Title: More Than You Realize
By: only_true_love
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Beta'd by the wonderful and patient QueenOfTheUniverse!
Summary: Written for The Love Moment Challenge.

***

It's been a hard few days for the entire team. They almost lost one of their own. Two days after Sara's rescue, Nick and Greg are working a triple homicide. A young couple in their early twenties, and their six month old daughter, were killed in what appears to be execution style.

While in the break room getting a cup of coffee for himself and Greg, Nick can't help but reflect not only on the case but on Greg's reactions as well.

When they'd entered the autopsy, they could see FREAK written on the father's chest and FREAK LOVER on the mom. Looking over at Greg Nick saw a deep pain in his brown eyes.

"So Doc, what can you tell us that we don't already know?" Greg asked.

"Well, the father was in the middle of gender reassignment surgery. And I believe the messages on the parents are from spray paint, but trace will be able to give you a better answer," Doc Robbins said as he proceeded over to the daughter.

"She looks so scared," Greg whispered to himself seeing the frightened expression on the girl.

Nick is brought out of his thoughts when the break room door suddenly opens. Realizing he'd spaced out for a bit, he grabs both cups of coffee and heads to Mandy's lab where Greg said he'd be checking up on finger print results from the scene.

However, Nick doesn't get very far before he hears crying coming from the restroom. Resisting the urge to give whoever it is some privacy he opens the door to find Greg splashing water on his face. Seeing Nick in the reflection of the mirror Greg hands over the results on the prints with shaky hands.
Before Nick even has a chance to react the bathroom door opens. It's Brass telling them the suspect has arrived and asking if they want to be there for the interrogation. "Yes," they say simultaneously. And Brass is gone.

"Are you going to be able to handle this?" Nick asks with concern once they're alone again.

Greg lets out a sigh, "Of course, it's just that this case really gets to me. It's hard to explain to someone who wouldn't really understand."

As they leave for the interrogation Nick turns to Greg, "I understand more than you realize."

During the interrogation the husbands' father proudly confesses and says the world is better without them. Greg tells Nick to go home and he'll write the report.
***
Opening his locker after the long day, Greg is surprised to find a note taped to the top shelf.
G,
Just wanted you to know you are not alone. You know where I live.
T.C.

Parking his car in the driveway he makes his way to the front door and rings the bell.

"Hey," Greg says as the door opens. Foreheads touch for a brief moment.

"Thanks for inviting me over Texas Cowboy."

***