Title: Night Before Chirstmas
By: Fran Holland
Pairing: Gil/Nick

"Aren't you going to put up a Christmas tree?" Nick asked.

Gil looked up from the Crossword puzzle he was working on. "No."

Nick cocked his head and shifted on the couch. He was lying with his head on one end, his feet on Gil's lap. "Why not?"

Gil smiled slightly at the younger man sprawled on his couch. "Because, I don't really had a reason to have a tree. My last real Christmas was when I was in college. I came home to celebrate the holiday with my mother. I've lived alone for close to thirty years and haven't felt the need to have a tree."

"Oh." Nick went back to the Sports Illustrated he had been thumbing through. Gil, assuming that the subject was closed, went back to his puzzle. Between filling in the puzzle, Gil's hand would skim over Nick's calves and feet.

Nick stared blankly at the picture of the bright red box with white ribbon advertising some sporting goods store. He hadn't missed a Christmas with his family in eight years. His very first Christmas in Las Vegas, he'd had to work because he was low man on the totem pole. Since that year, he had made sure he saved his vacation time so he could go home. This year, he volunteered to work on Christmas Day because Gil was working too. His parents had been disappointed, but they understood that work comes first. He hadn't told them about the volunteering part, just that he had to work.

Yesterday, he had gotten a large box from his mom. Since it was two weeks until Christmas, he hadn't expected his Christmas presents to arrive that soon. In fact, his were still in shopping bags, thrown haphazardly around his house. But when he opened the box, he saw boxes and boxes of ornaments, garland and all the other things needed to decorate a tree. Taped to the inside flap of the box was a note from his mother.

'Nick,

Even though you can't be home for Christmas, you can still have a tree. Go out and buy a nice, little tree and remember that your family loves you and you'll be in our hearts on Christmas Day. I love you.

Mom
XOX'

He had planned on going tree shopping after work this morning, but Gil asked him over for breakfast. One thing had led to another, like always, and after breakfast, they had wound up in bed. Afterwards, they slept. Now, it was six o'clock and they were waiting for their Chinese food to be delivered. He knew he wouldn't have enough time to pick up a tree tonight, so it would have to be after work tomorrow.

Out of the corner of his eye, Gil had watched Nick stare at one page of his magazine for the last five minutes. Then he watched as Nick glanced at his watch.

"Nicky?"

Nick started and looked up. "What?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing." Nick replied. Nick tried very hard to keep their relationship casual. He wasn't about to talk about Christmas, gifts and anything else that would insinuate that he wanted more out of their arrangement.

A little over three months ago, over breakfast, Gil had accidentally brushed up against Nick's thigh and it was like an electric shock for both men. Nick had gotten an embarrassing erection and Gil had gotten tongue-tied. They had gone home separately and for a few days pretended nothing happened. Then Gil had showed up on Nick's doorstep and to this day, neither could tell which one made the first move. The sex was incredible and they had a very good friendship. Nick spent the night on occasion, but they still retained their own lives.

Nick's feelings for Gil had grown. He wasn't sure if he was in love, but he knew that he wanted to be around Gil all the time.

Gil put down his puzzle and pen on the end table and removed his reading glasses. His hand moved up to rest on Nick's knee. "I know you are thinking about something, so why don't you just tell me."

Nick hesitated, weighing each word before speaking. "I was just wondering...if you wanted...if we were...."

"You are wondering if I want to spend Christmas with you." Gil looked down at him fondly.

"How...how did you know?" Nick's teeth came out to bite on his lower lip. Gil knew that was Nick's way of showing his was nervous or scared.

"Nicky, sometimes you are pretty transparent. You come from a large family that loves to spend time together. You have traditional holidays, and traditional values." Gil patted Nick's thigh. "Since you aren't going home this year, I assumed you would want to spend Christmas with me."

Nick didn't like the way that sounded. Was he transparent? And Gil had said nothing about wanting to spend the holidays with him, only that Nick wanted to spend it with Gil. Nick suddenly swung his legs off the couch and glanced at this watch.

"The food should be here any time now. Then I guess I go home and shower before work."

Gil sensed that Nick was upset, but for the life of him, he could not understand why.

Later that night, Catherine had popped her head into Gil's office. "Hey, what's up?"

Gil looked over his glasses at her and said, "Nothing. Just busy. Have Nick and Warrick gotten back from their scene yet?"

"Nope." Catherine walked further into the office. "So, what did you do to Nick?"

"Huh?" Gil actually looked startled by the question and Catherine took pity on him.

"Nick hasn't been himself tonight. Usually, around this time of year, he's always smiling, wishing everyone a 'Merry Christmas', you know, just being Nick. Tonight, he's withdrawn and he looks upset. I assumed you would know what was going on. Did you have a fight?"

"Why did you assume I did something to Nick? And in answer to your question, even though it's none of your business, we did not have a fight."

"So, what's going on then?"

"I don't know, he started talking about Christmas trees and the next thing I know, he's tense and won't talk to me."

Catherine sat down on the couch in Gil's office and tucked her feet under her. "Tell me the whole conversation, don't leave anything out."

Gil repeated the conversation verbatim and prayed silently that Catherine could make some sense out of Nick's behavior. The last thing he ever intended was to hurt or upset Nick. Nick was the best thing that ever happened to him. He even thought that he was falling in love with the younger man.

"You told him he was transparent? Jesus, Gil, sometimes you are so socially inept. I'm sure Nick thinks that you really don't care if you spend Christmas together or not."

"How do you get that out of what was said? Of course, I want to spend Christmas with him, I want to spend every waking moment with him, but I don't want to come on too strong. He's 14 years younger than me, Catherine. One day, he's going to find someone younger and more exciting than me and he's going to move on." Gil paused and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.

"I don't want him to stay around out of a sense of duty. If I let him see my real feelings for him, he'd stay forever. That's how Nick is and I won't tie him down in a relationship with someone like me."

"God, men are so dense." Catherine sat up straight. "Can't you see how he feels about you? This is Nick we are talking about. He wears his heart on his sleeve and anyone in their right mind can see that he loves you. Really loves you. This isn't a simple affair for Nick. This is the real deal."

"Okay, Dear Abby, how can I be sure? How can I let him know how much he means to me without driving him away?" Gil said sarcastically.

"Open up, Gil." Catherine said, as she stood up. "I know you've been alone for a long time, but it's time for you to let your emotions out in the open. Hopefully, this is your first Christmas of many with Nick. Start by making your own traditions with each other. Today, after work, go pick out a tree. Go shopping for ornaments. Do what normal couples do."

Catherine walked over to him and before he could react, she kissed his cheek. "Nick is the best thing that ever happened to you, don't blow this."

Gil sat quietly at his desk, ignoring the files in front of him, until he heard Nick's voice in the hallway. He pushed his chair back and taking a deep breath, went to find Nick and really start their life together.

Nick and Warrick had gone into the trace lab, and Gil followed them inside. Nick couldn't help but smile at his lover, even though he was still hurt by Gil's words from earlier.

"How did it go?" Gil asked the two men, referring to their drive by shooting case.

Warrick answered, "No witnesses. We're just waiting on the autopsy."

Nick nodded in agreement, but otherwise remained quiet.

"Nick, when you get a break, could you come to my office. Please?" The last word was a question and both Warrick and Nick were shocked. After Gil turned and left, Warrick turned to Nick.

"So, what's that all about? Grissom never says 'please', ya know?"

"Who knows?" Nick murmured. "I'd better go find out though."

Nick walked slowly down the hall. Gil had had a strange expression on his face, if Nick didn't know better; he'd swear that Gil was nervous.

He paused at the door of Gil's office. Gil was once again, elbow deep in paperwork. Nick took a few seconds to observe his lover. Gil didn't know it, but his reading glasses were a big turn-on for Nick. Sometimes, like now, Gil would move his lips as he read. Nick thought back to the previous morning and the way Gil's lips had moved over his chest and stomach. Nick shook his head to clear the erotic thoughts. It wouldn't do for him to enter Gil's office with an erection.

"You wanted to see me?" Nick asked.

"Yes, Nicky. Shut the door and come sit down."

Nick did as he was told and waited nervously for the bad news that was sure to be coming. Gil looked so uncomfortable that Nick knew it must be bad. Maybe he was going to tell Nick that their relationship had to end. Nick felt the sweat on his palms.

"I think we should go get a tree after work today and then maybe go over to that big outlet mall and find some ornaments for our first Christmas."

"What?" Nick's voice came out like a squeak.

Gil just gave him a slight smile and a shoulder shrug.

Nick's face lit up and he grinned. "You mean it?"

"Yeah." Gil replied, his own smile broadening in response to Nick's. Gil felt a rush of warmth, knowing that he had put that grin on Nick's face.

"Now, go back to work and I'll meet you in the locker room at 8:00."

Nick stood up and did something that both men had agreed was against the rules when they first started seeing each other. He leaned across the desk and kissed Gil right on the mouth. It was a quick peck, but it sent an electric shock up Gil's spine.

Nick backed away and grinned widely as he turned and left Gil's office. Gil's finger came up and touched his lips. In the few months they had been together, they had shared their fair share of kisses, most of them very heated, but that simple kiss made Gil feel that there was definitely a chance for a future with Nick. He grinned to himself and glanced at his watch, wishing the minutes would go by faster.

Gil was already in the locker room when Nick got there. Gil's hair was still wet, so Nick knew he had taken a shower. After greeting his lover, Nick grabbed a towel and headed for the shower himself. Less than twenty minutes later, they were in Gil's Denali and headed out of the parking lot.

"So, where's the best place to get a tree?" Gil asked.

"I haven't bought one in a long time, but I've seen a place over near the hospital that has bunches of them."

"Should we get the tree first or do our shopping first?" Gil was new to all this, so he was unsure about what people did in preparation for Christmas.

"I think we should do our shopping first, because we are going to have to tie the tree on the luggage rack and I don't want to risk it being stolen while we are shopping."

"Good idea." Gil turned on the radio and the sounds of Christmas music filled the vehicle. Nick hummed along with the music while Gil drove them quickly to the east side of town where a huge outlet mall had been built in the last year.

The parking lot was packed and Gil mentally groaned when he thought of the crowds that were sure to be inside. After finding a parking space several yards away from the front doors, the men got out and Gil locked the doors. Nick opened the glass entry doors and the sounds of Christmas music and crowds came blaring out. Nick turned to look at Gil and noticed that Gil didn't appear to mind.

Gil was in people watching mode. He had never been one to go shopping, especially at someplace like a mall, but he found the hubbub intriguing. He allowed Nick to lead the way through the crowds until they arrived at a hobby and craft store.

"These places usually have lots of cool ornaments. Mom and I went to one a couple of years ago and found some awesome glass horses for the tree in the den and some hand blown glass balls for the one in the front hall."

"Nick, just how many trees does your family have?" Concern etched Gil's face at the thought of Nick's large family Christmases. How could he compete with the Stokes family holidays?

"Let's see, one in the den, one in the front hall, one in the formal living room, one in the study, a small one in the barn and a small one on the upstairs landing. Six."

Gil took a deep breath. "Are you going to be happy with just one?"

Nick turned to look at the other man. "Of course, because it will be ours."

The sincere look in Nick's face was all that Gil needed. He grabbed Nick's hand and laced his fingers through Nick's and pulled him inside the store. Once they found the aisle of ornaments, they were both like kids in a candy store. Soon, their small shopping basket had to be traded in on a shopping cart.

"Nick, look at this." Gil held up a dragonfly made of twisted wires and beads.

"Cool." Nick took the ornament and placed it carefully in the cart with the rest of their stuff. Nick had already found a glass ladybug and a wooden butterfly that he had put in the cart without Gil's knowledge.

Gil and Nick finished their ornament shopping about fifteen minutes later, then they moved on to the next aisle where they found shelves and shelves of stockings, tree skirts, garland and lights. Pretty soon, their cart was full and both men were in need of food and drink. After a short spat at the checkout line, Gil finally winning the battle and paying with his credit card. Nick was still muttering about how he should at least pay half, when Gil finally turned to him and whispered in his ear.

"Nick, quit whining and complaining or Santa won't visit."

Nick laughed out loud and then they took their huge bags to the Denali and stowed them in the back. After stopping at a drive-thru for a couple of burgers, they headed for the grocery store. They bought eggnog, a small turkey breast; all the things needed for an intimate Christmas dinner, plus other necessities. Nick paid for the groceries and they added those bags to the ones already in the SUV.

Nick pointed excitedly at the large lot of Christmas trees in an empty area next to the hospital. Before Gil could cut off the engine, Nick had bounded out of the truck and was already looking at the rows of trees before Gil caught up with him. They played a game of who could pick the best tree and by the time both of them agreed on a seven-foot blue spruce, they both had red noses and cheeks from the cold air.

Strapping it to the roof of the SUV wasn't that difficult and soon they were on their way to Gil's townhouse.

"Gil?" Nick had been quiet since they had gotten the tree.

"Hummm?" Gil glanced over at Nick.

"Thank you."

"For what?" Gil asked, his brows knitted together.

"For all this." His hands motioned towards the back of the SUV where all the bags were piled up.

"My pleasure, Nick." Gil reached over and placed his hand on Nick's thigh. They rode in silence, each deep in their own thoughts.

Nick had been surprised at Gil's invitation to go shopping and buy a tree. When Gil had taken his hand at the mall, he had been shocked. Gil had never been into public displays of affection, not even when he was seeing Sara. He wondered what had gotten into Gil, not that he minded, he enjoyed being around Gil at any time and in any way he could get him, but today was special.

Gil kept sneaking glances at Nick. Today had been special. Watching Nick's face light up at each new ornament they found or hearing him laugh when they found the stockings with cowboys in Santa hats, each little smile had brought Gil closer to the realization that he loved Nick Stokes. Now, he just had to make sure that his feelings were returned.

It took them several trips to unload the Denali and they left the tree for last. Nick set up the tree stand and filled it with water and then they carefully untied the tree and managed to get it off the top of the SUV without putting their eyes out with the branches. After a few choice words from Gil, and several nasty words from Nick, they had the tree in the stand.

They stood back to admire their handiwork and Gil casually put his arm around Nick's waist. He leaned over and nuzzled Nick's neck and whispered, "Let's go get some sleep and we can decorate when we get up."

Nick was a bit disappointed when he realized that Gil has spoken literally about getting some sleep. He had assumed that they would have sex, but Gil had put on some sleep pants and after brushing his teeth and giving Nick a chaste kiss on the cheek, he had turned and fallen right to sleep.

Nick watched the rise and fall of Gil's chest until he too, fell into a deep sleep. Gil woke first and watched his lover sleep for a short time before slipping quietly out of bed and into the bathroom. He showered, trimmed his beard and dressed before coming back into the bedroom. Nick was still asleep and Gil decided to let him rest while he fixed some dinner for the two of them.

Gil had the pork chops in the oven staying warm and was finishing making the salad when Nick came down the stairs. Gil noticed that he had a crease on the side of his face from the pillow and his hair was standing on end. Dressed only in a pair of boxer briefs, he was the sexiest man Gil has ever seen.

"Sleep okay?" Gil asked.

"Yeah." Nick said sleepily. He moved over to where Gil was putting the salad into two bowls. He wrapped his arms around Gil's waist and pushed his chest into Gil's back. Gil felt Nick's erection nudging against his ass.

"Hungry?" Gil said softly.

"For you." Nick replied. Gil put down the knife he had been holding and turned to face Nick. He reached down and ran his fingertips over Nick's hard cock in the tight briefs. He could see the outline of Nick's nine inches and he felt his own cock harden. Nick knelt at Gil's feet and tugged on Gil's zipper. Once it was down, he pulled Gil's pants down and Gil kicked off his shoes and reached down to remove his socks. His pants wound up on the floor next to his shoes and socks and he stood in front of Nick in just his shirt. He looked into Nick's beautiful brown eyes as he unbuttoned his shirt. Once it was off, he pulled on his nipples as Nick took him into his mouth. Gil groaned and leaned back onto the counter. Gil let his head fall back and gave in to the rush of sensations, Nick's mouth on his cock, one of his own hand on his hard nipple and his other hand tangled in Nick's hair.

Gil had been amazed the first time Nick had given him head. He had always enjoyed doing it for his past male lovers, but Nick got into it so much that on one occasion, he had an orgasm without any stimulation other than his mouth on Gil's cock.

Nick was greedily sucking Gil's cock, pausing on occasion to lick and kiss Gil's balls. Gil was panting and he felt his balls begin to draw up.

"Nicky, God, I'm going to come." Gil's knees almost buckled and he would have fallen but his hands were gripping the countertop so hard that he managed to stay on his feet. He watched as Nick gripped the base of his cock and pumped the cum into his open mouth, letting the thick semen spray on his tongue and face. The sight was erotic as hell to Gil, since usually Nick kept his lips locked around Gil's cock and swallowed it all. This was something different. Gil pulled Nick to his feet and kissed him, tasting himself and feeling the sticky substance on his own face.

"That was incredible." Gil managed to say at last.

"So, you liked the visual?" Nick said with a sly smile.

"Definitely." Gil returned the smile. "What brought that on? You've never done that before."

"Just wanted to do something special."

Gil pulled his lover closer and felt Nick's erection pushing against his now flaccid penis.

"Uhm, I need to take care of you now." Gil's hand dipped down into Nick's briefs and wrapped around his cock and let his thumb rub over the slick slit. "I want you to fuck me, Nick."

Nick stared at Gil intensely for a few seconds. "Are you sure?" In the whole time they had been together, Nick was always the bottom. He didn't mind at all, he loved the feeling of Gil's cock in his ass, but the thought of him pushing his cock into Gil made him weak with need.

"I'm sure. I want you inside me." Gil took one of Nick's hands and brought it to his ass. Nick took the hint and began to rub his fingers along the cleft of Gil's ass. When his fingers brushed across Gil's entrance, Gil moaned and leaned into Nick.

"How do you want this?" Nick asked, kissing Gil softly.

"Right here. Right now."

"I've got to go upstairs and get a condom and some lubricant." Nick made to break away from their embrace, but Gil held on.

"No condom, Nick." Their eyes locked in mutual understanding. This was about trust and Gil just gave Nick the best present he had ever had. Nick's mouth came down hard on Gil's and Gil opened for Nick's tongue.

"Gil, I don't know what to say." Nick said between hot passionate kisses.

"Just fuck me."

Nick stepped back and slipped his briefs down his legs. They wound up kicked on top of the pile of Gil's clothes. Gil turned around and braced his elbows on the counter. Nick rubbed his hands up and down Gil's flanks. Nick suddenly remembered lubricant, he really did not want to ruin the moment, but knew he had no choice. Then he saw the bottle of olive oil by the stove. He stretched his arm over and grabbed it. Uncapping it, Nick poured a generous amount into his hand.

Gil felt the warm slickness of Nick's fingers and closed his eyes. It had been a very long time since Gil had trusted someone enough to allow himself to be penetrated. He trusted Nick. In fact, he trusted Nick with his life. Realizing that, at this moment in time, Gil knew he wanted to spend eternity with Nick Stokes.

Nick eased his finger into Gil and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Very much so." Came Gil's whispered reply.

Nick smiled and moved his finger slowly in and out. He could feel Gil's muscles relaxing.

Nick leaned over so his chest was pressed onto Gil's back. "I want you so much." He whispered. Gently, he eased his finger out and gripped the base of his cock. He slid his hand up and down the shaft a few times to get it slick and then pressed the head against Gil's puckered entrance.

"Nicky....Oh, God...." Gil pushed his hips back and he felt the head of Nick's cock slip past the tight muscles.

"Jesus, Gil...So tight....so fucking tight." Nick pushed a bit more, easing himself deeper into his lover. When Nick eased the last inch of his cock into Gil, his hips stilled and his hands moved over Gil's back, gently massaging the tense muscles. Gil loved the feeling of Nick's hands on his skin and he felt his muscles relaxing. The intense feeling of fullness was pleasurable and he rocked forward and back, showing his lover that he was ready for more.

Nick rolled his hips in a steady rhythm, gradually quickening his pace until both men were panting heavily.

"God, Nicky." Gil reached around and gripped the base of his cock and he felt another orgasm building. "I'm going to come again."

Nick's hands moved to Gil's shoulders and he thrust into Gil, hard and deep. He felt Gil's muscles tighten around his cock and his own orgasm ripped through him. He cried out the same time that Gil grunted and shot his cum onto the cabinet.

It took several minutes before Nick could move enough to pull out of Gil. Gil wanted nothing more than to sink down onto the floor and rest, but figured that he might not be able to get up for awhile. He turned and melted into Nick's arms. Nick's lips moved along Gil's shoulders and up his neck.

"If you don't stop, we'll never eat dinner." Gil murmured.

He felt Nick's lips smile against his neck. "I made you come. Twice."

Gil chuckled. "Proud of yourself, aren't you?"

"Yep." Nick laughed. He pulled back and moved his hands over Gil's ass in a gentle caress and then without warning, he smacked Gil's left cheek.

"Ow." Gil jerked.

"Finish my dinner, so we can decorate." Nick tried to sound forceful, but his smile betrayed him.

"Yes, Master." Gil went along with the game. Looking down at himself and then over at the cabinet, he grimaced. "Maybe I should clean up first."

Nick followed his gaze and saw the splash of Gil's semen on the cabinet. He tried and failed to stop the laughter.

"You go and take a quick shower, while I clean up the kitchen and finish dinner." Nick said, pulling on his briefs.

"Good idea." Gil pick up his clothing and headed for the stairs.

Nick grabbed some paper towels and the spray cleaner. Humming to himself, he cleaned up the remnants of their sex and then washed his hands. He finished the salad and was taking the pork chops out of the pan when he realized that he hadn't stopped smiling since Gil had gone upstairs.

The table was set and the food was served when Gil jogged down the stairs ten minutes later. He gave Nick a quick kiss and they began to eat. Gil asked Nick to talk about his childhood Christmas' and he was soon laughing as Nick described his childhood escapades.

After they finished eating, Gil offered to do the dishes while Nick went and took his shower. When Nick made his way downstairs again, Gil was sitting on the couch staring at the tree.

"Not much to it right now." Nick said.

"It's a beautiful tree, Nick." Gil stood up and wrapped his arms around his younger lover.

"Come on, we've only got a few hours to decorate before work." Nick kissed Gil quickly on the lips and grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the pile of shopping bags they had left on the living room floor earlier. Soon both men were on the floor sorting through ornaments and decorations.

"Damn." Nick said abruptly.

"What?" Gil asked, looking up from the ladybug ornament that Nick had picked out.

"I have a box of stuff that my mom sent at my house."

"Presents?"

"No. Decorations. She wanted me to have a good Christmas even though I wouldn't be home."

Gil looked at his watch. "Well, look, there is no way we could get all this done tonight anyway. Let's just put the lights on and we'll finish it in the morning."

Nick looked at the chaos that surrounded them. Bags, ornaments, garlands and all matter of assorted decorations were strewn about on the floor.

"Are you sure you don't mind leaving all this mess around?"

"It's okay. Come on, I'll take you to your place to pick up a change of clothes."

Nick jumped to his feet and pulled Gil up. They locked up Gil's townhouse and Gil got behind the wheel of the Denali. Nick slid into the seat next to him and they were soon on their way to Nick's house.

Gil waited on the couch watching the Discovery channel while Nick dressed and packed a bag for the next day. On the way out, Nick grabbed the box from his mother. He stashed his bag and the box in the back seat of Gil's SUV and climbed in. Gil smiled at him and started the ignition. Nick rested his arm across the back of the seat so he could run his fingers through the gray curls.

"I need a haircut." Gil said, loving the feeling of Nick's fingers.

"You're fine. I like it like this." Nick tugged a bit on a curl. "Makes it easier to run my fingers through it."

Before long, they pulled into the parking lot of the crime lab. Catherine met them at the front door. "You're late."

Gil looked down at his watch. "Actually, I'm ten minutes early."

"I meant that you are late for you. You are usually an hour early." Catherine looked at Nick. "You are corrupting our boss, you've made him human." She grinned and kissed Nick on the cheek. "Thank you."

"I've always thought that I was human." Gil mumbled under his breath. Nick and Catherine were still laughing as they walked through the glass door into the lab.

Nick and Catherine worked a decomp out in the desert most of the shift, while Gil, Warrick and Greg investigated a serial rapist.

Catherine walked up to Nick while he was photographing the scene and startled him by asking, "Do you really love him, Nick?"

Nick let the camera down to hang by its strap and turned away from the glare of the large lights illuminating the scene. Giving her a shy smile, he nodded.

"Yes. Very much."

"Have you told him?"

"No, I don't want to put pressure on him, ya know?"

"Nicky, he loves you. You love him. Why are men so stupid sometimes?"

"Hey, we aren't stupid." At her look, Nick shrugged. "Okay, so sometimes we're stupid, but I'm not sure that Gil loves me and I'm not willing to take the risk of spilling my guts. Gil has a great sense of responsibility for all of us, and he'd avoid hurting me at all costs. I just can't tell him, Cath. It's complicated."

"Men." Catherine turned and walked back to David, who was bagging what was left of the body.

Nick finished his photographs and assisted Catherine with collecting the rest of the evidence. On the way back to the lab, Nick looked over at Catherine.

"Cath? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Nicky." Catherine glanced over at him.

"What makes you think that Gil loves me?"

Catherine continued to watch the road, but smiled. "Because I've known Gil Grissom for close to thirteen years and I've never seen him this way. He smiles more often. He's more relaxed than I've ever seen him. You want to know the biggest reason I know he loves you?"

"Yeah." Nick had turned in the seat, so he was facing her.

"When he looks at you, I can see it in his eyes."

Nick felt his face heat and knew he was blushing. "Maybe that's just lust."

"Too much information." She laughed.

Everyone was busy for the rest of the shift, so time went by quickly. Gil sought Nick out in the Trace Lab right before the end of the shift.

"I've got to pick up something at the post office before I head home. Why don't you just meet me there about nine?"

"Sure thing, Griss." Nick went right back to work.

When Gil pulled into his parking space, Nick's truck was already there. He picked up the large box on the passenger seat and slammed the door of the SUV. Nick was sitting on the step by his front door. He stood as Gil walked towards him.

Once inside, Nick sat the box from his mother down on the coffee table. Gil sat his box on the dining room table. Looking around at the decorations strewn through the entire room, Gil laughed. "Where do we begin?"

"Easy. We've already got the lights on, next we do the garland and put on the ornaments last."

Nick pulled open the flaps of his box and began removing tissue paper wrapped ornaments one by one. There was a Dallas Cowboys ornament, a brass ornament in the shape of Texas, and a few more cute ornaments that made Nick and Gil smile. Under the ornaments was a handmade tree skirt with a note attached.

Nick, Maria made this for you. Don't forget to write her a thank you note. Love, Mom.

"Who's Maria?" Gil asked, carefully running his hands over the obviously hand appliquéd tree skirt depicting the first Christmas.

"She's our housekeeper, cook and nanny. She's like my second mother."

Sometimes Gil forgot just how wealthy the Stokes family was. He gently placed the tree skirt on the couch and peered down into the box. The only thing left was a gaily-wrapped package. He pulled it out and handed it to Nick.

"You have a present for under the tree."

Nick took the box from Gil and read the tag. His mouth dropped open. The tag read: To Nick and Gil. From Mom and Dad.

"Wow. I don't understand how they...." His voice trailed off, as he showed Gil the tag.

Gil raised his eyebrows. "Did you tell them that we were...you know...seeing each other?"

"No. I told them several years ago that I thought I was bisexual, and they were fine with that, but I can't figure out how they knew about you."

"Strange." Gil said quietly.

Nick put the box down on the couch next to the tree skirt and began to wrap garland around the tree. Gil watched him pensively for a few seconds before joining him. Soon, the package was forgotten as they argued good-naturedly about where to put the ornaments. It took over an hour to get the tree exactly the way they wanted it and when the last ornament was put on the tree, they stood back and admired their work.

"It's beautiful, Nick."

"Yes, it is." Nick agreed.

Nick knelt down and wrapped the tree skirt around the base of the tree and placed the package from his mother on it.

Standing up, he smiled at Gil. "Come on, I'm tired, let's go to bed."

"How tired?" Gil said, smacking Nick on his butt.

"Never that tired." Nick grinned and grabbed Gil's hand, pulling him up the stairs to the bedroom.

After undressing, Gil looked down at Nick who was already sprawled across the bed. Seeing his lover's body laid out before him made Gil's cock twitch and he rubbed his hands over it.

"Mmmm. You look good enough to eat." Nick said, touching his own hard cock.

Gil knelt down on the bed and arranged himself so that his cock was near Nick's head and his head was near Nick's cock. He lifted himself up and took Nick into his mouth. Nick murmured Gil's name and his hips bucked. Gil's blue eyes twinkled at his lover's reaction. When Nick returned the favor though, Gil was the one moaning. Nick gripped Gil's hips and shifted so that Gil was on top. He felt Nick's finger rubbing softly over his hole and he pushed back into it.

Nick was busy swirling his tongue around the head of Gil's cock, but when Gil pushed back on his finger, he released it and ran his tongue over Gil's tight entrance. He licked and pushed until the muscle relaxed and ardently began tongue-fucking Gil.

Gil closed his eyes and moaned around the cock in his mouth. The vibration felt wonderful to Nick and he felt his balls tighten. He didn't want to come yet, so he pulled himself out of Gil's mouth and flipped Gil over.

"Not yet." He panted, squeezing the base of his shaft tightly. Gil raised his eyebrows and smiled.

"Why not?"

"I just want it to last longer." Nick leaned over to the nightstand and opened the drawer. He reached inside and pulled out a tube of lubricant and a narrow vibrator. Gil's lips twitched as he remembered the last time they had played with the toy. He wondered what Nick had in mind.

Nick sat up on his knees and popped the cap on the lubricant. He slicked up the toy and used his slick fingers to push into Gil's hole.

"Fuck me with it, Nicky."

Nick loved it when Gil talked dirty. It really turned him on, so he did what Gil asked. Slowly, he inserted the vibrator into Gil's tight entrance and flicked the switch, turning it on. With his other hand, he began stroking Gil's cock.

"God, that feels so good." Gil's hips moved up and down in time with the motion of Nick's hands. Nick moved the vibrator in and out slowly, he really wanted to draw out Gil's pleasure.

Gil could only handle the slow pace for a few minutes. "Faster, Nicky. Please."

Nick gave him an evil grin and released Gil's cock, but quickened his other hand. Soon, Gil was grunting with each thrust. Nick watched his lover's face and knew he was close, so with his free hand he began to stroke himself in rhythm with the thrusts into Gil. Gil's back arched up and Nick watched in fascination as Gil came onto his belly and chest.

Nick's own orgasm ripped through him and his cum joined Gil's.

Once his breathing slowed enough so he could speak, Gil said, "I think I need a shower."

"You just hang out and I'll go start it." Nick stood too quickly and his weak knees caused him to sit back on the bed. Grinning, Gil said, "Maybe I should be the one starting the shower."

"Funny." Nick stood slower this time and headed for the bathroom.

Gil sighed and eased off the bed, grimacing as the cooling semen slid down his belly.

"Shower's hot." Nick called out just as Gil reached the bathroom door.

Thirty minutes later, both men were sound asleep.

Nick woke before the alarm and watched Gil sleep for a few minutes before easing himself out of bed. Grabbing his shaving kit out of his bag, he brushed his teeth and headed downstairs. He found his keys and cell phone where he left them that morning and flopped down on the couch.

Finding his parents' number in his address book, he punched the button. It rang three times before Maria picked up.

"Stokes residence."

"Maria, it's Nick."

"My Nicholas. How are you?"

"I'm doing great. The tree skirt was beautiful, Maria. I loved it."

"I'm glad. I wish you were coming home for Christmas, it won't be the same around here without you."

"I miss you."

"I miss you too, Bambino." There was a muffled noise and Maria voice came over the phone again.

"Your mother is threatening me if I don't hand her the phone. She mistreats me."

Nick laughed, picturing his two favorite women wrestling over the phone.

"Hello, Baby Boy."

"Hi, Mom."

"Did you get my package?"

"Sure did, in fact, that's what I want to talk to you about."

"Oh?" Nick grinned at her innocent tone.

"How long have you known?"

"Sweetheart, it was obvious how he felt when you...when you were kidnapped." Nick knew his mother still had a hard time talking about that time of his life.

"And while you were in the hospital, you called out to him several times in your sleep. Your father and I just put two and two together. I knew it would be a matter of time before you two became an item. It's really taken you long enough, it was two years ago. I lost the bet with your father."

Nick almost choked. "You and Dad had a bet on it? Jesus, Mom."

"Nicholas, do not take the Lord's name in vain."

"Sorry, Mom, but really. This is so embarrassing. So, how did you know we were finally together?"

"Every time you've called lately it's Gil this and Gil that. So, I called Catherine and asked her."

"Oh my God. You called Catherine. Mom." Nick banged his head against the back of the couch.

"Next time I see you, I'm washing your mouth out with soap. Better yet, I'll just tell Maria that you have gotten into the bad habit of using the Lord's name in vain."

"No, Mom. Please. I'll be good, just don't tell Maria."

His mother laughed.

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Sweetheart. Now, call us on Christmas morning. I want to know if you and Gil like the gift. Speaking of gifts, what did you get him?"

"I got him a cool book on South American insects, this cool model of a scorpion, a few CD's of classical guitar music, a couple of new shirts." He left out the x-rated DVD and the silk boxers with little spiders all over them. Some things he just couldn't share with his mother.

"I'm sure he'll love those. I mailed your gifts from us and your sisters yesterday."

"Thanks, Mom. I'm mailing everyone's tomorrow." Nick heard footsteps on the stairs. "Gotta go, Mom. I'll talk to you on Christmas day. Oh, I almost forgot...tell Maria if she loves me she'll send me some of her pecan cookies."

"I'll tell her. Bye, Honey."

"Bye, Mom." Nick clicked his phone shut and looked up at Gil standing beside him.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself. How's your family?"

"Everyone's fine." Nick stood up and kissed Gil briefly on the mouth before heading into the kitchen. He started the coffee maker and got down two mugs.

"Hungry?" Gil asked, opening the refrigerator and peering inside.

"Hell yeah." Nick said with a grin.

"Of course you are, you're always hungry." Gil shut the refrigerator and turned towards Nick.

"I'm a growing boy."

"Uh huh." Gil reached over and grabbed Nick's hand, pulling him close. Nuzzling his mouth against Nick's neck, he murmured, "Nothing in the fridge, if this growing boy wants to eat, we'll need to shower and dress."

"Can we shower together to save water?"

Gil chuckled. "The last time we showered together, we drained the hot water heater."

"So, what's your point?" Nick teased.

Gil shook his head at his younger lover. "Come on, let's go shower. I'm starving."

The next few days passed quickly, work was busy since nothing brought out criminals like the Christmas holidays. Between work, Christmas parties and preparing for their own little celebration, the two men didn't have a lot of time for each other.

Both men were scheduled to work Christmas Eve, but both had Christmas night off. Nick was looking forward to spending some alone time with Gil and he was excited about their first Christmas together.

He had received the large box from his family yesterday and it was currently in the back of his SUV. He hadn't been over to Gil's place in a few days, so he hadn't had the chance to put the gifts under the tree. His gifts to Gil were already under the tree. He had been nosy and while Gil had been in the shower, he had found one present under the tree from Gil. It was a very small box and he felt like a child again as he shook it. It hadn't made any noise. Disappointed, he put the box back.

Being observant and a crime scene investigator, Gil had noticed that the small box was not in the same place as before and he grinned at himself. He really got a kick out of Nick's excitement about the upcoming holiday. It was a good thing that he had hidden Nick's other presents.

The morning of Christmas Eve, after their shift, Gil took Nick out to a nice breakfast and then back to his place for bed. After showering, they both crawled into bed and were soon in a deep sleep.

Gil woke first and slipped out of bed. Shutting the bedroom door behind him, he went to his office and unlocked the file cabinet. He pulled out the packages that Catherine had wrapped for him and tiptoed down the stairs. Arranging the gifts towards the back of the tree, he stood and went into the kitchen to start their meal.

Nick came downstairs about 45 minutes later and headed straight for the refrigerator. Grabbing a Coke, he popped the top and took a long drink.

"Sleep well?" Gil asked as he drained the pasta.

"Yeah." He walked over and looked into the pan on the stove. Chicken and diced vegetables were sautéing in the pan in a creamy white sauce. It smelled heavenly and Nick's stomach growled.

Gil smirked at him. "It'll be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you get the plates and silverware out?"

The dinner was terrific and their conversation flowed. After they cleaned the kitchen, Gil suggested that they ride around some before work. Nick looked at him quizzically. Gil just wasn't the type to joyride.

They showered and dressed for work. Once they were downstairs again, Gil grabbed his keys while Nick looked around for his keys and cell phone.

"You know, if you put your things in one place each time, you wouldn't lose them." Gil said dryly, watching Nick turning over cushions on the couch.

Nick looked up and gave him a scathing look. "I have special place at home. Here, it's just different."

Giving up on the couch, Nick turned in a circle and looked around the room.

"Ah Ha" Nick said, as he went over to the bookshelf where Gil kept his stereo. Plucking up his keys and cell phone, he turned and headed towards the front door.

"Coming?" Nick said, trying not to grin.

"One of these days...." Gil muttered. He swatted Nick's ass as they headed towards the Denali. Gil started the ignition and pulled out onto the street. Nick played with the radio dials until he found his favorite country station. They were playing Christmas songs and he sang along as Gil eased onto the strip. Traffic was bad, but soon they were turning into a large parking lot.

"Gil, why are we at the zoo?"

"They are having a Christmas light show tonight."

"Really? Cool." Nick unbuckled his seatbelt. "You know, I've never been to the Vegas Zoo."

"You're kidding."

"Nope." Nick followed Gil towards the ticket booth. There was a small line, mostly families with small children.

"Gee Dad, can we go see the elephants?" Nick teased.

"Watch it, or I'll tell Santa you've been a bad boy."

A small boy looked up at Nick. "You better be good, Mister. Santa knows if you've been naughty.

Gil laughed out loud as Nick blushed a nice shade of pink. "Yeah, Nick, he knows if you've been naughty."

Once inside the gate, Nick looked around. "Hey, this is cool." Each enclosure had tiny white lights around it. There was a strolling trio of musicians strolling around playing Christmas songs and all the zoo workers were wearing Santa hats.

Gil loved the way Nick looked. He was grinning and pulling Gil from place to place with shouts of "Oh, look at this."

Two hours later, Gil glanced at his watch and told Nick that it was almost time for work. Nick carried a rolled up poster of tropical birds and Gil was carrying a bag with a stuffed tarantula tucked safely inside.

Arriving at the crime lab, they followed the sound of laughter to the break room. Several of the lab rats, Warrick and Greg were all drinking eggnog. Greg was wearing an elf hat and had a spring of mistletoe hung on a wire over his head. Gil shook his head and left Nick while he went to get their assignments.

The shift turned out to be a long one, and since Gil had to stay and finish up some paperwork, Nick decided to hang around and wait. Ecklie strode up to him.

"Stokes. Why are you still here?"

"I...uh...I have to talk to Grissom about something." Nick lied.

"Yeah, right." Ecklie muttered and walked away.

Nick made a face at the man's retreating back.

"One day he's going to turn around and catch you doing that." Gil's voice startled Nick.

Nick just smiled and shrugged. "You ready to go?"

"Yes."

Once they were in the parking lot, they went their separate ways to their vehicles. Nick arrived first and was already out of the SUV and waiting patiently by Gil's front door. Gil hopped out of his SUV and jogged up the sidewalk. Kissing Nick briefly, he unlocked the door.

Gil went straight to the coffeemaker. Nick looked at the presents under the tree and back at Gil.

"Uhm, Gil?"

Gil looked up from measuring out the coffee. "Yes."

"We have to open presents now."

"It'll just take a few minutes to get coffee going and fix some breakfast." He turned towards the sink and filled the carafe up with water.

"No, we're going to do the presents first."

Gil turned and looked at Nick again. The younger man was almost trembling with excitement.

"Okay, no breakfast, but at least let me get the coffee going." Seeing Nick's look of frustration, he added, "Please."

"Okay, but hurry."

Gil smiled and finished his task. Seeing Nick this excited was endearing. He couldn't resist teasing him some more.

"Coffee's made, just let me run upstairs and change."

"No." Nick barked. When he noticed Gil's grin, he just shook his head.

Gil walked over to Nick and wrapped his arms around him. "Merry Christmas, Nicky."

Nick kissed Gil softly on the lips. "Merry Christmas."

"I'm taking a wild guess here that you want to unwrap your presents."

"Duh." Nick smirked and sat down on the floor. Gil sat on the edge of the couch closest to the tree and Nick.

Nick picked up a package and looked at the tag. "Me." He sat it behind him and picked up another one. "Me."

After the sixth 'Me', Gil laughed. "I think I'm seeing a pattern here."

"Not my fault I have a big family."

"Me. Me. You. Me. Us."

Five minutes later, all the packages had been distributed. "Okay, you go first."

Gil looked down and picked up a bright red package. It wasn't very heavy. He slowly untaped each end and carefully unwrapped the paper. "Gil, just unwrap the damn thing. You're taking forever."

"Patience is a virtue."

"Not on Christmas morning."

"Nicky, this is very nice." Gil looked down at the large book on South American insects. He couldn't wait to look through it.

"My turn." Nick said. He picked up a package and read the tag. "Natalie. She's the oldest." Inside the box was a beautiful pair of cowboy boots. "Cool, she remembered."

Gil smiled at the look of pleasure on Nick's face.

It took Nick about twenty minutes to unwrap all the presents from his family and Gil shook his head at the pile of clothing, pictures, books, CDs and other assorted things.

Gil opened his next present and smiled at Nick. The two CDs of classical guitar music were placed on top of the book by his side. He watched Nick out of the corner of his eyes. Nick looked disappointed because the only presents left under the tree where from Nick to Gil and the one from Nick's mother. Gil hid his smile. Nick's presents were still locked away. He had even removed the small package that Nick had already seen.

Gil opened up the next box and couldn't wait to get started on the wooden model of a scorpion. Nick handed him his next gift, still trying to hide his frustration with his obvious lack of presents from Gil.

Gil loved the shirts and actually blushed at the silk boxers and then laughed out loud at the X-rated DVD. "Cowboy Up? I think we may have to watch this very soon."

Nick grinned weakly. "Glad you like it."

Nick picked up the small box from his mother and started to open it, but Gil's voice stopped him.

"Let's do that one last."

"This is the last one."

Gil stood up. "No, there are others, I just have to go and retrieve them from their locked hiding place."

Nick looked at Gil with his mouth agape. "Locked?"

Gil reached down and ran his fingers across Nick's cheek. "Nicky, I really didn't trust you not to shake the boxes."

Nick could here Gil's chuckles as he went up the stairs. Nick leaned back against the couch, stretching his legs out in front of him and waited for Gil to return.

It didn't take long at all and soon Nick heard Gil's footsteps on the stairs. He turned and saw the large, cardboard box in Gil's hands. Gil walked up to him and sat the box between Nick's outstretched legs. Then he lowered himself to the floor so he could watch.

Nick leaned forward and peered into the box. It was full of packages wrapped in colorful Christmas paper. Picking up the small one on top that he recognized, he began to open it, but Gil laid his hand over Nick's. "I want that one to be that last that you open."

Nick nodded and sat the box down next to him. He reached into the box and pulled out another package. Unwrapping it quickly, Nick gasped. It was a WII with all the extra gadgets.

"Gil, this is too much. How did you know I wanted one of these?"

"I talked to Catherine. She was in the room when you told Greg that you were going to buy yourself one for your birthday. Now, open the green one next."

Nick picked up the green one and ripped it open. He gasped. "Wow." He grinned at Gil. He held up the three WII games. "Okay, how did you know about these?"

"I told Greg that I needed to buy a present for a friend's son and asked them what they recommended."

"You're sneaky." Nick laughed. He reached in the box and pulled out another gift. This one held an IPod. Nick looked up at Gil with a smile. "This is so cool, I've been wanting one."

"I know, you mentioned it last month."

"And you remembered?"

"Nicky, I remember every word that comes out of that sweet mouth of yours." Gil smiled when Nick blushed.

There was only one gift left in the box and Nick picked it up. It was small and flat, he opened it quickly and his mouth dropped open. He could not speak for a few seconds. "Oh, God, Grissom. This is too much. How did you get these?"

Nick held two tickets to the Super Bowl 2008.

"I know you are a Dallas fan, but I thought you would want to go to a Super Bowl and since it's close this year." Gil shrugged his shoulders. "I can arrange for you and Warrick to have the time off."

"Warrick? But what about you?" Nick asked softly.

"Nicky, you know I don't like football. I got those from a friend with the thought of you and Warrick having some time together. I know that since we've been seeing each other, you and Warrick haven't had to much time with each other."

Nick pushed the now empty box aside and crawled over to Gil. He wrapped his arms around Gil and held on. Gil placed one hand on the back of Nick's head and one at his waist and closed his eyes. They held each other for a long time, both wrapped up in their own thoughts until finally, Gil whispered. "You have one box left."

Nick sat back on his heels and smiled. "I can't believe you did all this." Nick's hands encompassed the pile of gifts from Gil.

Gil just smiled. "Go on, open the last one."

Nick picked up the small box and opened it. Under a layer of cotton was a sterling silver key chain and a key.

"What's this?" Nick held it up. The key chain was engraved with Nick's initials.

"The key to my house. And I guess you could say that it's the key to my heart also."

Nick clasped the key chain in his fist tightly. "I love you, Gil."

"I love you too, Nicky. More than life itself."

Nick was visibly trembling and Gil pulled him close. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just...I've just waited so long..."

Gil wrapped his hand around Nick's fist. "This key means that I want you to live with me. If it's too soon, that's okay, I just want you to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I want that too."

"Hey, enough of this emotional stuff, you need to call your family. We also have a Christmas meal to prepare later today, so we need some rest.

Nick grinned and moved to stand up. It was then that he saw the box from his mother. "We have one more gift to open." He reached over and picked it up. Turning it over and over in his hands, he looked up at Gil. "You open it."

Gil took the offered gift. He tore off the pretty paper and opened the box. Gil looked up at Nick. "I don't believe this."

He turned the box and showed Nick what was inside. Nick gasped. He reached in and took out the picture. He remembered that day, but who had taken the picture? He thought back.

"Catherine must have taken it, she was the only one there besides you, me and Brass."

"Mom said she had talked to Catherine..." Nick gazed down at the picture again. It was an 8x10 in a beautifully carved wooden frame. They had been on a scene last month; the picture had been snapped after the scene had been processed. Nick had been leaning on the back of Gil's Denali and Gil had walked up and rest his hands on either side of Nick's face and his forehead rested on Nick's. Nick was smiling up at something Gil had said. They thought no one had been around.

There was also an envelope in the box. Nick peeled back the flap and looked inside. He pulled out two handwritten letters and a pair of plane tickets to Dallas. He looked up at Gil who shrugged his shoulders.

Nick laid the tickets on the coffee table and unfolded one of the letters. "It's to you."

He handed the letter to Gil and unfolded the other. "This one's to me."

Gil sat on the couch and got his reading glasses off of the end table. He began to read silently.

Dear Gil,

I will never be able to repay you for finding our son and bringing him back to us. You are a good man, I realized that the moment I met you. My son loves you, I can see it in his eyes and I hear it in his voice every time he says your name. I truly believe that you are the best thing to happen to him. He can be impulsive, stubborn and prone to get into trouble, but you balance him. Our son means the world to us and I just wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to the family. I have enclosed two tickets to Dallas, they are open, all you have to do is book the dates. Being his supervisor, maybe you can schedule a three-day weekend soon, the rest of the family really wants to meet you. His father and I want you to take care of our son, keep him safe and out of trouble, but mostly, just love him.

Love,

Gillian

He finished reading the letter, and then read it again. Finally, he looked up at Nick and gave him a gentle smile.

Nick looked at him quizzically. "So, what did it say?"

Gil folded the letter carefully. "Read your own, this one is private between me and your mother."

"Come on, tell me what she said."

"No."

Nick huffed, but knew by his tone that Gil was giving in on this. He unfolded his own letter.

Dear Nick,

Your father and I love you very much and we are both so proud of you. We are also glad that you have finally met someone that can make you happy. I'm going to give you the same advice that I gave your sisters and your brother when they married. Never go to bed angry, always kiss each other hello and goodbye, act like grownups and finally, fight fair. The rest of the family wants to meet Gil, so I've enclosed the tickets for you both to come home for a weekend soon. Take care of yourself.

Love,

Mom

Nick wiped a bit of moisture from his eyes and folded his letter. He went over to the hall table and picked up his phone. A few seconds later, his mother picked up.

"Merry Christmas, Mom."

"Merry Christmas, Sweetheart. How are you? Did Gil like his gifts? Tell him that the one from the family should be arriving tomorrow, it was backordered. I just don't want him to think that he was snubbed. What did he get you? Have you tried on your clothes, we saved the receipts just in case they didn't fit."

Nick laughed. "Mom, slow down. Gil and I are fine. We had a nice Christmas and Gil did like his gifts. I'll tell him about the gift. You won't believe what he got me. A WII and some cool games, tickets to the Super Bowl. Can you believe it? And an IPod. And a silver key chain. I haven't tried on the clothes yet, but I'm sure they will fit."

"Those are some very nice gifts, Nicky. Oh, here, your father wants to speak to you."

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Baby. Here's your father."

Thirty minutes had gone by when Nick finally finished talking to his father and all his siblings and even some of his nieces and nephews.

Gil just sat there and listened in amusement. He was a bit envious at the obvious closeness of the Stokes family.

When Nick snapped his phone closed, he reached out his hand to Gil. "Come on, let's go to bed."

Gil allowed Nick to pull him up from the couch and lead him up the stairs to the bedroom.

"Let's take a hot shower." Nick suggested. The two men made quick work of the stairs and were soon in the shower. Gil washed Nick slowly, running his strong hands up and down the well-toned body. After Nick was soaped from head to toe, Gil poured a liberal amount of Nick's favorite shampoo into his hand and washed Nick's dark hair. Nick's head was thrown back and he was so relaxed, he felt he could sleep standing right there. The movements of Gil's hands were not sexual in any way, Nick just felt loved. Once he rinsed all the soap and shampoo down the drain, he turned and gently kissed Gil.

"I love you, Gil Grissom."

"I love you too, Nicky. I think I always will."

Nick was soon returning the favor and once Gil was clean, and the water was quickly cooling, they got out and dried themselves before sliding into bed. Gil mused briefly before falling into sleep that he never slept in the nude unless Nick was here with him. He supposed that he would be sleeping in the buff for years to come.

Nick watched his lover slowly drift off to sleep and smiled. He knew that this relationship would last and was so happy that his parents and family accepted him for who he was. His eyes drifted shut and soon he was in a deep sleep next to his lover.

THE END