Title: Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Author: Carina Scott
Fandom: CSI: Vegas
Genre: Slash
Rating: FRAO
Pairings: Warrick/Gil
Summary: Warrick does as the title suggests.

~*~

The moment he heard the knock on the door, he knew who it was. He had actually been expecting it an hour ago. Well, more like dreading it.

It wasn't that he didn't love Nick. He did. Nick was his best friend, closest thing he'd ever had to a brother. The thing was that whenever Nick did this, dropping by without calling first, it wasn't good.

Not for Warrick anyway. Because it meant Nick wanted to talk. And talk in this case was a euphemism for lecture. And it wasn't that Nick lectured him about things that he didn't need lecturing on, it was simply that Warrick didn't want to hear it. Because nine times out of ten it was about something that Warrick didn't really want to talk about, or something that wasn't any of Nick's business. Which was being unfair, because Nick was not a pushy guy; it wasn't his nature to pry into Warrick's business.

But he did feel the need to protect his friends, and he wasn't above giving a well-intentioned lecture, every now and then. Invariably leading Warrick to feel that he needed to talk as well. And in this case, talk was code for open up. And he hated opening up, because he was a guy and he naturally hesitated when it came to talking about his feelings. But more than that, he hated opening up because Nick had an unbeatable BS detector, so Warrick knew there was no way for him to lie or hedge the truth, and actually get away with it

Groaning, Warrick got off the couch and walked over to the front door. Opening it, he shook his head as he looked at Nick, who was smiling brightly and holding up a six pack of beer and a box of pizza.

"Was wondering when you'd show up."

"Would've been here sooner, but I figured you hadn't eaten, so I stopped to get some grub. And since you can't have pizza without beer..." Nick shrugged, "So, you gonna stand there all day, or are you gonna let me in?"

Taking the box of pizza, Warrick walked back over to the couch, leaving Nick standing in the doorway.

Closing the door behind him, Nick walked over to the couch, plopping down next to Warrick. "Guess that's about as close to an engraved invitation as I'm gonna get, huh?" Popping the top off one beer, he handed it to Warrick before opening his own and grabbing a slice of the pizza Warrick had already started on.

The two men had eaten most of the pizza and were on their second beers before either of them spoke.

"So, you gonna tell me what's going on or am I gonna have to work for it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Warrick replied. He knew that he'd spill it eventually, but he wasn't gonna make it easy.

"I could have a few of the lab techs clue you in, but they're too afraid of having their heads bitten off to come near you. Mandy was cursing a blue streak about you when I was leaving today. You might want to send her some flowers, unless you want your results at the bottom of the list for the foreseeable future."

When Warrick didn't make a comment, Nick frowned and sat up, facing his friend. "Look Rick, we've been friends a long time. And I know that you don't really like to talk about personal shit if you can avoid it. I get that. And I try to respect it and let you work things out on your own. That usually works. But, this time is different for some reason, and I want to know why."

"Nick, just let it go. Please,"

"No, Rick. I can't. And it's not just because I care about you. I care about Grissom too. And whatever has been eating at you is affecting him. I've noticed the two of you haven't been spending too much time together these last few weeks. Hell, I think we've worked more cases together in the last two weeks than we have in the last two months. Not that I mind. But I know that since you and Gil began dating, whenever a case requires more than one CSI, he tries to partner up with you as often as possible. I'm sure Sara doesn't mind, though, since he's been working with her more this past month. But I want to know what the hell happened. Did you have an argument? Did you break up?"

"No, Nick we didn't break up. At least, I don't think we did." Warrick sighed as he placed his empty beer bottle on the coffee table.

"Okay, that's clear as mud. How about you tell me what you do know and we'll go from there."

Warrick was silent for a long while, trying to gather his thoughts, and Nick didn't interrupt since Warrick looked to be willing to talk to him about whatever was going on. Instead, he took the remaining beer and put it in the fridge and threw the empty pizza box in the trash. By the time he returned, he figured Warrick had worked through whatever he needed to and would be willing to talk.

He'd just retaken his seat when his friend spoke up.

"Nick, have you ever bottomed before?"

If he'd been drinking, Nick might've choked at the blunt question. "What?"

"Bottomed? You know, let another man-"

Nick held up his hand to stop the explanation, "I know what bottoming is Rick. I just didn't expect the question."

"Oh. So, have you?"

"Why are you asking?"

"Just answer the question Nick."

Running a hand through his hair, Nick stared at Warrick for a moment before nodding his head. "I have in the past. But only with guys I trust."

"So you and Greg never....?"

Blushing slightly, Nick smiled. "Greggo and I are taking it slow. We've known each other so long, and we've both had our fair share of terrible relationships, so we don't want to rush things. But, if you're asking if I would allow Greg to top me, then the answer is yes."

Frowning, and looking terribly confused, Warrick continued, "Didn't you feel...I don't know...like less of a man. I mean, putting yourself in the woman's role in your relationship, doesn't that make you feel weak?"

"Wow, that's pretty chauvinistic of you bro. Woman's role? You'd better not let Catherine hear you talking like that."

"Come on Nick, you know what I mean."

"Look Warrick, bottoming is not the same as being submissive. And being submissive is not bad either. But back on track, allowing your partner to penetrate you does not make you less of a man. It doesn't make you weaker either. Plenty of dominant men like to bottom. And there are plenty of more submissive men that like to top. Stereotypes come in all shapes and sizes Rick, you should know that. Topping or bottoming is all about preference; nothing more, nothing less." Nick watched the play of emotions across Warrick's face as he took in what he'd just said. "Is that the problem with you and Grissom? He wants you to bottom?"

"Yes, but it's more than that."

"Care to elaborate?" Nick asked when it didn't look like Warrick was gonna say anything more.

"Okay, so Gil and I were getting hot and heavy a few weeks ago. You know, kissing and touching, basically doing everything that leads up to sex. And so far I've always topped. I mean, it never occurred to me that he might want to top at some point. I thought you either topped or you bottomed, but I've never been with a guy that switches. Until now. And I want to please Gil, I really do. I love him, Nick. But, I can't see me bottoming. I just can't. And he got upset when I told him no."

Unable to understand why Gil would get upset at Warrick's preference, Nick pushed for a bit more info. "What exactly did you say to him?"

"He asked me if I'd ever bottomed and I told him no. I told him that I didn't really think I was the type of man to do something like that. He asked me what that was supposed to mean, and I told him that I was too manly to do something like that."

"Warrick! You didn't!"

"I know! I know. I didn't mean it like that, I swear. But the words were already out and I couldn't take them back. Gil wouldn't even look at me, Nick. He just grabbed his clothes, got dressed and left. He hasn't spoken to me about anything not related to work in almost a month."

"Can you blame him?"

"Nick, I didn't mean it."

"Are you sure about that Warrick? I mean honestly, think about what you've told me today. If you weren't my best friend I would probably deck you for some of the shit you've said. You basically said he was less than a man because he likes to bottom. How do you think that made him feel? Do you really see him like that?"

"No, Nick. Gil is one of the strongest men I know. He's always there for me when I need him. I wasn't trying to hurt him; I was just trying to explain to him why I don't want to bottom."

"And why is that? I mean, every man has his own preference, but don't you think you're putting the cart before the horse, Rick? How can you know that you'd be averse to bottoming when you've never really considered it? I love bottoming Warrick, love it. I've topped before, and I still like to on occasion. But for the most part, I like the feel of a cock up my ass. I know, I know. I'm being very blunt, but I want you to understand where I'm coming from. You've described being a bottom as being weak, almost like we're in a position of servitude or something. Do you know how many times I've driven a guy crazy just by riding his cock? Subtle moves that just make him go crazy. Haven't you ever heard the phrase `topping from the bottom'? Or take the more traditional role, with me on my back. Lying under him, watching his face as he tries to stave off his orgasm, and moving just right to make him come anyway. And nothing compares to the feeling of having someone pound your prostate over and over, until you can barely breathe from the pleasure, coming so hard you swear you see stars. I've fainted a few times, to be honest. Believe me Warrick, being a bottom can be just as powerful as being a top."

Warrick cleared his throat, shifting slightly in his seat as he considered Nick's words. "Okay. I get what you're saying. But how do I explain to Gil that I don't see him as less than a man. That I was simply scared and confused, and stuck my damn foot in my mouth?"

Nick laughed at the last of Warrick's questions, shaking his head as he looked at his friend. "Tell him what you just told me. Grissom will understand. Yes, I know, he was pissed when he left. And he had good reason to be. But he's had time to get some perspective on it. If you explain it to him, I know he'll understand. And if you really aren't into bottoming, I doubt it would be a deal breaker. But I really don't think you should knock it before you try. I mean, just think about Grissom's reactions when you guys have sex. And I don't want any images put in my head, but I'm pretty sure that if you thought he wasn't enjoying himself for a second, you wouldn't hesitate to stop. It's all about trust Warrick. Trust Gil to listen to what you have to say, and trust yourself enough to try something new. The worst that can happen is that you find out you really don't like it. But if you do, you've just opened your relationship up for so many sexual possibilities, some that you probably never imagined." Standing up, Nick stretched before walking over to the front door. Turning back to Warrick, who had followed him to the door, Nick placed a hand on his shoulder. "Call him Warrick. Tell him you're coming over. Pack a bag and grab your toothbrush. I know Gil is off tonight, and I'll trade my night off with you. Talk to him. Tell him what you told me. Trust him to take care of you. If you do all that, I know you two will be fine."

Warrick pulled Nick in for a quick hug before letting him go and stepping back. "Thanks Nick, you're a good friend."

"No, I'm a great friend. And because of that I'm also gonna stop off before work tonight and get a gift basket for Mandy so you aren't in the dog house. I'll leave the receipt in your locker." Nick replied with a wave, as he left his friend standing in the doorway.

Shaking his head, Warrick walked down the hall to call his lover, praying that he would answer. Smiling as he heard the sleepy voice he loved so much, Warrick grabbed his overnight bag from the closet. "Hey Gil. I was wondering if I could come over. I wanted to apologize in person for what I said, and I think I need to explain a few things as well."

It was a heavy silence as Warrick waited for Gil's answer. Smiling in triumph at Gil's hesitant `yes', Warrick barely resisted pumping his fist in the air. "Great. I'll see you in half an hour." Hanging up his phone, Warrick walked over to his dresser to grab some clothes.

Maybe opening up wasn't so bad after all.

END