Title: If You Want Me
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: Greg/ Nick
Rating: PG (for language)
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
A/N: This is the sequel of sorts to “Save Me For A Rainy Day”, but can be read alone.

Greg knew Nick was using him. There was no doubt about that. But Greg had reached the point that he was tired of being Nick's “rainy day” lover. He was at the point where he was ready to tell Nick it was all or nothing. No in-between, not anymore. He wanted more than he was getting, and the trouble was that he wanted it with Nick. He was ready for someone to love him all the time, through good times and bad, no matter what. He felt that if he could just get Nick to listen to him, Nick might see that Greg was worth taking a chance on.

Nick called wanting to know if he could stop by later since they both had the night off. That was Nick-speak for “I wanna fuck.” Greg hesitated but gave in like he usually did, except this time Nick was in for a big surprise. When Nick knocked on Greg's door, Greg took his time in answering. Nick wanted to know what took Greg so long, but Greg didn't say anything. Nick came in and made himself at home. Greg brought them each a beer from the kitchen, and sat down at the end of the sofa.

Nick wanted to know why Greg was acting different. Greg just said that it was time for some things to change. Nick laughed and asked just what Greg was talking about. Greg explained to Nick that he was tired of how things were going, and that it was time for a change. Nick said that he didn't see anything wrong with the way things were, and he could see no need to change things.

“That's just it, Nick, you can't see anything wrong as long as you can get your way.”

“Greg, I don't see what's wrong with the situation. You and I spend time together, we have a bit of harmless fun, no strings attached.”

“There you have it, Nick! You don't want to see that I'm tired of being your “rainy day” fuck. I want more....I want the strings attached. I want to be able to wake up next to you instead of waking up alone, I want to know that you'll be there to hold me when I need it...damnit, Nick Stokes, I WANT YOU!!!!!”

Nick was struck silent by what Greg had to say. He didn't realize that Greg wanted more than he was giving. He knew he had made a serious mistake, but wasn't quite sure how to fix it. He knew he couldn't stand to see Greg cry, especially knowing that he had caused it.

“Greg, I want....”

“Nick, we both know what you want. But you can't have it this time. You are gonna have to some serious soul-searching and make absolutely sure that I am what you want before you come near me again. You need to leave now.”

Greg stood up and walked to the door. Nick reached for he as he walked by, and Greg side-stepped his advance. “You need to think about what I said. There can't be no in-between if you want me.....”

Greg closed and locked the door. The tears began to fall harder now, and Greg made no attempt to hold them in. After the tears let up some, Greg turned out the lights and made his way to his bedroom. He collapsed onto the bed and cried himself to sleep.

Nick sat on his sofa thinking about what Greg had said. He knew he wanted the wild-haired lab tech, but he wasn't sure now if Greg wanted him anymore. He was ashamed to admit it, but he had used Greg. There was no other way to put it. He wanted to give Greg all the things he asked for because he wanted those same things from Greg. He knew that if he had a half-assed chance with Greg, then he'd better get his shit together pretty damn quick. The more he thought about it, the answer started to become clear to Nick. He'd just be honest with Greg. Just come clean and hope that Greg would have mercy on his sorry ass.

The next few days at work were hell on earth for Nick. He was professional with Greg, keeping any and all communication work-related. Greg wasn't making things easy for Nick, but Nick didn't expect him to after the way Nick had treated him. Nick was hoping that he'd still have the nerve to tell Greg the things he needed to tell him when the time came.

Greg was coming up the stairs with bags of groceries when the phone rang. Since it was his land-line, he answered quickly. When he heard Nick's voice on the line, he almost hung the phone up, but decided to hear what he had to say....

“Hey, Greg...”

“Nick...”

“I have a question. I've been doing some thinking about what you said, and I'd like to stop by and discuss things with you if it's okay.....”

“Sure, Nick. Just give me some time to tidy the place up.”

“Thanks, Greg, see you soon.....”

Greg smiled as he hung up the phone. So, he'd gotten through Nick's thick-ass skull, huh??? This ought to be good.

When Nick arrived, Greg answered the door. Greg was surprised at how serious Nick seemed. Nick made his way into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Greg sat down in the recliner, and Nick began to speak.....

“Greg, I want you to know that I was using you, and I am deeply sorry that my actions cause you so much heartache. The things you said about wanting me to hold you when you went to sleep, and wanting to wake up next to me......Greg, I want those same things with you. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. I just couldn't believe that you would want somebody like me, and I tried to push you away by being an asshole. I got a lot of baggage, Greg, and it's gonna take some time for me to work through it. The most important thing is that I DO want you, and I want you to be with me. Greg, if I have to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I want you, I will.....”

Greg was shocked at Nick's revelations. He looked deeply into Nick's eyes and saw nothing but sincerity. He got up from his chair, took Nick by the hand, and headed to the bedroom. Nick asked him if he was sure, and Greg turned to Nick and said, “I've never been more sure of anything in my life!”

END