, I'll take the break in," Gil said. Warrick looked at Gil.

Nick sighed and stood up. Warrick walked out and Nick followed him.

"Gil, why are you doing this?" Catherine said.

"I was hoping if they worked together they could fix whatever is wrong," Gil said, standing up as well.

Nick entered the locker room.

"Look, Warrick can we talk?" Nick said.

"No, I have nothing to say to you, you sick fuck," Warrick snapped. He turned and walked out of the room. Nick closed his eyes.

"Looks like you're in for a long night," Catherine said.

"You're telling me" Nick said, walking out. He was surprised that Warrick was waiting for him in the car. He got in and Warrick turned the radio up.

"Tonight will go much better if you do your job and stay away from me," Warrick said in a cold tone. Nick looked out the window.

"Can we stop at the gas station?" Nick asked, needing to get something for his stomach. Warrick didn't even blink as Nick spoke. Nick leaned back in his seat. He closed his eyes. Warrick turned the radio up louder.

"Nick, we are at the fucking crime scene," Warrick yelled, slapping Nick on the arm. Nick jumped and opened his eyes. Warrick was already out of the car. Nick ran his hands over his face a few times and got out of the car.

"I'll take the outside," Warrick barked, walking away from Nick. He turned towards the car and removed his kit.

"Hey Nicky, you okay? You don't look so hot," Jim said, walking up to him.

"Have a ton of stress going on right now. You got anything for an upset stomach?" he asked as the two men walked inside.

"No, sorry, but I could send an officer out."

"I hate to ask them to do something like that," Nick said, pulling out his gloves.

"It's up to you," Jim said. "They are just standing around looking pretty," he added with a smile.

"Nah, I'll be alright," Nick.

"You CSI's follow me this way," a young man said. He was dressed in a suit.

"And you are?" Jim asked.

"I'm Robby, I'm the owner," he said. "Well, almost, just waiting on my parents to, well, you know."

"No, I don't know," Jim said as they followed him to a room.

Nick felt a chill run down him. Try as they might they could not get rid of the "nursing home smell." He glanced in a room seeing an older man sitting in his bed.

"Son, could you help me?" he yelled out.

Nick stopped.

"Umm, he's fine," Robby said. "Just keep on going."

"What if he needs something?" Nick said.

"He doesn't, he just wants someone to talk to him, and we just don't have the time to do that every time he asks," Robby said, stopping.

"Ok, this is, was, umm… this is the room we found Ruby in," he said.

Nick slowly made his way into the room.

"Hey, David, what do we have here?" Jim asked.

"Well, she's got a cut on her head," he said.

"Is that what killed her?" Nick asked, taking in all the sights around the room.

"Well, no, it's the wire around her neck that killed her, cut her down to the spine," he said.

Robby put his hand over his face and turned away. "Who… I…" he stopped. "How could this happen?"

"You are the boss, you tell me. We are going to need files on all your employees, also prints and DNA as well," Jim ordered, glaring at the young man.

"This does not help," Nick said aloud.

"What?" Jim said, turning towards him.

"Nothing," Nick said.

"Okay, Nicky, do your thing so we can get the hell out of here," Jim said.

Nick nodded and set his kit down. Warrick walked into the room. "Take the bathroom, I get out here," he ordered, removing his camera.

Nick looked at Warrick and picked his case up and walked into the rest room. He again looked at the old lady laying on the floor. He called this place a few days ago looking to place his Grammies here. He placed his hand on his stomach. The pain was getting worse. He tried to shake it off as he looked around the small bathroom. Something had happened in here. There was blood on the mirror and the sink. Nick took a few samples and placed them in his kit. He checked the tub and found more blood in there.

"Warrick, is there a blood trail out there?"

Warrick looked up at the restroom.

"You do your job and I'll do mine," Warrick shouted.

"Well, excuse me," Nick said, taking a few samples from the tub as well. "There is lot of blood in here," he said more to himself. He looked on the floor but, surprisingly, he didn't find a drop on the floor.

"Hmm, that's odd," he said, checking the floor once more. He still didn't find anything.

Warrick walked over to the doorway and looked around the restroom.

"Having problems doing your job right?" Warrick snapped.

"What the fuck is your problem, man?" Nick said, standing up. He bent over a bit and placed his hand on his stomach.

"You are my problem, you make me sick," he yelled.

"Why, because I'm gay?" Nick asked.

"You're damn right it's because you're gay, you sick faggot," Warrick yelled.

Nick stared at him. "So, that's what this is all about," he said, pushing harder on his stomach. "Because I'm gay. I never said I was straight," he pointed out. "You just assumed I was. I'm the same guy."

"No, you're not. You're sick, you have a problem, what you do is just plain wrong," Warrick said, crossing his arms.

Nick felt as if he was going to get sick but swallowed hard and again bent over holding his stomach.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Warrick asked, trying not to sound worried.

"I don't know," Nick said. "My stomach," he turned and got sick in the toilet. Warrick backed up, seeing Nick throwing up blood.

"Umm, Jim, Nick needs some help in here," he said.

Nick's eyes widened seeing the blood he'd just lost. "Oh, fuck," he said as more came up.

Jim walked into the restroom and backed up.

"Jesus," he said pulling out his cell phone. "I have a CSI down at the Golden Ages Nursing Home. I need assistance right away," he yelled into it.

"Nick, man, are you okay?" Jim asked once Nick stopped. He was shaking all over.

"Oh, god," he said, lowering himself to the ground. "Fuck, shit, I didn't process the toilet yet," he said, the words weak and shaky.

Jim shook his head at him. "I called for help," he said. "Don't worry about the toilet, I'm sure Warrick can handle it."

Nick nodded and laid down still holding his stomach. He put his free arm over this face. Jim looked at Warrick.

"See, don't you feel bad now?" he said.

Warrick turned and walked out of the restroom. He turned back to the restroom. He shook his head and went back to work.

"What's going on?" Gil yelled, running into the room.

"Something's wrong with Nick," Warrick said. "He contaminated the crime scene."

Gil turned and walked into the restroom.

"Nick, what's going on?" Gil asked. He looked at the toilet and turned away.

"That's from him," Jim said. "He barfed up all that blood."

"Nick, can you walk?" Gil asked.

"I think so," he said, sitting up. He put his hand on the bathtub trying to lift himself up. Gil took his arm and helped get him up. Jim took the other side and together they helped Nick walk outside.

Gil led them to his car and helped Nick get in. He closed the door and turned to Jim.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I have no idea, he said his stomach hurt and asked if I had anything. I offered to send a blue to get him something but he said he was fine."

Gil nodded, "Well, I'm gonna take him to the ER. You guys got this?" he said.

"I think so, I'll call someone from days if we need any back up," Jim said.

"Okay, I'll see you later," Gil said, getting in his car.

He looked over at Nick.

"I'm sorry," Nick said weakly. "I didn't get the toilet processed."

"Nicky, stop worrying so much. It's okay, Warrick can handle it. He knows what he's doing," Gil said, guiding the car through the traffic.

"Oh, shit," Nick said, putting his hand over his mouth. He bent forward and again threw up nothing but blood. Gil turned on his flashers and sped the car up. Nick pulled his bloody hand away from his face. He was shaking from head to toe.

"I'm sorry," Nick tried to say.

"Nick, stop, it's okay," Gil said, relieved once he got the to ER. He stopped the car in front of the main doors. He got out and rushed inside.

"I need help, I have a coworker that is throwing up blood, lots of blood," Gil yelled.

"I'm Michael," a doctor said, grabbing a wheel chair. He followed Gil out to the car. He opened the door and helped Nick get up.

"Whoa, that's a lot of blood," Michael said.

"Aren't you a doctor?" Gil asked, pushing Nick inside once he was seated.

"Yeah, it's my first day working with real people," he said.

"Oh, no, I want someone who knows what they are doing," Gil said, he stopped pushing the chair.

"I know what I'm doing and I have a resident watching everything I do," he said.

Gil looked at him, then down at Nick. He guessed that Nick shouldn't wait much longer to be seen, so he allowed Michael to push Nick back to a trauma room. Much to Gil's relief another doctor and a nurse entered the room.

"What's the problem?" Michael asked. At that moment Nick again got sick. Blood covered the front of his shirt.

"Oh," Michael said. His eyes widened and he took a step back.

"Michael, what's your plan?"

"I…" he couldn't stop staring at the blood.

"Oh, my," Gil said, looking at him, then back to Nick.

"Sir, you'll have to wait outside, don't worry well take good care of him," The doctor said.

"Okay, please get me as soon as you know anything" Gil said, backing up. He didn't want to leave the room but was guided out by a nurse.

"I will come get you as soon as I know anything," she said.

"Thank you," Gil said, sitting down in the waiting room.

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

Greg covered his face with his hands.

"Aren't you even a little tired?" he asked.

"No, I'm three times older than you and not ready for bed. You young people, I just don't understand you," she said, dealing more cards.

Greg tried to hide a yawn with his hands.

"I saw that," she said.

"Sorry," Greg said.

"Okay, you win, I'll go to bed," she said, standing up.

"Good," Greg said, leading the old lady to her room. "Sweet dreams," he said, watching her go into her room. Greg turned and walked back into the living room. He glanced down at the clock. 2:35.

He lay down on the couch and turned on his side. He picked up the remote and started flipping through the channels. His eyes got heavier and heavier. He could no longer keep them open.

Grammies opened the door and walked out of the room.

"Nicky, I need a snack," she said, walking into the kitchen. "Nicky, would you like some meatloaf?" she said, opening the fridge. She then walked over to the stove and turned the burners on and then turned on the oven.

"Nicky, would you like me to cook you something?" she said.

"Okay, I will," she said, walking back to the fridge.

Greg rolled over on his back pushing his head deeper into the pillow.

Gil put his hands over his face.

"What is taking so long?" he asked, standing up. He walked over to the main desk.

"Sir, I already told you I'd come get you as soon as I found out anything," the nurse said.

"I know, I'm sorry to keep bothering you," Gil said, walking back to his seat. He sat down and pulled his glasses off, placing the end in his mouth. Gil sighed and again stood up.

The nurse looked at him.

"I'm just getting a drink," he said, walking over to the vending machine. He removed a dollar from his pocket and inserted it into the machine. he pushed a button for an orange pop, waiting for it to fall into the compartment at the bottom. He bent down and picked it up. He walked back over to his seat. "See?" Gil asked, opening it.

The nurse rolled her eyes and turned away from Gil. He took a sip of the pop and leaned back in his seat. Gil looked at his watch, then checked the clock in the wall.

"Your clock is off," he said.

"What?" the nurse asked, facing him.

"The clock in the waiting room, it's off by a 3 minutes," he said, pointing.

"I will let someone know," she said.

"I could set it for you," he said, again standing up. "It's not big deal."

"If it will get you to leave me alone…." she said.

Gil got up and walked over to the clock. He removed it from the wall and set it. He replaced it on the wall. "That's better. I'd hate for someone to be late," he said.

"It would be tragic to be 3 minutes late," the nurse said as her phone ring. "Thank God," she said answering it.

Gil sat back down. He put his hands on his head and slowly tapped his foot.

'It's just an ulcer,' he told himself. 'But, God, that was a lot of blood….' He shook his head and closed his eyes. 'I'm going to have to get my car detailed,' he thought.

"Gil?" Dr. Mayer called.

"Yes?" he answered, standing up.

"Nick is going to be ok. He's got a very sever ulcer," he said, leading Gil towards the back. "I want to keep him overnight, but he's doesn't want to stay. He's trying to leave now."

"Nick, what are you doing?" Gil asked, seeing Nick dressed.

"I gotta go. I can't stay," he said, looking for his shoes. He found them and started to put them on.

"Nicky, you need to stay, so they can take care of you," Gil said.

"I can't. I have to get home. Gre…. Uh, Grammies' staff needs to get home," he said.

"Nick, can't you call them and tell them where you are? I'm sure they would understand," Gil said.

"No, I have to go. He….she can't work late," he said, taking a step. He felt a bit lightheaded and sat down on the bed.

"See? You need to stay. You've lost a lot of blood. Let them take care of you," Gil said. "I'll go to your house for you," he added.

"Thanks, but no, Gil, it's my problem not anyone else's," Nick said, standing. Gil pushed him back onto the bed.

"I'm ordering you to stay," Gil said. "As your boss, if you leave, then you're fired."

"You're joking, right?" Nick looked bit surprised.

"Try me, and find out," Gil said. "He's not to leave. Give me your keys," Gil said.

"Greg's there," Nick said.

"What?" Gil frowned at Nick as he handed him his keys.

"He came over 'cause he was worried and he offered to stay. I didn't have anyone else," Nick said.

"Greg should have been home, sleeping," Gil said, a bit angry.

"Sleeping yeah, home no. Grammies sleeps most of the night," Nick said, laying back down.

Gil shook his head. "Greg's a big boy. I'll call you later. I mean it, get some rest," Gil said, walking out.

"Can he do that?" Nick asked.

"I have no idea," Dr. Mayer said. "But I'm glad you are staying, so I can treat you better."

Gil walked out to his car. His phone rang. He answered it.

"Grissom." he said.

"Gil, it's Sara. What going on? Jim said Nick is in the hospital," She said, sitting down in front of her locker.

"He's ok. He's got a pretty bad ulcer," he said.

Sara made a face. "He said his stomach was hurting," she said sitting some money down. "I heard he was upset because he got sick at the scene."

"Yeah, you know Nicky, always thinking about work," he said.

"Look, I gotta go," he said, hanging up the phone. He got in his car and headed to Nick's house.

Greg sat up and looked around the room. He jumped, seeing Grammies staring at him.

"You are not my Nicky," she said taking a step back. "I cooked you some chicken."

"No, I'm Nick's friend," Greg said, rubbing his face. "Is Nick home?" he asked, looking at the clock. It was after 9:30 am. Nick should have been home around 7.

"No. He's not in his bed. Go eat the chicken I made for you," she said, smiling. "Are you Nicky's boyfriend?"

"I hope so," Greg said, walking into the kitchen. He walked over and turned off the sink. He was lucky it didn't over flow. The fridge was open and so was the oven. Greg walked over and shut it. He reached for a pot on the stove and jumped, dropping it.

"You should use a potholder," Grammies said as Greg shook his hand. "Cast iron pans get very hot."

"I see that," Greg said, turning off the burner. He walked over to the sink and ran his hand under cold water.

"You should put butter on that," she said, putting a few pieces of chicken on plate. "Here, eat up. I'm going to bed," she said, walking out.

Greg sighed and started to clean up the mess she'd made. He didn't want Nick to walk in and find this. There was bowls all over the place. Flour, salt, pepper and other spices covered everything. Milk, eggs and water covered the counter. Greg jumped hearing the door open.

"Nick?" he called out. "Shit he's gonna kill me."

"No, Greg. It's Gil," Gil shouted back. He removed his jacket and sat it down. "Man this place is a mess. Are you living with Nick?"

"Ha ha," Greg said, walking into the living room. "What are you doing here. Is Nick ok?" Greg asked, looking a bit worried.

"He's in the hospital. He's got a ulcer," Gil said. "You should be home, sleeping," Gil said.

"I got some sleep," Greg said, walking back into the kitchen.

"What happened in here?" Gil asked.

"I was sleeping and I guess I didn't lock her door. She made me chicken," Greg said, looking around the kitchen.

"I see," Gil said, looking around. "Nick needs a maid. I had no idea he was this messy."

"I don't think it's him," Greg said, placing the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

"You do that. I'll get the oven," Gil said.

"Careful, that pan is hot," Greg said, looking down at his hand.

Gil nodded and sighed. "I don't know where to start…." he said.

Greg shut the dishwasher and started it. He again placed his hand under cold water.

"Let me see," Gil said.

Greg held his hand out. He'd learned a long time ago not to argue with the older man.

"It's not too bad, barely a 2nd degree," Gil said.

Both men turned, hearing the door open.

"Sara, what are you doing here?" Gil said.

"Greg! Gil! I didn't think anyone would be here…." Sara said, pushing the envelope into her pocket.

"Why are you here?" Gil asked again.

"I was just dropping something off for Nick," she said. "But I'll come back by later," she said, turning.

"Since you're here, you could help us," Gil said. "It will be a nice treat for Nick to come home to a clean house."

"Yeah, sure. I wasn't going to go home and sleep," she said. She took her jacket off and sat it on the couch. "I'm gonna use the bathroom, first," she said. She made her way into Nick's room and sat the envelope on his nightstand.

She wrote on it very quickly. 'I hope this helps. Take your time paying me back. I know where you work.' She walked out of this room and into the kitchen.

"You could do the living room," Gil said.

"I have no idea what is trash, and what isn't," she said, looking at the piles of papers and other things.

"If it's older then a few weeks, I'd toss it," Gil said, handing her a trash bag.

"Oh, this is so fun," she said.

"I could sing for you," Greg said.

"I could leave," Sara said.

Greg laughed. "Fine. I'll turn on the radio," he said, walking over to the stereo system. Gil looked up and walked down the hallway to Nick's room. He picked up the envelope and read it. He sat it back down and sighed.

"Nicky ,why didn't you come to me?" he said, walking out of the room. He returned to the kitchen and started back on cleaning the stove.

"Nick, I really wish you would stay longer," Dr. White said, watching as he got dressed.

"I can't. I feel much better. I have the info you gave me, all the medications. I haven't been home in 24 hours and I have no idea who is in my house looking after my Grammies," he said, putting on his shoes.

"Your father said he'd look after her while you stayed here. I'd feel much better if you would stay at least one more day," He said.

"My father?" Nick said. "Oh no, he's not my father, he's my boss."

"Oh, my, I just assumed he was your father, with the gray hair and all," he said. "Don't tell him I said that."

"I won't," Nick said, sitting down. He found his shoes and slipped them on.

"So, there is nothing I can do to get you to stay?" he asked.

"No, thanks for everything," Nick said. "Do I have to sign anything?"

"Yes, this, to show that you are leaving AMA," he said, holding out a clipboard.

Nick nodded and took the board and glanced over the sheet of paper. He signed it and gave it back to the doctor. "Look, I'll come right back if I have any more problems," Nick said, walking towards the door.

"Okay, if you have any other problems, please call me," he said, handing him a card.

"I will," Nick said, taking the card. He shoved it into his pocket and followed him to the exit. He waved to him and looked around and stopped a taxi. He got in and told the driver where to take him. Once they pulled up to the house, Nick paid the driver the last bit of cash he had. There wasn't enough for a tip.

"Cheap skate," the driver said, and pulled away.

Nick walked up to his house. He looked in the driveway and noticed that his car was there, as well as Greg's. He removed his keys and walked inside.

"Well, it's about time you came home," Grammies said, standing up. "I have no idea who this young man is, but he's very nice and I think he's gay, just like you, Nicky," she said, walking over to him.

"I know, Grammies," Nick said, kissing her on the cheek.

"I missed you," she said. "Oh, my, you look hungry, let me fix you something to eat."

"No, Grammies I'm fine," Nick said, looking around the house. He set his pills and paper work down. He looked at Greg.

"It was all Gil's idea, it was his fault, he made us do it," Greg said, looking away from Nick's glance.

"Us?" Nick said, removing his jacket.

"Nicky, you should eat honey. I can make you a sandwich," Grammies said, smiling.

"Grammies, I have an upset stomach, why don't you get a cup of tea," he said.

"Okay, tea it is. Young man, would you like some tea?" she asked, looking at Greg.

Greg nodded, still not looking at Nick.

"Okay, I'll be right back," she said, walking out of the room.

"Us?" Nick repeated in a harsh tone.

"Me, him and Sara," Greg said.

"Hmm," Nick said, letting out a sigh.

"I told him we shouldn't but you know how he is," Greg said, standing up. "Well, I guess I better get out of here."

"You don't have to go," Nick said.

"Okay," Greg said, sitting back down. "So, are you alright?" he asked once Nick sat down next to him.

"Yeah, just a very bad bleeding ulcer," he said, looking at his hands. "Gotta watch what I eat for a while and take some pills or something, I wasn't really listening to my doctor, I just wanted to get out of there," he said as Grammies walked back into the room.

"Tea time," she said, setting down 2 cups in front them.

"Thanks," they both said at the same time.

"Hmm, Nicky, this one is so much nicer than the man you fought with. And I think he's gay," she said, leaning close to Nick. He placed a kiss on her cheek and smiled. "I'm going to take a nap," she said.

"Okay, Grammies, sweet dreams" Nick said, standing up. He looked at Greg. "I'll be right back," he said, following the older lady. She walked into her room and Nick followed her in.

"I missed you," she said, laying down. "You should eat more, that's why you're sick."

"I missed you too and I'm fine don't worry about me," Nick said, pulling the covers up over her. He once again kissed her on the cheek and brushed her silver hair out of her face. He turned and walked out of the room. He walked into his room and removed his shirt and jeans. He picked up a pair of sweat pants and a sweat shirt and put it on. He stopped and looked at an envelope on his nightstand. He picked it up and opened it.

"My god, Sara," he said, seeing 10,000 dollars in there. He let out a long sigh and set it down on the table. He walked over to the mirror and adjusted his hair and headed back into the living room.

Greg was still on the couch but his eyes were closed.

"Greg?" Nick said, but the young CSI didn't move. Nick again sighed and walked into the kitchen. He looked around, then walked over to the fridge and pulled it open. It was stocked with food and drinks.

"They don't know when to stop," he thought and got a bottle of water out. He sat down at the table and picked up the phone.

"You've reached the Stokes, we aren't home right now leave a message."

"Mom, Dad, how many times have I told you not to say you are not home on that recording. Just wanted to check in with you."

"Nicky, is that you?" His mother's voiced filled the phone.

"Hey, mom," he said, leaning back in his seat.

"What's up baby? I've missed you. How is Grammies?"

"She okay, she's getting worse. I don't know how much longer I can do this," he said, feeling the pain return to his stomach. He closed his eyes.

"If you could just do it a bit longer. Maybe one more month, then your father and I will take her back," she said.

"Yeah, I think I can but…" he stopped.

"You need some help with the aids?"

"I had no idea how much they would cost," Nick said.

"I know, aren't your sisters helping you out?" she asked.

"No," Nick said, rubbing his stomach. He got up and walked over to the stand and picked up the bag of pills. He looked at each bottle until he found the one for pain. He opened it and poured a few out into his hand.

"Oh, Nicky, why didn't you call us sooner? We would have helped you out," she said.

"I really…" he stopped and swallowed the pills, "thought they would help me."

"Don't worry, honey. I'll get you a check tomorrow."

"Thanks, mom, I hate to ask you but I'm really in a tight spot."

"It's okay, next time call me sooner. I swear, Nick, you just keep everything inside. One day your going to pop."

"Mom," he said, sipping more water.

"So, do you have a boyfriend yet?" she asked.

"Mom…" he said.

"Well, you shouldn't be alone all the time, you need to find someone," she said as Bill looked over at her. She shook her head and he sighed.

"Mom, when would I have the time to find someone to date with me working all the time and Grammies here?" he said. "But I may have met someone," he said.

"Oh, really, what is he like?" she asked as Bill looked up.

"I work with him, I've told you a bit about him."

"It's not that older man is it?" she asked as Bill made a look of disapproval.

"No, Mom, his name is Greg," Nick said, finishing the water bottle. The pain seemed to be going away. "I wasn't planning on starting anything right now but this just kinda happened," he said, smiling.

"Greg… So when can we meet this man?" she asked as Bill smiled and picked up his paper.

"Mom, we haven't even had a date yet. He was over helping with Grammies and, well, we kissed," Nick said.

"Oh, Nicky, I hope it works out. Please keep us posted. And your father and I will send you a check tomorrow," she said.

"Okay, well, thanks so much, mom," Nick said and hung up the phone. He dropped his head and covered his face. He let out a long sigh.

"Nick," he heard. He opened his eyes and looked up, seeing Greg.

"Hey, I gotta go," he said.

"Oh man, did I fall asleep?" Nick said, standing up. "Shit, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. We both did. Gil paged me. Warrick called in. Will you be okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he said, standing up and feeling a crick in his neck.

"Gil says you're off for the rest of the week," Greg said.

Nick nodded. A week off sounded very good to him right now. He could barely keep his eyes open.

"You can come back here when you get off, maybe we could get a movie and you could get a pizza," Nick said, hopefully.

"I'd like that," Greg said. "Are you going to eat any?"

"Me? No, I'm never eating again," Nick said, placing his hand on his stomach.

"Oh, that bad?"

Nick nodded and followed Greg to the door.

"Okay, well I'll call you when I get off," he said, now facing Nick.

"Okay," Nick said and swallowed a bit.

"Okay," Greg said, backing up into the door.

"For the love of god, just kiss already," Grammies yelled.

Nick turned and looked at his half dressed grandmother in the hallway. He turned back to face Greg and their lips came together. It was a short and very soft kiss. Greg pulled away.

"I'll call you later," he said, opening the door.

"Sounds good to me," Nick said, running his hands through his hair. He again looked at Grammies but she had disappeared.

"I better go see where she went," Nick said as Greg walked out of the door. He shut it and leaned on it.

"Oh, my god," Greg said, putting his hand on his chest. He stood up and walked down to his car, smiling all the way to it.

Nick rested his head on the door. He shook his head and stood up and walked back to the old woman's room.

Grammies looked up and smiled.

"Night, Grammies," he said, shutting the door. He locked it and put a chair in front of the door. "Don't you get out and about," he said, walking into his room. He made sure the phone was right next to his bed and lay down.

"Grammies, wake up," Nick said, softly, touching the older woman's face. She opened her eyes and smiled at Nick.

"What time is it?" She asked.

"It's about nine," he said, helping her sit up.

"You should be asleep," she said, touching his face. "You do too much."

"I'm fine. Get up and get dressed. I'm taking you out for breakfast," he said.

"Oh, no, you don't need to that," she said. "I will cook for you."

"Grammies, get dressed. I'm leaving in half an hour with, or without you," he said, walking out of the room. He walked over to the computer and logged on. He paid as many bills as he could, then went to this phone settings and changed all incoming calls to go to his cell phone.

"Grammies, we got to run by the bank," he said, walking into her room. She was wearing a dress and was fixing her hair.

"You look nice," he said.

"Why are we going to the bank?" She asked.

"Got to put money in it," he said. "Then, breakfast. Where do you want to go?"

"Oh, I want to go to Lenny's," she said.

"It's Denny's, Grammies," he said.

She looked at him and smiled.

"Oh, Grammies, you don't want to go there. We can go anywhere you want," he said, taking her hand and leading her out of her room.

"Oh, but I like Denny's. I like the Grand Slam," she said.

"All right, Denny's is it," Nick said, leading her to his car. He opened the door and helped her in. He pulled on the seat belt and fastened it. He kissed her on the cheek and got in. He started the car.

"Oh, I love this song," she said, moving to the music. Nick smiled and turned it up. He ran by the bank and deposited all but five hundred dollars of what Sara had loaned him.

"Ok, Grammies, this is your last chance," Nick said

"Nick, I want to go to Denny's, and I'm not going to tell you again. Now, where is that young friend of yours? He's not very good at cards, and he's a bit thin. I could fatten the both of you up," she rambled on.

"He's at work," Nick said. "He should be calling when he gets off."

"Is that why you brought your phone?" She asked.

Nick smiled and glanced over at her.

"Why aren't you working?" She asked.

"I got some time off to be with you."

"Oh, that's so sweet. It's a lie but it's still sweet."

"I got an ulcer," Nick said. "So, Gil gave me some time off."

"Is that the man you were fighting with?" She asked.

"No, Grammies. Gil and I didn't get into a fight," he said.

"Who did you fight with?" She asked.

"My friend, Warrick, the black man," he clarified.

"Oh, him? He's nice," she said as they pulled up to the restaurant. "Why is he mad at you?"

"'Cause I like men," Nick said.

"Oh, now, that's silly. You can't help who you fall in love with. Do you love that boy?" She asked as they walked up to the host.

"Two, no smoking," Nick said.

"I want smoking," Grammies said.

"Grammies, you haven't smoked in thirty years," Nick said.

"Oh, that's right. Well, I like the smell of it. It reminds me of the old days."

"Ok, smoking" Nick said.

The host nodded his head and they followed him to the table.

"So, do you?" She asked, again.

"Do I what?" Nick opening the menu.

"Do you love that boy?" She asked.

"Grammies, it too soon to tell. I like him and we are pretty good friends," Nick said.

"Oh, when I was a girl, I knew the first time I saw your gramps," she said. "It was love. None of this dating and living together. We just knew" she said.

"Things were a lot easier back then," Nick said, looking at her.

"That is true," she said.

"Hello, welcome to Denny's. Can I take you order?"

"Oh, aren't you a pretty thing?" Grammies said.

"Why, thank you," she said.

"Oh, yes, I'll have the Grand Slam with fried eggs and tomato juice, and toast, wheat," she said, handing her the menu back. The young waitress looked at Nick.

"Oh, honey, I hate to tell you this, but he's gay."

"God, Grammies!" Nick said, blushing.

"Well, I didn't want her to think something could happen."

Nick sighed. "I'll just have scrambled eggs, plain, with white toast and Sprite."

"He's got an ulcer," Grammies said.

"Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that, sir," the waitress said as Nick handed her his menu. He jumped a bit when his phone rang. He looked at it and smiled.

"It's his boyfriend," Grammies said as the waitress nodded and walked off.

"Stokes," he said.

"Hey, Nick. I just got off," Greg said. "So, I was going go home catch a few z's an get cleaned up. I can be over at about six."

"That sounds good. I owe you pizza," Nick said.

"Ok," Greg said, sitting down.

"Long night?"

"Yeah, I was with Warrick. He really hates us," Greg said.

"Us?" Nick said.

"Yeah, us. 'Cause we both like men."

"Oh," Nick said.

"Anyway, I'm beat," Greg said. "So, I'll see you at 6."

"It's a date," Nick said and hung up the phone. He leaned back in his seat.

"I won't get in the way?" Grammies asked.

"Grammies, you won't be in the way," Nick said, taking her hand.

"You're so sweet. I'm so glad I'm living with you now."

"Grammies, you do know it's only for a few months, right? Until Mom and Dad feel better," Nick said.

"Yeah, but I'm having fun. They never let me do anything. You are so good to me, Nicky. You've made an old ladies' day."

"Anything for you, Grammies," he said.

"Don't make me go back," she said. "Please, let me stay with you. I hate it there, they don't let me live. I'm not dead yet," she said, slamming her hand down.

"Grammies, please, don't do this again," Nick said. "You still got two months with me, so, don't think about it."

"But, Nicky, I want to live with you. Why can't I?" She asked, tearing up.

"Grammies, I work all the time. I'm gone for twenty-four hours sometimes. You need someone to help you out," he said.

"Then, I want to move into a retirement home near you. You'll come and see me all the time. They won't," she said, wiping her face.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I want to be here with you, no one else cares about me," she said. She took both his hands into hers. "Please, Nick, please, can I say here?"

"I'll talk to Mom and Dad. If that's really what you want to do," he said as the waitress returned. She pulled her hands away and wiped her face.

"Oh, look at me crying like a fool," she said, picking up a napkin. "I have to use the ladies room," she said. The waitress pointed to it. Nick watched to make sure she went into the right one.

"So, what is this, some kind of bring Grammy out before you lock her in a home meal?" The waitress asked.

Nick looked up at her. "Excuse me?" He said.

"You have some nerve, doing that to a poor old lady."

"You have no idea what you're taking about," Nick said, trying not to raise his voice.

"What could a sweet old lady like that do?" She said.

"I think you better get away from me before I get your manger over here," Nick said.

"Hmph! Men like you make me sick," she said, crossing her arms.

"I've put my life on hold for her. I've put myself in debt trying to take care of her, so don't tell me I make you sick, little girl!" Nick said, standing up. "You have no fucking clue what you are taking about!"

"It there a problem, sir?"

Nick turned seeing the manger. "Yeah, I'd like a new waitress, please."

"Is there a reason why?"

"She's got a big mouth and doesn't know what she's talking about" Nick said.

The manger looked at her. She tossed her hands up and walked off.

"I'm sorry about that, sir. I hope she didn't upset you too bad. Both meals are on the house," he said as Nick sat down. Nick stood again as Grammies came back to the table.

"Did I miss something?" She asked, sitting down.

"No, we just got a new waiter," Nick said.

"Oh, this looks so good. Tell the chef thank you," Grammies said, picking up her fork.

Nick smiled and looked down at his own food. He placed his hand on his stomach and sighed. He picked up his fork and took a bite.

"He worries too much. He gave himself an ulcer," Grammies said.

The manger nodded. "Well, if you need anything else, just ask."

"My juice," she said. "I asked for some tomato juice."

"I'll brink it right out," he said.

'Hmm, this phone call should be fun,' Nick thought forcing another bit down. Who would his parents handle that news?

"Thank you, Nick," she said. "I love you."

"I know, Grammies. I love you, too," he said, pushing his plate away.

"Now, Nicky, you'd better eat more than that," she said.

"Grammies, I can't" he said, wishing he'd brought his pills with him.

"Hurt that bad?" She asked.

Nick smiled "Yeah, I'll be fine," he said, taking a drink. 'Think about tonight,' he told himself. 'Don't stress over it. Just relax.' He leaned back and placed his hands behind his head. He again placed a hand on his stomach and took in a deep breath.

Nick shut the door and again placed the chair in front of it. He was glad he didn't have to rush around and clean, since his co-workers already did that for him. He sat down on the couch with the phone is in hand. He leaned back. He wasn't sure how his parents would take the news. They may be glad to have her out of their hair, or they could become upset over what Grammies said.

He ran his hands over his face and dialed.

"Hello?" Bill said, walking out of the room where is wife slept.

"Hey, Dad. What's up?" Nick asked, putting his hand on his head. He'd hoped he'd get the machine.

"Not much, just having a night in. Your mother isn't feeling well," he said.

"Oh, well, I call back another time," he said.

"I said your mother is sick, not me. You can talk to me, right?" He asked.

Nick smiled. "It's about Grammies," he said.

"What did she do now? Your mother mailed you a check today," he said.

"No, she's fine. She's taking a nap. She doesn't want to leave," he said.

"Well, Nick, I don't think you can take care of her like she needs and the aids are very pricey out there," Bill said.

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. She wants to move into a place out here," he said, looking down. He closed his eyes when he didn't hear anything.

"She's losing her mind, Nick. She doesn't know what she wants," Bill said. Nick could tell he was pacing. He always did that when he was getting upset.

"Dad, she was very with it when she was talking to me. She likes it out here," he said. "I mean, if you did that, you and mom could travel and stuff and I'd look after her. It would be easier for everyone," he went on, hoping to keep him calm.

"You'd want to do that?" He asked.

"Yeah. I mean, it's what she wants. I know of a good home and it's not to expensive," he said.

"Nick, I mean, are you sure? It won't be easy."

"It will be easier than me worrying about if the aid is still there, or if she left the oven, or sink on," Nick said, standing up. "That way, I can spend more time doing things we enjoy."

"Are you sure it's what she wants?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Nick said.

"Well, I'll have to talk to your mother, and I want to talk to your grandmother, too," he said.

"Yeah, yeah. She's taking a nap, but I'll have her call."

"No, I want to wait until your mother is feeling better and I will call. When does she sleep?"

Nick laughed at that. "Whenever she wants. She's on her own schedule right now."

"Ok, well, give me a call tomorrow when she's up," he said.

"Ok, Dad," Nick said.

"So, what are you doing tonight?" He asked. Nick could tell his father was fishing.

"I have a date in an hour," he said.

"Oh, Pancho, I'm so happy. I hope Grammies doesn't scare him off."

"She won't. He likes her. They played cards together," Nick said, walking into his room. He looked in the closet.

"So, what are you wearing?" His father asked.

"Why do you want to know that?" Nick asked, a bit surprised to hear his father ask something like that.

"Well, I just want to make sure you really impress this boy."

"Dad, we've known each other for a year," Nick said, removing a black shirt.

"Don't wear black. You are not going to a funeral," Bill said.

Nick shook is head and sat the shirt on his bed. "I won't, Dad," he said.

"Nick, put that shirt back and pick something else," he said.

"Dad, I know how to dress for a date. I got to go."

"Alright. I will talk to you tomorrow. I mean it, no black!"

"Dad, I love you," he said.

"I love you, too, Pancho," he said, hanging up the phone. Nick walked over to his closet and look around. He pulled out a dark red shirt and tossed it onto his bed. He found the jeans he wanted and walked into the bathroom to take a shower.

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

Greg rolled over and his eyes widened. He sat up and blinked. It was 5:45.

"Shit!" He said, jumping out of bed. He fell to the floor, still half tangled in his sheets. He kicked the sheets off and jumped up, running into the bathroom.

"Why the hell didn't the alarm go off?!" He yelled, throwing his cloths off. He got into the shower and turned it on.

"Oh, fuck!" He yelled, feeling the drops of cold water hit his back. He turned on the hot water.

"I'm going to be so late!" He said, trying to open the shampoo and body wash at the same time. He dropped both of them and picked up the shampoo. He poured some into his hair and worked it into a lather. He rinsed it out and then picked up the body wash. He poured it in his hands and ran them over his body. He rinsed again and turned the water off. He got out and graded a towel, running into his room.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He yelled, grabbing a t-shirt. "No, you can't wear a t-shirt!" He yelled, tossing it onto the floor. He looked through his shirts and removed a brown shirt and pants to match it. He dressed as fast as he could and again rushed into the bathroom.

"Oh, crap!" He said, pulling out his brush. He ran it through his hair and got a bottle of gel. He covered his fingers with it and ran them through his hair. He looked at it and messed with the sides a few times. He got dressed and looked in the mirror again.

"Prefect," he said, running into his room. He picked up his shoes and walked into the living room. He sat down and put on his socks and shoes. He got up and looked around for his keys.

"Fuck!" He said, tossing the pillows off his couch. He picked up his wallet.

"Where the fuck are my ke…..car!" He said, suddenly. He walked down the hallway and opened the door, putting the doorstop down. He walked to his car and stopped, hearing the door shut all the way.

"Shit!" He said, pulling at his car door. It was locked.

"Oh, God," he said, pressing his face up on the window. He punched the window, seeing his keys sitting on the driver's seat. "This can't be happening to me!" He yelled, walking back up to the apartment door. He pulled, trying open it. It wouldn't move.

"Shit!" He said, pulling harder, but the door still would not open. Greg rested his head on the door. He walked over to the call button and pushed each one of his neighbors, but none of them were home.

"Oh, my God! What did I do to deserver this?" He cried out. "Shit, shit, shit!" He reached for his cell phone and closed his eyes. An image of it sitting on his nightstand filled his mind. He turned away and looked around. He didn't see one cab.

"He's going to think I stood him up," he cried, covering his face. He turned and started walking down the sidewalk, praying for a taxi.

"Need a lift?"

Greg turned and smiled.

"Oh, thank God!" He said, walking over to the police car. "Jim, what are you doing here?"

"Gil's been trying to call you and you wouldn't answer. He was worried about you, so I came to check up on you," he said, leaning out the window.

"I locked my keys in my car and my door is locked," Greg said, looking down at Jim's clock. 6:35.

"I'm so late," he said.

"Where you off to?" Jim asked.

"I was going over to Nick's," Greg said.

Jim laughed. "Get in. I'll have a blue get your keys to you later," he said.

"Can I use your phone?" Greg asked.

"Sorry, it's dead," Jim said. "I never remember to charge it."

Greg sighed as Jim pulled the car out into traffic.

_____________________________________________________

Nick looked at the clock again and sighed. He walked over to the phone and started to dial Greg's number, but stopped. He sat the phone down and walked into the kitchen.

"What is wrong?" Grammies asked, looking at Nick. "Where's your boyfriend," she asked.

"I guess he's not coming," Nick said. "Do you want to go out to dinner?"

"No, I'm tired," she said, leaning on the door.

"Grammies, he's over an hour late, he's not coming," he said, walking over to her.

"I'd wait a bit longer. Don't give up on him, yet," she said, kissing Nick's cheek. She walked back to her room. Nick took in a deep breath and walked into the living room. He turned the TV on and started flipping through the channels. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

He sat up, hearing a knock at the door. He smiled and fixed his hair before walking to the door. He placed his hand on the knob and pulled it open.

Nick slowly pulled the door open. He looked at Greg and smiled.

"I was starting to think you'd chickened out on me," Nick said, stepping back so Greg could come in.

"You wouldn't believe what happened. First, my alarm didn't go off and, then, I locked my keys in my car and, then, the door to my apartment shut and locked as well," Greg said, walking inside.

"How did you get here?" Nick asked, looking outside. He got his answer, seeing Jim wave at him.

"Grissiom was trying to call me and I had my phone in my room. I guess he got worried and asked Jim to come by. Thank God he did. I was off to find a cab," he said, sitting down. "Can I use your phone?" He asked.

Nick nodded and handed it to him.

"Grissom," Grissom said.

"Hey, Gil, it's Greg. Jim said you were trying to call me."

"Yeah, I was a bit worried. I heard you and Warrick got into it," Gil said.

Greg sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "I did my best, but he just wouldn't let it go," Greg said, standing up.

"I hear he's been on your case because you're homosexual," Gil said.

"Yeah, I guess so," Greg said.

"First, Nick, then you. How is Nick anyway?"

"He's looking at me like he's wondering what we are talking about, but other than that, he looks good," Greg said and Nick smiled.

"Well, I can't have this kind of problem on my team," Gil said.

"So, what are you going to do?" Greg asked, now pacing. Nick watched each step he took. He swallowed hard.

"I going to have to move Warrick to days. I can't have him doing this to my team."

Greg's eyes widened. "Really?" He asked.

"Well, I can't very well move both you and Nick, and if I move only one of you, there would still be a problem. Warrick has been warmed and he chose not to listen to me. So, he's going to be suspended for one week without pay, and then moved to days," Gil said.

"Ok," Greg said.

"Well, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to make sure you were ok," Gil said. "I will see you tomorrow night. And tell Nick I'll see him in a week." Gil said.

Greg hung the phone up and sat it down.

"What's going on?" Nick asked.

"Warrick is suspended for a week and being moved to days," Greg said.

"Oh, man, that is really going to piss him off, working for Ecklie," Nick said, smiling.

Greg sat down again and let out a sigh.

"You thought he was going to do something to you?" Nick asked, taking his hand.

"I wasn't sure. I mean, I'm the newest one on the team," Greg said.

"Yeah, well, Gil likes you," Nick said, leaning forward. He put his hand on the back of Greg's neck and pulled him close. Their lips touched as Greg wrapped his arms around him and pulled Nick closer.

"Are we going to eat dinner, or what?" Grammies called out.

"Shit!" Nick said, letting Greg go. He pulled away and Greg smiled, sitting back.

"Hold that thought," Nick said as his grandmother walked into the room.

"I thought we were getting pizza," she said, sitting down.

Nick smiled and picked up the phone.

"Nick's got a few movies," Grammies said, pointing at them. "You do like movies, don't you?" She asked, looking at Greg.

"Yes, I do," he said.

"Well, since you make my Nicky smile, I'll let you pick out one," she said, listening as Nick ordered the pizza.

Greg glanced over the movies, seeing King Kong and Jarhead. He picked Jarhead and handed it to Grammies.

"Oh, that Jack boy is so cute! I swear, if I were fifty years younger, I'd be all over that boy," she said, placing her hand on her chest.

"Grammies!" Nick said, taking the movie from her. She smiled.

"Don't tell me you don't think he's hot," she said, fanning herself.

"Grammies," Nick said again, putting the movie in.

"I'm sorry," she said, smiling. "But I think you're cuter," she said, looking at Greg. "You are so good for my Nicky."

Greg looked down and smiled.

______________Three Hours Later______________

"Well, thanks for the pizza," Grammies said, standing up.

"You going to bed?" Nick asked, standing up with her.

"Yeah, I'm tired," she said, taking Nick's hand.

"Oh, I was hoping we could play cards again," Greg said, looking up at them.

"Next time," she said, yawning. She walked to her room with Nick right behind her.

"Did you talk to your parents?" She asked, sitting on her bed.

"Yeah, I did. Dad sounded a bit surprised, but I think he'll be ok with it as long as Mom is," Nick said.

"Oh, Nicky, you have to talk them into it. I don't want to leave you," she said, pulling him close.

"I will Grammies. I promise."

"Oh, look at me, acting a fool again, when you have such a hot boy in the living room," she said, lying down.

"That's not why you are tired, is it Grammies?" Nick asked.

"No, I really am tired," she said, smiling.

"Goodnight," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

"'Night. Love you," he said, brushing her hair out of her face. She smiled and turned onto her side.

"Have fun and enjoy that boy," she said.

"Grammies!" Nick said, looking back at her.

"Well, he's hot! I would if I were you," she said, shutting her eyes.

Nick pulled the door shut and placed the chair in front of it. He again fixed his hair and did a quick breath test. He walked back into the living room. He sat down next to Greg.

"She wants to say here," Nick said.

"Really? What are you going to do?"

"Well, not here. I meant a retirement home, or something. I'm going to try and keep her here. I mean, that's what she wants," Nick said.

Greg smiled. "You always think of everyone, but yourself," he said.

"It would be easier that way. I mean, then I'd know she's safe and I wouldn't have to worry so much," he said.

"You worry?" Greg asked as Nick took his hand.

"No, I never worry," he said, leaning forward. He again took the back of Greg's neck and pulled him close. Their lips came together and Greg wrapped his arms around Nick's back. He laid Greg back on the couch and kissed him again. He leaned up as Nick pulled his shirt off, and kissed his neck. He ran his hand down around Greg's nipples and down to his belly button.

"We need lube," Greg said as he undid this pants.

Nick looked up, then jumped off the couch. He almost jogged down the hallway and ran over to his nightstand and found what he was looking for. He returning finding Greg laying on the couch with his pants unzipped. Nick sat the bottle down and again got up on his legs. Nick removed his own shirt and tossed it to the floor. He leaned down and sucked on Greg nipple, biting it just a bit.

Greg reached back on the couch and lifted himself up.

"Please, Nick, I wanted this for so long," he said, moaning. He licked his lips as Nick looked up at him. Nick took a hold of his pants and pulled them down, tossing them onto the floor. His boxers were next to follow. Nick got off of Greg and lowered himself to the floor, sitting on his knees, and pulled him into a sitting position. He rested his feet on the coffee table. Nick took the lube in his hands and opened it, coating his fingers with it.

"Oh, God!" Greg said. Before Nick even started, he placed his finger in his mouth. He bit down on his finger as Nick entered him.

"Oh, yes," Greg mumbled out.

Nick smiled as he worked his finger in and out of him. Greg tightened his legs up and the table moved back almost a foot.

"Please, Nick, I want you," Greg said, taking his finger out of his mouth. Nick added another finger and worked them even faster and deeper.

Greg grabbed the cushion in one hand and the other went back into his mouth, biting down on his knuckle.

"I'm ready. Oh, God, I need you Nick. Please!" Greg forced out before Nick had added a third finger. Nick lifted himself up and took the lube off the table. He looked down and licked his lips.

"I want it all," he said, letting his head fall back.

Nick moaned at his own touch and slide his fingers out of Greg and placed the tip of his cock where his fingers once were. He pushed the tip in and stopped. He looked up at Greg and watched the young man react to him entering him. Greg tightened himself around him, then relaxed again. Nick gasped as he did that a few more times.

"Oh, God!" Greg calls out, lifting his legs up and resting them on Nick's shoulder. He closed his eyes as Nick slid most of his cock into him. He bit down on his finger again and tightened his legs again. Nick pushed inside him and started to move his hips back and forth.

"Oh, shit!" Greg said, taking his hand away from his mouth and placing it on Nick's shoulder.

He rested one arm on the couch and, with his other, he took a hold of Greg's cock. He ran his hand over the tip a few time, letting Greg's juices coat his hand. He slid his hand up and down him.

"Oh, fuck!" Greg yelled, covering his mouth. He bit his finger again to keep himself quiet. Nick's hand and hips moved in sink with each other. He slowed down just a bit, hoping to last a bit longer. He was getting close. Greg took finger from his mouth and placed it on Nick's backside and pulled him even closer.

Nick push forward again, going as beep as he could.

"Oh, yeah!" Greg said, tighten his muscles around Nick.

Nick let out a deep breath as he speed up his hand, but couldn't move his hips as Greg tightened and relaxed again.

"Deeper!" Greg said and Nick pushed forward again.

"Oh!" Greg said. "I'm going…. Fuck! I'm cuming!" He said as his juice ran all over Nick's hand. Nick again pushed forward and started to move in and out of him. He wasn't far behind Greg and pulled out of him, letting his cum drip down over Greg's cock. Greg's legs fell down to the coffee table and Nick leaned down and took Greg' cock in his mouth, licking it clean. Nick let his body fall onto Greg's and they pulled each other close.

"My knees," Nick finally said, unable to ignore the pain he could now feel in his knees. He lifted himself up and sat on the couch.

Greg eyes were still closed, but he reached out for Nick's hand and pulled him close. He laid down and Nick laid on top of him.

"We should do that again," Greg finally said. Nick smiled and lifted Greg's hand up.

"Look what you did to your hand," Nick said, seeing the bite marks and bruises.

"It's a bad habit," Greg said, pulling his hand away and resting it on Nick's back.

"Do you want to watch TV?" Nick asked.

"No, I want to stay just like this," Greg said, sleepily.

Nick smiled and closed his eyes, taking Greg's hands in his.

Grammies smiled and walked back into her room. She splashed some water on her face and sat down on the bed.

"Now that was the hottest thing I've ever seen," she said, lying down.

One month later.

Nick picked up the last box and carried it to his truck.

"Son, you should let me do that," Bill said.

"Dad, I'm fine," Nick said, sitting in the bed. "It's just an ulcer."

"Yeah, but you've had it for a month," he said.

Nick shook his head. He smiled, seeing Greg walking out with an arm full of coats. He quickly made this way to the truck and Bill opened the door for him.

"Why does someone need so many coats?" Greg said, pushing them in. "It doesn't even get that cold."

"You should see the stuff we left," Bill said, looking at the stuff in the truck.

"Grammies is kind of a pack rat," Nick said, walking over to Greg. He pulled him close and kissed on the cheek. "Thanks for helping," he whispered.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he said, resting his head on Nick's. Bill cleared his throat and they pulled apart.

"Is that everything?" He asked.

"I got all the stuff out of her room," Nick said, wiping his face off. He looked at the trailers his parents had brought down.

"I bet there is a ton of memories in there," he said.

"Can't throw anything away. I swear, she's got more cards, photos, and other useless crap," Bill said. "So, you'll drive the truck and I'll drive the trailer?"

"Sounds like a plan. Where are the ladies, anyway?" Nick asked, getting his keys out. He placed his hand on his stomach and pulled a Tums out of his pocket.

"You should go back," Bill said. "And they are shopping. Mom wanted a new dress and you know your mother, she just had to get her one," he said.

Greg opened the passenger door and was about to get in.

"Greg, why don't you ride with me?" Bill asked.

Greg stopped and looked up. "Yeah, ok," he said, shutting the door.

"Dad, what are you going to do to him?" Nick asked, walking over to the truck.

"Nothing, I just want to get to know him a bit," he said.

"Don't you scare him away," Nick said, taking Greg's hand.

"It would take a lot to do that," Greg said, getting in the trailer.

"Ok, Nick, lead the way," Bill said, getting in. He looked over at Greg. "I'm worried about him," he said.

Greg nodded. "Yeah, I am, too. He's in a lot of pain and it's just not getting better. He's still throwing up blood," Greg said, then stopped.

"I didn't know it was that bad," Bill said.

Greg placed his hand on his head.

"I won't say anything. Nick has always been one to keep things bottled up inside."

"He's been under a lot of stress. A co-worker hates us and is making things hard at work, plus, he's been worried about getting Grammies all moved in and wondering if he picked a good place and if she'll be happy," Greg said.

"Nick used to worry as a kid. We'd have to call if we were going to be five minutes late 'cause he'd be standing by the window, waiting for us if we didn't" he said.

"I think and hope that once everything calms down, he'll get better, once he sees that she's happy and stuff," Greg said.

"So, he'll have an extra room again?"

Greg smiled. "Yeah. I'm moving in with him," he said, resting his arm on the window. He glanced at Bill and smiled, seeing a big smile on his face.

"I'm so happy he's found someone," Bill said. "I was starting to wonder if he'd ever meet someone. We didn't want to send Grammies out here, but his mother was just so sick and wasn't getting better. Grammies was running her down. None of our daughters wanted to take her. Spoiled little…. I knew Nick would say yes, no matter what."

"I think he's enjoyed her being here," Greg said. "She taught me a lot about cards."

"So, you'll keep an eye on him?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, I will," Greg said.

"I want you to call me if he's not getting any better. He could be dying and he wouldn't tell us. He'd worry too much that we'd be upset, or something," he said, shaking his head. "When he was twelve, he had appendicitis at the same time his sister was having a baby. He didn't tell us he was in pain. I don't know how he hid it from us, but he almost died. We found him in his room passed out. He was burning up with a fever and his appendix had burst. He just went to bed. Stupid kid. So, you have to make sure he's ok. I mean it."

"I will," Greg said, looking down at his hands. They pulled up to the retirement home and parked the trailer in the front. Bill got out and walked over to the truck. Nick rolled his window down and leaned out.

"What did you do with him?" Nick asked.

"I didn't like him, so I tossed him out on the highway," Bill said as Greg walked over to them.

"Did he interrogate you?" Nick asked.

"No, it wasn't too bad," Greg said, stepping up to the door. He leaned in and kissed him.

"I'll go in and see what we need to do," Bill said.

Nick took Greg's hand and pulled it close to him.

"So, what did you talk about?" Nick asked.

"You worrying too much and never letting it out," Greg said. "He's worried about you and your stomach."

"I'm fine. Once this is all taken care of, I'll be fine," Nick said, resting his head on door frame.

Greg looked at Nick and shook is head.

"What? I'm not going to change, so take it, or leave me," Nick said. Greg turned and started to walk away.

"Hey, wait! Where are you going?" Nick called out.

Greg stopped and smiled. He walked back over to the truck and pulled the door open.

"This seat is taken," Nick said as Greg tried to climb in. He didn't give up and was now sitting on Nick. He took his arms and wrapped them around himself.

"You worry too much," Nick said.

Greg looked back at him.

"Ok, ok, I'll call my doctor tomorrow," Nick said.

"Good 'cause I'm going with you when you go," he said as Nick laid his head on Greg's shoulder. He closed his eyes.

"Well, we don't have to do anything. They will unload the truck for us," Bill said. "We just have to set the room up the way she wants."

"Thank God," Greg said, getting out of the truck.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry. I see a dinner right across the road. Lunch is on me," he said.

Nick got out of the truck and took Greg's hand. "Sound good to me," he said as the three of them crossed the road. Bill opened the door and they walked in.

"How many?" The hostess asked.

"Three," Bill said.

"Smoking, or non?" She asked, picking up three menus.

"Non," he said.

"Ok, follow me," she said and lead them to a table. They sat down and she sat the menus in front of them.

Greg opened his and looked over it. "I wonder if their pizza is any good," he said.

"Fuck, they will let anyone in here."

Nick and Greg both look up and saw Warrick standing in front of the table.

"Rick, don't do this here," Nick said, looking down.

"Why not? I mean, because of you two, my life sucks now. I'm on days. Do you know how bad days sucks? And it all because you two sick fucks," he said, raising his voice. "And, then, you don't even have the balls to talk to me about it. You just run to Gil like a spoiled like baby," he says.

Nick closed his menu. "Rick, come on, man, don't do this here. We can talk later."

"No, I'm here now!" he yelled.

Greg stood up. "This is between me and him prick boy," Warrick said.

Nick stood up and grabbed Warrick by the arm. He pulled him away.

"My father is right there," he said, pushing in the back. "What is your problem?"

"You are my problem," he said.

"What is the big deal? So, I like guys. So, I'm with Greg now. I'm still the same guy that you used to hang out with," Nick said.

"No, now you're a sick fucker and what you do is wrong," Warrick said.

"Really? You are judging me. I don't think so."

"What is that suppose to mean?" Warrick asked, pushing Nick off him.

"You sleep with anything with breasts and you have a gambling problem. Last time I checked, those were sins, too."

Warrick glared at him. He lifted his arm up and clinched his fist together.

"Don't like it when I make a point, do you?" Nick asked. "And when you know I'm right. I am in a committed relationship with someone that loves me. What the fuck do you have? Nothing, but a few hos to come home to," Nick said.

"Fuck you, man!" Warrick said, dropping his arm.

Nick took a step back. Warrick looked away from him.

"So, are you going to tell my why you are really pissed off?" Nick asked.

Warrick looked at him. "Fuck off," he said, walking away. Nick grabbed his arm.

"You wanted to talk, so talk," Nick said, crossing his arms.

Warrick looked away again. "No way. I don't want to get into this."

"Yeah? You did when you started this shit in front of my father," Nick said.

Warrick turned away and covered his head. "Man, Nick…." He said. He turned to face him. "I have feelings for you."

"Don't fuck with me, Rick," Nick said.

"I'm not. I mean, it scares the fuck out of me. I didn't know what to do."

Nick looked at him.

"And then your Grammies moved in and you came out and told everyone. I guess I didn't know and thought you were straight. So, I just thought it would go away," he said, leaning on the wall.

"If you're fucking with me, I swear, I'm going to kill you."

Warrick looked up at him. "I'm not," he said. "I was afraid that if you were gay, I'd act on my feelings and that scared me so much. I just…. I was stupid."

"Yeah, you were and look what it cost you?"

"Yeah. And then you hooked up with Greg," he said. "I mean, I'm better than Greg."

Nick sighed and ran his hand through his hair and down to his stomach. He swallowed a few times.

"I mean, I fucked up. I got scared and I didn't know how to deal with my own feelings," he said. "Nick, I care about you."

"Rick, I'm with Greg," he said. "I'm in love with him."

"But we never got a chance. You don't have to tell him," Warrick said softly. He reached up and touched Nick's face. He leaned forward and their lips touched. Nick put his hands on Warrick's arms and pushed him back.

"Rick, I'm with Greg," Nick said, backing up.

"Nick, come on, I'm laying it all out for you. I'm telling you how I feel. Please, man, come on," Warrick said. Nick turned away from him and stopped.

"I'm sorry," he said and walked back to the table. He grabbed his stomach again.

"Nick," Greg said, looking up.

"We need to talk right now," Nick said, walking outside.

"Nick what's wrong? Are you ok?" Greg asked. Nick doubled over in pain and took a deep breath.

"Fuck!" He said. Greg step closer to him, but Nick focused himself to stand up.

"Nick, you're scaring me. What is going on?" He asked, pulling him close.

"I just kissed Warrick," he said.

"You what?" Greg asked, stepping back.

"He was yelling at me, and then he was telling me he had feeling for me and that he cared about me and he was scared, then he kissed me," Nick said, covering his mouth.

"Wait… I'm lost. Warrick likes you?" Greg said.

"Greg, I kissed him," Nick said again.

"What happened after that?" He asked.

"I pulled away and told him I was in love with you. He tried to get me to stay, but I told him no," Nick said. "Fuck!"

"So, you didn't kiss him, he kissed you." Greg said.

"I guess so," Nick said.

"Ok," Greg said, taking him in his arms. "Calm down. You're going to make yourself sick."

Nick took in a few deep breaths. "You're not mad?"

"No. Why would I be mad? You didn't kiss him back and you told me about it," Greg said.

Nick sighed as Greg took his hand.

"My dad is in there," he said. "We better get back before he has a heart attack," Nick said. Greg nodded and pulled him inside. They walked back to the table.

"Is everything ok?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, it will be," Nick said, taking a drink of his water. "It will be."

Nick leaned back and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He smiled, feeling a warm pair of arms wrap around his stomach. He leaned back and his lips landed on Greg's cheek.

"Where's my dad?" Nick asked as Greg pulled him closer.

"He went to the restroom," Greg said, sliding his hands up and down Nick's chest. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Nick said, taking Greg's hands in his. "I'm so glad you aren't mad at me."

"Why would I be mad?" Greg said. "I told you, you didn't do anything wrong."

"I know, it's just you know things are getting really good with us and I was freaking out, thinking it was all ruined," Nick said.

"Never. It will take a lot more than that to scare me away," he said.

Bill walked into the room and smiled, seeing them. He cleared his throat a few times. "Your mom called. They will be here in half an hour," he said.

Nick let Greg's hand go and took a step away from him. He looked around the room and smiled. "It looks like home," he said. He took in a deep breath. "Even smells like home."

"She'll be so happy," Bill said, sitting down on the bed. "Did we get everything in here?"

"I don't know how we did it," Nick said, joining his father on the bed.

"Grammies has a lot of stuff," Greg said. "I never would have guessed we'd get it all in here and make it look good."

Nick smiled and was about to say something, but jumped, hearing his phone ring. He glanced down at it and sighed.

"You have to talk to him sooner, or later," Greg said.

"So, let me get this straight, this is the man that was giving you both such a hard time?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, he was afraid, I guess," Nick said as it rung again.

"Nick," Greg said.

"I don't want to talk to him," Nick said.

"Nick, he's one of your best friends, right?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, he was…is, but he kissed me right there and he knows I'm with Greg. Like one kiss is going to make me change my mind and leave Greg for him," Nick said. "I don't need this right now." He placed his hand on his stomach. He'd run out of Tums a few hours ago.

Greg walked over to him and sat down.

"But not dealing with it isn't going to make it go away, either," Greg said, pulling him close. "This was a big thing for Warrick to do. I'm sure he's scared, now, that he's lost you all together," Greg said.

Nick covered his face. "I just want to not have any stress for one day," he said standing up. "Ok, ok, you're right. I call him," he said, walking into the bathroom. He shut the door and turned the sink on. He splashed some water on his face. He removed his phone and started to dial. He grabbed his stomach and bent over in pain. He did his best not to throw up all over the floor. His phone fell to the ground. He just made it to the toilet. He slowly stood up and wiped his face.

"Shit…." He said, seeing all the blood he'd just thrown up. He was shaking now, and a very pale. He took a step back and looked at the door. He put his hand on the knob and started to open it. He closed his eyes and pulled his hand away. He turned and flushed the toilet and again walked over to the sink. He splashed more water on his face and wiped his mouth off. He looked around and found some mouthwash. He rinsed his mouth out with it a few times and sat it back down. He put the lid down and took a set on the toilet. He picked up his phone and dialed Warrick's number. He placed his hand on his stomach and swallowed again. The pain was getting worse. He ran his hand over his stomach a few times, hoping it would help with the pain.

"Hey," Warrick said.

"Hey. You and I have got to talk," Nick said.

"Nick, I put it all out there for you, man. I told you how I feel…."

"Warrick, I know that was hard, but I'm with Greg."

"Nick, I don't know what to do," Warrick said. "I can't stop thinking about you, and it kills me to see you with Greg."

Nick closed his eyes. "Warrick, you're like a brother to me. We have to find a way to work through this."

"No, man, I can't. I just can't see you with him. Why won't you give us a try?" He asked.

"Because I'm in love with Greg," he said.

"Well, I guess there is nothing else we can do," Warrick said.

"So, that's it? You're just going to end it like that?"

"Hey, I'm not the one ending it!" Warrick yelled. "You won't even give this a shot!"

"Warrick, do you really think that would be fair to Greg? If I just told him I'm going to go out with you and see if there is anything between us?"

"He'd understand. He'd want us to be happy," Warrick said.

Nick pushed harder on his stomach. "Warrick, I'm sorry, there is no way I can do that," he said.

"Fine!" Warrick said, and hung the phone up. Nick leaned his head back and covered his face.

'Maybe, it's the for the best,' he thought, standing up. He again looked in the mirror. He looked awful. Greg would say something to him for sure. He slowly opened the door.

Greg looked up. "Is everything ok?" He asked.

"He doesn't want to be friends anymore," Nick said. "If I won't give us a try."

Greg nodded and pulled him close.

"I'm sorry," he said in Nick's ear.

"It's ok. I sure he'll come around," Nick said. "If not, I still have you."

"Oh, my God! Look at my new room!" Grammies yelled as she walked in. Nick looked up and smiled.

"I guess she likes it," Greg said.

"I think so," Nick said, watching her move around the room.

"It's just like I remember it to be," she said, turning towards Nick. "Thank you, Nicky," she said. Greg let him go and Nick pulled her close.

"I didn't do it all. Greg and Dad helped," Nick said.

"I helped, too," Jillian said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, but you got the easy job helping her get a new dress," Bill said, walking over to his wife.

"Oh, you think that was easy?" She asked, pushing him.

"Try moving the bed three times, the dresser four, and everything else at least twice. I swear, Nick wanted everything just right," Bill said.

Nick smiled as Grammies pulled away.

"Nick, I couldn't be happier," she said.

"Good," he said, hugging her once more. He kissed her on the cheek. She turned and walked into the bathroom.

"Oh, my! Did someone cut themselves?" She asked.

"No, why, Hon?" Bill asked.

"There is blood on the lid of the Johnny" she said.

Bill and Greg both turned towards Nick.

"I'm ok, I…." He stopped and closed his eyes.

"Nick, one day Greg is going to find you dead because you are a stupid jackass," Grammies said.

"Grammies…." Nick said.

"Well, she's right," Bill said.

"I ran out of Tums and I'm just being worried about the move and all this," Nick said.

Greg looked at him.

"I didn't want to make you worry," Nick said.

"That's why I'm here," Greg said softly. "I want to worry about you."

Nick sighed and looked down.

"Nicky, you can't protect everyone. We all have to feel pain sooner, or later," Grammies said.

Nick looked at her. "God, Grammies," he said, sounding a bit shocked.

"Well, you got this nice boy here, wanting to take care of you and be there for you and you just say, 'I'm ok,' don't worry when you are barfing up blood, losing weight, not sleeping and shit like that. Pull your head out of your ass and let the boy help you!" Grammies said, walking over and hitting Nick on the arm.

"Ouch, Grammies!" He said, rubbing the spot she just hit. Everyone else in the room just stood there, not sure what to say.

"Suck it up, Nicky. I'm an old lady, but I can still hurt you," she said.

"Ok, ok," Nick said, tossing his arms up. "You win. I'll go to the doctor tomorrow."

"No, you'll get your sorry little ass to the ER right now. Greg, take him please."

"Ok, Grammies, calm down," Nick said, walking over to her.

"Look, I don't want to outlive my grandson, but if you don't stop get this, I'm going to hurt you," she said, taking his face in her hands.

Nick looked down and smiled a bit.

"Now, go get out of here and don't come back until you are better," she said.

"Ok," Nick said, pulling away from her. He looked over at Greg

"Ha, you got told!" He said, walking out of the room.

"Don't start," Nick said, following him out to the car.

"So, why do you do that?" Greg asked as he put on his seatbelt.

"I don't know. I guess, I hate to make people worry about me," Nick said. "I don't want to upset anyone."

"Well, that's going to have to stop, or Grammies is going to kill you," he said. They parked the car and Nick went to check in. Greg walked over to the soda machine and put a dollar in it. He pushed the Mountain Dew button.

"Oh, God, like you need that much sugar," Nick said, walking over to him. "It's going to be a while," Nick said.

Greg looked at him and put the two quarters in and got another can of Dew. "I'm ready," he said, sitting down. Nick sat down next to him.

"Oh, I hate waiting rooms," Nick said. "Everyone just sitting there, no one talks and they all stare at you," he said.

"Just close your eyes," Greg said, opening the pop. He looked over at Nick and took his hand.

"Thanks for staying with me," Nick said.

"Like I had anywhere else to be," he said. They waited for almost an hour before Nick got called up. He sat down on the examining bed and placed his hand on his stomach.

"They are going to put a scope down my throat and look inside me," Nick said, lying on the bed. He put his arm over his face.

"Well, they've got to see if it's getting worse," Greg said.

"Hello, I'm Dr, Pitt. So, what are we here for?" He asked.

"My stomach. I had an ulcer a month ago and it's not getting any better," Nick said.

"Ok, sit back and relax and I'll get you checked out," Dr. Pitt said.

A few hours later

Nick walked out of the room and placed his hand on his throat.

"God, that hurt," he said in a horse voice.

"You shouldn't be talking," Greg said as they made their way to the car. Nick nodded and got in.

"Well, get this filled tonight," Greg said. Again, Nick just nodded. Greg reached over and took his hand.

"I'm just glad it's nothing more than an ulcer," he said, facing his lover.

Nick nodded again.

"I bet some ice cream would help," Greg said.

Again, Nick nodded and took Greg's hand.

"So, I have an empty room," Nick said.

"Oh, yeah? Got any plans for it?"

Nick smiled. "Yeah. I was going to turn it into a workout room."

"Good, 'cause I'm putting all my stuff in your room."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Nick said, closing his eyes.

"Me, either." Greg said. "Me, either."

The end.

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