Title: It Takes Time
By: Fran Holland
Pairing: Gil/Nick
Warning: rape

Gil was in REM sleep when the insistent ringing of his cell phone woke him. Groggily, he flipped it open and squinted at the small screen. Conrad Ecklie's name appeared and Gil groaned before answering.

"Grissom."

"Gil, I'm at Desert Palms. Nick's been brought in to the E.R. I think you need to get down here."

Gil was suddenly very awake. "Nick. What happened? Is he okay?"

"He's okay, Gil, but you need to get down here."

"Be there in twenty. Conrad, don't leave him." The last words were almost a plea.

"I'll be here, don't worry." Conrad told him right before he hung up.

Gil took five precious minutes to brush his teeth, comb his hair and throw on a pair of jeans and a Chicago Cubs sweatshirt. He let Hank out to pee before he had started getting ready, so Hank would be okay until he got back. Hank jumped up on the couch and watched his master run out the door.

He pulled into the E.R. area's parking lot and parked in the spaces allotted for police cars and ambulances. He recognized Conrad's Tahoe and noted an unmarked police car, as well as a black and white. When he alighted from his Denali, Conrad came out of the glass doors of the ambulance entrance.

"What happened?" Gil said breathlessly.

Conrad noted Gil's pale face and even though they weren't friends and never would be, Conrad had a great respect for Gil Grissom. He had wondered over the last few months how someone as smart as Grissom could have been so stupid to have an interoffice affair with a subordinate. Especially Sara Sidle. Conrad had not liked the young woman from the start, but she had been a good CSI. Just too hot-headed and stand-offish for Conrad's taste. He'd never tell Grissom, but he was glad she was gone.

"Nick was drugged and beaten. The police were called by an unknown from a payphone over by the old Colonial Casino."

The Colonial was way off the strip. It was a small casino with a small, 20 to 30 room hotel attached. It was known to be frequented by prostitutes and customers who just needed an hourly rate.

"Nick has apparently been drugged, and we're waiting for the lab report to determine what the drug was. He was found in his underwear and he had welts down his back and buttocks. They were consistent with a belt or whip of some sort. I've documented everything." Conrad was getting ready to continue his narrative when he noticed Gil's pallor. Quickly, he eased Grissom back onto the hood of the black and white and pushed his head down. "Breath, Gil."

Gil allowed Conrad to manipulate him, because he knew that without Conrad to assist him, he probably would have passed out. The wave of nausea and dizziness almost brought him to his knees.

"Continue." Gil whispered.

"Let's go find somewhere to sit down."

"No, please, just continue."

Conrad stared down into the pale face and spoke. "I witnessed the use of the rape kit and there were signs..." Conrad paused as Gil's eyes closed and a small moan escaped his mouth.

"Gil, look at me." Conrad said with forced authority. Gil appeared to shake himself out of his misery and slowly straightened up. He met Conrad's eyes.

"I know you don't like me much, but I'm going to tell you something that I think you need to hear." Conrad looked away, his eyes roamed the parking lot as if looking for someone.

"I was very surprised by your...your....whatever it was with Sidle." He held up his hand when Gil opened his mouth. "After the incident with Nick's abduction, I sensed your feelings for him. I understood those feelings. Nick is special to everyone at the crime lab, you know that. At first, I just thought you cared about him, like you cared about the rest of your team. But after that horrible nightmare was over, I saw the way you looked at him. That's why I was so surprised by the thing with Sidle."

Conrad paused and Gil didn't speak. Conrad took a deep breath and continued. "Nick hasn't been severely injured, but mentally, I'm not so sure. You are going to have to be there for him, Gil. We need to find out what happened and I wanted you to do the interview. He trusts you and I think he even loves you."

At Gil's shocked look, Conrad continued. "Oh, I don't mean that kind of love, then again, I've seen him watching you with...hell, I don't know how to describe it, but let's just say that I'd give anything to have someone look at me that way."

"But that's neither here nor there, first off, we need to gather the evidence and find out what happened and then proceed with finding out who did this to him." Conrad placed a tentative hand on Gil's shoulder. "Come on, he should be fully awake by now."

Gil followed Conrad through the automatic doors, still reeling from their conversation. Someone had raped and beaten Nick. His Nicky. Conrad had seen through Gil's façade and figured out his feelings for Nick. He had thought he had hidden it so well. Even Sara hadn't known. He had loved Sara, perhaps not like a lover should, but they would have been relatively happy. Maybe she sensed that he wasn't what she really needed, maybe that's why she left.

The smells of the hospital assaulted his senses and he almost gagged. Lack of sleep, and the emotional roller coaster of the last ten minutes had left him feeling weak and shaky. Conrad had approached a nurse at the desk and was whispering something to her, but Gil was observing his surroundings and did not notice. He saw the curtained cubicles, some empty beds were visible, some had patients in various states of distress and a few curtains were pulled completely shut. He assumed that Nick was behind one of those.

Gil turned towards the door that they had entered and noticed a detective that he vaguely recognized and a younger uniformed patrolman. The detective nodded to Gil and approached him.

"Grissom. We're just waiting for Stokes' statement and we'll move on this. CSI's have already processed the scene, but I can't tell you much. It appears he was assaulted in one of the rooms, but he was found behind the casino in an alley. We've questioned employees and some of the 'guests' and no one saw anything." His look told Gil that he was angry at the lack of cooperation from the public in general.

"He was unconscious when EMS arrived and they transported him here. That's pretty much all we've got until he can talk to us." The detective glanced around and lowering his voice, he said, "I understand he was sexually assaulted and Ecklie said that you are going to interview him. I'm fine with that, he's one of our own and I want to get the son of a bitch that did this. I just wanted you to know that me, you, Ecklie and the hospital staff are the only ones who know about the assault. For his sake, we should keep this quiet and out of the press until we catch the assailant."

"I agree. Thank you, Detective..."

"Jackson, Wayne Jackson."

"Thank you, Detective Jackson. I'll try to get as much as I can from Nick and let you know."

The detective nodded and walked back to stand with the officer. Ecklie motioned for Gil to follow him and the two men walked down the aisle between the cubicles until they reached a closed door.

"Nick's in here, the nurse just left him and he's groggy but coherent."

Gil mentally prepared himself and opened the door. He heard Conrad's whispered "Good luck," as he shut the door behind him.

Gil made eye contact with Nick as soon as he could. There was confusion and pain in Nick's gaze.

"Nicky." Gil got out that one word before he stopped and pulled himself together. He approached the bed and grasped Nick's cool hand in his.

"Griss, I'm glad they called you."

"Do you remember what happened? Do you know who did this to you?"

Nick closed his eyes and remembered. He kept his eyes closed the entire time he related his story to Gil.

****

"Since it was my night off, I decided to go out to Big Ed's to grab a few beers and maybe dance some. I drank two beers and was nursing my third when some guy started talking to me. He was big, you know, like a body builder or something. Seemed nice enough and we talked about football and stuff. He wanted to sit down, so we took one of the tables away from the dance floor. We watched the dancing and talked some more, then he got up and went to the bar to get us another round. After that, I started feeling kind of out of it. Kinda like a buzz, but stronger, different. I told him that I needed to call it a night. He walked me to my truck and then took my keys and told me that I couldn't drive. I did not argue, hell, I knew he was right."

"He said he'd take me home and I agreed. He seemed like such a nice... Anyway, I remember giving him directions, but he turned the opposite way. I told him he made a wrong turn and he laughed and said he had to stop somewhere first. He told me to relax and enjoy the ride.

"I must have dozed off, because when I woke up, he was pulling me out of his car and he pushed me into some hotel room. I didn't recognize the area, I couldn't seem to really focus on anything. He started kissing me and I...I..."

Nick stopped talking and looked at Gil. Gil looked so angry.

"I'm sorry, Gil. I've always been...I like girls, but sometimes I...." Nick's eyes showed panic and such immense sadness that Gil wanted to put his arms around him.

"It's okay, Nick. Really. We cannot choose our sexual desires and it's perfectly natural for some people to crave the touch of the same sex." Gil squeezed his hand and said, "Go on."

We were naked and he stopped being so gentle. He held me down and used his belt to tie me to the headboard. I tried to fight, but I didn't seem to have any energy. He told me that it would be good for me. Then he... he..."

Gil knew that this was the most difficult part for rape victims and he leaned his hip down on the bed next to Nick's and put his other hand around their already clasped hands and held on. "Nick, I know this is hard, so very hard for you, but you've got to tell me everything to we can catch this man."

Nick nodded and bit his lower lip. "I know."

He swallowed, closed his eyes and resumed his story. "I was on my stomach and I felt his mouth on my...my ass. He used his tongue to... you know..."

He did not see the single tear run down Gil's face, nor did he see Gil furiously swipe it away.

Gil used his thumb to gently caress Nick's knuckles and said, "I know."

"Then I felt his finger for a minute, and then I heard the sound of him opening a rubber. I guess I'm lucky he used one." Nick opened his eyes and gave Gil a weak smile. Gil took his hand and brushed Nick's hair off of his forehead.

"Then he hit me on my back. The pain was...God....I turned my head and he held my belt in his hand and he was grinning. He said that pain brought so much pleasure. He hit me a few more times and when I screamed he pushed my face into the pillow. Then he...he pushed inside and... When he was done, he pulled out and hit my ass with the belt. He kept telling me that I was supposed to get off too. He seemed mad... and he kept hitting me. He reached between my legs and grabbed my...my dick and started like...you know...giving me a hand job. But I couldn't get hard...I figured if I showed some interested he'd, you know, quit hitting me and lose interest...but I couldn't and he let go of my dick and pushed be over on my side."

Nick looked at his wrists and it was then that Gil noticed the ligature marks from the belt. Gil saw red for a brief instant before calming himself for Nick's sake. He also said a prayer that he would be able to get his hands on the monster that hurt his...what was Nick exactly. His subordinate, his friend, a co-worker, or was he more, like Conrad had implied.

"He was hard again and he told me that if I was 'good' and sucked him off, he'd leave me alone."

Nick's face turned away from Gil and Gil heard the stifled sob that escaped Nick's mouth. "Oh, Baby, it's okay. He was a fucking bastard and it wasn't your fault. I'll be here for you. I'll get that mother-fucker."

Gil's language caused Nick to cut off his sobs and turn in shock. Gil Grissom had never, in the nine years Nick had worked with him, ever used foul language. It was a running joke at the lab that if Grissom hit his finger with a hammer, he'd say "gosh darn".

Gil caught himself and cooled his anger. "What happened after...?"

"I did what he told me to do. It took him a long time to...to get off...and he kept touching me and telling me that I was hot. He finally...came and I got sick and he hit my head with his fist and that's all I remember."

"Tell me exactly what he looked like."

"Like I said, he was big, muscular. He had blond hair and blue eyes, not as blue as yours, more like the sky, yours are like sapphires. He had ink on his arm, it was an eagle with something in its mouth."

"Good, Nicky. Now, what kind of car did he drive?" Gil filed the comment about his eyes away for later thought.

"It was a Mustang, sort of new, green with a racing stripe."

"What else can you tell me?" Gil asked.

"That's all I remember. I'm sorry, Griss. I want to go home."

"I get you out of here in a little while. You rest and I'll be back in a few minutes." Gil squeezed his hand once more and then stood up. "We'll catch him, I promise."

****

When Gil opened the door, the first thing he registered was Jim Brass, looking just as tired as he felt. Jim was standing with Conrad and Jackson.

"How is he?" Jim and Conrad said in unison.

"He's going to be fine. He gave me a great description of the man and his car."

Conrad nodded and said, "We got the tox screen back and it was Chloral Hydrate. The assailant probably slipped it in a drink. I've sent the date rape kit back to the lab with a order that it is to be top priority."

"He used a condom." Turning to Jackson and Brass, Gil said, "I believe he used one of the hotel rooms. We need to search each one and be on the lookout for a used condom and semen stains on the bed."

"I thought you said he used a condom." Jackson said with obvious confusion.

"He did, but he also forced oral sex and Nick said he spit it up."

Jackson visibly paled and Brass swore. Gil watched to see if either men would comment or show signs of disgust towards Nick. But neither did, in fact, Jackson tightened his fists and mumbled that he was going to 'kill the bastard'.

Gil gave both detectives all the facts that Nick had told him. During his narrative, Catherine called and blasted Gil for not telling her or any of his other team members about Nick being beaten up and hospitalized. Gil explained the situation to Catherine and she said that she would handle Warrick and Greg.

After Brass and Jackson left to start their search for Nick's attacker, Gil went back into Nick's room. The attending nurse came in a few moments later and told Nick that he could go home, but she suggested that he not be alone. Gil spoke up and assured the nurse that he would be taking care of Nick. The nurse stepped out to get Nick's release papers ready and as the door swung shut, Gil's cell rang.

He looked at the number and saw that it was Conrad.

"We found the room and between Nick's testimony and the evidence, we can put this guy away for a long time."

"Now, we just have to find him." Gil said with determination.

"Nick met the guy at Big Ed's. Maybe the bartender or regulars will remember something."

****

Nick signed the necessary paperwork a few minutes later and since he did not have anything to wear, Gil went out to his SUV and got a spare set of sweats and t-shirt that he kept for messy crime scenes. When Gil helped Nick to stand and the sheet fell away, Gil gasped. Nick frowned and tried to follow Gil's stare, but he really could not see his back without a mirror.

"Does it look as bad as it feels?" Nick asked softly.

Gil looked into the other man's eyes and just nodded.

Gil gave himself a mental kick for reacting to the welts that criss-crossed Nick's back and butt. He picked up the sweatpants and held them so that Nick could ease into them. The t-shirt proved to be more of a painful ordeal for Nick, and Gil moved slowly until he was completely dressed.

"You'll just have to wear some hospital slippers until we get you home. I'll go get some from the nurse. Did she give you your prescription for some painkillers?"

"Yeah. Thanks." Nick eased back onto the bed and winced as the mattress made contact with his backside.

Gil came back a few minutes later with a pair of paper slippers. "You sit tight and I'm going to bring the car up to the entrance. I'll be back in a minute."

Gil wasted no time in pulling the Denali up to the automatic glass doors and raced back inside to get Nick. The nurse asked if he wanted a wheelchair, but Nick was afraid it would be too hard on his butt. He leaned heavily on Gil and the two men slowly made their way to the SUV. Gil opened the passenger door and let Nick get himself into the vehicle, since every time he tried to help, Nick winced.

Once Nick was inside, Gil slammed the door and trotted around to the driver's side. He pulled out into traffic and they only stopped once and that was to pick up Nick's prescription at a drugstore that had a drive-thru window.

"I'm going to my place first to pack a bag, or would you rather I got you settled first and went back for it?"

"Pack a bag?" Nick turned to face the man driving.

"I'm going to stay with you for a couple of days. The nurse said you shouldn't be alone and until they catch this bastard, I don't want you alone."

Nick closed his eyes and groaned, he had forgotten that he had given the man his address.

"Or you could always stay at my place?" Gil said.

"Your place?"

Gil chuckled, "Nick you repeating all my questions. Yes, my place. I've got a hot tub and it may help the deep bruising."

"If you don't mind...."

"I don't mind at all."

Gil made a u-turn and headed towards Nick's house. As the crow flies, it wasn't that far from Gil's place, but Gil had only been there once. Nick's truck was in the shop and he needed a ride to work, since Warrick, Catherine and Greg all lived on the other side of town, it made sense that Gil pick him up. That had been over a year ago, but Gil remembered exactly where it was.

Gil pulled into the driveway and turned off the ignition. "If you tell me where everything is, you can sit tight and I'll grab your stuff."

"That would be great, I'm really sore. There's a duffle bag on the top shelf of my closet, jeans, t-shirts and underwear are in the dresser and toothbrush and shaving stuff are in the bathroom. That should be everything."

"Good. I'll leave the key in so you can listen to the radio, feel free to change the station. I know you really don't like classical."

Nick just chuckled. Gil let himself out of the vehicle and taking the key Nick had passed him, let himself into Nick's house.

Gil closed the door behind him and looked around. When he had picked up Nick before, he had waited in the car. Nick's place looked so welcoming and warm, much like the man himself. Gil headed back to a hallway that he assumed was where the bedrooms and bathroom lay.

His assumption was correct and he paused at the doorway of Nick's bedroom. Nick had a queen size bed with a beautiful carved headboard. The comforter was dark brown and the hardwood floor had a matching rug. The dresser had a large mirror and was carved like the headboard. The only items on Nick's dresser were a few framed photographs and upon closer inspection, Gil figured they were all family. He recognized Nick's parents from one photo and there was a large group photo of Nick's large family. The other items were a hairbrush, a silver bowl filled with coins and a file folder.

Being nosy was part of being a good CSI, so Gil opened the folder. "Whoa."

Gil couldn't believe his eyes. There were three photographs inside, each of him. Each taken at a crime scene. One was of him bent over examining the bumper of a car, another was him standing by Brass and the last was of him laughing at something Greg was saying. Gil snapped the folder shut and put it back in the same position he had found it. He sat down on Nick's bed. Why did Nick have those pictures?

After a few seconds, Gil rose and went to the closet. He opened it and spied the duffle bag quickly. He took it over to the bed and unzipped it. He placed the hairbrush in it and went about opening drawers. He found the jeans and grabbed three pair. T-shirts were in the next drawer and he picked out four of those. Nick had forgotten to mention shoes and socks, but Gil grabbed four pair of socks and four pair of boxer briefs in various colors. He paused and imagined Nick in the red pair. Frustrated with himself, he thrust all the clothing into the bag and grabbed a pair of tennis shoes out of the closet. He tossed them on the bed and headed for the bathroom.

Several minutes later, he emerged with his arms full of toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant, aftershave, a comb and razor. He dumped his load into the bag and deciding that shoes probably shouldn't be placed in with toiletries, he zipped the bag and carried the shoes separately.

Waiting in the car, Nick had found his favorite country channel on the FM dial and was softly singing to himself. He hoped Gil found everything alright. Then his mouth snapped shut.

"Holy shit!" He said aloud. He remembered the folder on his dresser. He normally kept it in his nightstand drawer, but he was in a hurry the other day and instead of returning them after he looked at them and fantasized with them, he tossed them on the dresser. Nick said a little prayer to himself, 'Please, God, don't let him get curious.'

Nick looked up to see Gil emerge from his house and lock the front door behind him. He opened the back drivers' door and put the bag and shoes on the seat. He opened his door and got in.

"I think I got everything you'll need for a few days, if not, we'll just make due."

"Great. Thanks, Griss." Nick discreetly eyed Gil to see any indication that he had looked in the folder. He breathed a sigh of relief that Gil appeared to be acting normally. It would be the end of Nick's career if his boss found out he had a crush on him

"No problem, Nick. Now, let's get you home." Gil put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. It was only then that he heard the radio. He listened for a few minutes and then said, "It's five o'clock somewhere?"

"Great song. Alan Jackson with Jimmy Buffet."

"If you say so." Gil said with a slight shake of his head.

****

They arrived at Gil's townhouse and Gil came around to help Nick get out. He was stiff from sitting in the seat and it took a while for them to make it to Gil's front door.

Sounds of joyful barking could be heard on the other side of the door. Nick looked questioningly at Gil.

"Hank. He's been cooped up all day."

"I love dogs."

Gil unlocked his front door and he commanded Hank to sit. He did not want the exuberant dog to jump up on Nick.

"Let's go ahead and get you into bed so you can rest."

"Thanks, that sounds good." Nick said weakly. The short walk up the sideway had taken it's toll. As he walked by, Nick scratched the boxer on the top of his head. Hank leaned into the touch.

Gil looked at the stairs. "Oh, Nick, I completely forgot about the bedrooms all being upstairs."

"It's okay. The more I move and work my muscles the faster I'll heal." Nick took a tentative step towards Gil's stairway.

Gil put his arm around his waist and together they made their way upstairs. Gil lead the way into his bedroom and eased Nick into a sitting position on the bed. Hank had followed them upstairs.

"Wait, Griss, is your room?"

"Yes, but it's the most comfortable bed. I spend several days a week sleeping on my couch anyway, so don't worry about it."

"But I feel bad kicking you out of your bed." Nick murmured. He wished he had the courage to ask Gil to share the bed, just to hold him.

"Let's get you out of those clothes and you'll feel better after you rest." Gil felt suddenly uncomfortable. He had seen Nick nearly naked at the hospital and had seen him shirtless several times in the locker room, but in his own bedroom, the thought of Nick being naked was giving him butterflies in his stomach.

Gil helped Nick get the t-shirt off and then eased the sheets back. Once Nick was lying on the bed, Gil pulled the pants gently down. He noticed that the boxer briefs Nick was wearing were the ones he was found in and they were torn and dirty. "Nick, let's get your underwear off and you can borrow a pair of my sleep pants or we can put on a clean pair."

"I...I usually sleep in the buff. If you help me get these off, I'll be fine." Nick said with a blush.

"Oh...Oh...okay." Gil repeated a mantra to himself as he slid the briefs down Nick's long, muscular legs. 'I am a professional, I am his supervisor, I am not looking at him...'

Quickly, without meeting Nick's eyes, Gil pulled up the sheet and turned so that Nick could not see the heat in his face. "I'll just throw these away."

While Gil left the room to dispose of his underwear, Nick lay there thanking the gods above that he hadn't gotten an erection while Gil was taking off his briefs. He wondered how he could even be thinking about anything sexual when he had just been assaulted by a madman. Didn't that make him sick or something. He knew that most rape victims had sexual issues afterwards and even sex with a loved one was sometimes mental painful. Nick closed his eyes to think about the events of the last 24 hours and fell into a deep sleep.

Gil came back into the room, after washing his face with a cold washcloth. He had his emotions under control and was ready to face Nick again. He smiled when he realized that Nick was asleep. He stood by the bed and watched the rise and fall of his chest for awhile and then he turned off the light and turned to leave the room. Hank was lying next to the bed.

"Come on, Boy." Gil said softly. When Hank didn't move right away, Gil smiled and whispered. "Okay, keep an eye on him for me."

Once he was downstairs, Gil called Ecklie. "I'm going to take the evening off, if that's okay and stay with Nick."

"It's okay, you know your team can handle a shift without you. They're all great CSIs and I'll pull a double to help out." The praise and compassion were unexpected from Ecklie, but Gil appreciated it.

"Is he okay?" Ecklie asked.

"Mentally, he seems fine, but I don't think it's really hit him yet. Physically, he's bruised up pretty bad, but time will heal those wounds."

"Just take care of him and I'll keep you updated on what Jackson and Brass find out."

"Thanks, Conrad." Gil hung up and called Brass.

"What do you have for me, Jim?"

"What? No hello, how are you?" When Gil didn't reply, Jim continued.

"Sorry, I'm upset about Nick too. We questioned the bar staff and one of the waitresses remembered the guy. Said he's been in there before. Ran the description of the car and came up with a hit, ex-marine. We're on our way to pay a visit to the guy as we speak. I'll keep you posted."

"Thanks, Jim."

Gil snapped his phone closed and went into his kitchen. He poured himself a scotch and stood at the counter staring out the window into the night. As a person, he wanted to shoot the guys balls off, as a professional, he was going to make sure that he was put away for a very long time.

At eleven, Gil went upstairs to check on Nick. Because of their hours, he knew that Nick would probably be waking soon. Gil realized that he had been awake for over 24 hours, but for some reason, he wasn't sleepy. Just a bit tired.

Gil left the hall light on, but did not turn on the bedroom light. He moved closer to the bed and Nick's voice startled him.

"Evening, Boss."

"I thought you'd still be asleep."

"I've been awake for awhile now, just thinking."

"Once your bruises heal, you'll need to talk to someone about this." Gil said as he sat down on the bed.

"Been down that road after the...after I was buried."

"You might not think it helped, but I know it did. And this time, it will help too. Don't make me pull rank on you and force it." Gil smiled down at the man.

In the dim light from the hallway, Nick saw the smile and felt warm inside.

"Do you feel like getting up and coming downstairs? I can help you into the hot tub and fix you something to eat."

"Don't you have to go to work?" Nick asked.

"I called Ecklie and took the night off. Brass is giving me updates, so I'm going to stay here with you tonight. It's not every day you get Grissom, male nurse, at your service, so enjoy it while you can."

Nick grinned. He had never seen Gil in this kind of mood. He was caring, teasing and warm. Gingerly, he sat up. Hank stood and placed his head on the edge of the bed, his eyes went from Nick to Gil and back again. Nick smiled at the dog, then looked at Gil.

"I need some clothes." Nick said sheepishly.

"Oh, yeah, right. I only brought you some jeans, they wouldn't be the right attire for the hot tub. I'll loan you a pair of shorts.

Gil turned to his dresser and rummaged in first one drawer and then another. Nick heard him mumble, "They're in here somewhere."

"Ah ha, here they are." Gil held up a pair of blue shorts with a flourish.

"Griss, be honest, how many pair of shorts do you own?" Nick asked with a grin.

"One." Replied Gil seriously. "I only need one pair. I don't get out much."

"Well, I'm starving and really looking forward to the hot tub. Somehow, I never pictured you as a hot tub kind of guy."

"It was here when I bought the place. I use it every once in a while, usually when I'm feeling my age. Come on, let's get you downstairs."

Nick threw back the sheet and Gil was once again given a view of Nick's cock. He quickly averted his eyes and handed Nick the shorts. Nick swung his legs over the edge of the bed and looked helplessly at his feet.

"Hey, Griss, could you just get them over my feet and I'll finish. It just hurts to bend down."

"Of course, Nicky." Gil took the shorts back and knelt down. Nick lifted one foot and then the other. Suddenly, Nick grabbed the waistband of the shorts and stood up quickly and turned away from Gil.

Gil was knocked on his butt when Nick spun around. "Whoa, Nick, what's wrong."

"Nothing, nothing's wrong. Just wanted to get moving, ya know." Nick's words rushed out. Nick was mortified. As soon as Gil knelt down in front of him, he had a vision of Gil taking his cock into his mouth and bam, he started getting hard.

Gil picked himself up off the floor and looking at the other man curiously, said, "Well, come on then. Nick kept his hand down in front of his crotch as they made their way down the stairs. On the way to the stairwell, Gil had stopped by the linen closet and gotten Nick a towel, so once they were downstairs, he lead him out to the patio.

"Nice." Nick said, looking around. Gil backyard was actually a very small patio with a small patch of grass enclosed by a six foot high privacy fence. On one side of the patio was a square hot tub with cedar siding. It was big enough for four people.

Gil took the top off and steam rose into the night air. He moved his fingers over the control panel and the hot water started bubbling vigorously. Nick had moved up behind him and Gil helped the other man up the steps. Gil held onto his arm until he was sure that Nick would not slip. Nick eased himself down into the hot water, wincing as the water touched the places where the belt had drawn blood.

Once he was completely submerged, Nick smiled up at Gil. "This feels wonderful."

Gil smiled back. "I'm glad. You just relax and I'll fix us something to eat. I'll leave the back door open so just call if you need anything." Nick nodded and laid his head back on the built-in headrest and closed his eyes.

Gil went inside, this time Hank followed him instead of staying with Nick. Before he started on their dinner, Gil gave the dog fresh water and poured fresh dog food into his bowl. Hank began to eat and Gil turned to his refrigerator.

He pulled out the ingredients for a salad and he took some frozen chicken tenders from the freezer. He had one of those indoor grilling appliances made famous from infomercials and he seasoned the chicken and placed them inside the appliance. While they were cooking, he dumped the lettuce mixture into two bowls, added some sliced carrots and tomatoes; then sliced up two boiled eggs. By the time he had done all of that, the chicken was done and he sliced them up into bite-sized pieces. Gil divided the chicken between the two bowls and placed them on a tray. He grabbed a bottle of water for himself. He knew that Nick loved Coke, and he also knew that he had a six-pack in a cabinet somewhere. He rummaged around until he found them in the same cabinet he kept his scotch. The Cokes were behind several bottles of alcoholic beverages that he didn't drink, but had been given for various holidays. Pouring the Coke over a glass of ice, he added it to the tray and carried it outside.

Nick heard Gil set the tray down on the small patio table and opened his eyes. He made a move to stand up, but Gil stopped him.

"No, you just sit in there and relax, I'll bring it over too you."

"You're spoiling me." Nick said bashfully.

"Everyone deserves to be spoiled every now and then." Gil replied.

"Even you?" Nick cocked his head to one side.

Gil didn't answer. He just picked up Nick's bowl and fork and brought it over and sat it on the small deck that surrounded the hot tub. He went back to table and got Nick's Coke.

"This looks great." Nick said, as he shifted a bit so he could eat. Nick wanted to repeat the question, but knew in his heart that Gil Grissom had never been spoiled in his life.

Gil sat down at the patio table and began to eat his own salad. Both men ate in silence for awhile. Hank wondered out of the house and went over to the far corner of the yard and did his business. When he was done, he trotted back over and laid down at Gil's feet.

"I just never took you for someone who would own a dog. I thought you were only interested in bugs."

"There's a lot you don't know about me. I love dogs, always have. I never had one as a child and one day woke up and didn't want to be alone anymore."

"You had Sara." Nick said softly.

"Yes, for a time."

"Is she coming back?"

"Maybe someday she'll come back for a visit, but I wasn't what Sara really needed. I know she loved me, but maybe she sensed that I didn't love her like I should have."

"But you asked her to marry you. You told us that you loved her." Nick was confused.

"I did. I still do. But not like a man should love his soulmate. I realized that too late, I had already committed."

Nick and Gil ate in silence for a time before Nick spoke again. "I really can't thank you enough for this."

"It's just a salad, Nick, nothing special."

"Not just dinner, but...the hospital...letting me stay here..."

"No thanks are necessary. I enjoy taking care of people I care about." Gil watched Nick intently to see what his reaction would be. After hearing Nick pretty much say he was bi-sexual, Gil just wanted to feel him out. It could be dangerous, in the sense that he could potentially ruin his working relationship with Nick.

Nick met Gil's eyes. "I...I care about you too."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying, or is it just wishful thinking on my part?" Gil asked so softly that Nick almost didn't hear him over the bubbling water.

Nick didn't look away, but he did blush and gave Gil a shy smile. "I never suspected that you were...that you liked...that you..."

"That I was bi-sexual?" Gil smiled warmly.

"Yeah."

"Like I said earlier, there are a lot you don't know about me. I'm a private man, Nick."

"So, if something were to 'happen' between us, it would be discreet." Nick's statement was more like a question.

"Very discreet. I would not do anything to jeopardize your career."

"What about your career?" Nick pushed his empty salad bowl away and took a long swig of Coke.

Gil couldn't answer for a few seconds because he was fascinated by the movement of Nick's throat as he swallowed. He wondered what it would be like to kiss and bite that beautiful expanse of skin.

"Gil?" Nick was looking at him quizzically.

"Oh, sorry." Gil shook himself out of his musings. "My career could be salvaged. I could always teach and I honestly don't care what people think about me or my private life."

Nick nodded with understanding, but remained silent.

"Nick, do you want something to 'happen' between us?" Gil subconsciously held his breath.

"Do you?" Nick was hopeful, but wanted to make sure that Gil was on the same page.

"Answering a question with a question has gotten to be a habit with you." Gil chuckled.

"I'm sorry...."

"Don't apologize." Gil interrupted.

Gil took a deep breath and decided to go for it. "Nick, I've been attracted to you since you took the job. Until today, I did not realize you were bi-sexual, so I hid my feelings. I've called myself an old fool for years because sometimes you walk into the room and you are all I can think about. If we do begin a relationship, and it will be a relationship not a one night stand or an occasionally fuck; I've got to insist on discretion and honesty."

Gil paused to see how his words affected the other man. Nick looked at him with a grin, "Anything you want, Boss."

Gil chuckled. "I expected this to be harder, for some reason."

After a second, Gil's smile disappeared. "Before this gets out of hand, I'm going to insist you get some counseling."

Nick opened his mouth to speak, but Gil held up his hand. "You were sexually assaulted and until you get some professional help, you will not be able to have a normal relationship, sexual or otherwise. You've been in law enforcement long enough to know that, Nick. Please don't fight me on this."

Nick nodded curtly. "Fine."

Gil stood up and picked up their empty dishes and put them back on the tray. "Relax and I'll be right back."

Nick sank into the water again. He knew that Gil was right, but he still didn't want to talk to some shrink. He closed his eyes and thought back to the previous night, even though he could remember most of the details, he still felt it was a bad dream. He wondered what Brass thought of him and he knew that when they caught the guy that Nick's assault would become public record. All these thoughts and more swirled around in Nick's mind and suddenly he felt overwhelmed. He brought his hands up to cover his face and stifled a sob.

"Nicky, talk to me." Gil had walked out of the patio door and heard the sob. He had rushed over and placed his hands on Nick's warm shoulders.

Nick felt Gil's firm hands and knew that Gil would be there for him, no matter what. He felt instantly better and managed a weak smile.

"I guess I was just overwhelmed with what happened and all the possible ramifications."

"I'll be with you the whole way. Brass and Ecklie have got all the evidence we need to put him away for a long time. I'll talk to the D.A. and see if we can get your testimony taped so you don't have to appear in court."

"Thanks, Griss."

Gil gave Nick's shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Now, I think you better get out of there, you're turning into a prune."

Nick laughed and gingerly stood up. Gil wrapped the towel around his shoulders and helped him out of the tub and down the stairs. Once, Nick was on solid ground, he realized that most of the soreness was gone. He stretched and turned at the waist a few times.

"Man, I feel a lot better."

"I'm glad. Come on in." Gil lead the way back into the house. Once they were inside, Nick continued to dry himself.

"Why don't you take a pain pill and go lay down." Gil suggested.

"Only if you'll lay down with me." Nick said and then reddened. He could not believe he said that out loud.

"Nick, are you sure that's a good idea?"

Nick nodded. "I really would like you to hold me for a while, if you don't mind, I mean."

"I would love to hold you." Gil said and took Nick's hand in his. The two walked up the stairs. Once they were in the upstairs hallway, Gil stopped at the door to the bathroom.

"Do you need to use the bathroom before bed?"

"Yeah, and I'll need my toothbrush. Will you get it for me?" Nick asked as he stepped into the bathroom.

"Sure, be right back." Gil said, as he pulled the door shut behind him.

Nick removed the wet shorts and hung them across the shower curtain rod. He looked at himself in the mirror, turning so he could see his back. He couldn't see the entire area, but what he saw made him wince. The welts had receded to deep purple bruises from his shoulder blades down to his upper thighs. In some places, the belt had broken the skin and these areas were bright red and angry looking. Nick sighed and turned to use the toilet.

He flushed and immediately heard the knock on the door. "Yeah, come in."

Gil opened the door and his mouth dropped open. He felt a hot flush creep up his neck and face. Nick was standing bare-assed in his bathroom. "I...uh...I brought your toothbrush and pills."

"Thanks." Nick stepped towards Gil and held out his hand. Gil held up the pills and toothbrush, trying his best to keep his gaze on Nick's face.

Nick took the two items and turned back towards the mirror. He squeezed some of Gil's toothpaste onto the toothbrush and turned on the tap. As he brushed his teeth, he was aware of Gil standing in the doorway. He was also aware of how his naked body had caused the 'always in control' Gil Grissom to flush and stammer.

Gil stood and watched every movement that Nick made, trying very hard not to look at the man's beautiful ass displayed in front of him. His eyes kept making their way down to that ass though. Gil's mouth suddenly felt very dry and his pants were getting a bit tight in the crotch area. Gil turned so Nick could not see the effect he was having on him.

Nick finished up and wiped his mouth on the hand towel provided. He shook out one of the pills and cupped his hand under the faucet. After swallowing the pill he turned and walked into Gil's bedroom. Making himself at home, he lay down on the same side of the bed that he had used earlier.

As soon as Nick had left the bathroom, Gil entered it. He took a quick, cold shower, brushed his teeth and reached into the cabinet for a clean towel. After drying himself thoroughly, he wrapped the towel around his waist and went back into the bedroom. Nick was already in the bed with his pillow propped up on the headboard. Nick's comments about sleeping in the nude came back to Gil and he wondered how he was going to get through this night without embarrassing himself. It was one thing to admit to his attraction to Nick, but quite another to have a hard-on all night.

Without speaking, Gil opened his dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of cotton sleep pants. With them in his hand, he headed back for the bathroom, but Nick's words stopped him.

"Why don't you change in here?" Nick's voice sounded innocent, but Gil knew he was just testing Gil.

"Nick, you are making this more difficult for both of us. I told you that nothing was going to happen until you talked to a counselor."

"Fine." It was the second time that Gil had heard Nick use that word in that tone of voice and he knew it meant that he was going along with Gil but he didn't like it. Gil felt his mouth twitch, Nick was acting like a spoiled child.

Gil surprised himself and Nick by dropping his towel and stepping into his sleep pants. Nick had been too surprised to get a good look at Gil's naked body. He had seen the nice chest when Gil had come out of the bathroom, but really wanted to see what Gil kept in his pants. He just caught a brief glimpse of brownish-gray curls before Gil was covered from the waist down.

Gil crawled into bed and turned to face Nick. Nick turned towards Gil and reached out a tentative finger to touch Gil's face. "I kind of liked the beard."

"Maybe I'll grow it back for you." Gil said softly, reveling in Nick's light touch.

Nick smiled and Gil noticed Nick's eyes getting heavy. "Go to sleep, Nicky. I'll be here all night."

Nick murmured something that Gil didn't catch and turned to get comfortable. Gil waited until Nick was settled on his side and moved his body closer so he could spoon himself against the other man. His hand came to rest on Nick's hip and Nick shifted. Gil relished the feel of Nick's warm skin again his own. Gently, Gil kissed one of the bruises on Nick's upper back.

****

When Gil woke, his first thought was why he was on this side of his bed, he always slept on the other side. Then he remembered. He jumped out of bed and glanced quickly in the bathroom. No sign of Nick there. Gil took the stairs two at a time and was slightly out of breath when he reached the bottom. He looked around and noticed that the patio door was open. Hank must have heard him, because he popped his head inside the door. Gil looked out and was relieved to see Nick in the hot tub, head thrown back, eyes closed as the water bubbled around him.

Hank decided at that moment that he wanted to play and crouched down on his front paws and woofed, before running in circles around Gil.

Nick started and water sloshed over the edge of the tub.

"Sorry, Hank can be loud and obnoxious sometimes." Gil said with a smile. He took the ball that Hank had brought him and tossed it towards the back fence.

"It's okay, I must have dozed off again. I woke up feeling kind of stiff, so I thought I'd see if the hot tub could work the same miracle as last night.

"Are you hungry?" Gil asked.

"Yeah, a little."

"I'll make us some breakfast. Eggs okay?"

"That's fine." Nick said as he slid back down into the water.

Hank followed Gil into the house and sat and watched him as he got the ingredients for omelets out of the refrigerator.

"So, you like Nick, huh?" Gil asked the dog.

Hank's docked tail twitched.

"I do too. Would you mind if he became a part of our lives?"

Another twitch.

"I think I could fall in love with him, Hank."

"And he thinks he's already fallen in love with you." Nick's voice startled Gil so bad that Gil dropped a raw egg onto the tile floor. Gil stood there, staring at the egg, not daring to look up at Nick.

"Gil, I mean that." Nick said quietly and walked around the edge of the counter until he stood in front of Gil. Gil stared at Nick's feet and his eyes moved up over the towel Nick wore around his waist, up his chest until their eyes met.

Gil stepped forward and brushed his fingers over Nick's cheek and jaw. "Oh, Nick, you are making this very difficult for me."

"I don't understand, I thought you wanted...me."

"I do. Very much. But my head is telling me to go very slow, while my heart is telling me to take you in my arms and make love to you. The adult me is still reeling from your assault, but the randy teenager in me is saying that I could make you forget that monster's hands on you. For the first time in a long time, I'm not sure what to do."

"Do you think you could go to my counseling with me?" Nick said softly.

"Nick, this is something you have to do yourself."

Nick hung his head and murmured, "I just want you to be a part of my life."

Gil took the one step that would bring him into range to wrap his arms around Nick. Nick looked up and Gil's intense blue eyes were focused on his. Then Gil did wrap his arms around the younger man and just held him. They stood like that for several minutes until Nick finally took a deep breath and leaned back. He gave Gil a shy smile.

"I'm going to call and see if I can see someone today. The faster I get the help I need to deal with this, the faster you and I can begin..." He let his words trail off because he did not really know what they would be beginning. Would it be a relationship, like Gil said or would it be more casual, sort of like friends with benefits.

Gil kissed Nick softly on the lips and smiled. "Just so you know, I'm already a part of your life, and plan on being a bigger part real soon."

THE END