Title: Running From Monsters
Author: CSI_Nightowl
Pairing: David/Nick
Rating: PG -13
Warnings: slash
Spoilers: none
Summary: David's past comes back to haunt him and Nick.
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI or its characters. If I did there would be a new episode every week.

David was sitting on the sofa waiting for Nick to finish getting ready. They were going over to Jacqui's for their monthly get together. Jacqui and Catherine had come up with the idea. They thought it would be nice for everybody to spend time together outside of work. Personally, he'd never seen the need for it when they all saw each other almost everyday. Every month a different person would host it. Some people grumbled, mostly David, but in the end they went along with it. This month was Jacqui's turn again. David sighed. The woman was his best friend but he hated her apartment. It was small, especially with ten people in it. There was barely room to move.

David leaned his head back trying to see into the bedroom. "Are you done yet? You know, Jacqui hates it when people arrive late?"

"I'm almost ready." Nick called from the bathroom.

David smiled as he thought about the first time they went to Jacqui's. She had begged David to come early and help her. He arrived two hours early and was surprised when Nick answered the door. Apparently, Jacqui had begged Nick to help too. She loved to play matchmaker and had been trying to get the two men together for months. It didn't seem to matter to her that everyone thought Nick was straight. David spent the next few hours thinking of ways to kill the woman without getting caught.

Funny thing was as the night wore on David noticed the Texan was always sitting or standing near him. A couple days after that Nick asked him out for breakfast. Then it was movies, concerts, dinners and more breakfasts. Neither man really knew when it had turned into more then friendship. But it had and David thanked God for that everyday.

"David?"

"Huh?"

"You didn't hear a word I said, did you?" Nick frowned.

"Is that what you are wearing?" David ignored the man's question.

Nick rolled his eyes. "Why do I put up with you?"

"It's the sex."

"You think you're that good, huh?"

"I know I'm that good." David smirked.

"Oh, please."

"I remember you saying that last night."

"You are so stuck on yourself."

"Somebody's got to love me." David said it jokingly but Nick saw a brief sadness cross his lover's face.

"I love you, David." Nick said as he sat down beside him.

David smiled. "I know and I love you too."

Nick leaned against him. "Am I that good?"

David pretended to consider the question. "You'll do." He finally said.

Nick raised up and punched the man on the shoulder. "I ought to make you sleep on the couch just for that."

"But you won't."

Nick sighed as David leaned over and started kissing him. "What about Jacqui?" he muttered as David started pulling at his shirt.

"How would I know how good she is?" David shuddered at the thought.

"You know very well that's not what I meant. We'll be late."

"I don't care. Tell her I jumped you, if you want."

"And I couldn't say no cause you're just that good." Nick said breathlessly.

*******

"Aren't you going to ring the bell?" David asked.

"Hey, you are the one that made us late. Nick answered. Besides she is your best friend."

"Chicken."

"I didn't make you come by yourself, did I?"

"That would have really pissed her off." David said as the door suddenly flew open.

"It's about time you got here. Jacqui was starting to worry." Sara grinned.

The men exchanged looks. Jacqui worried? No, more like angry, furious or pissed. Whatever they were screwed.

"Where have you been?" Jacqui glared as they entered the small room. "Everyone is starving."

"Uh Dave, does that mean they're planning on eating us?"

Jacqui gave Nick an ‘I can kill one of you and make it look like the other one did it' look.

"It's David's fault we're late." Nick caved under the look. "He jumped me."

David stared at the man as everybody else in the room laughed.

"What? Nick shrugged. "You said I could tell her."

"You're right I did." David smirked and Nick knew he was in trouble. "As I recall you said I was too good to say no to."

"Whoa guys. Too much information." Archie said.

"You're just jealous." David replied.

********

Because the apartment was small and overcrowded David was practically sitting on Nick's lap. Not that he was complaining, not much anyway, being close to Nick was David's favorite place to be. They had both been through hell, separately and together, over the years but they had survived and became stronger. Little did David know their strength was about to be tested once again.

Nick had gotten into the habit of changing the ringtone on David's cell phone much to the man's chagrin. It was always a country song. David would change it but the next day it or another song would be back. Last week, he was talking to Ecklie about a case when his cell started playing Your Man. Oh, Nick was going to pay. He still thinks Nick had Greg call him on purpose but both men denied it. So David wasn't too surprised when sitting in Jacqui's sardine can of an apartment, talking and listening to some 60's Motown song, "God Blessed Texas started blaring from his phone.

"Will you leave my phone alone?" He glared at Nick as he answered it.

"Hodges."

Silence.

"I'm hanging up if you don't say something."

"Hi Davey."

"Mary?" David squeezed Nick's hand tightly

Nick could hear the tension in David's voice. The only Mary he had ever mentioned was his sister.

"What's up?" David could tell something was wrong.

"It's Brenda. She's sick."

"So?"

‘Davey, she's dying."

"Again, so?" David was now squeezing Nick's hand so hard his knuckles were turning white.

"David, don't be like that." she sighed.

"How should I be?" Before she could answer David added "I should go. Nice talking to you."

"David Michael Hodges, don't you dare hang up!" She yelled so loud everyone in the apartment could hear her.

It was then that David realized they were listening. He squeezed Nick's hand even harder. The Texan wondered if it was going to break.

"What do you want from me, Mary?"

"She's asking to see you."

David laughed bitterly. "Like that's going to happen."

"She's dying."

"Yeah, I heard the first time. I'm not coming"

"You have to."

"The hell I do!" David exploded.

"Davey."

"There's no fucking way, Mary! I can't believe you would even ask me."

"I know it would be hard for you but maybe you'd finally find some peace."

David stood and moved to stare out the window. "I'm happy, Mary. My life is going good. I can't go back"

"All I'm asking is for you to think about it."

"The answer is no."

"Davey."

"Look, I've got to get back to work." David hated lying to his sister but he couldn't talk to her anymore.

"Alright, but if you change your mind, call me."

"Sure." When hell freezes over. "Take care."

"Bye Davey."

"Shit!" David clicked off the phone and threw it across the room, narrowly missing Warrick.

"David, what's wrong?" Nick asked.

Suddenly drained, David sat down and put his head in his hands.

Nick put his arm around his lover. "Baby, talk to me."

"Brenda's dying."

"I'm sorry baby." Nick had no idea who Brenda was but figured that was the right thing to say. He was wrong.

"Don't be!" David yelled without looking up. "I hope she rots in hell."

Nick was a little shocked at David's reaction. "Who is she?"

David finally raised his head. Everyone was looking at him with concern. He resisted the urge to bury his face in Nick's shoulder. "Why would your sister call and tell you this Brenda is dying?" Nick was confused.

"Brenda is our mother." David spit the words out as if they were poison.

Nick wasn't sure he heard David right. "She's your mother?"

"Can we just go home?" David whispered.

"Sure, babe."

Nick knew the man well enough to know he wasn't going to say anything else in front of their friends. He'd probably said more then he was comfortable with already. As they got up to leave David muttered an apology to Jacqui. She just waved her hand like it was no big deal and gave him a hug.

The drive home was made in silence. David seemed to be a million miles away. Nick had so many questions but he wasn't going to push for answers. He knew David would tell him when he was ready.

When they got home David headed straight to their bedroom, stripped and got into bed.

"David?" Nick frowned.

"So tired."

"Do you want to be alone?"

"No."

Nick's head had barely touched the pillow before David was curled up next to him. The man was sound asleep within minutes. Nick had always been amazed by David's ability to sleep when he was upset. He, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. He thought about what David had said at Jacqui's. What had his mother done to make him hate her? Had she done something to him? He had called her a monster. As a CSI, Nick knew a few monsters himself. He shuddered to think of what they had done. God, had David gone through something like that? But wait, he said they were all monsters. Who were they? Was Mary one of them? Nick doubted it. David seemed to care about his younger sister although they weren't very close. He remembered trying to get David to invite her for Thanksgiving last year. The man almost had a heart attack. Maybe he just didn't want Nick to know about his mother.

Nick knew he needed to sleep. David was going to need him to be strong. He knew most people thought he was the strong one but the truth was it was David. Nick couldn't count the times he'd come home after a bad case and David would hold him. Somehow he always made it better. And when he came out of that damn box, David had stayed at the hospital the entire time. Daring anybody to make him leave. Sara said that he even threatened to sue the hospital. He held Nick when he'd wake up screaming, reassuring him the bugs were gone, that he was safe. David had always been there when he needed him so Nick was going to make damn sure he was there for David.

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

David rolled over and felt for Nick. He wasn't there.

"Nick?" David glanced around. Then he heard a noise in the living room so he got up.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I'll be there in twenty minutes." Nick said to someone on the phone.

"Got to go to work?" David sighed.

"No, I'm going to Greg's." He walked over and picked up a suitcase.

A suitcase. "Nick, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like?"

"You're leaving?"

"It's just not working."

"Why, what happened?"

"You're not the man I thought you were."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"The way you talk about your own mother. Calling her a monster and hoping she rots in hell. Nobody should disrespect their mother like that."

"Let me explain."

"No, I'm going." Nick walked out the door.

"Nick, don't leave me." David yelled as Nick drove away.

Nick woke to David yelling. "David, wake up. You're having a nightmare."

David woke and clung to Nick. "Don't leave me, Nick." He kept repeating.

"Hey, I'm not going anyway. It's alright. It was only a dream. I'm here and I'm not leaving."

David finally calmed down. "Sorry."

"Want to tell me about it?"

"You were leaving me."

"I got that much, babe."

"You were leaving me because of the things I said about Brenda."

"David, look at me." Nick smiled as their eyes met. "I am not leaving you. I love you. Besides you're too good, remember?"

David laughed.

"Let's go back to sleep." Nick yawned. "And David."

"Yeah?"

"I'll be here when you wake up."

David smiled and snuggled up next to his lover.

*******

David wasn't sure what to think. He had expected Nick to ask about his mother. Instead they had gone about their morning routine. Now they were sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. Well, Nick was reading, David was looking at him over the front page.

"David, are you trying to spy on me?" Nick laughed.

"No, I – I was just thinking." David was embarrassed at being caught.

"Good, cause I got to tell you, you wouldn't be very good at it."

"Oh, you don't think I could spy?"

"Don't quit your day job or in your case, night job."

"You are so funny." David rolled his eyes.

"What were you thinking about?" Nick put the newspaper down.

David hesitated before answering. "Why haven't you asked?"

"You'll tell me when you're ready."

"I want to tell you but it's so hard to talk about."

"You can tell me anything, David." Nick smiled reassuringly.

David took a deep breath. "I'm not sure where to start."

"How about at the beginning?"

David nodded. "When I was eight, my parents and their best friends, Peter and Thelma Wilcox, went out to dinner. It was storming and their car hydroplaned. My mother was the only one that survived."

"She'd never been a candidate for mother of the year, hell, she insisted we call her Brenda and not Mom, but after Dad died she was so much worse. I guess she was bitter at being saddled with four kids, well five if you count Petey." "Unfortunately. Besides Mary, I have two older brothers, Teddy and Johnny."

"And Petey?"

"Petey Wilcox. His parents were killed in the accident. My parents had agreed to take him in if anything ever happened to them. He came to live with us. He was about six months older than me. He was a great kid. He didn't deserve what happened."

Seeing tears forming in David's eyes, Nick put his arm around him. "You want to take a break?"

"No, if I don't finish now I may never."

Nick thought about David as an eight year old boy, losing his father and apparently not getting any affection from his mother. His heart ached not just for that little boy but for the man who still carried the pain inside him.

"My brothers had always picked on me but it got worse after Dad died. I would walk into a room and one of them would trip me, then they would start hitting me. We all had chores we were supposed to do but they made me do theirs too. Not that I minded doing it. As long as I was working they would leave me alone. Unless of course, I was going to slow then they'd come over and smack me a couple times and tell me to move faster."

"Did your mom know what was going on?"

"Probably. I wasn't really sure until they started on Petey. I was taking out the garbage and heard a noise coming from the backyard. I went to see what it was." David stopped, one single tear running down his face.

"What was it, baby?" Nick asked as he wiped the tear away.

"Teddy and Johnny. They were beating Petey. I knew I couldn't stop them so I ran inside and told Brenda. I thought I was doing the right thing." David shook his head as he recalled what happened next.

"Brenda!" The eight year old shouted for his mother.

"Davey, how many times have I told you not to come in until you finish your chores?" she said hatefully.

"But Brenda, Teddy and Johnny are hitting Petey."

Brenda stared at her youngest son before turning and yelling out the door. "The three of you, get your asses in here NOW!"

Davey smiled at his mother but she just glared at him."

"Yeah, Brenda?" Teddy said as the three came through the door.

"Davey says you been hitting Petey. Is that true?"

Both of the boys glanced first at Davey then at their mother. "Yes" Johnny finally muttered.

"David, come here." His mother ordered calmly.

Davey thought she was going to tell him he did a good thing so he marched right up to her.

She slapped him across the face. "We do not tattle, young man. What your brothers do is none of your business. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Brenda." Davey was trying not to cry.

"Petey, go to your room. Boys, take Davey outside and teach him not to tattle anymore."

The boys smiled as they drug Davey into the backyard.

"She told them to beat you up?" Nick was horrified.

"I tried to fight back but they were so much bigger than me, Nick. I couldn't go to school till most of the bruises had healed. We told people I broke my arm falling out of our oak tree. After that things got even worse. Teddy and Johnny would hit us whenever they felt like it. Then one day Brenda got mad at Petey for dropping a plate and breaking it. She started beating him with a belt. It was awful, Nick. Petey was screaming in pain, Mary was crying and my brothers were laughing. Brenda kept yelling that she didn't know why she agreed to be saddled with this stupid, clumsy boy." David shivered. "After that day she would beat us too. Sometimes she would lock us each in a closet. She let Johnny and Teddy do whatever they wanted to us. We might as well have been their slaves."

Nick stroked David's arm. "Did they ever make you…"

David cut him off. "No, they never sexual abused either of us."

"Didn't a teacher, doctor or anybody notice what was happening to you and Petey?"

"When the bruises were really noticeably we stayed in the house. Otherwise we were told to say we fell or we were roughhousing. If anyone ever figured it out they didn't do anything about it. We talked about running away but we were too scared of what they would do if they caught us. Besides, we worried that they might start beating Mary. If we left she would be all alone. At least Petey and I had each other."

Realization dawned on Nick. "You were in love with him, weren't you?"

"Yes. I know you're probably thinking it's sick because we were raised together like brothers. But Nick, I had brothers and trust me, I never thought of Petey as a brother."

"I wasn't thinking that. Did he feel the same?"

"Yeah." David sighed.

Nick saw the deep sadness in the other man's eyes. "What happened, baby?"

"We had this place we went to. It was in the woods by the pond. It was beautiful and peaceful. We thought we were safe there." David paused and took a deep breath. "On Petey's fifteenth birthday, we had gone there to celebrate. Neither of us knew we had been followed. We were making out. Suddenly someone yanked me up by my hair. It was Teddy. Johnny hit Petey. They didn't say a word to us, just took us home. As soon as we went inside Johnny told Brenda what they had witnessed. I always knew it would be bad if they found out about us but it was worse then I could ever imagine, Nick"

Nick embraced David. "It's alright, David. Whatever those bastards did to you, you're safe now. I'll never let anybody hurt you again."

David nodded and continued.

"You saw them doing what?" Brenda shouted.

"Brenda, we were just horsing around." David lied.

"You shut up David Hodges."

"They weren't horsing around Bren, we heard them. They said they loved each other." Teddy informed her.

"That's just sick." Johnny added.

"At least we don't go around beating people up." David glared.

"Did I not just tell you to keep your fucking mouth shut?" She slapped him.

"Leave him alone." Petey yelled.

"You! You don't tell me what to do. I took you in, gave you food and shelter. Raised you like one of my own and this is the thanks I get? You turn my son into a fag. You are an ungrateful bastard. Get him out of my house, boys.

Teddy smiled. "Sure thing, Brenda."

"No!" David screamed. "Please, I'll do anything. Don't hurt him."

Johnny punched him in the stomach. "She told you to be quite, dumbass"

Both boys were pulled out to the backyard. Johnny held David back as Teddy beat and kicked Petey.

"I tried to save him, Nick. But Johnny was too strong. I couldn't get away from him."

"Teddy killed him?" Nick's heart was breaking for his lover.

David shook his head.

Teddy beat Petey till he wasn't moving. Johnny had loosed his grip so David broke free and kneeled next to the mangled body. David thought that he was died but then Petey opened his eyes and mouthed I love you. David mouthed it back just as one of his brothers yanked him up again.

"Now Davey, You need to learn what will happen if you ever think of touching a boy again." Brenda smacked him again.

David heart stopped when he saw that his mother had a baseball bat in her hand. "Please, don't." he pleaded.

"You were a naughty boy, Davey. Remember this is all your fault." She raised the bat and hit Petey over the head with it repeatedly.

"She killed him." David said, tears flowing down his face

"I'm so sorry, baby." Nick whispered as he held David close to him.

"Everything is kind of a blur after that." David continued. "I think they beat me until I was unconscious because hours later I woke up in my room. Mary was standing over me, crying.

"Davey, please wake up." Mary cried. "I'm scared."

David slowly opened his eyes. "Mary, what's wrong?"

"Davey!" She yelled and jumped on top of her brother.

David bit back the urge to scream in pain. He was confused. Why did he ache so much? Why was his throat scratchy? Why was his sister crying? He knew something happened. Something bad. What was it? He glanced over at the other bed and wondered where Petey was? He remembers screaming. Yeah, that's why his throat hurt. Now, if he only knew why he was screaming.

"Davey, they left us here. Brenda said they'd be back later." The seven year old started crying again.

"Shh. It's alright. I'll take care of you. Don't worry." David reassured her.

Mary looked up at him. "I think Petey is sick. I saw Teddy and Johnny carry him to the car."

That's all it took for David to remember everything. "You saw Petey?"

"I didn't see his face but I could tell it was him by the clothes."

David shivered as he remembered how Petey's face had looked after Brenda was through. Thank God Mary didn't see that. He felt numb. How was he going to survive without Petey. He wished he was died too. Suddenly he realized Mary was looking up at him with those big blue eyes. Stop it, David. You have to take care of her. You can feel bad later.

"How long have they been gone?" he finally asked.

"Hmm, the big hand was on 5 and the little hand was on 3."

David glanced at the clock. It had been almost five hours since they left. "Are you hungry?"

"Yipe, I starving."

"Ok, let's go fix you something to eat."

"You cook?" She asked doubtfully.

"Yes, I'm going to cook. Now come on."

They went into the kitchen. Mary laughed as David got out the peanut butter and jelly.

"That's not cooking." She giggled.

"Don't be picking." He stuck his tongue out.

She sat watching him make sandwiches in silence for a few minutes.

"What? Am I not using enough jelly?"

"No, it's perfect. Don't forget to cut it into squares."

"Now would I forget that?" David smiled even though that was the last thing he felt like doing.

"Davey?"

"Yeah"

"When do you think they will start?"

"Start what, angel?"

"Start hurting me like they do you and Petey."

David froze. The lump in his throat making it difficult to speak.

"I sorry. I know we aren't supposed to talk about it." She was on the verge of crying again.

David picked her up and put her on his lap. "It's ok, angel. You can talk about anything with me."

"Petey too?"

"Yeah." He hugged her so she couldn't see he was crying. "Nobody's gone to hurt you as long as I'm around. I'll protect you, angel." Sure, like you did Petey.

*****

David heard Teddy's car coming down the road. He jumped up, handed Mary a box of animal crackers and told her to go to her room. He was scared. How could he face the people who killed Petey? He had to be strong for Mary, he kept telling himself.

Both men jumped when the phone started ringing.

"Ignore it." Nick said.

David looked at him like he was crazy. "What if it's the lab?"

"Grissom is insane if he thinks I'm coming into work."

"Some people think he is." David sighed as the answering machine came on.

"Hey guys, it's Jacqui. Don't want to disturb you. I was just wondering how things are going. David, call me if you need anything."

"Lord, I'm going to have to explain this to everybody, aren't I?"

Nick shook his head. "Not if you don't want to. If anybody bugs you about it, tell me. I'll take care of it."

"My hero." David smiled.

"Damn straight." Nick grinned. "Hey, it's almost lunchtime. Want to go grab a bite?"

David frowned. "I don't really feel like going out, Nick."

"That's cool. We'll just order something. How's pizza sound?"

"Fine. Thanks for being so understanding."

"That's why you love me." Nick said, trying to lighten the mood a little.

"Damn straight." David laughed. "Among other things."

*******

They had finished eating and were once again on the couch. David leaned against Nick and began talking.

"I felt like I was going to puke when they walked into the house. They were laughing, Nick. As if it was all a big joke. I was so angry. I started yelling. I have no idea what I said but whatever it was made Brenda furious. She said I hadn't learned my lesson. Maybe, they should go get Mary and show me again. I begged her not too. Told her I had learned my lesson and would behave."

"Did she hurt Mary?" Nick asked.

"No, I think she realized she could use Mary to keep me quite."

"Now here's what we're going to do, Davey. If anybody asks, Petey ran away. We haven't heard from him since."

"No, you aren't getting away with killing him. I won't let you." David yelled.

Brenda walked over and grabbed his face. "You listen here. You will do as I say or you'll be sorry."

"What are you going to do, kill me? I don't care anymore."

"Really? What about Mary?" she grinned. "Let's make a deal right now. You keep your mouth shut and your sister will be treated like, what is it you call her, an angel. But you say one word and that little angel will get worse than you or Petey ever got. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, Brenda" David mumbled as his brothers laughed.

"Now come here and give your momma a hug."

David stared. She couldn't have said what he thought she said.

"I said come here." she repeated.

Fearing what she'd do to Mary if he disobeyed, David walked up to his mother and hugged her.

She pulled back from him and said "Tell me you love me."

No way, David's mind was screaming but he knew he had too. "I-I love you." David choked out the words.

"That's Momma's good boy." She kissed him on the check.

"That's just sick." Nick cringed.

David nodded. "After that night I did what I was told. I still got beat but they left Mary alone. That's all I cared about."

"Weren't they ever caught?

"No, the body was never found. Everybody believed he had run away. That lie came back to bite Brenda though."

"How?"

"Petey and I had always wondered why Brenda took him in. I know she promised his parents but who would have blamed her if she decided she couldn't raise five kids by herself. Anyway, about six months after Petey was killed, Brenda was arrested for fraud. Apparently, Petey's parents had left a sizable trust fund for him. She was getting $300 a week for his expenses. She kept it all. When he ‘ran away' she didn't bother to inform the people handling the trust so she kept getting the money. Somehow they found out. She went to jail for a year."

"What happened to the rest of you?"

"Johnny and Teddy took off the day the police came and arrested Brenda. Mary and I went to live with our grandparents. We'd never met them before. They'd had a huge fight with my dad over marrying Brenda. They didn't like her."

"Can't imagine why." Nick said.

David smiled. "Yeah. Anyway, they hadn't talked to Dad since."

"Were they good to you and Mary?"

"They tried to be. Grandma was bedridden and Gramps could barely take care of the two of them. And we were two pretty screwed up kids. Mary wouldn't listen to anybody but me and I rarely spoke to anybody but her."

"So really you took care of her."

"We took care of each other." David nodded. "By the time I was twenty-one both Grandma and Gramps had died. I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I figured I was going to have to quit college and get a job to support us."

"But you didn't?"

"No, Gramps had taken care of us. He left us everything. I sold the house and car and rented us an apartment close to school. We put the rest of the money in the bank. It wasn't much but it was enough for us to live on till I graduated."

"You never told me you raised Mary."

David shrugged. "If I had told you what would have been your next question?"

"Why?"

"Exactly. I didn't want to have to explain."

Nick nodded. "Why aren't you and Mary close now and why in the world would she try to get you to see Brenda before she died? Doesn't she know what she did to Petey?"

"Mary and I got along fine till she turned nineteen and decided she wanted to see Brenda. I wasn't very happy, as you can imagine. We fought a lot about it. It hurt me that she wanted to see that bitch knowing everything she did. And yes, she did know about Petey. As for why she wants me to see Brenda, I don't know. She said maybe it would bring me peace." David sighed and fell silent.

Nick knew he wanted to say something else. "What baby?"

David hesitated for a moment. "I guess you think I'm a terrible person for not going to see her."

"A terrible person?" Nick repeated, shocked. "My god David, after everything you just told me how could I possible think that? You took whatever they dished out to protect your sister. Why would you want to see Brenda? She killed the boy you loved, abused you and ruined your childhood."

David shrugged as if all that didn't matter.

"You survived David and you came out of all that a good person. You really are my hero, you know?"

David laughed and started to argue but Nick put a finger on the man's lips to silence him.

"Don't." Nick whispered. "I'm serious and I don't want to hear you disagree with me."

Nick was surprised when David only sighed

"Wow, you must be tired. Wanna go to bed?"

"I'm not tired but bed sounds good." David smiled.

Nick laughed. "Anything you want, baby."

David stood in the doorway of the kitchen, smiling. Nick was standing over the stove in nothing but his boxers, the ones with cowboys all over them. David had bought them as a joke but the Texan proclaimed they were his favorite ones. Sometimes David just didn't get the man.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not polite to stare?" Nick asked.

"No one has ever accused me of being polite."

"Well, that's true." Nick laughed.

"Besides you look too damn sexy for me not to stare."

Nick finally turned and looked at the other man. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Thanks." David kissed him. "I think."

"Morning, baby."

"What are you cooking? It smells heavenly."

"Eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy and fried potatoes."

"Are you trying to clog my arteries or just make me fat?"

"I figured we could use a big breakfast this morning. My mom and sisters used to fix this every Saturday when I was growing up."

"We are going to have to make you an appointment with a cardiologist then."

Nick rolled his eyes and went back to his cooking.

*******

Breakfast was over and they were on the porch, swinging. The swing had been the main selling point for Nick when they were house hunting. David is convinced that the man wouldn't have cared if the house was falling down as long as it had a porch swing, he was buying it. Luckily, David had loved the inside of the house as much as Nick loved the swing.

Nick's cell phone ring and they both made a face, figuring he was being called into work early. "Stokes"

"Um, hi. This is Mary Hodges, David's sister. I'm sorry to bother you but Davey gave me your number in case of emergency. I've been trying his cell but can't reach him." She sounded really nervous.

"No problem, Mary." Nick studied David face. "He's right here, hang on." David started to take the phone but Nick held on to it. "Promise not to throw it?"

"Funny. Now give."

Nick handed him the phone and started to go in the house, thinking he might want some privacy but David grabbed his arm and motioned for him to stay.

"Hello Mary."

"Hi Davey. Sorry to call Nick but when I couldn't get you on your cell I got worried." she apologized.

"It's ok. I broke my phone last night."

She didn't have to ask how. She knew her brother well enough to know he probably threw it. "Look Davey, I owe you an apology. I should have never asked you to come and see Brenda. You must think I'm a heartless bitch."

"Of course, I don't think that. You're going though a tough time, that's all."

"I miss you, Davey."

"I miss you too. Why don't you come and stay with us sometimes? We have an extra bedroom."

"Really? You're serious?" Mary was surprised.

"Yes, I am. It's been too long, Mary."

"Yeah it has and I'd love…"

"Mary?"

"Shit" Mary said under her breath.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing I gotta go." she hurriedly said. But not before David heard a familiar voice in the background.

"Mary, wait. Is that Johnny?" David felt a chill go through him.

Silence.

"Answer me, dammit!" David shouted.

"It's him." she whispered. "He just got here."

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the house."

"Mary, listen to me. You need to get the hell out of there."

"I can't. I promised her I'd stay."

David was having a hard time keeping the anger out of his voice. "You don't owe her anything. Please, you have to get away from Johnny."

"I'll be alright. I got to go. I love you."

"Mary! David yelled as he heard her hang up. "Damn!"

Nick grabbed his phone before David had a chance to throw it.

"If Johnny's there then Teddy won't be far behind. Why does that girl think she has to stay?" David said more to himself then Nick.

Nick frowned. "You're going, aren't you?"

"I've got too. She's not safe there by herself." David sighed.

"I'm going with you then."

"No, you can't." David panicked.

"Why not?"

"Brenda can't know about you. She'll kill you like she did him." David shuddered at the thought.

"David, she's dying. I seriously doubt she could hurt me."

"There's Johnny and Teddy. They will if she can't." David was shaking.

"Calm down, David. I can take care of myself. There is no way I'm letting you go through this alone. I am going even if I have to follow you. Understand?"

David nodded. He was terrified of Nick getting hurt but he also knew he needed the man with him. "I don't know if I'm strong enough for this."

"Are you kidding me? You're the strongest person I know." Nick smiled as he put his arms around David.

David held Nick tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful. I don't know what I'd do if they hurt you."

"I will." Nick promised.

"What exactly did you tell Grissom?" David asked for the third time since they'd gotten on the plane.

Nick knew he wasn't trying to be annoying. He was just so nervous he couldn't concentrate on what he'd been told the first two times.

"I told him you decided to go to Brenda's for your sister's sake and that I was going with you." Nick repeated patiently.

It must have sunk in this time because David looked concerned. "You mean you didn't start by asking if we could have time off?"

"Asking would have given him the opportunity to say no."

"Are you trying to get us fired?" David glared at the man sitting beside him.

"Stop worrying. Grissom's not going to fire us."

"What about Ecklie? He's not exactly our biggest fan."

"David, as far as the lab is concerned you are going to see your dying mother. That my dear, is a valid reason to miss work. Besides, if we did get fired we could get jobs somewhere else."

"Yeah, I'm sure it would be easy to find a lab that needs a CSI and a trace tech and doesn't care if they are gay. And don't call me dear."

Nick grinned. "You are way too pessimistic."

"This surprises you?"

Nick laughed. "Not really but at least you aren't that way about us anymore."

"Think so?"

"Oh, come on Dave, you don't still think I'm going to leave you, do you?"

"No, I don't." David admitted

"Good because you're stuck with me till the day I die." Nick mentally kicked himself the minute the words were out of his mouth.

"Don't even say that."

"I'm sorry. That was the wrong thing to say right now. I'm an idiot."

"Hey, nobody talks about my man like that. Except for me, of course."

"I plan on us growing old together." Nick smiled.

"Well, if you've planned it then I guess we will." David said sarcastically.

"It's called the power of positive thinking. You should try it sometimes."

"Yeah, I'll do that." David rolled his eyes.

*****

David couldn't believe he was back in his hometown after all this years. He'd swore to himself he would never come back.

"Do you want to drive?" Nick asked, holding up the keys to the rental car.

"No, you drive."

"You'll have to give me directions."

"Sure." David said absently, memories of his childhood flooding his mind.

"Hey, you ok, baby?"

"Memories," was all David said.

Nick reached across the seat and laid his hand on the man's thigh. "I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."

David put his hand on top of Nick's and sighed. He didn't have to say he was scared. Nick just knew. They drove in silence for awhile till something on the side of the road caught David's eye.

"Pull over, Nick."

Nick had barely stopped when David jumped out of the car.

"What are you looking at?" Nick walked up beside David. He followed the man's eyes down to the ground. There were three flowers, lilies he thinks, laying on top of a wooden cross that had definitely seen better days.

"Mary must have done this. I can't believe she even remembered."

"Remembered what?"

"This is where my dad and Petey's parents died. Petey and I made that cross. Every week we'd pick wildflowers and bring them here. Sometimes, we brought Mary with us. Petey always said when he grew up he'd bring lilies because that was his mom's favorite flower." Tears ran down David's face. "He didn't know he'd never grow up."

Nick hated seeing him like this. Not for the first time he wondered if he could keep from killing the people who had done this to David.

"I'm not sure I can do this." David whispered.

"Is there a restaurant or something around here? You could call Mary and have her met us."

David considered it for a minute but then shook his head. "Let's go."

They got back in the car and drove for another fifteen minutes. Finally David told Nick to turn on a gravel road. They continued driving about a mile when the house came into view. Looking around Nick understood why no one ever knew about the beatings. The house was the only one for miles. He shuddered to think how isolated David, Petey, and Mary had been.

There was a woman sitting on the porch when they pulled into the drive. She stood up, looking afraid till David stepped out of the car. "Hey angel." David greeted.

Nick used this time to study the woman. She was in her thirties. She had the same brown hair and blue eyes as David. Her hair was in a ponytail that went almost down to her waist. She was wearing tight blue jeans and a faded t-shirt that said UCLA on it.

She must have felt Nick staring because she let go of her brother and looked at the stranger. "You must be Nick. Davey was right, you are a babe."

"I never said he was a babe." David protested.

"I was paraphrasing." She winked.

David rolled his eyes. "Nick, this is Mary."

"Nice to meet you." Nick shook her hand, trying hard to rein in his anger at her for being there with the woman who had hurt David.

"You too." She smiled. "Why don't we go inside?"

Nick and Mary started walking toward the house but David stood where he was. They both seemed to realize it at the same time. So they turned and walked back to him.

"David?" Nick put his arm around him. "Are you alright?"

"I don't think I can go in there."

"How about we just sit on the porch then? Mary suggested.

Taking Nick's hand, David nodded. They sit on the porch in silence at first. Both Nick and Mary seemed to know David needed time to get use to being there.

"Are they here?" David finally asked, startling the other two.

"No, it's just me and Brenda. Johnny only stayed a few minutes. He said he'd be back though." she frowned.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No. Davey, you shouldn't have come. This is too hard for you. I never should have called you."

"I'm not leaving you here."

"I'm not a kid. You don't have to protect me anymore."

"I don't care how old you are, I'm not leaving you here."

"I promised not to leave her." Mary said.

"After everything she's done, how she's treated us, how the hell can you even be here? You're not safe here. Why is it so important for you to stay?" David shouted.

Mary sighed. "We've been through this a hundred times before."

David got up and started down the driveway. Nick followed him.

David turned around when he realized Nick was behind him. "I need to be alone for a little while."

"If that's what you want." Nick wasn't sure it was a good idea but he knew better then to push David.

"It is. Thanks." David kissed him. "I love you"

"I love you too."

Nick watched as David disappeared into the woods. He wondered if he was going to the place that he used to go with Petey.

"Following him will just make him angrier." Mary said as if she sensed what Nick was about to do.

"Yeah, I know. I'm worried about him though."

"I wish I had never called him. It was a stupid thing to do."

Nick couldn't argue with her. It was stupid. How could she even have anything to do with Brenda?

"You really love him, don't you?"

"More than anything. I've never met anyone like him before."

"Me either." She sighed when she saw the doubt in Nick's eyes. "I know what he did for me, what he sacrificed. He could have run away with Petey but they stayed because of me. After Petey died, he stayed here with the people who killed him just to protect me. And he's always taken care of me. He's more than a brother to me. He's been a father, mother and best friend since I was a baby. Believe it or not, I know how lucky I am to have him."

"Then why are you here?" Nick asked.

Mary sat back down and sighed. "Even though I lived with her till I was eight I never really knew Brenda. She was never a mother to me. Davey and Petey did it all, fed me, changed my diapers, rocked me to sleep, took care of me when I was sick, they taught me how to read and helped me with my homework. They also taught me to hide when the yelling started."

"Did you ever witness the beatings?"

"No, I would hide just like they told me. But I heard the yelling and screams of pain. That was terrifying enough. Then later seeing the bruises and broken bones," she cringed; "I knew they had hurt them."

"When did you find out Petey had been killed?"

"That night. Davey sent me to my room but I could still hear everything they said. He was yelling about how she killed Petey. Looking back now, I'm surprised they didn't kill him too." She glanced at Nick. "This isn't answering your question is it?"

Nick shook his head.

"I never thought I'd come back here. I never wanted to see her again. But something happened when I was in college that made me feel as if I had to see her. See, I'd been babysitting since I was fourteen. I loved kids. But that night I was tired. I'd been studying for an exam and trying to finish a paper. I'd babysat this boy dozens of times but he was getting on my nerves and I couldn't make him be quite. I had this sudden desire to hit him till he shut up."

"Did you?"

"No, I caught myself and called Davey. I told him he had to come help me. He came even though he was working and he'd only had the job a couple of weeks. By the time he got there I was terrified. How could I even think of hitting a child? I was convinced I was turning into my mother. Davey insisted I wasn't anything like her, I was just exhausted."

"But you didn't believe it?"

She shook her head. "I decided I had to see for myself. I wanted to know why she did what she did. I needed to know if I was like her."

"I can understand that." Nick said.

"Davey couldn't. We fought so much over it. We had always been so close but after that there was a wall between us. We've never been able to get passed it. I know I hurt him and if I could go back I would never have done it."

Nick looked at the tears running down her face and thought how much she reminded him of David. The anger he felt for her was slowly disappearing. "Are you and Brenda close?"

She laughed bitterly. "No. The woman is a bitch through and through. I hate her more now than ever."

"Then why are you here?" Nick repeated.

"She called me a few days ago. How she got my number I'm not sure. Anyway, she said she was sick and she needed to see me before she died. She practically begged, Nick. I guess I came out of curiosity. I was also hoping to get her to tell me why she treated Davey and Petey like she did."

"Did she?"

"No. I guess I was expecting her to suddenly gain a conscious because she was dying. Stupid, I know. I think she just needed somebody to take care of her. Don't ask me why I promised to stay but I did."

"Do you think it's possible she lured you and David down here?"

Mary frowned. "I wouldn't put anything past her but she really is dying. I've talked to her doctors and I've seen how weak she is."

"Do you know what she wants to see David about?"

"No. I tried to find out but she wouldn't tell me."

"Does Johnny know that she asked to see him?"

She shook her head. "Absolutely not."

"Did he hurt you?"

"No, like I said he was only here a few minutes."

"It's just that I saw the fear on your face when we pulled into the driveway. You thought it was him, didn't you?"

"Yes, he gives me the creeps. I'm not looking forward to seeing him again."

Nick nodded in agreement. It was taking all the self control he had not to go in the house and strangle Brenda. He didn't know if he could do the same around either of their brothers. Hopefully they wouldn't have to face them. If only Mary would leave. She seemed just as stubborn as David though. She'd never leave till the bitch died. Maybe he should go strangle her then they could get the hell out of here.

"Nick."

"Yeah."

"If Johnny or Teddy show up, please don't let them hurt Davey." Mary said almost in tears.

"I won't let them hurt him or you." Nick promised.

"Thank you." She smiled. "I guess I ought to go check on her. Do you want to come inside?"

"No, I think I'll wait here for David."

After Mary went inside Nick went and sat on the hood of the rental car. Glancing around Nick noticed how beautiful it was here. How could a place this beautiful hold so much ugliness and evil? He could never understand how someone could hurt a child especially their own. He thought of his parents. He was lucky, he knew. They loved their kids unconditionally. He had gotten a few spanking when he was younger but never anything severe. His parents had always encouraged the kids to be themselves and to do what made them happy. Sure, his parents weren't thrilled when he finally came out to them but they had accepted it and had accepted David too.

Nick took out his cell phone.

"Stokes' residence."

"Hi Mom."

"Nicky! What a nice surprise."

Nick suppressed a laugh. In Jillian Stokes speech that meant ‘what's wrong.' "I just thought I'd call and tell you I love you."

"Really?" She said suspiciously. "What's going on? Did you and David have a fight?"

"No Mom, we're fine."

"That didn't sound very convincing, Nicholas. Tell Mama what's wrong."

Nick sighed. How much would David want him to tell her? "We're at David's mom's house. She's dying."

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry. Is there anything we can do for David? How's he taking it?"

Nick was overwhelmed by the thought that his Mom cared about David so much when she'd only met him a handful of times, yet David's own mother didn't care at all.

"Honey, are you ok?"

"Mom, I wanted to tell you and Cisco that I know how lucky I am to have you as parents. Thank you for accepting me."

"Nicky, we love you and are proud to be your parents."

"I know."

"I take it David doesn't have a good relationship with his mother."

"That would be an understatement but I can't really go into it."

"It's good that you are there with him."

"I'd better go and check on him. I love you, Mom."

"I love you too. Nicky, tell David we love him too."

"I will."

Nick hung up and stared down the path David had taken. He wanted to give his lover the space he needed but he was starting to get worried. He'd been gone a long time. What if he had ran into one of his brothers? Nick decided to give David five more minutes then he was going in search of him. Let him get mad. At least Nick would know he was safe.

David looked around as he started walking towards the woods. Everything seemed pretty much the same except the trees were bigger and the path that he and Petey made to the pond had grown over. These woods had been their safe haven. His brothers never went into the woods. Not until that fateful night, anyway.

David sat on a tree stump that was only a few feet away from the pond. It was still so peaceful here. This was the last place he'd been happy. Well, until Nick came into his life. He felt a pang of guilt. It probably wasn't a great idea to leave Nick and Mary alone. Nick was trying hard not to show it but David knew he was upset with her for having anything to do with Brenda. Lord, he couldn't even begin to imagine what the two of them were talking about.

He stood up and walked to the edge of the pond. He hadn't been back here since the day Petey was killed. He couldn't. It was too hard. It was still hard. His anger started boiling up again and he absently picked up a handful of rocks. He started throwing them in the pond. After he'd thrown about ten, he realized this is where his habit of throwing things started. He and Petey would pretend that Johnny and Teddy were standing in the middle of the pond and throw rocks at them as hard as they could. It had been a release for them. David had never stopped throwing things when he was mad but he never threw anything at anyone. Almost hitting Warrick with the phone was an accident. Besides, Jacqui should have a bigger apartment if she was going to entertain all those people, he reasoned.

David sat watching the water and thinking about his life. He had wanted to die after Petey did. He had even thought of things to do that would enrage Brenda enough for her to kill him. The thought of leaving Mary alone with them was the only reason he never went through with it.

David's thoughts slowly turned from his childhood to the life he had now. He smiled as he thought of the Texan up at the house waiting for him. Nick was the best thing that every happened to him. When they first started dating David was sure Nick would eventually walk. Not only did he not walk he had stayed even when David tried to push him away. Their love had only gotten stronger over the years as they survived one crisis after another. David no longer feared Nick leaving. He knew they'd be together until they died.

"Shit, you had to go there, didn't you?" David said. "Great, now you're talking to yourself, David." He shook his head then glanced at his watch. He was shocked to see that almost two hours had past since he left the house. He couldn't believe Nick hadn't come looking for him yet. Then another thought sent a shiver down his spine. What if Johnny or Teddy had shown up? What would they do to Nick? Stop David, he told himself. It's not like they know that he is your lover and Nick and Mary aren't stupid enough to blurt it out. Just calm down. Nick's only giving you some space.

David took one last look at the pond and started walking back to the house. As he walked he started wondering what Brenda wanted to see him about. Did he really care? He didn't want to see her but he was curious. Would he regret not knowing what she wanted?

David saw Nick sitting on the car, staring down the path. The Texan's face went from worried to relief as he spotted him and a huge smile crossed his face. David walked up and put his arms around the man and laid his head on his chest.

"You had two minutes, pal." Nick stated as he wrapped his arms around David.

"Two minutes till what?" David asked not raising his head from Nick's chest.

"I was coming to find you."

"Oh. Time just got away from me. Sorry I worried you."

"You want to talk about it?"

David shook his head. "No, I just want this."

Nick smiled and held him tighter.

"Where's Mary?"

"Inside."

"Sorry I left you here alone with her."

"Would you stop apologizing? Everything is fine."

"That's why you're out here and she's in the house."

"I was waiting for you. I also called my mom." Nick felt David tense up.

"What did you tell her?"

"That we were here and your mother is dying. That's all. Although she guessed that you and Brenda didn't have a good relationship."

"Thanks for not telling her the whole story."

"I wouldn't do that. She told me to tell you that they love you." Nick couldn't see David's reaction but he felt his shirt getting damp.

"God, I wish we were in Texas or Vegas, anywhere but here." David mumbled trying to hide the fact he was crying.

"Me too. Listen, I have an idea. How about you going into town and getting a room and I'll stay here with Mary?"

David stood up. "I said I not leaving her here and I'm damn sure not leaving you here either."

"Would you let me finish? If your brothers show up we'll tell them that I'm Mary's boyfriend."

"No."

"Why not?"

"As long as you're here I'm staying. End of discussion."

Nick frowned as his stubborn lover. "Baby …"

"No. Besides I already have a plan. We will all be out of here soon."

Nick's frown deepened. He loved David but he wasn't very good when it came to plans. "What are you going to do? Kill Brenda?

"No." David rolled his eyes. "I'm going to talk to her."

"You're WHAT?"

*******

Mary had started outside with some iced tea for Nick when she caught a glimpse of her brother coming up the driveway. She decided to give the men a few minutes alone before going out. She knew she shouldn't but she felt compelled to watch them. She was amazed to see how much Davey leaned on Nick. She didn't think he would ever trust someone that much. He always had to be in control and the strong one. But right now he was drawing off of Nick's strength.

Mary sighed. It was obvious that being here was causing him so much pain. Why had she ever contacted Brenda? Why couldn't she believe Davey when he said she wasn't like their mother? He never would have come back here if it wasn't for her. He had always taking care of her and what did she do. Pulled him back into this hell. Dammit. She was going to take care of him for a change. She went over to the kitchen counter and picked up the phone.

*****

"I said I'm going to see Brenda." David repeated.

"What the hell for? Don't you think she's done enough damage?" Nick winced as he saw the hurt look of the man's face.

"You think I'm damaged?" David whispered as he stared at the ground.

"No, I didn't mean it like that." Nick hurried to explain. "Baby, it's just that that bitch has caused you so much pain. I can't stand to see you suffering like this. Don't put yourself through seeing her again, please."

"I have to."

Mary came out of the house and both men jumped when the screen door slammed shut.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Mary apologized. "Davey, I…"

"Does she still want to see me?" David interrupted.

"Uh, yeah. She's very insistent about it."

"Ok, go tell her I'll see her on one condition."

"What? Davey, you don't have too."

"The condition being that after I talk to her, you and I are leaving and never coming back." David continued as if he hadn't heard his sister.

"But, Davey…"

"I know, you promised not to leave but please just do it for me."

"That's what I've been trying to tell you. I'm ready to leave. You don't have to see her."

David stared at her. "You're ready to leave? What changed your mind?"

"Being here is causing you so much pain. Growing up you always put me first. Now, I'm putting you first. We're getting the hell out of here before you have to face any of them. I called Brenda's doctor and told him that I had an emergency in L.A. and had to leave right away. He's sending out an ambulance to take her to a nursing home. It should be here in a few hours. I told him I couldn't stay but I'd give Brenda her meds so she should sleep till they get here."

David frowned. "She's asleep?"

"No, I haven't giving them to her yet."

"Good. I'm going to see her." David headed towards the house.

"David, I don't think that's a good idea." Nick said.

"Yeah, let's just leave." Mary agreed.

"Don't you see? If I don't find out why she wants to see me I'll always wonder. I have to do this." David sighed.

"I'm going with you then." Mary grabbed his hand.

"So am I." Nick said grabbing David's other hand.

David shook his head vehemently. "I don't want her seeing you."

"He can stand in the doorway. She won't be able to see him there." Mary suggested.

Nick gave her a grateful smile as David reluctantly nodded. They were both determined to go with him and there wasn't anything he could say to change their minds. Not that he really wanted too, he realized as Mary opened the screen door.

The memories assaulted David as soon as he walked into the house. He could see his family like ghosts moving around. Brenda sitting in a chair, smoking a cigarette and watching TV, Johnny and Teddy sitting on the couch, whispering something that could only mean trouble for David and Petey, Mary crawling after David while he and Petey did the chores. Suddenly he was that boy again. He could feel the fear, sadness, loneliness and pain that had defined his childhood.

Nick watched his lover closely as they moved through the living room. He could see the agony he was in. He glanced at Mary who was also watching her brother with tears in her eyes.

"It's alright, David." Nick said softly. "You're not a kid anymore. She can't hurt you."

David was brought back to the present by the voice he loved so much. He nodded as they continued towards Brenda's bedroom. David couldn't stop the memories as they passed through the hallway. There was Mary's room. He could see her curled up under her bed, shaking and crying. He remembered how as soon as she heard his voice she came out and ran to him. Sometimes he held her for hours till she was calm enough to sleep. As much as she adored Petey, David was the only one she would let comfort her.

Next they passed the bedroom he'd shared with Petey. He could see them sitting in the floor playing Monopoly and glancing at the door wondering how long it would be before one of his brothers would come and kick the board across the room.

David paused in front of his brothers' room. He'd only been in their room once and not by choice. About a week after Petey died Teddy had brought a girl home. David suspected she was a hooker. They made him watch as they each had sex with her. Telling him they were going to teach him to like women. He shuddered to think what they might have made him do if Brenda hadn't come home then. She was livid when she saw the naked girl in their bedroom. She told them to get that whore out of her house and never bring another one in. David had never seen her yell at them before and at first he thought that she was mad because they were making him watch but it didn't take long to figure out she was just jealous that there was another woman in the house.

David sighed and continued down the hall. He stopped in front of his mother's bedroom door, took a deep breath and followed Mary into the room. Nick stood just inside the door although he wanted to be by David's side.

"Brenda." Mary said. "Davey's here."

David stared at the fragile old woman. Could this really be the same woman that made his life hell?

Brenda slowly opened her eyes. "Davey?"

"It's me. Mary said you wanted to see me."

She looked at him. "You look like your father."

"I don't have much time so could you tell me what you want?"

"I saw him last week."

"Who?" David asked.

"Your father."

"Brenda, Daddy's been died for years." Mary frowned.

"I know that!" she snapped.

David automatically moved in front of Mary. "Don't yell at her. Just tell me what the hell you want."

"I guess you finally grew a backbone." Brenda sneered. "I wonder how brave you'd be if your brothers were here."

"That's it. We're leaving." David turned and started out.

"Wait. It's about Petey."

"What about him?" David glared.

"Your father said I couldn't rest until Petey did."

David gaped at her. She had to be kidding. Did she think she was going to heaven after everything she did?

"You have to find him and give him a proper resting place." Brenda insisted.

"Find him?" David felt nauseous.

"Yes."

"How?"

"We took him to Vegas."

"Las Vegas?" David looked at Mary and whispered "Did you tell her I live in Vegas?"

"No, of course not."

"Why Vegas?" David asked.

"Johnny thought we should take him out of state. He said the desert would be a good place to bury him."

"Let me get this straight. You went to Vegas and buried Petey in the desert."

"Right."

"And I'm supposed to find him? How? The desert is huge."

Brenda grabbed his arm with more force than she looked capable of. "You will do as I say, David."

There she was, the woman that terrorized him, same tone of voice, same cold eyes.

David froze for a second then jerked his arm away. "You can't tell me what to do anymore, old woman."

David walked out of the room and into Nick's arms. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Mary giving Brenda her medicine. He couldn't stop shaking. Despite what he had said he knew he would try to find Petey. It was probably impossible but he had to do it. He owed Petey that much. He thought after seeing Brenda it would be over but now he knew it was just beginning.

****

They had just finished helping Mary pack when they heard a car coming down the road.

"Shit." Mary ran to the window. "It's Johnny and Teddy."

Nick watched as the car pulled in beside theirs. A man climbed out of the passenger's side. Damn. He was at least 6'5" and built like a refrigerator. He was wearing a pair of old dirty jeans and a Harley Davidson t-shirt. His head was completely shaved and he looked like he'd just assume kill you than look at you. Nick wished he had brought his gun, especially after the driver got out. He was taller than the other brother, probably 6'8". His head was shaved too. He had on jeans and a white t shirt. He had the look of someone that spent a lot of time lifting weights; most likely while he was doing time for god knows what. Nick thought of the promise he'd made to Mary and David. How the hell was he going to protect them?

He could see the panic in David's and Mary's eyes. Their brothers were getting closer to the house. He glanced down at Mary's suitcase and made a split second decision. He ripped off the tag and stuffed it in his pocket.

"Stay calm." he said as he put his arm around David.

"Don't do that." David jerked away.

Nick sighed. "Tell them that you are taking me to the airport."

Neither sibling had time to ask why.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't little Davey." The man in the Harley t-shirt laughed. "Hey Teddy, looks like we're having a family reunion."

"Davey. I thought you were never coming back here." The taller man sneered.

David just glared at both of them.

"Whoa. Who do we have here? Can this be our baby sister?" Teddy leered. "You sure are pretty."

David and Nick both moved slightly in front of Mary.

"Still trying to protect her, huh? Haven't you learned by now that you can't stop us from doing what we want?"

"Hey, who's this guy?" Johnny eyed Nick.

"He's my boyfriend." Mary put her arm around Nick.

"I don't think so." Teddy frowned. "I think what we have here is another Petey. Isn't that right, Davey?"

"What makes you think that?" Johnny asked.

Teddy rolled his eyes. His older brother never was too bright. "They are wearing identical rings."

"Gross."

Nick and David glanced at each other. They had totally forgotten about the rings.

"We have to get to the airport." Mary started walking towards the door.

Teddy stepped in front of her. "Now, baby what's your hurry? Did the old bat kick off?"

"Nick has a plane to catch."

"You stay. Davey can take him. We've got a lot of catching up to do." Teddy grinned.

"You're insane if you think I'm leaving her here with you." David said.

"It speaks." Johnny laughed. "Don't worry Davey boy, we're not going to hurt her."

"That's right cause she's coming with us." Nick grabbed the suitcase and the three of them started towards the door.

David followed behind his sister and Nick. Just a few more feet and they'd be out of there, he told himself. But it might as well have been a few miles. He could feel his brothers right behind him and wasn't surprised when one of them grabbed him. His mind once again flew back to the past. To the night Brenda killed Petey. How they had held him back as she beat him with the baseball bat. He thought he might be sick.

"Get your fucking hands off him!" Nick yelled.

"Who's going to make me?" Teddy grinned.

Nick dropped the suitcase and moved to rescue his lover but Johnny grabbed him.

"Why don't we go out back and play some baseball?" Teddy suggested.

"But we don't have a ball." Johnny struggled to keep his hold on Nick.

"Don't need a ball, do we Davey?

"Leave him alone." David fought uselessly against his brother. "You won't get away with it this time. People know we're here."

"Who would care if a couple of fags disappeared?"

Mary, who everybody seemed to have forgotten, glanced around for anything she could use as a weapon. Her eyes landed on the beer bottle she had left on the table earlier. Well, it was better than nothing. She quietly picked the bottle up and hit Johnny over the head. It didn't knock him out but it stunned him enough that Nick was able to get free and punch him in the nose. He started to get back up but Nick hit him again, this time knocking him unconscious.

Teddy pulled out a knife and held it to David's throat. "Stop or I'll slit his throat."

Nick stopped cold. "Don't do anything stupid, man."

Teddy pointed at Mary. "You. Go rip the phone cord out."

Mary looked at Nick.

"Don't look at him. Do as I say or Davey will die."

Mary ran to the counter and yanked the cord out.

"Good girl. Now tie his hands up." he ordered. "And it better be tight or I'll make this so much worse for all of you."

Nick held his hands out for Mary.

"No, behind your back. I'm not an idiot." Teddy said.

David snorted. "That's debatable."

Teddy pressed the knife into his neck, drawing blood. "You'd better keep your mouth shut."

"Go ahead, kill me. Nick, take Mary and get the hell out of here."

Nick shook his head.

"You have too. Hurry before Johnny wakes up."

"You wouldn't leave me and I'm not leaving you." Mary insisted.

David sighed. They were all going to die but not before his brothers had tortured them mercilessly.

"Tie his hands" Teddy repeated. "Don't make me tell you again."

Nick put his hands behind his back. He knew once he was tied up it was over. Johnny could wake up any minute and there was no way David and Mary could take both of them.

Teddy was so intent on making sure Mary wasn't leaving the cord too loose that he wasn't paying much attention to either man. Nick locked eyes with David, knowing he let him down.

"I'm sorry." Nick sadly smiled. "I love you."

"Shut up faggot or I'll kill you now."

David couldn't let it happen again. He knew he had to do something. He got his chance when Teddy loosened his grip to test the knot Mary had tied. It was now or never. He stomped on Teddy's foot as hard as he could. Before his brother could react David elbowed him in the stomach and grabbed the knife. Mary hurriedly untied Nick. He grabbed Teddy and held him while David repeatedly hit him.

"Come on. Let's get out of here." Mary was afraid David was going to kill him.

"She's right baby. We need to go."

In his rage, David didn't hear anything they were saying. All he knew was he had to protect them. He still had the knife in his hand so he raised it to stab Teddy.

"David! Don't, he's not worth it." Nick said reaching for the knife.

"He deserves to die. They all do." David cried.

"I agree babe but they've already ruined your past. Don't let them ruin your future. Mary needs you and so do I. Please Dave, give me the knife."

David let him take it.

Mary picked up her suitcase. "Let's go."

They ran to the car and got in. Nick started the car then jumped out, knife still in his hand.

"What the hell are you doing?" David watched as Nick squatted next to Teddy's car. He took the knife and slashed all four tires.

"Does Brenda have a car?" Nick asked Mary.

"No."

Nick jumped back in the car. They saw Johnny running out of the house.

"Lock the doors and hold on." Nick instructed.

"Go go go." David ordered..

Nick threw the car in reverse and peeled out of the driveway. As they got futher away he put his hand on top of David's and squeezed it. David flinched.

Nick and Mary both looked at him and gasped. His face, clothes and neck was covered with blood.

"Shit, why didn't you tell me you were hurt?" Nick asked as he pulled the car over.

"There didn't seem to be a good time."

"Let me see."

"It's just a couple of cuts."

"A couple of cuts? Dave, you have blood all over you."

David rolled his eyes and held out his hand.

"You do this when you grabbed the knife?" Nick frowned as he examined the deep cut.

"Brilliant Sherlock."

Nick pulled off his shirt and wrapped David's hand with it. "Where else are you cut?"

"Neck."

Nick was glad to see that cut wasn't very deep. "We're taking you to the hospital."

"No, we have to get out of here. Please Nick."

"Baby, they aren't going to let you in the airport looking like that."

"It's just a little blood."

Mary laughed. "A little blood? Davey, you look like you killed someone then played in their blood."

"What are we going to do? We can't go to the airport and going to the ER would take too long." Nick frowned.

"We could drive to Vegas." David suggested.

"You have to have that hand looked at."

"Hey, how about Jane?" Mary asked.

"Who's Jane?"

"She's a nurse. She had a huge crush on Davey when they were in school."

"You think she'd be willing to help?"

"I saw her the other day. She asked about him. I got the feeling she'd still do anything for him."

"Should I be worried?" Nick grinned. "David? Stay with us."

David was pale and barely had his eyes open.

"Do you know where this woman lives?" Nick asked Mary.

She nodded her head. "It's not too far from here."

Glancing at David, Nick wondered if he should risk taking him to the hospital. He knew they needed to get out of town but what if he needed a blood transfusion? He prayed he was doing the right thing as he followed the directions Mary gave him.

"David, we're here. You think you can make it to the house?" Nick asked as he opened the passenger door.

"Of course." David acted as if it was the stupidest question he'd ever heard.

Mary was already knocking on Jane's door as David climbed out of the car and almost fell.

"Think you can make it, huh?" Nick sighed as he caught him. "Stop being stubborn and let me help you."

"Okay, just this once."

By the time they got to the door Mary was banging loudly and yelling Jane's name.

"Do you have to be so loud?" David groaned.

Before Mary could answer Jane opened the door.

"Sorry Mary I was in the basement and…" she stopped as soon as she saw the two men. "Davey? Oh my god, what happened to you?"

"I had a little accident."

"Let's get him on the couch." Jane eyed Nick curiously.

Jane disappeared into another room and returned with towels, bandages and a first aid kit.

"He's got a pretty bad cut on his hand." Nick informed her.

David winced as she started removing the shirt Nick had wrapped around it.

"How the hell did Brenda do this? I didn't think she had that kind of strength."

David started at her. "What?"

"Oh come on Davey, give me some credit. I've always known. Nobody is that accident prone."

"You knew he was getting beat and you didn't do anything?" Mary was livid.

"Calm down. She was just a kid like us. What could she have done?"

"She could have told someone, Davey."

"I did tell." Jane frowned. "I told my dad. He said it wasn't any of our business and he didn't want to hear anymore about it."

"Bastard" Mary mumbled.

"Mary!"

"It's alright Davey. I feel the same way." Jane started cleaning his hand. "Now are you going to tell me what happened?"

David gave her the short version.

"I always knew those two were no good." She glanced at Nick. "You sure you're not hurt?"

"I'm sure, ma'am." Nick could tell she was wondering if he did anything to help David.

"Leave him alone, Jane." David smiled at him. "He did plenty. I think he broke Johnny's nose."

Jane laughed. "Good for you. As vain as he is that will kill him."

Nick looked at David. "How bad is it ma'am? Is he going to need a transfusion?"

"No, he'll be weak but he should be okay till he sees a doctor." Jane started bandaging the hand. "You can call me Jane. And you are?"

"Nick Stokes. We really appreciate you doing this. David refused to go to the hospital."

She rolled her eyes. "Still as stubborn as ever."

"Excuse me for wanting to get the hell out of town before we got killed." David glared.

Jane started bandaging his neck. As she did she talked about people they had grown up with. Nick watched David. He was actually interested. Usually women chattering drove him nuts. He wondered how close the two of them had been. He tried telling himself it didn't matter but it was starting to feel a little jealous.

"Earth to Stokes." David waved his uninjured hand in Nick's face.

"Huh?"

"Where were you?"

"Sorry just thinking. What do you need, baby?" Nick realized what he said. David had made it clear he didn't want anybody here knowing about them. He was so getting yelled at for that slip of the tongue. He ventured a glance at his lover. Either David hadn't heard or was too weak to care.

"I asked if you would get me a change of clothes from the car." David smirked.

"Sure."

"And bring a shirt for yourself. I think this one is ruined."

"Okay."

*******

Nick had just finished helping David get dressed. "You're sure you're okay now?"

"Yes. I'm fine just a little weak."

"Dammit David. What the hell were you thinking?"

"What the hell are you yelling at me for?" David was bewildered by the sudden change in attitude.

"Taking on Teddy. Grabbing that knife. He could have killed you."

"But he didn't and we're got out of there, didn't we?"

"But he could have."

"What the hell did you want me to do?" David had started yelling too. "Stand around and wait for you to be the hero? I don't think that was going to happen."

Nick turned and stared out the window. "I'm sorry I let you down."

David took a deep breath. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. You have never ever let me down Nick." He walked up behind him and embraced him. "You have to understand I couldn't let it happen again. I couldn't just stand there and watch them hurt you. I'd rather die."

"Dave..."

"Let me finish."

Nick nodded and leaned against him.

"You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're always there when I need you. You've never disappointed me."

"Till today."

"How can you think that? You knocked Johnny unconscious."

"Only after your little sister hit him."

David sighed. "So it was a group effort. The point is we got out alive."

"You hate groups."

"Well, they're not so bad as long as you're in them."

Nick turned to face David. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Don't make a habit of it." David smiled then pulled him in for a kiss.

There was a knock on the door. "Hey guys." Mary hesitated. "Jane wanted to remind you that Davey's not um, strong enough to um, do anything um, physical."

Nick laughed as David's face turned red.

"We're just talking." David answered.

"Guess we ought to get going." Nick grinned.

As soon as they walked back into the living room, Mary smacked them both upside the head.

"Hey, what was that for?"

"Ow!" David glared. "Is that any way to treat an injured man?"

"Both of you are acting like idiots." Mary glared back. "The only thing that matters is we made it out of there. I can't believe you were arguing about it."

"How much did you hear?" David asked.

"Just the arguing. We couldn't quite make out the mushy stuff you were saying." Jane grinned.

"I do not say mushy stuff."

"Sometimes you do." Nick chuckled at the horrified look on the other man's face.

"Nobody asked you, Stokes."

"Oh, I'm not allowed to say anything?"

"That's right. Just stand there and look pretty." David smirked.

Nick rolled his eyes. "We'd better be going."

Jane gave David a bottle of Ibuprofen. "Promise me you'll go to your doctor tomorrow."

David made a face. "Don't you have anything stronger? My hand's killing me."

"That's all I have. You want painkillers go to the hospital."

"You don't have to get all huffy."

"How do you put up with him?" Jane asked Nick.

"It's a struggle."

"Is this pick on David day? Isn't it bad enough I almost sliced my hand off?"

Jane laughed. "That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?"

"Well, we'll just see what the doctor has to say."

Jane hugged him. "God, I've missed you. I know you don't want to tell me where you're going but could you call and let me know how that hand is?"

"I will." David kissed her on the check. "You take care and please steer clear of my brothers."

"No problem." She turned to Mary and Nick. "You make sure he goes to the doctor."

They nodded and got into the car. They had been driving for about five minutes when Nick realized he was being stared at.

"What?" he asked David.

"You can ask, you know."

"Ask what?"

"The question you've been dying to ask me."

"I don't know what you are talking about. I think the loss of blood has affected your brain."

"Insult me all you want but I know you, Nicholas Stokes."

"Fine, I'll play along. What is this question you think I want to ask?"

"Jane and I were never lovers so you don't have to be jealous."

Nick almost ran off the road. "What?" Sometimes it was scary how well David knew him.

David laughed.

"I am not jealous of Jane." Nick flatly denied.

"Right. Then what was with the spacing out back there?"

"The two of you do seem awfully close." Nick shrugged.

David smiled knowing that was the closest he was coming to admitting he was jealous. "We were friends. She was really the only friend besides Petey that I had."

"Anti social back then too, huh?"

"Shut up and drive."

*********

Nick breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally sitting in the airport terminal waiting for their flight. Mary was across from David reading a book. Nick was sitting beside David who was using the Texan's shoulder as a pillow. They were safe and would be home in a few hours. After listening to David's rhythmic breathing for a few minutes, Nick decided to try to sleep too.

Unfortunately his mind decided to play what if. What if Brenda told Teddy and Johnny that she told David where Petey was buried? What if they found out about Jane helping them? Would they go after her thinking she'd know where David was? What if they decided to go to Vegas and move the body? What if they flew to Vegas? They might get on this flight. What if Petey's body was never found? Would David always be looking over his shoulder for his brothers? What if Jane was wrong and there was permanent damage to David's hand? What if he couldn't do trace anymore? How would he handle that?

Nick felt David shift. He opened his eyes to see blue eyes studying him.

"You okay?" David asked.

"That's what I'm supposed to ask you."

"You look pretty serious. Want to talk?"

Nick put his arm around his lover. "How's your hand?"

"Hurts like hell and don't change the subject."

"Just hoping we've seen the last of your brothers."

"Think they'll come after us?"

"I don't know."

David frowned. "Do you think there's any chance we can find Petey?"

"It's not very likely but with the resources at the lab it might be possible."

"The lab? Everyone's going to know."

"I know how you like your privacy but if you want to try to find him it's the only way."

"You're right, I know."

"Besides how were you planning on explaining your hand?"

David thought for a moment. "We were in an accident and I cut it on the window."

"You came up with that fast."

"Years of practice."

"Baby, I wish…"

"It's okay, Nicky." David interrupted. "To quote a wise man, it's what makes a person."

"You deserved better."

"If I hadn't had such a fucked up family I wouldn't be the David Hodges you know and love."

"I'd love you no matter what, David."

*******

"Nice place." Mary said as she looked around the living room.

"It's livable." David shrugged.

"I'm sure he meant to say thank you." Nick said.

"Don't presume to know what I meant." David huffed.

"What did you mean then?"

"Livable it means the ability to live in."

"Don't do that." Nick was trying not to get angry.

David plopped down in the nearest chair and sighed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap."

"I thought you loved this house."

"I do. It's just been a long day and my hand is killing me."

"I know." Nick nodded. "We should probably get you to bed."

Mary smiled as she watched the exchange between the two men.

"What are you smiling at?" David asked his sister.

"The two of you. You're so cute together. You remind me of this elderly couple that lives in my building."

"We are not elderly." They said in unison.

"They do that too." Mary laughed.

"I think we should send her on to L.A." David suggested.

"Not a bad idea." Nick agreed.

Mary picked up her suitcase, ignoring their comments. "I'm tired. Can one of you young gentlemen show me where I'm sleeping?"

*******

Nick pulled David close as they got into the bed. "It's going to be okay."

"I don't want people to know."

"I know but it's the only way if you want to try to find Petey."

"Maybe we should just leave it alone."

"I'll support whatever you want to do."

"You always do." David smiled. "Would I have to tell the whole team?"

"We could start with just Grissom and Brass. But eventually I think the whole team will become involved."

David sighed. "I'll tell Brass and Grissom but could you tell the rest of them?"

"Anything you want, baby. Now, why don't you get some sleep?"

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Nick smiled. "The feeling is mutual. Goodnight. I love you."

"Love you." David mumbled as he drifted off to sleep.

*******

The noise coming from the kitchen woke David. "Nick, wake up."

"Not now, babe."

"Nick."

"I'm too tired. Later okay?"

David rolled his eyes. "Nicholas Stokes wake up."

"I'm not in the mood, David." Nick growled.

"That's not what I want, stupid. There's someone in the house."

"What?" Nick's eyes popped open.

"There are noises coming from the kitchen and I can smell coffee."

"Somebody broke into our house to cook and make coffee? And you call me stupid."

"Nick."

"David, do you have amnesia?"

"Huh?"

"It's your sister. She's staying with us, remember?"

"Oh. Right."

"I don't suppose you're going to apologize for waking me and calling me stupid."

"I think I'll go see if I can help Mary."

Nick grabbed him and pinned him to the bed.

"I thought you weren't in the mood." David laughed.

"I'm allowed to change my mind." Nick grinned mischievously. "But first, you have to apologize."

"Never."

"Don't make me resort to tickling."

Whatever David was about to say was cut off by a scream and a loud thump. Both men jumped up, ran to the living room and stared at the sight before them. Mary was sitting on top of someone, holding a frying pan and demanding to know why he was in Davey's house.

The man lying on the floor spotted the two men. "Nick, David, would you tell this mad woman to get off me?"

They responded by bursting into laughter.

"This isn't funny guys. I thought she was going to kill me."

"You break into a house and are surprised when you're attacked?" Mary shook the pan at him.

"Lady, I didn't break in. I have a key." He held it up so she could see. "They gave it to me."

"Nick, go get the camera. We could pin it up all over the lab." David laughed.

"Don't you dare."

"Sanders, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? Nick asked me to water your beloved plant while you were gone."

"You really know this guy?" Mary asked.

Nick chuckled. "Yeah, he's a friend and co worker. Greg Sanders meet Mary Hodges."

"So you're the crazy haired ex DNA guy?" Mary looked down at him.

"Mind getting off now that you know I'm not a burglar?"

"Oh. Sorry."

"I told you all those self defense classes you whined about taking would pay off someday." David chuckled.

Greg got up. "That's really funny, Hodges. Next time you want someone to water your plant you can… Hey, what happened to your hand?"

"I had an accident with a knife."

"You okay?"

"We're going to go to the doctor after breakfast but I think he'll be fine." Nick wondered if David could see how concerned their friend was for him. "Want to join us for breakfast?"

"I wish I could but Gris called me to come in early. Something about the lab being shorthanded." Greg said pointedly.

"The lab can't survive one day without their best trace tech and CSI?" David smirked.

"Without their best? No man, Travis and Grissom are there." Greg grinned.

"Your best friend just insulted you." David informed Nick.

"Grissom is the best CSI." Nick shrugged.

"And?"

"And you're the absolute best trace tech I've ever seen. Why when I take evidence to you I know you'll have all the answers within minutes and…"

"Stop his ego is inflated enough." Greg tossed the key to Nick. "I got to get going."

"Hey Greg. Do me a favor and don't tell anyone we're back yet."

"Sure Nick." Greg said as he walked out the door. "I wasn't even here."

"He's cute." Mary said as the door shut.

David groaned. "Don't even think it, Mary."

Mary just grinned and walked back into the kitchen.

David glared at Nick and Mary as they sat in the waiting room. They had both insisted on coming. David had argued for an hour that they didn't need too. He wasn't five years old, for heaven sake. Had they listened to him? No. Mary had that ‘I'm tuning you out' look she would give him when she was a teenager and he was trying to bestow on her his extensive knowledge. And Nick? Well, he had that stupid grin plastered on his face, the one he always gets when he knows he's going to get his way. Damn them both.

"Do you ever worry your face will get stuck like that?" Mary asked.

"Who would know the difference?" Nick grinned. "He's almost always glaring at someone."

"I so graciously let you come with me and this is how you act?" David huffed.

"Graciously?" Nick shook his head. "If that was gracious I'd hate to see difficult."

The door to the doctor's office opened. "Mr. Hodges?" a red head nurse said.

The three of them rose. "Oh, hell no. You both are not coming with me."

"Okay, calm down. I'll stay out here." Mary sat back down.

"I'm coming with you." Nick said.

"Fine." David rolled his eyes as they followed the nurse.

They waiting in the exam room for twenty minutes before the doctor graced them with his presence for five minutes. He wanted an x-ray of the hand so that was another fifteen minutes of waiting. Finally the doctor came back in and informed them that the hand would be fine. By then David was fuming at having to wait so long. It wouldn't have mattered if the doctor said he was going to live forever. David still would have scowled at him. That is until he said those two magic words, pain medicine. When he uttered those words David could have jumped for joy. That is if he would actually do something like that. Instead he mumbled a thank you as the doctor walked out of the room.

"Somebody's happy to get some drugs." Nick smirked.

"Can we get it filled on the way home?" David asked.

"Sure babe."

*********

David was getting a bottle of water out of the refrigerator when Nick asked him what he was doing.

"Getting water." David walked over and started to pick up his medication.

"You're not going to take that, are you?"

"No, I thought I'd leave it on the counter and stare at it till my hand stops throbbing."

"You can't take it yet. You want to have a clear head when we talk to Grissom and Brass."

"I do?"

"Yes. We'll take them with us and as soon as you're done you can take them."

David sighed and shoved the bottle of pills in his pocket. "Let's get this over with."

"You want to come?" Nick asked Mary.

"No, I think I'll stay here and unpack a few things."

"Here." David walked over and handed her his keys. "In case you need to go somewhere while we're gone."

"Thanks."

"You're letting her drive your car?" Nick was floored.

"Why not?"

"You won't let me drive it."

"That's because whoever taught you to drive didn't have any sense."

"I'll be sure to tell my dad that."

"Don't bullshit me. There's no way Bill taught you to drive like that."

"Well, he only gave me a couple of lessons. It was mostly Pam."

"That explains everything." David shuddered at the memory of Nick's sister picking them up at the airport.

Nick sighed. "Come on. We don't want to be late."

"Remember the rules?" David asked Mary.

"Yes sir. No picking up boys, no speeding, no eating or drinking in the car, no loud obnoxious music, don't pick up hitchhikers, refill the gas tank and most important, lock all the doors as soon as you enter the vehicle."

"You forgot no talking to strangers." Nick chuckled. "Did you ever have any fun?"

"That he knew about? No."

"I don't even want to know." David grabbed Nick's arm. "Let's go."

"By the way, who taught Mary how to drive?"

"I did, of course."

"Of course." As Nick started to close the door he looked at Mary and whispered "You poor thing."

*********

"You okay?" Nick frowned.

"Yeah, I just want this all over with." David stood in Grissom's office looking out at the lab. "Why did she have to tell me where he was?"

"It's not too late to change your mind."

"But you think I should?"

"I think it's the only way you're going to be safe."

"Thanks for being here with me."

"Where else would I be? We're going to get through this together."

You know if it wasn't for you I'd leave here after this is all over with."

"If that's what you want we can go."

David turned. "You would do that?"

"Don't you know I'd do anything for you?"

Overwhelmed, David put his arms around Nick, holding him as close as he could.

"We'll make it, baby." Nick said as he wrapped his arms around the other man. "You got to believe that."

David nodded.

"Here they come." Nick felt him tense up. "I love you, David." he whispered as Grissom and Brass entered the room.

******

David was in the break room drinking coffee. He had spent over an hour talking to his boss and Brass. He was trying hard to forget what was going on down the hall. They were briefing the rest of the CSIs. He sighed as he seen Jacqui and Bobby heading his way.

"David! What in the world happened?" Jacqui stared at his hand.

"Hello to you too."

"No time for that." Jacqui got right in David's face. "What the hell is going on? You've been in the boss' office forever and now all the CSIs are gathered in the conference room."

"And they all look pretty serious." Bobby added.

"I'd hope they always look serious when they are discussing a case." David tried to sound uninterested.

"So they are discussing a case and it has something to do with you!" Jacqui exclaimed as if she's won the lottery.

"Glad this makes you happy." David grumbled.

She frowned. "Come on, Dave. I really am concerned. Does this have anything to do with your mother?"

"Drop it, Jacqui." Nick ordered as he walked in.

Jacqui never backed down when she was worried about her friends but one look at Nick and she decided it would be wise to shut up.

"Grissom wants you in the conference room." Nick told David.

David sighed...

As they walked down the hall David felt like everyone was staring at him. He wondered how many of them hoped he'd done something to get fired. Probably most. Maybe he had. After all, he'd known about a murder and kept silent about it for years.

"Hey." Nick put his arm around his shoulder. "It's going to be fine."

"I hate this."

"I know and I'm proud of you for going through with it."

As soon as they entered the conference room all eyes fell on David. He wanted to turn and run but Nick put a hand on his back and steered him to a nearby chair.

"Nick said you wanted to see me." David said to Grissom.

"We have a few more questions."

David nodded. "Sure."

There was an awkward silence as if nobody wanted to start. David couldn't help sigh with relief when it was Nick that broke it.

"Do you ever remember your mom or brothers mentioning Vegas?"

"No. Not that we ever talked much."

"What about Mary?" Grissom asked.

"She was just a kid." David said defensively. "She doesn't know anything."

"We still need to talk to her. She may have heard something that she doesn't remember."

"Well, why the hell would she want too? No, you're not talking to her."

They were all a little stunned at his reaction, everyone but Nick.

"David, she not a kid anymore. You don't need to protect her. Nobody here is going to hurt her." Nick assured him.

David glared at Nick. Logically he knew he couldn't stop them from talking to her but emotionally he was ready to risk everything to protect her. "Whose side are you on?"

"I'm on your side, David." Nick sighed. "We're all on your side. It's standard procedure that we talk to her. You know that."

"Fuck procedure." David stood and opened the door. "None of it ever happened. I made it all up. So just drop the whole damn thing."

"Don't lie, David."

"I'll do whatever I have to to keep Mary out of this."

"You know neither of you will be truly safe until your brothers are put away. Do you want to live like that? Is that what you want for Mary?" Nick tried to reason with him.

"We've survived this long. We'll be fine."

"No, Davey we won't."

David turned to see Brass and Mary standing in the hall.

"She was at the desk asking for you." Brass said in answer to David's glare.

"I'm so sorry, Davey." Mary cried.

"What's wrong, angel?" David hugged his sister.

"I… I didn't know. I never thought… oh god."

"Hey, calm down. It's going to be okay." David wiped the tears off her face. "Tell me what has you so upset."

For the first time Mary noticed the other people in the room. "I'm sorry for interrupting." she muttered.

"You're not. Actually we wanted to talk to you." Nick said, earning him an angry look from David. Ignoring it, he introduced Mary to the team.

"Anything I can do to help." Mary said. "That's why I'm here. I found something."

"What?" David asked.

She took a deep breathe. "The first day I was at Brenda's I caught her going through my suitcase. I thought she was looking for your address or phone number. I didn't even think she was capable of walking. I checked to make sure she hadn't taken anything but nothing was missing. After that I keep my stuff locked up. It just creeped me out, you know?"

David nodded. The idea creeped him out too.

"Anyway, I decided to do some of my laundry and I found this." She pulled an envelope out of her purse. "I knew I had to bring it here right away."

David reached for the envelope but she handed it to Nick instead. He opened it and pulled out three pictures. The first picture was of the desert.

"Think that's Vegas?" David asked, peering over his shoulder.

"Could be." Nick handed the picture to Grissom. The next picture was of Teddy and Johnny. They were each holding a shovel and grinning from ear to ear.

"Bastards." David whispered.

"Davey, don't look at the last one." Mary pleaded.

"Shit." Nick exclaimed. He tired to hide the picture but David had already seen it.

David grabbed it from Nick. The picture showed a laughing Johnny and Teddy holding up Petey's broken and beaten body. The room was spinning and he felt like he was suffocating. He flung the picture down and blindly started running. He ended up in the men's room puking his guts out. He felt a cool paper towel being pressed to his forehead.

"Baby, I'm sorry you had to see that." Nick said as the other man leaned against him and started sobbing. He felt helpless as he slowly started rocking David. "I love you."

After a few more minutes David sat up. "Is this nightmare ever going to end?"

"Yes. As horrible as those pictures are they may be our best chance of finding Petey. Once we do we'll put those bastards away forever." Nick promised.

"Do you think we could go home?"

"Yeah. I'll get Mary and we'll go."

"Wait." David went to the sink and splashed his face with water. "I'm going with you."

"Okay."

"Nick."

"Yeah."

"Thank you."

Nick smiled and kissed him. "We're going to get through this together, remember?"

David nodded. "Let's find Mary."

They didn't have far to go as Mary was standing outside the men's room door.

"I'm sorry, Davey. I should have given the pictures to Nick when you weren't around."

"It's okay, angel."

"I'll go tell Gris I'm taking you home." Nick said.

Nick sighed as he hung up the phone. He'd been discussing the case with Grissom. They both agreed Mary and David were in danger, especially after Mary had told him that Johnny kept asking Brenda about some picture.

"Is it alright if I join you?" Mary asked before sitting on the couch.

"Sure. Are you okay? I know finding those pictures must have been pretty hard."

"You know, one of the things that stand out in my mind about that night was Davey asking me if I'd seen Petey's face. I don't think I'll ever forget the relief on his face when I said I hadn't. I finally understand why." She glanced toward the bedroom. "Is he sleeping?"

"No, he's taking a shower."

As if on cue, the bathroom door opened. David staggered over and sat between them. "So what are we talking about?"

"You, of course." Nick smiled.

"Excellent topic." David laughed as he pulled Nick and Mary into a hug. "You two are the best. I must be the luckiest man on the planet."

Nick and Mary exchanged an amused glance.

"David, did you take more pain pills?" Nick asked.

"Sure did. I figured I puked up the ones I took at the lab. Besides my hand was still hurting." David grinned. "But it's not hurting now. Everything is wonderful."

"How many did you take?"

"I took two." David held up three fingers.

"You are only supposed to take one every six hours."

"Oh. I took two at the lab too."

"Four?" Nick shook his head. "No wonder you're higher than a kite."

"I am not. Hey, you sure are sexy when you're worried. You really turn me on, baby." David winked.

Mary laughed as Nick's face reddened.

"I think we should get you to bed." Nick tried to untangle himself from the hug.

"Exactly what I was thinking, cowboy."

"Oh good lord." Nick sighed.

The doorbell rang. "We have a visitor. Guess you'll have to wait cowboy." David tried to stand but Nick pushed him back down.

"I'll get it."

"Whatever you say, lover." David winked again.

"Stop that."

David laughed. "Isn't he adorable?" he asked Mary.

Nick opened the door to find a man with a vase of flowers standing on the porch.

"I have a delivery for Mary Hodges." the man said.

"I'll take them." Nick wondered who know she was here.

As soon as David saw the flowers his face lit up. "Nicky, you are so sweet."

"Sorry, babe. They're for Mary."

"You're sending flowers to my sister. Doesn't take you long, does it?"

"Whoa, Dave. They are not from me."

"Who are they from then?"

"Well, why don't I read the card and find out." Mary took the flowers from Nick. She smiled as she read the card.

"Well?" David asked impatiently.

Mary read the card out loud.

Sorry if I scared you this morning.

Your friendly burglar,

Greg Sanders

"Isn't that thoughtful?" she exclaimed. "I should call and thank him." She grabbed the phone and headed to her room.

"Don't you need the number?" David frowned.

"He gave it to me at the lab." She smiled as she closed the door.

Nick figured David was going to start griping about Greg. Instead he was pouting. The man was actually pouting. Oh he was so going to hate himself tomorrow.

"What's wrong?" Nick sat back down.

"You never send me flowers."

"Aren't you the one that said, and I quote, flowers are a waste of money. They look pretty for a few days and then die and who would want something that's going to die. What does that say about the love they're supposed to represent? End quote."

David jumped on Nick's lap and started kissing him.

"David, what the hell?"

"You quoted me. You were actually listening to me. I love you so much."

Nick laughed. "I love you too. Come on, let's go to bed."

"Carry me."

"Carry you?"

"Yeah, I want my big strong man to carry me to bed."

"I hope you'll remember all this tomorrow." Nick chuckled.

"Why wouldn't I?"

Nick rolled his eyes. "You are so out of it."

"Come on, baby. Take me to bed." David pleaded.

"Alright." Nick sighed.

David laid his head against Nick as he lifted him. "Goodnight, Mary. We're going to make love so don't pay attention to any noise coming from our room." he yelled causing Nick to almost drop him.

"Jesus David!" Nick blushed as he heard Mary laughing. He prayed she wasn't still talking to Greg. He could see the man going around telling everyone what David had yelled to his sister.

"You're so adorable when you blush." David grinned.

Nick glared as he deposited David on the bed. "Get some sleep."

David looked confused. "Are you mad at me?"

"Yes." Nick frowned when he saw the hurt expression on David's face. "No, not really. I realize you don't know what you're saying. Let's just sleep, okay?"

"But Nicky I meant everything I said. Don't you believe me?"

"I do baby but it's just that you don't usually vocalize your feelings quite so much. It's freaking me out a little."

"Oh." David sighed. "I thought I was doing better."

It was Nick's turn to be confused. "Better at what?"

David stared at his hands. "After you were… you know… I promised myself that I'd tell you how I felt more often. When you were missing I tried to remember if I had said I love you that day. I couldn't even remember the last time I told you."

Nick sat down in front of him. He had noticed that David said I love you more often, that he seemed more willing to hold hands or cuddle on the couch since the kidnapping.

"David, look at me." Nick smiled as David looked up. "You were what kept me from using that damn gun. I know you love me. Just because you didn't say it that day doesn't mean you didn't tell me. You tell me in the way you look at me, the way you touch me, the way you smile when you see me and even in the way we argue. Your love for me kept me alive, baby. You didn't have to tell me because I already knew."

"Please don't ever leave me." David said as he leaned against Nick.

"Try and chase me away. Oh that's right you already have."

"Thank god I failed."

"I'm afraid you are stuck with me."

"Don't be afraid, Nicky." David mumbled.

"David?" When he didn't respond Nick gently laid him back on the bed. "Night David, I love you." He leaned over and kissed the sleeping man's lips.

Nick laid there thinking about that night. He knew watching him inside that box had been hard on David. Hell, they both still had nightmares. But now that he knew about Petey he realized it must have been harder on him then he could ever imagine. How it must have pained him to think he was going to stand helplessly and watch another lover die. But he wasn't helpless this time. He had tackled that deliveryman and he was the one that saved them all by finding the explosives. Nick wondered if he'd remember their conversation. He would have to talk to him about it again. He didn't want David to feel guilty about not saying he loved him that day. He didn't want David to feel guilty about anything. Nick smiled as the other man mumbled his name. He checked to make sure he was still sleeping, held him closer and let the sound of David's breathing lull him to sleep.

********

Mary had talked to Greg for almost two hours before going to bed. She didn't get much sleep. She kept seeing the picture of her brothers and Petey. When she did sleep all she did was have nightmares about it. Finally she got up and turned on the television but she wasn't really watching it. Once again she found herself staring at the wall of pictures near the kitchen. She remembered the time she went to a friend's house and they had pictures of their family on the wall. She had been fascinated by it and went home and told Davey all about it. She never told him that she wanted them to have pictures hanging up too but somehow he knew. She came home from school the next day and he had hung what few pictures they had above the TV. She smiled at the memory. That was her brother, always trying to make things better for her. Sometimes she wondered what their lives would have been like if their dad had lived or if Brenda had been a good mother but deep down she knew she wouldn't trade being raised by Davey for anything. Which made her feel guilty cause she knew the hell his life had been.

She recognized a few of the pictures on the wall. There was one of her and Davey at her college graduation. Another one of them at Davey's graduation. There was her high school picture and also the one used for the jacket of her first published novel. There were pictures of Nick and what she guessed was members of his family. There were three pictures of the two men together including one of them on horses. She wondered how long it had taken Nick to get him to do that. There was a picture of a large group of people from the lab. But there were two that her eyes keep going back to. One was of Davey and six other people. She guessed that they were Nick's in-laws because the other one was a picture of the same group plus Nick and his siblings. Nick was standing behind Davey with his arms around him. Davey looked so happy. He looked like he belonged. She felt a sense of loss at not being his only family. That was stupid. She was glad Davey was finally happy.

"Morning" Nick said, startling Mary. "Sorry, David's always after me for sneaking up on people. It's not intentional honest."

Mary smiled. "People or just him?"

"Well, him now that you mention it."

She laughed. "Is he still sleeping?"

"Yeah." Nick grinned. "I wonder how much he'll remember about last night."

"He's going to be mortified."

Nick agreed. "Listen, I've got to run an errand. Would you make sure he only takes one pain pill when he gets up?"

"Oh sure, leave me with the dirty job." she teased.

"If he gives you any flack remind him of the way he acted last night." Nick started for the door. "Oh, I almost forgot. I made a list of numbers in case of you need anything while I'm gone." He handed her the paper.

"Thanks."

Nick had only been gone a few minutes when David came out of the bedroom. He went to the kitchen and got a bottle of water. After glancing around he went back into the living room.

"Where are Nick and my meds?" David asked Mary.

"Nick had an errand to run. As for your meds I have them right here."

He picked up the bottle and opened it.

"Just one, Davey."

"I can read." David glared. "Who put you in charge of my medicine anyway?"

"Nick."

David rolled his eyes. "What's that?"

"He left a list of numbers in case we needed anything."

David read the names on the list, Nick, lab, Grissom, Brass, Warrick, Catherine, Sara, Greg, Jacqui, Bobby and Archie. "I can't believe he didn't put the sheriff's number on here too."

"He's just concerned."

"Hmm. Overprotective is what he is." David griped.

"Well, it's about damn time someone protected you."

David sat down beside her. "Stop feeling guilty."

"How can I? This is all my fault. I should have never contacted Brenda. Why couldn't I listen to you?"

"Because you were a stubborn teenager who didn't realize her brother actually knew what he was taking about?"

"I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing. You did what you had to do."

"But I hurt you."

David put his arm around Mary. "Angel, it's okay."

"I've missed you Davey."

"Me too. I'm sorry that I haven't invited you to visit. I was afraid of Nick finding out about our family."

Mary nodded. "Are you hungry? I can fix you something?"

"Not right now but thanks."

Mary glanced back at the wall of pictures. "How did he ever get you on a horse?"

"Trust me, you don't want me to tell you." He could feel his face turning red.

"Okay… well, moving on. How does his family treat you?"

"Surprisingly great. The first time we went to Texas I was scared to death. I figured they would beat me and tell me to leave Nick alone. I was especially afraid of his mom which he thought was strange. I guess he understands why now." David sighed. "They're all really nice just like Nick. It's sickening really."

"Looks like you finally have the family you deserve."

"Yeah, I guess." David shrugged.

"I'm happy for you."

"But?"

"But nothing."

"Mary Hodges don't lie to me."

Mary had heard that before. When she was thirteen she and her best friend stole a pack of cigarettes and smoked them in her room. Davey had come home and instantly smelled the smoke. She tried to tell him that they were cooking and burnt something. She couldn't fool him then and she knew she couldn't fool him now.

"It's just you… you have this wonderful family now. You don't … it's always been you and me." she sighed.

"And you think I don't need you anymore?"

"It's stupid, I know." She stood up but he grabbed her arm and gently pulled her back down.

"I'll always need you. You are a part of my family no matter what. You could never be replaced. You're like a daughter to me. I love you, kiddo."

"You know when I was a kid I'd tell all my friends you were my dad."

"You did?"

"Yeah" Mary smiled. "I would even call you daddy."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"I was afraid you'd get mad at me for lying."

David hugged her. "That's one lie I wouldn't have gotten mad about."

*******

"Where have you been?" David asked Nick as soon as the door opened.

Nick walked over and kissed him. "I thought you might need this." He held out a new cell phone.

"You got me a phone?"

"You destroyed yours, remember?" Nick smirked. "Just don't throw this one. It cost too much to replace."

David eyed the phone suspiciously. "What horrible ringtone did you put on it?"

"I left it alone. You can have your old boring ringtone."

"Thanks."

"Anything for you, lover." Nick winked.

"Nick, not in front of the kid."

Mary and Nick both laughed.

"You don't remember last night?" Nick grinned.

"Last night?"

"Try to remember."

David sat down and thought. He remembered getting out of the shower. He came in the living room and oh. Last night slowly started coming back and for every embarrassing thing he remembered there was another oh. "Did I really accuse you of hitting on my sister?"

"Uh huh."

"And I jumped on your lap and asked you to carry me?"

"Uh huh."

"And you did?"

"Uh huh."

"Oh god oh god." David's face turned red as he remembered what he had yelled to his sister. "Please tell me you weren't talking to Greg."

"That would be a lie." Mary chuckled.

"Shit." both men exclaimed.

"I'm never going back to the lab." David buried his head in his hands.

Nick's cell phone rang. "Stokes. What? Are you sure? I agree. We'll be right there." He frowned at his lover. "Gris wants us at the lab."

"No way."

"David, you have to go back sometime. Besides Greg probably didn't tell anyone."

"Yeah, and I'm the nicest person you've ever met."

"Sorry babe but you both have to come with me."

"Both? Why?"

"Cause I'm not leaving either of you alone." Nick sighed.

"You did earlier. What's wrong?"

"Teddy and Johnny have been spotted in Vegas."

The drive to the lab was made in silence. The words Nick had said, Teddy and Johnny have been spotted in Vegas, kept echoing in David's head. He glanced at Nick. He was trying to act like he wasn't worried but David knew better. Before they had left the house he had made sure his gun was loaded. Now he was constantly checking the mirrors making sure they weren't been followed. David sighed and looked back out the window. Were they here for him or to move Petey's body? The thought of them touching Petey sickened him.

"We're here, babe."

David grunted and got out.

"You okay?" Nick asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" David snapped.

"You don't have to bite my head off."

"I know, I'm sorry."

Nick took his hand. "At least it will be safe in the lab."

"Hey guys." Greg was standing at the main door to the lab. He was grinning and although the greeting included them all he was staring at Mary.

"Shouldn't you be working?" David inquired.

"I am. Grissom told me to wait for you here." Greg answered without taking his eyes off Mary.

"Did he also instruct you to stare a hole in my sister?" David sneered. "Ow" he exclaimed as Mary stomped on his foot.

"Nice to see you again." Mary followed Greg into the building.

"It's so nice to see you again." Nick mocked as he put his arm around his lover.

"Oh shut up."

Nick chuckled. "I think they are in love."

David glared at him. "They barely know each other."

*******

Once again the whole team was gathered in the conference room. David wondered if all the crime in Vegas had stopped. Sure, when Nick was kidnapped the whole lab had worked almost solely on the case. But that was different.

"So what's happening?" Nick asked.

"Patrol spotted them about two hours ago at a convenient store. Unfortunately we didn't receive this till about an hour ago." Brass waved a piece of paper. "They are wanted for questioning in an arson."

"Arson?"

"They are suspected of burning down your mother's house." Brass looked at David. "It's completely destroyed."

"They probably burned it down cause they couldn't find the pictures." Catherine added.

"Do you think they found out I had them?" Mary asked.

"We're not sure."

"Nobody knows I live in Vegas so how could thy find us so fast?" David wondered.

"Greg?" Grissom said.

"I googled you, David. I found an article written about Nick's abduction. You were mentioned in it and there was a picture of Nick." Greg sighed.

"Great." Nick's fist hit the table. "Is Walter Gordon ever going to stop haunting us?"

David put a hand on Nick's shoulder. Their eyes locked. No words were spoken but after a few moments Nick slowly nodded, smiled and squeezed David's other hand.

"So what else you got?" Nick pulled his eyes away from his lover.

"Their rap sheets." Brass waved a folder.

"What did they do?" David groaned.

"More like what didn't they do. It's safe to say you aren't the only one that made a career out of crime." Brass glanced at the folder. "Between both of them they have been suspected of assault, robbery, trafficking narcotics, rape, attempted murder, murder and of course, now arson."

"Have they ever been convicted?"

"Yeah, they've been in and out of prison most of their adult lives. Mostly for drugs. Teddy did six years for manslaughter. The D.A. thought they had a strong case for murder one but their eyewitness recanted his story so they pleaded it down to manslaughter. That's typical of most of these crimes. Witnesses would recant or just disappear."

David sat down and put his head in his hands.

Nick knew exactly what he was thinking. "None of this is your fault, David."

"If I had told somebody…"

"They would have killed me." Mary stated.

"How did you know?" David looked at his sister.

"I heard what Brenda said that night."

"You were supposed to go to your room."

"I did but I still heard everything."

There was a knock on the door and Judy poked her head in. "I'm know you didn't want to be interrupted Mr. Grissom but there is an emergency call for Hodges."

"Who is it?" David couldn't think of anyone that would be calling him.

"He said his name was Petey Wilcox."

David paled and Mary gasped.

"Thanks Judy." Grissom dismissed her. "Brass, have this call traced. David, keep him talking as long as you can and put the call on speaker."

David took a deep breathe and picked up the phone. "Hello."

"Hey little bro."

"What do you want, Teddy?"

"You sound disappointed. Did you really think it was Petey?"

"No it's always a disappointment to talk to you."

Teddy chuckled. "Now be nice, Davey. I wanted to let you know we're in Vegas."

"How nice for you but what's that got to do with me?"

"You be a good boy and keep your mouth shut and we'll leave Mary and your boyfriend alone."

"About what?"

"You know damn well what. We'll be watching you little Davey. You know what we'll do if you say anything."

"All too well."

"Good, we understand each other." Teddy hung up.

"Get it?" Grissom asked.

"Call came from a payphone. We're sending unis there now." Brass answered.

******

David was pacing back and forth in the break room. Mary was sitting at her laptop writing. He envied her at least she could work. All he could do was wait. He sighed. There was one thing he could do. He'd been putting it off but he guessed now was as good a time as any.

"I'm going to go talk to Grissom."

"Okay." Mary glanced at her brother.

"Don't leave this building."

"I won't."

As he walked to Grissom's office he saw Nick doing paperwork. He hurried past hoping Nick didn't see him. He would not approve of what he was about to do.

Grissom's door was opened so David lightly tapped on the glass. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Sure," Grissom motioned for him to sit down.

"I know you're busy so I'll just get to the point. I'm resigning."

Grissom didn't say anything, just studied David intently. Then he went over and closed the door.

"David, I know you're uncomfortable with everyone knowing about your past but is this really what you want?"

"What I want? No. But I'd rather resign than get fired."

"Fired? Why would you?" Grissom looked confused.

"Because of the fact I knew about a murder and didn't tell. Withholding knowledge of a crime has got to be reason enough." David was trying not to squirm under his boss' intense stare.

"Let's review, shall we? If you had came to me about this last week what would you have said?"

David thought for a moment. "That I saw my mother kill a boy with a baseball bat."

"Any other witnesses?"

"Well, my two brothers but they helped sort of."

"Do you have any proof?"

"No."

"Where's the body?"

"I don't know."

"Do you have the baseball bat?"

"No."

"So basically there's no evidence, no body and your word against theirs?"

"Well, yeah."

"You're not going to lose your job. Now if you had known where the body was or had evidence then we would have a problem but as it is you came to us as soon as you found out he was buried here."

David couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Thank you, sir." He stood up to go.

"For the record, Nick is right. You aren't responsible for the crimes your family committed. Even if you had gone to the police back then they never would have been convicted on your word alone."

David nodded and turned to see Nick standing in the hallway, arms folded across his chest, staring at him.

"What were you doing?" Nick asked as David approached him.

"What? I can't talk to the boss now?" he hedged.

"David."

"Fine. I thought resigning would be better than getting fired." David's explaination was rewarded with an exasperated look.

"Didn't we talk about this? Didn't I tell you they weren't going to fire you? Didn't I say not to stir up trouble?"

"Nobody likes an I told you so." David huffed.

"Well, I was right wasn't I?"

"Yes, you were right. Happy?"

"Absolutely." Nick smirked.

"Don't you have paperwork to do?"

"Nope all done. Let's go get some coffee."

David groaned as they got closer to the break room. Greg and Mary were sitting close together looking at each other like lovesick puppies.

"Aww they're so cute." Nick smiled.

"Look at the way she's looking at him. Ugh!"

"You know, I've seen that look before."

"Really? On who?"

"You."

David smacked him on the chest. "I never looked like that at anybody."

"Yes you did. When we first started dating. I call it your ‘I love him and I'll do whatever to keep him' look."

"You think why too much of yourself."

"Deny it all you want, babe but it's true. I think Greg will be a permanent part of the family before long."

"Don't even think it."

"Come on. What do you have against Greg anyway?"

"Two words: liquid latex."

"Everybody knows Greg is mostly talk."

"He's just not right for her."

"Okay, describe the kind of guy that is right for her."

David pondered the question. "Intelligent, steady job, good sense of humor, respectful, would never hit her, kind and a good listener."

"Sounds like Greg to me."

"Actually it sounds like you. But she can't have you."

"That's right. Having a relationship with one Hodges is more then enough." Nick grinned as David smacked him again.

********

David saw Archie talking to Grissom and Nick. They all had that look they got when they got a break in their case. After Archie walked away Nick seemed to be arguing with his boss about something. Whatever it was Grissom looked like he grudgingly agreed.

Nick came running into the room. "Come on, let's go."

"Go where?" David asked.

"Archie's narrowed down where the pictures were taken. Hurry up they're going to leave without us."

David got up to follow Nick, wondering how he got Grissom to agree to let him go.

"You too, Mary." Nick motioned for her to come.

"Nick, did Grissom okay this?" David frowned.

"Yes, as long as you behave yourself and no touching evidence."

"I don't know how you did it but thank you." David couldn't stand the thought of Petey being found without him being there. Somehow Nick had known that.

*******

Nick, David and Mary watched as the CSI team went to work.

"What's that?" Mary pointed to the machine Sara was using.

"It's a GPR. It's used to detect things underground." Nick explained.

"By things he means, bodies." David added bluntly. "Shouldn't you be over there helping?"

Nick shook his head. "Gris wants me to be hands off this case."

David quirked an eyebrow. "Is that the only reason?"

"What do you mean?"

"I see those eyes darting around. You're watching for Teddy and Johnny."

"There is a possibility they could show up." Nick shrugged.

"I'm surprised you didn't make me stay in the lab then."

"I know how important this is to you. Besides how stupid would it be for them to try something with all these cops around?"

"You've met my brothers, right?"

Nick chuckled. "Yeah, it's clear the two of you got the brains."

*******

It had been over an hour since they arrived. David was feeling frustrated.

"How long does this usually take?"

"Getting impatient?" Nick grinned.

"Maybe Archie was wrong."

Nick handed David his phone. "Call him and tell him that."

David handed the phone back. "I have no wish to die today, thank you."

Suddenly the GPR stopped and they could see Greg getting shovels out of the truck.

"They found him." David mumbled.

David was so tired. He blamed it on the pain meds but the truth was he wanted to go to sleep and escape what was going on around him. He leaned against Nick and closed his eyes, to hell with what anyone thought.

"Babe, do you want me to take you home?" Nick asked.

"No, I have to be here." David answered as a thought occured to him. "Is this making you uncomfortable?"

"What? You leaning on me?" Nick chuckled. "No, I just thought this might be too much for you, that's all."

"Sometimes it scares me how sweet you are."

"Why would it scare you?"

"Cause I'm not. You deserve better."

Nick sighed. "I thought we were passed this."

"We are. I just had a momentary lapse, that's all."

"I love you. Nothing is going to change that. And just so you know, you can be very sweet."

"Right."

"There's the way you care for Mary and the way you always know when I need you. I'm lucky to have you."

Nick thought maybe the stress of the last few days had finally got to David cause he started laughing uncontrollably.

"Nicky, if you're lucky then that doesn't leave much hope for the rest of us." David choked out between laughs.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"You've been held at gunpoint twice, stalked, thrown out a window, a woman was killed a few hours after you were with her, you've been abducted, buried alive, eaten up by ants, had a truck full of crucial evidence stolen and to top it off, my brothers will kill you if they get the chance. And that's just the last seven years."

"Thank you so much for reminding me." Nick lifted David chin so he could look him in the eyes. "But you know what? I'd go through it all again if it meant being with you at the end."

"Well, I wouldn't so don't even think it."

"You weren't even here for most of that."

"It still affects you so therefore it affects me too."

"Now see" Nick grinned "that was sweet."

David just rolled his eyes.

*********

Realizing he couldn't watch them bring the body up David went and stood behind Nick's truck.

"We can leave whenever you want." Nick said as he embraced him. "I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you."

"You're here. That's enough." David mumbled into his neck.

They stood there like that until they heard a vehicle. It was the Coroner's van heading back to the morgue. David shivered.

"Don't worry, babe." Nick whispered. "They'll take good care of him."

David nodded. "Let's get out of here."

"Just let me tell Gris we're leaving."

"You alright, angel?" David put his arms around Mary.

"Davey, please tell me they are going to pay for this." she cried. "That we won't have to fear them for the rest of our lives."

"They will pay, I promise you."

********

"I thought we were going home?" David frowned as he realized they were heading to the lab.

"Grissom wanted to talk to you two. It won't take long." Nick said apologetically.

"Why? We've told him everything we know."

Nick shrugged and parked the truck.

The three of them headed straight to Grissom's office where he and Brass were waiting.

"It will take a few days to id the body." Brass begin. "But we found something we thought you might be able to identify."

Grissom handed David an evidence bag. In it was a picture of two boys and a little girl.

David stared down at it. "I figured they found it. That's Petey." he told Nick.

"Is that you and Mary?"

"Yeah. We were around ten, I guess. Mary was probably two."

Nick studied the picture. At first glance it looked like three typical kids but when he looked closer he could see the sadness and fear in the boys' eyes and the almost desperate way Mary was clinging to David.

"Brenda gave Teddy a camera for his birthday. He was always taken pictures of anything and everything. I remember being surprised he was taken pictures of us. He took at least half a roll."

"I remember. He kept telling us to smile in that awful voice. It scared me." Mary recalled. "Didn't Brenda get mad about him taking the pictures?"

"Yeah. She was fine with the ones he took of Johnny and her but when she saw ours she wasn't happy. Asked him why he wasted film on us. Didn't he know it cost her money. She told him to get rid of them. Petey found this one in the garbage. I was scared when he came and showed me. They would have beaten us if they knew we had it. But he said he was keeping it cause it was a picture of his family. We had different places to hide it but when we'd leave the house he'd always take it with him."

"So he had it with him that day?" Grissom asked.

David nodded. "I saw him put it in his pants pocket before we went down to the pond." He reluctantly handed the picture back to his boss.

"I'll have a copy made for you."

"Thanks. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's it for now."

"I'm going to take them home then." Nick knew that David was safer in the lab but he also know the man would be climbing the walls if he stayed here much longer.

*******

David lay on the bed watching Nick search the room. "Care to tell me what you're looking for?"

"You're awfully nosey."

"Says the man that snoops through other people's lives."

"It's not snooping, it's investigating." Nick was now bending over, searching the floor.

David whistled. "Nice view."

"I thought you were tired."

"I am but how am I supposes to sleep with you ransacking the room?"

"Where is it?" Nick huffed.

"I have no idea since you won't tell me what it is."

"It's just something I wanted to give you."

"Really?" David propped himself up on his elbow.

Nick chuckled. "Yes, really."

"Well, find it then."

"I'm trying." Nick started searching the top of the closet. "Aha! Found it."

David was eyeing the small box as Nick sit down on the bed.

"It kills me to think of the hell you've been through." I wish I could somehow change it but I can't. The only thing I can do is promise you that I'll do my best to make sure you're safe and happy from now on. I want you to have this as a reminder of that promise."

David's eyes widen as Nick opened the box, revealing a beautiful gold pocket watch.

"Nick, I… I … I can't take that."

"Why not?"

"Why not? Because it's been in your family for generations. Somebody in your family should have it not me."

"You are my family, David." Nick sighed.

"Not legally."

"So what? Do you think if we had some stupid piece of paper I would love you more? Would you love me more? What difference would it really make?"

"None but…"

"No buts, it wouldn't make a damn bit of difference to us and isn't that all that really matters?" Nick held out the watch. "Please take it, babe."

"I don't know what to say." David said as he took the watch.

"How bout I love you?" Nick suggested.

"I do love you, Nicky." David wrapped his arms around him. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"You got that backwards, babe." Nick chuckled as David yawned.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Get some rest."

"Nicky?"

"Yeah."

"Would you stay? Just till I go to sleep." David hoped he didn't sound as needy as he felt.

Nick smiled. "Sure, I'll stay as long as you want."

"Thank you."

"Night Dave. I love you.

"Love you too, Nicky."

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

"Wake up, sleeping beauty."

David opened an eye. "I though sleeping beauty was awoken by prince charming kissing her."

"I'm in awe of your knowledge of fairy tales." Nick smirked as he bent down and kissed him. "Now get up."

"Why?"

"I've got court today."

"And?"

"And you and Mary are going to the lab."

"Not the lab, Nick. Why can't we stay here?"

"You know why. You'll be safe at the lab."

"Ecklie or Grissom is going to throw us out."

"No, they won't. You don't want me worrying the whole time I'm in court do you? I promise I'll make it up to you later." Nick grinned.

"Fine." David grunted.

Nick had the pleasure of listening to the siblings complain all the way to the lab. He found himself wishing he had left them at home. Well, almost. They're safety was more important than his sanity, he guessed.

"If you two keep bitching, you will be thrown out." Nick said as the walked toward the entrance.

"Really?" David smiled. "I'll remember that."

Nick knew what he was thinking. "David Hodges, your ass had better be inside that lab when I get back."

"Whoa. Calm down, it was only a joke."

Nick glared. "It is not a joke. Promise me you'll stay here."

"I promise."

**********

Nick's court appearance had been delayed so he was doing more paperwork while he waited to be called to appear. David was feeling restless so he started wondering the building. As he went passed the AV lab Archie called to him.

"Hey Arch. What's up?" David tried to forget that the tech had spent hours looking at those horrible pictures.

"I found it." Archie handed him a piece of paper. "Are you sure you want to do this, especially now?"

"Why not now? We all need a good laugh, don't you think?" David smirked.

"Nick is not going to think it's funny. He's going to kill you."

"He worships me too much."

Archie rolled his eyes. "What if it goes off while he's at a scene or interviewing a suspect?"

"That's why I had you show me how to set my cell number to a specific ring. I can pick the time and place."

"For maximum humiliation?"

"Exactly."

"Remember, you promised not to tell him I helped you."

"I know. Stop worrying. He had to know I'd get him back eventually."

"They did say they didn't know Ecklie was with you."

"Right. You don't believe that any more then I do."

"He's going to kill you." Archie repeated.

"Thanks for your help." David said as he made his way across the hall where Nick was working.

"Hi babe." Nick smiled.

"Hey. Still waiting to be called?"

"Yeah. I hate waiting. Why couldn't they have told me before we left the house? We could still be in bed."

"That sounds nice." David sighed.

"So are you going crazy being stuck here?"

Okay now was the time. He had to be clever about this or else Nick would know he was up to something. "Yeah, I'm pretty bored. I was thinking I might call Jane. Let her know what's going on."

"Sounds like a good idea."

"The only thing is my cell is died. Must have forgotten to charge it."

"Use mine." Nick handed him his phone.

David almost felt guilty, almost. Nick had given him his phone without him having to ask. "Thanks. I let you get back to work. I'll bring it back in a few minutes."

"As long as I have it before I leave."

David headed to one of the seldomly used supply closets. He programmed the phone just like Archie had taught him. He laughed as he tested it. This was going to be so good. He took the phone back to Nick.

"That didn't take long." Nick took his phone back.

"She wasn't home." He had never lied to Nick. Now he had told him three lies in a row. Was it really lying if it was part of a practical joke? David wondered.

"Well, I've done all the paperwork I can. How about we get a cup of coffee."

"Okay."

David had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing when the break room came into view. There was Warrick, Sara, Greg, Catherine, Bobby, Jacqui, Archie and Mary sitting at the various tables. Perfect. Sure it would have been nice if Grissom and Ecklie had been there but this would do. Nick went straight to the coffee pot and poured them both a cup. David grinned as he reached into his pocket and hit redial on his phone. Nick turned to hand him the cup when music filled the air.

I am woman watch me grow See me standing toe to toe As I spread my lovin' arms across the land But I'm still an embryo With a long long way to go Until I make my brother understand Oh yes I am wise But it's wisdom born of pain Yes, I've paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to I can face anything I am strong I am invincible I am woman Oh, I am woman I am invincible I am strong I am woman I am invincible I am strong I am woman

Nick didn't realize where it was coming from until everyone looked at him. He stared at his phone as laughter filled the room.

"David Hodges, you are so dead."

David tried to get out the door but Nick was too fast for him. Damn, should have called from another room, he thought too late. He was trapped between the glass wall and Nick.

"Now Nicky, you're not really going to hurt me, are you?"

"You're counting on that, aren't you?" Nick moved closer till David's back was against the wall and their noses were almost touching.

"Yes." David gulped, trying to read the look on Nick's face. He knew he wouldn't hurt him but he was planning something.

Beep beep

"Saved by the beep." David said as Nick glanced at his beeper.

"Think so?"

"You have to go to court. You'll just have to punish me later." David whispered.

"You know the great thing about knowing you so well is knowing exactly what would embarrass you the most." Nick grinned wickedly.

"You… you wouldn't."

"Hey Cath, has Ecklie and Grissom left for their meeting yet?"

"Yeah they left about ten minutes ago." she answered.

"Nicky," David started to protest but Nick didn't let him finish. He closed the small distance between them and started kissing him, not a simply goodbye kiss but a passionate, make your knees buckle kiss that left David wanting so much more. He had gotten so lost in the kiss that he momentary forgot about their audience. As the kiss ended he became aware of the snickering and whistling. He could only hope no one saw where Nick's hand had been.

"Got a little problem there?" Nick whispered.

"Bastard."

Nick laughed. "We'd better go, Rick. See you later, lover."

David just glared as Nick kissed him goodbye. As the two CSIs left he hurried and sat down before anyone noticed his "problem".

*****

"What do you want?" David snapped as he answered his cell.

"You." Nick chuckled. "Recovered yet?"

"You're not funny."

"You didn't think I was going to let you get away with that, did you?"

"No, but I wasn't expecting that. You're lucky we didn't get fired."

"Now baby, I made sure Ecklie and Grissom wasn't around."

"Catherine was."

"First, you are on medical leave. You can't be fired since you weren't working. Second, Catherine owes you. She would never fire you."

David knew exactly what he meant. Catherine had apologized at least a dozen times for her behavior after the explosion. He and Greg had a running tally of who she'd apologized most too. Warrick, however, was a different story. When Nick had found out how he treated David he confronted him. It took Grissom, David and Sara to stop him from slugging Warrick. He had finally halfheartedly apologized to David. He accepted it and left out the halfhearted part when he told Nick. After all they had to work together and he hated the idea of Nick losing a friend over him.

"And third," Nick was saying. "Catherine loves me."

"Oh, brother. Aren't you supposed to be testifying?"

"Already have. Warrick's in there now. It's kind of boring here."

"So you thought you'd harass me."

"Want to have phone sex?"

The drink of coffee David had just taken sprayed the back of Mary's laptop.

"Ugh! Davey, that's disgusting." Mary wondered why his face was so red.

"Nick! Are you insane?"

"Well, you'd have to go somewhere more private."

"Not going to happen."

Nick sighed. "You're no fun."

"You really don't like your job much, do you?"

"Well, I guess having phone sex at the courthouse and lab wouldn't be a good idea."

"You think?"

"I can't wait to get you home. I'm going to…"

"Stop Nick. I get the idea." David wondered if his face could get any redder. "I'm hanging up now."

"I love you, babe."

"You too."

********

It had been three hours since Nick had called. How long could it possibly take Warrick to testify? Okay, David knew court could drag on and on but he also knew the case. It wasn't that complex. He hoped they'd be back soon. He wanted to go home and crawl into bed with Nick. He decided it was best not to think about it or his "problem" might return. He turned his attention to the conversation Mary was having with Grissom. They were discussing poisonous spiders. Apparently Mary was writing about spiders in her latest mystery. She had asked Grissom what kind of spiders inhabited New York. Now she was listening intently and taking notes. David wondered if she knew she'd made a friend for life. He thought about trying to nap but he figured he'd just dream about spiders or worse, ants so he picked up the magazine someone left on the table and flipped through it. At some point he must have dozed off because the next thing he knew Grissom's phone was ringing.

"What?" Grissom paled. "Are they okay?

David felt a chill run through him as he watched his boss. He'd seen that look and heard that tone once before. When Nick had been abducted.

"How the hell could that happen?"

"I'll get Catherine and Sara down there immediately." Grissom hung up and dialed another number. "Judy, I need Catherine, Sara and Greg in here NOW." He made a third call but David wasn't listening anymore. All he could think was please don't let it be Nick. Grissom finally turned to look at him. Before either had a chance to speak the three CSIs arrived.

"What's up?" Sara inquired.

Still looking at David, Grissom answered her. "There's been an incident at the courthouse."

David groaned and put his head in his hands so nobody could see the tears that were already starting to form.

"What happened, Gil?" Catherine asked the question David was to afraid too.

Warrick and Nick were apparently ambushed in the garage. Warrick's on his way to the hospital. He's beat up pretty bad and unconscious."

"And Nick?" Mary asked as she put her arm around her brother.

"There's no sign of him." Grissom sighed.

David leaned into Mary. "This can't be happening again."

"We'll find him, David." Catherine assured him.

"Catherine, Sara go to the scene. Greg, go to the hospital and process Warrick. Let me know when he regains consciousness." Grissom ordered.

David sit there stunned. To numb to move or ask questions. He wasn't sure he could go through this again. What if he lost Nick this time? He finally made himself move when his phone rang. Oh please, he thought when he saw it was Nick's number.

"Nick?"

"Wrong as usual, little brother."

Nick felt like his head was going to explode. He should turn over and ask David to get him some aspirin but it would take to much effort. He slowly opened his eyes. Damn they must have forgotten to close the blinds. He shut his eyes again.

"David, could you get me some aspirin?"

"I told you you hit him too hard." a vaguely familiar voice said.

"After he broke my nose he's lucky I didn't kill him." a second voice said.

"Stop pouting. You'll get you're chance."

Reality began to sink in as Nick realized he wasn't in his bed. He was sitting on a concrete floor, handcuffed to a pipe. David's brothers had grabbed him right out of the courthouse garage. He remembered something pressing against his back and Teddy telling him to do what he said or Johnny would kill Warrick. He let Teddy lead him to a van, all the while a voice in his head screamed at him to fight, to not go with him. Funny the voice had sounded like David's. He didn't resist though. He had no doubt they would kill Warrick. Even David wouldn't want that. So he got into the van and was hit over the head with something. When he woke up they were in a house. Johnny was standing over him pointing a gun at him.

"Make a sound and I'll kill you." Johnny glared.

The look in the man's eyes told Nick he was deadly serious so he just glared back.

"Stop staring at me."

"Calm down, Johnny." Teddy patted him on the shoulder. "Now here's what's going to happen. Nick and I are going for another ride. You stay here and tend to our other guest."

"I'm not going anywhere with you." Nick said.

Teddy laughed. "Yes, you are and you're going to behave or else your friend in there will be slowly and painfully killed by my brother."

"Warrick?"

Teddy nodded. "Now that we understand each other it's time to go."

Once again Nick did as he was told and once again he was hit on the head as he got into the van. When he came to he was in a warehouse, handcuffed to the pipe.

"What did you do with Warrick?" he demanded when he saw both men sitting at a table talking.

"We left him at the courthouse." Teddy shrugged.

They tricked him. Nick felt like an idiot.

"When you going to call Davey back?" Johnny asked.

"Let's let him stew a little longer. He'll be such a nervous wreak he'll do whatever we tell him."

"Just like old times." Johnny laughed.

"What are you going to do to him?" Nick frantically tried to free himself.

"Why we're going to reunite the two of you." Teddy grinned.

"Leave him alone, you bastard."

"You gonna make us?" Johnny asked as he kicked Nick in the ribs.

Nick was brought back to the present when he heard Teddy talking to David on the phone. Suddenly he shoved the phone up to Nick ear.

"David?" Nick hadn't realized how badly he needed to hear his lover's voice until that moment.

"Nick! Are you okay?" David sounded both scared and relieved.

"Yeah. Dave, remember you promised."

Teddy yanked the phone away. Nick listened to the instructions he was giving David. The asshole actually thought he was going to come and alone at that. Brass and Grissom would never let him put himself in that kind of danger. Nick leaned his head against the pipe and sighed. As soon as they figured out he wasn't coming they'd kill him. He wasn't afraid to die but he ached for the guilt and pain it would cause David. Nick knew exactly what he'd do. He'd leave Vegas, cutting all ties with everyone they knew, except maybe Mary, and shut down. He'd never let anyone get close again. God, he deserved so much better. Nick glared at the brothers. He only hoped they would be arrogant enough to remove the handcuffs before they killed him. He'd love to get the chance to punch Johnny's broken nose again. And Teddy? How he'd like to beat that smug look off his face.

Nick glanced at his watch. Fourteen minutes left. There was so much he wanted to say to David. Sure, the cops would be here soon but when they spotted them, and they would, they'd shoot him just to teach David a lesson.

"Not long now." Johnny told Nick.

Nick never knew he could hate another human being so much. The brothers had argued about what to do with Nick. Teddy wanted to wait till David was there to watch but Johnny wanted to pay Nick back for breaking his nose. Teddy won in the end. Nick thought it was interesting how he seemed to be in charge even though Johnny was the older one. Johnny had sulked for a few minutes then decided he'd cause Nick a different kind of pain. He started describing in excruciating detail the things they used to do to their little brother. How they made him wait on them and beat him if he wasn't fast enough. Johnny laughed as he told the story of how Brenda told David to mop the kitchen floor while she was gone. Every time he was almost finished they would get up and spill something on the floor causing David to have to start over again. They did it for almost an hour. Brenda was furious when she came home and the floor was still wet. She had beat David for not mopping it as soon as she left. He was only ten. That was just one of the many horror stories Johnny gleefully told. Nick understood now why David behaved the way he had when they first moved in together.

Nick was met at the door by David, who took his jacket and hung it up.

"It's been such a long day I thought I'd order pizza. If that's okay with you."

"Sure babe whatever you want." Nick kissed him. I'm going to take a shower."

Nick sighed as he entered the bathroom. He turned around and went straight to the kitchen. He wasn't surprised to see his lover cleaning the stove.

"Dave, what are you doing?"

"Brain surgery."

Nick rolled his eyes. "How long have you been home?"

"Hmm twenty minutes, maybe."

"You cleaned the bathroom."

"Very good, CSI Stokes."

"David, I told you I'd do it."

"Yeah well, I figured you'd be too tired."

"And you're not?"

"Sorry, I didn't realize you derived so much joy out of scrubbing the toilet."

"Babe, we've been living together for almost three weeks and not only have you done all the cleaning but you wait on me hand and foot."

"And you're complaining because?" David asked defensively.

"Because I don't want you to think you have to do everything. Let me do my share."

"Sorry. I'll try to do better." David mumbled and started scrubbing the stove again.

Nick put his arms around him. "You're not doing anything wrong, David. I just don't want you doing everything."

"You cook."

"Because I like to cook. Am I right?"

David nodded.

"I want a partner Dave, not a maid. I don't know who treated you badly in the past but believe me, I'll never hurt you."

David had only leaned against him and sighed.

Nick had figured he'd been in an abusive relationship but he never dreamed the abusers were his mother and brothers. No wonder David was near tears that day they bumped into each other in the lab. The case must have brought back horrible memories for him then Nick had to go and grab him. He would never forget the look in the tech's eyes. He had looked so scared, so vulnerable not at all like the snarky David Hodges he knew. It was at that moment that Nick stopped denying the fact that he was in love with him. He had wanted to take David in his arms and tell him it was alright. But he thought the man was freaked out enough so he offered breakfast instead, silently praying he'd say yes. Miracle of miracles not only did he say yes but he felt the same way.

Nick looked at his watch again. Two minutes. "I'm sorry, David." he muttered.

Johnny who had been watching out the window shouted "He's here!"

Nick was confused. "There was no way David would be allowed to come but he couldn't think of anybody in the department that looked enough like David to fool his brother. No, it wasn't him. He promised he'd stay at the lab.

Teddy flung the door opened and yanked the man inside.

Nick felt as if he'd been kicked again as David stumbled through the door.

Nick could only stare as Teddy padded David down, making sure he didn't have a weapon. He still couldn't believe the man was actually there. Maybe he was hallucinating after all he'd been hit in the head a few times today. That was it. There's no way it was David. Absolutely no way.

"Pictures?" Teddy demanded.

"First, I want to see Nick."

Okay it sounds like David. The reality that he wasn't hallucinating hit him like a ton of bricks. Oh, David. What have you done? God, he probably snuck out of the lab and nobody knows where he is.

"There he is." Teddy pushed his brother toward Nick. "Now give me the damn pictures."

"Here." David threw them at the man then turned his attention to Nick. "Nick." he said with relief.

The look Nick gave him was one of anger and confusion. David hadn't expected Nick to be exactly happy to see him but he hadn't expected him to be angry either. He sat down on the floor so he could be eye level with Nick.

"Are you alright, Nicky?" he asked softly.

"You promised me." Nick glared.

"Do you really want to argue about that now?"

"There may not be another time."

"Leave it to you to find the positive in this situation." David smirked.

"That's not even funny, David." Nick whispered through clinched teeth.

David sighed. "You would have done the same thing and don't tell me you wouldn't."

"They're going to kill us, you know? They have the pictures and the only witness. How the hell did you get those pictures out of the lab anyway?"

"They're copies. Now will you stop worrying your pretty head. I have a plan. Well, actually it's Brass's plan."

"Brass? Brass let you come here? I'm going to kill him."

"Do you think it's wise to threaten our rescuer like that? He might change his mind."

"How would he… Oh… You're wired?"

"Yes and keep your voice down."

They both looked at their captors. They were discussing something, probably the most painful way to kill them. David retrieved something from his jeans pocket.

"Watch them."

Nick's eyes widened as he saw David had a key in his hand. "I could kiss you."

"Hold that thought for later." David smirked.

"If we get out of here I have something better in mind."

"The only thing you're doing later is going to the hospital. You look like shit. Now, shut up and keep an eye on them."

Nick watched the brothers for a minute then turned his attention back to David. He may be trying to act calm but his hands were shaking so bad he couldn't get the key in the hole. Which was only making the shaking worse.

"Here baby, let me do it."

David placed the key in his hand. "Sorry."

"It's okay. You have every right to be nervous." Nick ached to hold him. "Don't beat yourself up about it."

"That's right. We'll do that for you." Teddy jerked David up.

Nick closed his fist around the key hoping they hadn't seen it. Johnny was looking at him grinning.

"It's finally time to kick your ass."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." David said. "I made copies of those pictures."

"You did what?" Teddy stepped closer to his younger brother.

"I made two copies. I mailed them to the lab, one to me and one to Nick. As soon as our co workers realize we're missing, they'll open them. I also added a nice long letter describing everything from Petey's murder to Nick's kidnapping."

"You little shit." Teddy grabbed David by the throat. "I should kill you right now."

"Go ahead." David choked out.

"Look at that Johnny. Our little brother has gotten braver." Teddy shoved him to the floor.

Nick had the handcuffs unlocked. His head was killing him and his vision was starting to blur. Don't pass out now. David needs you, he kept telling himself. But when he tried to stand the room started spinning and he had to sit back down.

Teddy and Johnny were discussing what to do about their prisoners. David saw Nick try to get up so he scooted over to him.

"Nicky?" he put his arm around Nick.

"Sorry. Room spinning… head splitting… can't stand."

"It's alright." David knew he had to do something now.

He walked over to his brothers and shoved Teddy as hard as he could. "Are you going to let us go?"

Johnny grabbed him. "You got to be kidding."

Teddy glared at David. "Where's the other set of handcuffs?" he asked Johnny.

"I'll get them."

"Little Davey, you shouldn't have done that. Now we have to teach you a lesson."

"Go ahead, kill me. You'll get caught this time."

"Killing you would be too easy. First we're going to make you watch Nick die then if you're lucky we might kill you."

David's fear for Nick overwhelmed him and he momentary forgot what he was supposed to do. He saw Johnny coming back with the cuffs.

"What kind of monster are you?" David hissed.

Before Teddy could answer, the door came crashing in.

"LVPD! Drop your weapons."

Teddy and David were standing just out of view.

"You bastard. You brought the cops." Teddy turned his gun, aiming it at Nick's head.

"No!" David shouted and lunged for the gun.

All around them people were yelling and shots were fired but no one could get a clear shot of Teddy as he and David wrestled for the gun. Suddenly it went off and both men fell to the floor.

Catherine ran over to them. "David?"

"Get him off of me."

They rolled Teddy off and David got up.

"You alright?" Catherine asked.

"Yeah."

"He's not." Brass stated the obvious. "He's dead."

"So is this one." Sofia confirmed.

David let out a sigh of relief. It was over. His relief didn't last long as he heard Sara calling for the medics. He turned toward her voice to see her kneeling beside Nick.

"Nicky!" David cried as he ran to his side.

Nick opened his eyes. "You alright?"

"I'm not the one lying on the floor." David frowned. "What happened?"

"I tried to get out of the way. I fell. I think I hit my head again."

"The medics will be here soon."

"I'm sleepy."

David remembered hearing once that when a person hit their head they shouldn't go to sleep. He wasn't sure if it was true or not but he wasn't taken any chances.

"Stay awake, Nicky."

"I love you." Nick squeezed his hand.

"David rubbed Nick's forehead. "You got to hang on, Nicky. I can't live without you."

"You're stronger then you think, baby."

"Don't you dare leave me." David cried. "God, don't let them win."

"I don't know if…"

"I know. You fight, Nicky. You've been through worse. Just hang on to our love like you did before. Please. I love you."

The medics had arrived and Catherine and Sara gently pulled David away.

"They need room to work." Catherine said when both men started to protest.

David nodded. "I'm right here, Nicky. I'm not going anywhere. Let them take care of you."

"Sir, are you hurt?" one of the medics asked David.

Of course, he wasn't hurt. Why the hell would he ask him that?

"He's not hurt." Catherine answered. "That's not his blood."

David glanced at her confused. She pointed to his shirt. Oh. It was covered with blood. He realized it was Teddy's blood. He wanted to rip the shirt off but he knew better.

"Can I take this off?"

"We have to take a picture first."

He stood there as Catherine took several pictures.

He carefully removed his shirt and t-shirt and handed them to Sara. He felt ridiculous standing there shirtless but he had to get Teddy's blood off of him.

"Here" Grissom took his jacket off and handed it to David.

"Thanks boss." David muttered as he followed the stretcher to the ambulance.

*********

David was pacing up and down the hospital corridor when he saw his sister coming towards him.

"Davey, thank god you're alright." Mary said as she flung her arms around him. "I was so scared."

"I'm fine." he reassured her.

"What about Nick?"

"Still waiting for someone to tell us something."

"He'll be okay." She smiled. "Are Teddy and Johnny really died?"

"Yes. They can't hurt us anymore." Unless Nick died but David didn't say that.

"Oh here, Sara told us to bring you a shirt."

David eyed the shirt he was given. "This is my shirt. How did you get it?"

"Greg knew you kept an extra in your locker."

David glared at the young CSI. "How did you get in my locker?"

Greg grinned. "We guessed the combination."

David raised his eyebrows at the two of them.

"It wasn't hard, Davey. You used my birthday, after all." Mary laughed.

"Great now I'll have to think of a new combination."

"Like there's ever anything in there that I'd want." Greg shook his head.

"That's because you have no taste."

"Hey!" Mary tried to look offended.

"Nobody could resist you not even tasteless Sanders." David smirked.

Suddenly Mary's expression changed. "You're doing it again."

"What?"

"You always try to hide your feelings from me. I know you're worried sick about Nick but here you are acting normal. I'm an adult now, Davey. I want to help you through this."

"You are helping." David squeezed her hand. "You always have."

*******

It had been over an hour and still no word on Nick. David was getting ready to go shake the nurse at the desk until she told him something. Unfortunately Mary and Jacqui were sitting on either side of him, holding his hands as if they knew he was about to lose it.

David was trying to think of something to make them let go. The restroom, yeah, they'd have to let go. He could be over there shaking the nurse before they could stop him. She'd have to tell him something. Before he could put his plan into action the doctor appeared. He tried to stand up but the women wouldn't let him.

"Would you let go? Here comes the doctor."

Neither woman let go but instead stood up with him.

"Mr. Hodges?" the doctor asked.

"Yes. Is Nick okay?"

"He has a severe concussion but there isn't any permanent damage. He should be fine but we'd like to keep him overnight to monitor him."

"Can I see him?"

"As soon as we get him settled I'll have a nurse come and get you."

"Thank you, doctor."

David was relieved but he knew he wouldn't be convinced Nick was alright till he saw him.

"He's fine." Mary nudged her brother.

"I heard."

"But you won't be convinced till you see him, right?"

David stared at her. "When did you start reading my mind?"

"Lord, I wouldn't want to do that." she chuckled. "I just know if it were you in there I wouldn't believe it till I saw you with my own eyes."

"I'm so glad you're here." he said as he hugged her.

"Me too." she sighed.

"Excuse me, Mr. Hodges. You can see Mr. Stokes now." The nurse said.

"Walk with me." David held out his hand.

Mary nodded and took his hand. When they reached the room David stopped.

"He's fine, Davey. Go on, I bet he needs to see you as much as you need to see him."

David smiled. "Thanks." He kissed her then turned and entered the room.

"Hey baby." Nick said without opening his eyes.

"How did you know it was me?" David asked taking his hand.

"I always know when you're around."

"Really?" David asked skeptically.

"Well that and I heard you talking in the hall." Nick finally opened his eyes. "The doctor said I'd be fine."

"I know."

"Then why do you look so worried?"

David looked away. "I'm sorry I broke my word to you. I wouldn't blame you if didn't want me here."

Nick was silent for a moment and David though it was going to tell him to leave.

"Can you look at me instead of the floor, please?" Nick frowned.

David slowly looked back at Nick.

"The reason I made you promise to stay in the lab was because I wanted you safe. Yeah, I was angry when you showed up at the warehouse but you were right, I would have done the same thing. So how can I be upset with you? We're alive and together and that's all that matters."

David leaned over and kissed him. "I was so scared for you."

"I know. I was scared for you too especially when you were struggling for the gun." Nick sighed. "Which reminds me, we're going to have to work on your habit of grabbing weapons. I thought you'd learned with the knife but apparently not."

"Excuse me for saving your life… again."

Nick laughed. "How did you know to bring the key?"

"They took Warrick's gun and handcuffs so Grissom figured they'd use them on you."

"How is Rick?" Nick couldn't believe he hadn't asked about his friend before.

"From what I hear Johnny did quite a number on him. The doctors are keeping him here for a couple days."

"Have you seen him?"

"No."

"David, it wasn't his fault. They snuck up on us."

"Yeah, I know." David agreed but didn't sound like he really meant it.

Nick didn't feel like arguing so he just dropped it.

"So is the interrogation over?"

"What was your signal word?" Nick hadn't been able to tell what David said to Teddy right before all hell broke loose.

David smiled. "Monster."

Nick laughed. "How appropriate."

"I thought so."

"You look tired. Go home and get some rest."

"You'd like that, huh? Leave you here alone with all these pretty nurses. Not a chance."

"It was worth a shot." Nick grinned. "But you really do need to rest."

"I will. I'm just not ready to leave you yet."

"I hope you're never ready."

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, and to be honest, I'm not ready for you to leave either."

David frowned. "Speaking of leaving, there is a lobby full of your fans that won't leave till they see you."

Nick groaned. "Can't you tell them I'm sleeping or something?"

"Now who's being anti social?" David smirked. "And no, I'm not going out there and telling them they can't see you. Good god, I've already escaped death once today, isn't that enough?"

Nick grinned. "Okay, fine but no sneaking out while they're here."

"I'm not going anywhere."

*******

The well wishers had finally left. David was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Nick's hand.

"Are you going to explain why Catherine had your pocket watch?" Nick had noticed her giving it to David before she left.

"I didn't want those bastards to get their filthy hands on it." he shrugged.

"But why Cath? Why not give it to Mary to hold?"

"I told Catherine if anything happened to give it to your parents. I figured Mary was already worried enough without hearing that."

Nick nodded. When David had first come to the lab, he had disliked him. He was, in Nick's opinion, a kiss up and only out for himself. He couldn't have been more wrong. David was fiercely protected of the people he loved.

"Hey Stokes, where did you go?"

"I'm proud to be your partner." Nick smiled.

David wasn't sure what to say so he just smiled back.

Nick started moving over. "Lay down with me."

"I don't think you're in any condition for that."

"I need to feel you near me."

David toed his shoes off and got into the bed, pulling the other man into his arms. The truth was he needed to feel him near too.

"I love you so much." Nick laid his head on David's chest.

"Love you too, Nicky." David ran a hand through his lover's hair. "I'm so glad that you're alright."

"Shh."

After a few minutes of being quiet David's curiosity got the best of him. "What are you listening to?"

"Your heartbeat."

"Huh? You're listening to my heartbeat?"

"It's proof you're still alive."

"And my talking doesn't prove that?"

"Would you just be quiet?"

"You're the one in the hospital so I should be listening to your heartbeat."

Nick didn't say a word. He just moved David's hand to his chest. Feeling the steady beat of the Texan's heart, he smiled. It was comforting, so comforting that they were both asleep within minutes.

*********

One week later

David kneeled by the headstone and slowly traced over the name with his fingers. A part of him felt silly for even being here and another part felt compelled too. He frowned. What do people say at graves anyway? How you doing or what have you been up to just doesn't seem appropriate. He took a deep breath and started talking.

"I guess you're wondering why I buried you here. I'm sure your first choice would be to be with your parents but…" he shook his head. "Did you know our parents plots are beside each other? Burying you there would have meant burying you next to Brenda. Mary and I discussed it and neither of us could image you having to spend eternity beside that bitch. That's right, she's died. Mary talked to her doctor a couple of days ago. Apparently her last few hours were pretty painful. I know that shouldn't make me happy but god help me it does. I feel like going back there just to dance on her grave."

David brushed away a few leaves around the stone. "Johnny and Teddy are dead too. I still have a hard time believing they are all gone. Mary and I are free now. Mary. You should see her. She's beautiful, intelligent, talented and caring." David sighed. "I tried to keep her safe, to keep her shielded from them. They never hurt her physically but no one can live it that kind of environment and not be scarred by it. I promised I'd never hurt her but I did. When she wanted to see Brenda… I just couldn't handle it. I said some awful things and pushed her away. But she's here now and it's almost like before except she's all grown up. She says she's staying in Vegas. Says she doesn't want to lose me again. Of course, it has nothing to do with Greg Sanders. Okay, I'll admit she could do a lot worse but still… Nick says I'll never think anybody is good enough for her and I guess he's right. But I do want her to be happy. So I'm trying to keep my mouth shut. You know how hard that is for me."

"Remember that picture of the three of us you carried around? A copy of it is hanging on our living room wall. Nick insisted we hang it. I told him we didn't have to but he said it belonged with our family pictures. He never ceases to amaze me. Personally if he wanted to hang a picture of his first love on our wall I'd kill him. Well, maybe not kill him but I'd sure be pissed. The difference between him and me, I guess."

"I wish you could have had the life I have now. I actually own a house. It's nothing like the house we lived in either. It's filled with love and laughter not fear and violence. Nick is the most caring man I've ever met. I tried so hard not to fall for him partly because I was afraid of getting hurt but also I felt like I was betraying you somehow. But I realize now that you wouldn't want me to be alone, you'd want me to be happy. And I am happy. When you died all my dreams died too. My life was about protecting Mary and work. Then along came this handsome Texan to shake up my whole world. Now I have a home, a real home, a man that loves me and I have Mary back. I never imagined I could be this happy."

David stood up and stretched. "Mary has this theory. She says you are watching over us, that you had a hand in getting us away from Brenda. She also thinks you sent me Nick. I like to think she's right. If she is, could you do me a favor? Would you watch over Nick too? He has the worst luck. I mean, who else could get kidnapped at a courthouse. Maybe it's wrong of me to ask but I couldn't survive losing him."

"Speaking of Nick, he's waiting up in the truck for me. He insisted on driving me enough though he hates cemeteries ever since he was buried alive. So I guess I ought to go. He told me to take as long as I needed. He's always been so patient with me. I have no doubt he'd wait for hours for me and only come looking for me when he started worrying. You know, he asked me the other day if I still wanted to leave Vegas, he would have too. Just packed up and moved because I wanted too. I told him that even though I'm still not comfortable with people knowing what we went through this is my home and I'm not going to run from the past anymore. He just smiled and said whatever you want, babe. He's amazing. God, listen to me. I sound like a school girl gushing about her boyfriend. I can almost hear you snickering." He sighed. "I love you, Petey and I miss you."

*****

As David approached the truck he could see Nick was on his cell phone. When the Texan saw him he smiled and ended his conversation.

"Please don't tell me that was work."

"No, it was Mary."

"Is she alright?"

"She's fine, babe."

"So what's with that look?"

"Mom called and talked to her. She asked her to come with us for Thanksgiving."

David smiled. "What did she say?"

"That she didn't want to intrude on a family event."

David rolled his eyes. "I'm sure Jillian let her off with that."

"Right" Nick grinned. "She told her that she was family and that and I'm quoting here ‘If your brother hadn't been so bullheaded you would have been invited a long time ago.' end quote."

"I'm not bullheaded." David protested.

"You keep telling yourself that." Nick chuckled.

"So what did Mary say?"

"She said she would and Mom even told her she could bring Greg."

"Greg? We're not really going to subject the family to Sanders, are we?

"Yes, if that's what Mary wants."

David sighed deeply and Nick knew it wasn't because of Greg.

"Come here, you." Nick said pulling him into his arms. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." David mumbled against Nick's neck. "Thank you for coming with me."

"Anytime, babe." Nick placed a kiss on his forehead. "Guess what else Mary told me?"

"What?"

"Greg's taking her out tonight. She said not to wait up."

"And you're happily telling me this because?"

"Think babe, we'll have the whole house to ourselves."

"Exactly what did you have in mind, Mr. Stokes?"

"Something involving you, me and a hot shower."

"I was kind of thinking of you, me and a warm bed."

"That sounds good too." Nick chuckled.

"Or we could do both."

"I love the way your mind works." Nick kissed him again. "You ready to go home, baby?"

"Home." David smiled. "Yeah, let's go home, Nicky."

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