Title: The Las Vegas Move
Author: Susie
Author Email: Susie41694@Aol.com
Fandom: CSI: Vegas and Queer as Folk
Pairing: Nick Stokes/Ben Bruckner
Rating: frao
Summary: Ben moves to Las Vegas and is in answer to PEJA Valentine's Day Challenge using cuddle, chocolate kisses, I love you, and velvet. This is a first time but doesn't happen on Valentine's Day.
Disclaimer: Don't own any characters; just want to play with them for a little while then I will send them home.
Author's Notes: a very big thank you to Nikki for the beta work and to Rusty for the technical advice.
Feedback: Please I love it and it helps keep the muses happy and working hopefully.
Archive: yes to WWOMB, Chance-slashcity, others please ask.

Ben sat in what was left of the café watching the dark-haired man as he looked over the bloody scene. He was all concentration as he snapped shot after shot then moved his attention past the body to a slightly wider area. He greeted each of his co-workers as they appeared on the scene and directed each to handle different aspects. Finally as the injured were taken from the scene and only the one body remained he walked over to where Ben, the only uninjured victim sat.

"Hi, I'm Nick Stokes. I'm with the Crime Scene Unit. I need to ask you a few questions."

"Ben Bruckner, all I really saw was the car fly though the table area and on down that street. Some of the cops that were chasing the car stopped and the rest continued on. That's about all I can tell you. I don't know anyone that was here. I just got into town today to start a new job on Monday."

Nick smiled, "This doesn't make for the best first impression of your new city does it." Then he went back to a serious look, "Where are you staying?"

"The address is in my car. That's back over there" Ben turn pointing to the packing lot.

"Is it a temporary address or a permanent one? And do you have a cell phone?"

"I will be staying there at least six months and I do have a cell phone but it's out of Pittsburgh. I'm planning on changing it later today."

"Okay, let's go get the address and I'll need the cell phone number." Nick caught the eye of Harrison, the detective in change, who then fell in step behind the two men as they headed for the car. "Here's my card. Please call and leave me the new cell number when you get it." Nick handed his card to Ben as they walked.

When they reached the car Nick jotted down all the information as Detective Harrison asked a few more questions. They both thanked Ben for his help. Nick and Detective Harrison returned to the scene as Ben drove out of the parking lot. Nick glanced back at Ben as he backed his car up then once more as he pulled out of the parking lot and on to the street. If this had been another time and place, Nick thought then returned his attention to the scene as Sara called his name.

The time flew by as the scene was filmed, searched, bagged, tagged and labeled. Finally Nick could head back to the lab. Hours later he left the lab for home. His mind slipping back to the lucky tall blue eyed, handsome stranger from Pittsburgh. He wished that there was something he could do to give the man a better welcome to Las Vegas then being part of a crime scene but that had to wait until the case was officially closed. Nick smiled as he realized how good it felt to finally notice another man in that way.

***

Ben realized as he drove away from the café that he was still thirsty. He went into the drive up line at the first fast food place he saw. Waiting in line his mind jumped to the call to his friend that had made the move seem like it was going to be easier than he had expected. Now he wasn't so sure.

Ben called a month ago to tell his old college buddy, Kevin that he had accepted the teaching position at UNLV. He had planned on asking Kevin if he could stay at the house when Kevin surprised him with news of a job offer in England. Kevin explained that he wasn't ready to just pack everything up, sell his home and move to England in case it didn't work out so he asked Ben to house-sit for him. Kevin promised that Ben would have at least six months in his house and that he would give Ben at least a month's notice before returning or putting the house up for sale. This made the move to Las Vegas from Pittsburgh very easy for Ben as he didn't have to look for a place live. And now, he really could leave almost all the furniture behind.

Kevin had ended up making a stop over in Pittsburgh on his way to England. He passed the keys and instruction to Ben over dinner. Later that night Ben finished packing the last of his things for the move to Las Vegas. One thing in particular was packed last and with great care. It was the photo album of his life with Michael. It would ride in the car with him.

Ben thoughts traveled over the wild ride of memories as he looked through it for the last time before packing it away. In it were the pictures of their friends and family. Michael had taken great care in putting it together. The beginning had pictures of both of them from childhood into adult years. Next came their meeting then beginning to date. His lover had included notes, cards and other mementos. The years slipped by as he turned the pages, the first Valentine and the t-shirt with the red velvet heart that Michael had gotten him. The first time he had told Michael "I Love You" written out in great detail. Hunter, the wild kid they pulled off the street to become their son. Pictures of Michael and him cuddling and Brian, Michael's best friend, making faces at them. Each page, each moment and event captured only reinforced Ben's need to leave this city behind.

Ben could no longer hold back the tears as his and Michael's life unfolded before him on the pages, the Bike Ride, their wedding and the wild reception that Brian arranged. He continued to turn the pages to the pictures and mementos that marked the birth of Michael's daughter, Jenny. He pulled the album against his chest as his tears flowed freely. Then the memory of a time of pain as they found out the girls had split which lead to the custody fight for Jenny, Hunter's running away and the family cracking apart. Lying the album back down and turning a few pages the explosion at Babylon glare up at him. The fall-out of that event a mixture of emotion as they almost lost Michael but it brought Hunter back to them. The family pulling itself back together. Brain and Justin's almost wedding then the split which ended with Justin going to New York, Hunter's graduation and his leaving for college in San Francisco. Next the loss of Jenny in the car accident, that also took Jenny's mom, Melanie and Gus' mom, Lindsey from them, and the fight to keep Michael and his mom moving past the grief. Gus had gone to live with Brian, his father. Justin returned to help Brian with Gus and also to make a life with Brian, his soul mate. Less then a year later the robbery and murder of Debbie and Michael at the store had almost broken Ben. Their life held in the pages of the album that only started the flood of memories some happy but the bad ones over shadowing them. Finally pulling his wedding band off Ben tied it to the album before he packed them both into the storage case.

As the first anniversary of his loss approached Ben found himself running from the memories to find a new start far from this place that once he had called home. Because now it was just like the empty pages at the back of the album, empty! Two more days and he would be on his way to Las Vegas and a new life.

***

Ben drove out of the parking lot wishing now that he hadn't stopped for a drink at that cafe. He had ended being at the place for almost three hours instead of five minutes. The errands that he had to do before getting to his new home all took longer than he had hoped. By the time he headed for the house it was nearly four o'clock and he still needed to pick up the groceries. Everything that he had done in the last week seemed to take twice as long as planned and now he had only three days left before starting his new job. He hoped that at least that stayed as planned so he could use last year's lesson plans as he was supposed to be teaching the same classes here as he had at Carnegie Mellon University.

Finally at his new home he unloaded the car. After putting the groceries away he sat down to eat his dinner. His mind wandered to Nick Stokes. When he had finished his dinner he called the number on the card getting voicemail, the rich voice instantly bringing to mind the dark eyes and understanding smile, he left his new cell phone number. Most of Ben's things would be delivered in the morning. He had kept very little of the furniture from his old house. There were just too many memories and his friend's house was already filled with furniture.

Ben tossed and turned as he tried to sleep in this new place. His dreams filled with a mixture of Michael and the man he had just met. They twisted and danced as if competing for Ben's attention. Adding to the mix was the last talk with Brain as they had said their goodbyes.

**

Brian walking Ben to the car, "Now, don't forget we're here if you ever need us, only a call away. Ben." Brian placed his hand on Ben's shoulder, his eyes locked with Ben's, "Don't let the past stop you from reaching for the tomorrows. I almost lost Justin because I couldn't let go of the past. And he almost lost me because he was afraid of the tomorrows." Brian dropped his hand and his eyes before he whispered, "Follow your heart, it's usually right." It was almost too low for Ben to hear then Brian continued as Justin and Gus reached his side in a normal voice, "Have a safe trip and call when you get there."

Ben's last sight of Brian, Justin and Gus was that of a happy unconventional family.

**

The next two weeks flew by with getting settled, classes to plan, new roads, stores and just everyday things to adjust to. Detective Harrison had called then came by the college between classes about a week after the incident to ask a few more questions. Ben had been disappointed when the man showed up all alone. He had hoped that the handsome CSI guy would be with him.

Ben walked into locker room at his new gym to find that gorgeous CSI guy changing into street clothes. Ben smiled at Nick who gave him a nod of recognition before pulling on his shirt. Ben's mind raced though a million thoughts before stopping on Brian's last words "don't let the past stop you..follow your heart." Taking a deep breath, he moved towards Nick.

"Hi Mr. Stokes, right?"

Nick smiled and they shook hands, "Yes, and it's Nick." Before he could continue Ben jumped in.

"It's Ben. I, would you like to go for coffee? That is if you don't mind giving me a few minutes to shower and change."

"I don't mind waiting, but how about we make it breakfast?" Nick smiled as he thought 'the case was closed, thank you very much.' "I'll wait for you out front on the benches under the tree." Nick smiled as he watched Ben head into the showers.

"Great, I'll hurry," responded Ben as he turned towards the showers.

Nick smiled as he watched then headed out to wait.

That turned out to be the first of many breakfasts that the two of them shared after their workouts over the next few weeks. That first morning as Nick took his medicine he realized that Ben had him beat in the number of pills that they were popping. After a comment on it Ben explained that he was HIV positive and had been for ten years. Nick replied that his was due to an accident at work but that he was negative. Nick came to look at their breakfasts together as a reward for his keeping to the new stricter workout routine that the doctor had recommended.

Ben had spoken little of his life in Pittsburgh. One of the few things that Nick found out was that Ben had finally removed his wedding band only a few days before he left Pittsburgh after Nick had noticed the pale ring line. And he had added that Michael, his husband had been shot in a robbery almost a year ago.

Nick had sat in front of his locker at the gym for the last fifteen minutes fully dressed before accepting that Ben wasn't going to be there and finally started for his car. Nick waited until he was sitting behind the wheel before calling Ben as he felt the need for privacy. He had hoped that spending some time with his new friend would help him forget what today was.

"Hi Nick," Ben's voice was tightly controlled and on the edge, a mournful sadness creeping through after he finally answered.

"I missed you at the gym. I guess you had to hurry." Before Nick could continue Ben spoke.

"I didn't go today. I'm sorry but I've got to go. Bye."

"Ben, please wait," Nick broke in and continued when he heard Ben's soft sigh letting him know he was still on the line. "Are you okay?" He asked gently, full of concern.

"Nick, later, okay?" Ben was starting to lose control.

"Ben, I'm a good listener, maybe it will help to talk." Nick said in a soothing voice.

"I really just need to be alone." Ben voice lost almost all sound, "anniversary" was all that Nick could make out before the loud, "Bye Nick." And the line went dead

Nick slowly put his cell phone down after closing it. Then he pulled out of the parking lot, not sure at first where he was going. Finally looked at the shopping list then he headed for the department store. He stopped at a little coffee smoothie place for a bit of liquid breakfast on the way. He didn't want to have to much time to think as he had hope Ben would've help in that area. But now not only isn't he here for Nick, it sounded like he needed help also. Nick knew the only thing for him to do was to get and keep busy for the rest of the day.

Nick had shopping to do so off he headed. With his list in hand he walked down aisle after aisle stopping now and then to take something off the shelf. He couldn't get the sound of Ben's voice out of his head and as he walked past the cards, it hit him. Today must be the anniversary of his husband's death. Nick headed straight to the section of sympathy cards. He looked them all over before finding the right card to express his feelings. A few aisles later Nick saw a candy dish shaped like a kiss filled with kissables, the new candy coated chocolate kisses.

Nick's next stop was at Ben's place. He rang the doorbell then stood holding the gift and card. His mind running though what he wanted to say only to go over a new set of words trying to find the right ones.

Ben looked out the peephole and saw that it was Nick. He started to turn away and not answer the door but Brian's last words flashed in his mind, "Don't let the past stop you from reaching for the tomorrows." Ben turned back to the door and as his hand took hold of the knob he took a deep breath. Letting the breath out slowly, he opened the door.

"Hi Nick."

"Hi Ben, I just saw this and thought about how my sisters are always saying that chocolate makes everything better." Nick held the gift and card out for Ben to take.

"Please come in," and Ben stepped back as he motioned Nick into the house.

"Thanks," Nick smiled as he stepped by Ben then continued into the living room where he placed the gift and card on the coffee table.

Both men sat on the couch next to each other, their sides almost touching. Nick could see that Ben was barely keeping it together.

"Ben, I really am a good listener." Nick said quietly, he could feel the emotions raging in Ben.

A few breaths later Ben revealed that today was the first anniversary of Michael's death and continued on into how it had just overwhelmed him. His words just flowed as he revealed the story of his life in Pittsburgh and the events that drove him to leave. Ben voice was starting to crack as he talked.

Nick looked at Ben as he slid forward on the couch. "Water, juice or something stronger?"

It took a moment before the words registered on Ben, "I'm sorry, where are my manners? What would like to drink?"

Nick reached out his hand to Ben, laying it on Ben's hand. "It's okay. You stay here and I'll get it. But what do you want?"

Ben leaned back and half smiled at Nick, "thanks, juice."

Nick returned a few minutes later with two glasses of juice. Ben took a few slips of his before the phone rang.

"Hi Brian," Nick moved as if to get up so that Ben could have privacy but then Ben's hand touched Nick's leg as if to say stay.

Nick sat back on the couch and listened to the one sided conversion.

"I'm not alone. I have a friend here with me."."Hi Justin"."I know, but at least you can handle him."."Okay, bye."."I remember"."Yes Brian, I'm letting go of the past."."It's just, today's hard"."Next time"."no!"."Bye Brian"."Give them all a hug for me."."Bye"

Nick could see the tears in Ben's eyes as he sat the phone down. Nick also could see the weariness that filled Ben's body as he sat on the edge of the couch. Nick had a secret that all at once he felt compelled to tell Ben.

"Ben," Ben closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and turning to look at Nick. When their eyes met Nick continued. "Today is an anniversary for me too. It was one year ago that I was buried alive in a plexiglas coffin. The last hour or so fire ants, hundreds of them crawled into it and bit me. That's why I carry the epi-pen with me. The doctor is afraid of what will happen if an ant bites me again." Ben clasped his friend's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze and then let go of it.

"I know you look like I feel. You haven't really slept in days, have you?" Nick watched as Ben shook his head. "I haven't either, so how about you and I go take a nap. I have two good shoulders and you look like you could use a good cry. I could really use just knowing I'm not alone. Then maybe we both can get some sleep."

Ben stood up and slowly reached his hand out to Nick. They walked down the hall to Ben's bedroom. Kicking off their shoes they climbed on the bed. Nick laid back settling into the pillow and his arm held out for Ben. Ben's head had no more then come to rest on Nick's shoulder when the tears started flowing. Nick pulled Ben in close. His arms held Ben tight against his body, rubbing his friend's back as long as the sobs continued. Nick drifted into a deep sleep as Ben soft breathing lulled him.

It was very late in the evening when Nick woke up. He found that it was himself who was now being held tight and snug against Ben's body. Wondering when and how the change had happen as he slowly twisted out of the embrace. He then moved quickly off the bed and into the bathroom. A smiling Ben passed by Nick as he returned to the bed. He sat on the edge his heart racing as he waited for Ben to return. Ben joined him a few minutes later on the edge of the bed, the sides of their bodies touching.

"How do you feel, you look much better, as good as I feel." Nick smiled at Ben.

"I do feel much better. That's the best sleep I've gotten in a very, very long time. But now I'm hungry, you?" Nick nodded his answer to Ben.

The two men put their shoes back on and headed out. They went to a place that Nick suggested where they ate, played pool then sat and played on the slots for a while as they talked. It was after midnight when they decided it was time to leave. Nick was off for three days but Ben had classes starting at eight o'clock.

They had taken Ben's car and as they approached his home the mood in the car filled with tension. Ben came to a stop, turned off the engine, slipped off his seatbelt and turned to face Nick. Brian's soft words spinning in his mind, "Follow your heart, it usually knows best."

Nick released his seatbelt as he turned towards Ben.

They both leaned into the other, Ben's hand moving up and behind Nick's neck pulling him into a light and tender kiss. Their eyes locked for a breath then closed again as they kissed once more. This time the kiss deepened before they had to part to breathe, and then went back for another. Ben's tongue slid across Nick's lips before sliding in to explore this precious place causing a soft moan to escape from Nick.

"You want to come in?" Ben whispered as he pulled back from Nick.

"Yes, at least for a while." Nick smiled and his eyes sparkle.

Nick followed Ben into the house and passed by him, going into the living room. Ben locked the door then quickly followed after the sexy man that he had just kissed. Nick pulled him into a kiss and they parted only when lungs demanded air. Minutes passed as the kissing consumed them.

Ben was still panting when he finally found the strength to speak, "Nick, if this goes on much longer I'm not going to want to stop with kisses."

"Good, I don't want to stop with kisses! I want to be in your arms, to be in your bed and to have you in me."

"Are you sure? Remember I'm positive.." then continued, ". I do want you."

"You have condoms and we'll be careful." Nick thought for a moment before adding, "You never passed it on before and you won't now."

They returned to the kissing, slowing making their way to the bedroom where clothes went flying. The covers thrown back then the two of them climbed into the bed. They returned to the kissing before Ben started his exploration of Nick's body. Trails of little kisses are left as Ben moved down his new lover's neck and on down his body. Moans telling Ben all the special spots as he continued the exploration. Returning to the firm lips for kisses every few minutes before going back to explore a new area had Nick begging.

Finally Ben reached his lover's cock. He took his time to lavish it with licks and kisses before slipping the condom on claiming it all. Nick bucked then as he continued to suck Nick's cock Ben found the lube and started to play with the treasured hole. He slowly pushed his finger in. Sensing that Nick was getting very close Ben picked up the pace of opening Nick's hole up. Nick came hard as Ben felt that he had him ready. Ben sucked until he felt Nick was spent. He pulled the condom off and dropped into trash can beside the bed then crawled up and kissed Nick's lips.

The kissing continued for a few minutes before Nick whispered, "Ben, please, now, I need you in me."

Ben locked eyes with Nick for a moment then moved back. He put on the condom, added lube then lifted his lover's legs up onto his shoulders. Slowly he pushed into the treasured hole releasing a moan from Nick. Ben set a slow pace, savoring the feel of being in Nick. His lover encouraged him on with a symphony of moans and dirty talk. Ben picked up the pace as felt himself move closer to an orgasm. His hand wrapped around Nick's hard leaking length and pumped it in time with the pounding of his cock. Coming almost as one, Nick's cum flowed over his hand and on to Nick as Ben filled the condom.

The two of them lock in a moment together until their bodies calmed enough for them to move. Light kisses then the soft sounds of loss from Nick as Ben pulled out. Ben's quiet answer that he'd be right back before he headed straight into the bathroom where he checked then disposed of the condom and cleaned himself up. Next he grabbed a second cloth and returned to clean Nick up, throwing the washcloth into the bathroom when done. They curled into each other drifting into a light sleep.

Together they had survived the anniversaries of their traumatic past events to find a hope of a promising tomorrow.