Title: The Note Person
Author: CSI_Nightowl
Pairing: David/?
Rating: PG -13
Warnings: slash, language
Spoilers: mild spoiler for Kiss-Kiss Bang-Bang
Summary: Does David have a secret admirer or is it just a cheap joke.
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the CSI characters.
A/N: This is a little different from my previous stories. Not as much angst ( : Please read and review.

Day one

David Hodges opened the door to the Crime Lab, pissed at the world. Actually not the world, just the idiots that inhabit it. Nothing had gone right today. His alarm clock didn't go off. When he woke up he only had two hours till his shift. As he fixed himself something to eat, he noticed the coffee pot wasn't working. He grabbed a Pepsi out of the fridge and sighed. At least it had caffeine in it. He went to get his newspaper from the porch, only to find that incompetent fool had once again thrown it on the roof. Shit. He didn't have time to read it anyway. He went back in, took a shower and got dressed. It took him ten minutes to find his keys. He really needed to stop throwing them down when he got home. Finally he was driving through the streets of Las Vegas. He had twenty minutes to get to the lab. Plenty of time if this old geezer would get out of his way. Why can't people at least do the speed limit? The woman behind David honked her horn and yelled; like it was David's fault they were barely moving. Idiots! Mercifully, the old guy turned. Finally, he pulled into the lab parking lot, got out of the car and made sure it was locked. He wouldn't put it past some moron to steal a car right out of the lot. As he crossed the lot a car sped past and he had to jump to avoid getting hit. Doesn't anybody know how to drive anymore? He glanced at his watch as he tried to stop the rapid thumping of his heart. At least he'd made it to work on time.

He walked into the break room and poured himself some coffee. He was going to have a crappy day, he knew it.

"Hey Hodges." Nick smiled as he entered the room.

"Nick." David mumbled. Lord, did the Texan have to smile like that? It had a way of making David forget everything else.

"Are you alright? You look as if you're ready to hit someone." There was concern in the CSI's voice.

Did Nick really care? David mentally kicked himself. Nick genuinely cared about people, even him. But it wasn't the kind of caring David wanted it to be. "It's just been a shitty day so far."

"Want to talk about it?"

Come home with me and I'll tell you all about it. David sighed. "No, I have to get to work. No telling how much those jerks from dayshift left for me to do."

"Well, I hope your day gets better, Hodges."

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

David walked over to his desk, which was really a table, and frowned at the note and coin that was laying there.

David,

Here's a penny for your thoughts.

What the hell was this? A joke, a cheap joke. Hmm, has to be Sanders. David just left the note where it was and went to work. It didn't take long till everyone knew about the note. Greg Sanders swore he didn't do it. Grissom suggested he treat it as a piece of evidence. So with his boss' blessing, David ran it though trace and had Jacqui check for prints. Nothing. The only clue, if you could call it that, was that the note had been printed on the printer in the break room. Everybody used that.

"So no leads, huh?" inquired Catherine.

"No, but I know who did it." David glared at Greg.

"Hey man, I didn't do it." Greg insisted once again. "I think you have a secret admirer."

"Who has a secret admirer?" Sara asked as she and Nick walked into the trace lab.

"David does." Greg grinned.

"I do not." David argued.

"I don't know, Hodges." Nick read the note. "Seems like someone is trying to get your attention.

"Well, whoever did it is cheap. I mean a penny? Give me a break." David huffed.

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

Day two

David had pretty much forgotten about the note when he walked into the trace lab and saw another note on his desk. He shook his head as he read it.

David,

You don't need this. You're perfect just the way you are.

On top of the note was a permanent marker. The note was obviously referring to the time Sara and Grissom had caught him trying to hide his gray hair with a marker. Well, at least the marker was more useful then the penny. He thought of checking for prints but decided it was no use. Whoever was doing this had to work here or they wouldn't be able enter the lab so freely. They also had to know his schedule because the dayshift techs swore the note wasn't there when they left. David was still convinced it was a joke, especially after he tried using the marker. It was dried out. Man, this person was cheap.

"I told you it was from a secret admirer." Greg teased.

"Isn't that sweet, you're perfect just the way you are." Catherine smiled as she read the note.

"And cheap." David griped. "I thought the penny was bad but that's nothing compared to a used, dried up marker."

"Aren't you even a little bit curious about this mysterious person." she asked.

"Believe me; I would never date anyone this cheap. I do have my standards."

David complained about how cheap this "note person," as he dubbed them, was to anybody that would listen, knowing that the cheapo would eventually hear him. He didn't care; maybe they would get the hint and leave him alone.

*********

David was in the locker room, getting ready to go home. He heard the door open and turned to see Nick standing at his locker. He looked upset. David wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to go put his arms around the Texan. However, he didn't want a black eye so he resisted the urge. "Nick, you alright?"

Nick barely glanced at David. "It's just been a bad day. I hate cases that involve kids."

"At least you caught the bastard that did it."

"Yeah." Nick nodded. "Hey, I heard you got another note."

"Do people here not have anything else to do besides gossip?"

Nick laughed. "Now, Hodges a secret admirer is a mystery. We solve mysteries; it's our job so you can't expect us not to at least talk about it."

David shook his head. "I bet someone has even gotten a pool going on who it is." The expression on the other man's face was enough to tell him he was right. "So who's the favorite?"

"It's a three way tie right now."

"Really?" David was intrigued. "Who?"

Nick grinned. "Jacqui, Mandy or you."

"Me?"

"Some people think you're doing it yourself." Nick shrugged.

"That's ridiculous. Why would I?"

"I didn't say I believed it."

"So who do you think it is?"

"My money's on Sara."

"Sara? You've got to be kidding. The woman only has eyes for Grissom."

"I'm just giving you my opinion."

"Well, personally I still think it's someone playing a joke." David mumbled.

"I guess only time will tell." Nick closed his locker. "See you tomorrow."

"See you, Nick."

*********

Day three

David walked straight to his desk. Might as well get it over with. There it was. A white daisy lying on top of a piece of paper.

David,

A daisy for you because I know how much you love The Dukes of Hazzard.

He had barely finished reading the note when the door opened and the room filled with his co workers.

"What's it say?" Jacqui asked.

David read the note again.

"Still not much of a clue. Everybody knows you love The Dukes." Sara stated.

"I don't get it. What's a daisy have to do with The Dukes of Hazzard? Archie inquired.

Everybody stared at him like he had two heads. "Man, haven't you ever heard of Daisy Duke?" Greg asked.

"I never saw the show." Archie answered defensively.

"You should all get back to work." David glared.

Everyone left except the CSIs. "We were discussing it" began Sara "We think we should install a security camera in here."

"Absolutely not." David was horrified. He couldn't stand the idea of someone watching him all the time. "Nobody's putting a camera in here so they can spy on me all day."

"A little paranoid there, aren't you." Nick chuckled.

"I don't like people watching me, that's all."

***********

David was in the break room eating lunch with Bobby, Jacqui, Catherine and Warrick. Naturally they were discussing the notes. It had become the hot topic at the lab. David was sick of hearing about it. Not that that stopped anybody.

"What I don't understand" Jacqui said between bites "is how they are getting there without anyone seeing the secret admirer."

"Whoever it is they're good, that's for sure." Catherine admitted.

They all looked up as Greg came stomping through the door. "Nick Stokes has official driven me crazy."

"Short drive." David smirked.

"What did he do?" Bobby laughed as Greg sent David a death glare.

"He played this song over and over on the way to the scene. It was awful. The worst part is now I can't get it out of my head."

They all laughed when Nick came in the room and Greg turned the death glare on him.

"What's up?' Nick asked as he got his lunch out of the refrigerator.

"Greg says you've been torturing him with country music." Bobby chuckled.

"No, no not a variety of country music, just one song." Greg corrected.

"Sorry G, it's just that I hadn't heard that song in a long time. It reminds me of home." Nick offered him some chips.

"What song was it?" David was going to tuck this information away with all the other things he'd learned about Nick over the years.

Nick smiled. "The Yellow Rose of Texas."

"Ugh! Don't even say it." Greg whined. "I'm never getting it out of my head."

"I promise G, next time we go to a scene you can pick the music."

"I'm going to hold you to that. And remember I have witnesses."

Nick glanced at David. "So, figured out who the mysterious lady is yet?"

"Must we keep talking about that?"

"Of course." Jacqui smiled

"I've got a question, Hodges." Warrick stated. "If you could pick, who would you want it to be?"

"I hadn't thought about it." Now that was a lie. David wanted desperately for it to be Nick but he wasn't about to share that with them.

"Sure you haven't." Jacqui winked. She knew about David's feelings for the CSI.

"Why would I want to go out with a cheapskate anyway?" he glared at the woman.

"You haven't had a date in a while so maybe you shouldn't be so picky." she teased.

"Jacqui, keep talking and I swear I'll never speak to you again."

"Cool, show me how to do that Jacqui." Greg grinned.

Ignoring Greg's comment and the chuckles that followed, David threw the rest of his sandwich away and headed back to his lab.

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

Day four

David stood staring at the note on his desk. He'd already read it five times. Could it mean what he thought it meant?

"Hey David, what does it say?" Greg walked in with Jacqui and Archie.

"Is that a bow?" Archie stared at the little blue bow David was holding in his hand.

David just nodded and read the note.

David,

Maybe you preferred Bo or Luke. I sure hope so anyway.

David finished reading and looked up to see the room was once again full of people. Good lord, when had the trace lab become the break room? They should move the coffee pot in here.

"Your secret admirer is a guy?" Warrick and Sara said in unison.

"It would appear so." David nodded.

"How do you feel about that, Hodges?" Catherine asked.

All eyes turned to David as he considered how to answer. Jacqui was the only one that knew he was gay. It wasn't that he planned on hiding it, it was just nobody had ever asked.

"It doesn't matter to me one way or the other; I would never go out with someone this cheap." David finally answered, holding up the bow.

"But David, that wasn't the question." Greg grinned. "Would you date a guy?"

It had been years since David had been ashamed of his sexuality. But knowing Nick would find out bothered him. The Texan would probably hate him and that thought saddened David more then he wanted to admit. Not that they were really friends but at least they had civil conversations.

David sighed. "If you must know, Sanders, I only date men."

Before anyone could say anything, Grissom suggested that they all get back to work.

As they started leaving, David pretended to be busy. He didn't want to see the look of disgust that was most likely on Nick's face.

**********

"Are you ok?" Jacqui asked.

David nodded. "He'll probably never talk to me again except about trace."

She knew that he was talking about Nick. "David, you don't know that for sure. He's a nice guy. Maybe it won't bother him."

"Right and maybe the desert will flood tomorrow."

"Have you seen him?"

"No," he frowned. Sara came in with his evidence earlier. He's already avoiding me."

"I'm sorry. You want me to beat him up for you?" she offered.

David chuckled. "No, the last thing I need is for him to find out how I feel. Promise me you won't do anything."

"Fine, for now I'll let him live but if he insisted on being a jerk about this, he will have to answer to me."

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

David sat in the break room, trying to figure out who was sending him the notes. Now that he thought it was a man he's interest was peaked. Jacqui was right; it had been a long time since his last date. He knew he had to get over Nick. The Texan would never be interested in him but apparently someone else was. Maybe he would give this mysterious man a chance.

David started making a list of the men he worked with.

Ecklie – No, too public, hurt his career
Grissom – No, he would leave bugs
Warrick – No, dates women, he would be more direct too
Nick – No, ladies man, from Texas
Archie – not sure but don't think so
Greg – lord, I hope not
Bobby – doubtful, he was very happy with his partner and even if he liked me he wouldn't be so public about it
Brass – not likely
Ronnie – married, kids, too public
David Phillips – possible, he is kind of shy, he might do something like this

David glanced at his list. He hadn't even scratched the surface. He'd never figure it out. David looked up as the door opened and Nick walked in.

Damn. "Hey." David hoped his voice didn't give away his anxiety.

"Hodges." Nick muttered. He went straight to the coffee pot, poured himself a cup, turned and nearly knocked Jacqui down in his hurry to get out of the room.

"He didn't even smile, Jacqui. He always smiles."

"Maybe he's having a bad day."

He rolled his eyes. "He couldn't get away from me fast enough."

"It's his loss." She put her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, David"

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

Day five

David smiled in spite of himself. There on his desk was another note accompanied by a candy kiss.

David,

I bet your kisses are sweeter than chocolate.

"Oh that's so sweet." Archie teased.

Once again, the lab was full of people. However, David noticed Nick was nowhere to be seen. He knew he should be angry at Nick for acting this way but all he felt was disappointment and sadness.

After discussing the note for a few minutes everybody went back to work. As David processed evidence he thought about Nick. He had wanted to at least be friends with the Texan. Now he knew that wasn't going to happen. He made up his mind. He was going to give this mysterious guy a chance. He was through pining over Nick Stokes.

*******

Jacqui persuaded David to have lunch in the break room. He was trying to avoid Nick as much as the other man was him. Unfortunately, Jacqui rarely took no for an answer. He knew it was a mistake, he just didn't know how big of one it was.

When they got to the break room it was full. On one side of the table sat Bobby, Archie, Warrick and Sara. On the other side sat Catherine, Greg, Grissom and Nick. There were only two empty chairs, one beside Sara, the other beside Nick. As David got his food from the refrigerator, he heard Jacqui pull out a chair and sat down. He didn't have to look to know she'd left the seat by Nick empty.

David thought of standing but the evil woman was on to him.

"David, sat down." Jacqui ordered.

He reluctantly pulled the empty chair out. He hadn't realized how close the chair was to Nick until he sat and his thigh brushed up against the other man's. David felt the man beside him tense.

"Sorry." David moved his chair as much as he could.

"I got to go." Nick jumped up so fast he almost knocked Grissom out of his chair.

Everyone stared at the Texan's odd behavior, everyone but David, who was studying the table.

"Where are you going?" Warrick asked.

"Um, I've got to make a call."

"What the hell's your problem, Nick?" Jacqui stood up and blocked the door.

"Excuse me?"

"I never thought I'd say this to you but you are being a jackass."

"Jacqui let it go." David urged.

"Absolutely not. No one is going to treat you like this and get away with it."

"Listen..." Nick started.

"No, you listen asshole, you might not like the fact that David's gay but you will treat him with the same respect you do the rest of us."

"But…" Nick tried again.

"You know this lab has a tolerance policy. If you like your job you'd better think before you treat him like he's got the plague."

"Jacqui…"

"I don't want to hear any of your excuses. There is no excuse for the way you are behaving. I expected more from you then this, Nick." She moved away from the door. "Now you just run along and make your damn call."

Nick sighed and left the room.

"Did you have to do that?" David asked.

"Yes, I did. I hope the next cheap gift you get is Nick getting the shit beat out of him."

"Jacqui!"

********

It was getting close to the end of the shift. David hadn't seen a glimpse of Nick since the break room incident. He was glad because he didn't think he could handle much more. He sat at his desk looking at the notes and gifts. It struck him that this guy felt the same way about him as he felt about Nick. David suddenly felt bad about all the remarks he made about the guy being cheap. He probably hurt the guy as much as Nick's behavior hurt him. David took a deep breath. If he only knew who it was, he would apologize.

Day six

Bobby Dawson called and asked David to meet him for coffee. It made David wonder if maybe he was the note person. David was worried because he was not going to get involved with someone that was already in a relationship. Besides Bobby and Stan seemed very happy together. It was actually sickening how happy they were, he thought.

He watched Bobby approach the table. How would he handle it if the other man was the note person? Just be nice, David thought and let him down easy. He sighed. Nice was not something he was good at.

"Hi David."

"Hi."

"Sorry I'm late. I had to drop off some papers Stan needed. I swear he is the most forgetful person I've ever met."

"No problem." Ok, mentioning the boyfriend right off is a good sign.

"I guess you're wondering why I asked you to meet me."

Here we go. "You mean it wasn't my pleasant personality?"

"No offense Dave, but not exactly." Bobby laughed. "Actually, I was worried about you."

"How touching."

"I know some people are giving you a hard time since you came out."

"Nothing I haven't dealt with before." David shrugged.

"What about Nick?"

"What about him?"

"Come on David, I know you like him."

"Doesn't everybody?"

Bobby shook his head. "I mean like as in you're attracted to him."

David put his head in his hands and groaned. "Is it that obvious?"

"Not really. But I've caught you staring at him a few times."

"Wonderful. I wonder who else knows." David frowned. "That's it!"

"What's it?" asked a confused Bobby.

"Maybe that's the reason he's been acting the way he has."

"You lost me, Dave."

"Maybe he knows I like him and he's uncomfortable about it."

"Well, maybe." Bobby didn't sound convinced.

"Maybe he's afraid I'll jump him."

Bobby laughed uncontrollably.

"What's so funny?"

"I doubt Nick is afraid of that. I mean he could probably hold you back with one hand." Bobby continued laughing.

"I'm glad you find this so amusing." David sneered. "Now could we talk about something else?"

"Sure, gotten any more notes?"

"No, I wish whoever it is would just reveal himself already." David sighed. "So who do you have money on?"

"Me? Now would I bet on something like that?"

"In a heartbeat."

Bobby grinned. "Actually I thought it was Mandy."

"So now that you know it's a man, who do you think it is?"

"Greg." Bobby answered without hesitation.

David choked on his coffee. "Don't even say that."

They sat and talked for almost an hour then Bobby said he had to go.

"Ok see you at work."

"Hope you have a good weekend." Bobby grinned as he walked out of the coffee shop.

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

David unlocked his front door. Took two steps inside and stopped. He couldn't believe his eyes. There were three large crystal bowls sitting on his coffee table. They were overflowing, one with pennies, one with candy kisses and one with permanent markers. Beside one bowl was a crystal vase. It had daisies with little blue bows tied around each one.

David started moving towards the table. He could see there was something on the floor but he couldn't tell what it was. The closer he got the wider his eyes got. Sitting in the floor were two crystal vases. Each vase had a dozen roses in it. A dozen yellow roses. Yellow roses? Now why did that sound familiar?

David was so intent on figuring it out that at first he didn't realize someone was standing behind him. It didn't take him long to notice though. The person was standing as close as he could without touching David.

Slowly an arm reached around and handed him a single yellow rose. Just as it dawned on David where he had heard yellow roses, the man behind him moved into view.

"Nick!"

"Hi." Nick smiled uncertainly.

The two men stood there staring at each other. David was torn between kissing him and hitting him, between happiness and anger, between hope and disbelief. He wanted to say something clever or smooth. But that's not what came out of his mouth once he finally found his voice.

"This is a joke, right? Let me guess, Warrick and Greg are hiding in the bedroom." Oh yeah real smooth.

Nick's smile faded. "No, David. I promise this isn't a joke. I've never been more serious."

"Why should I believe you after the way you've been acting?"

"I'm sorry. I've been a jerk. If you would just give me a chance, I'll make it up to you."

"If you're the one doing all this" David waved a hand at the coffee table "why have you been avoiding me the last two days?"

"I'm not sure I can explain it." Nick sighed.

David crossed his arms over his chest and glared. "Try."

Nick frowned, knowing his chance with David hung on his next words. "I've wanted to ask you out for a while now but I didn't know, I mean, I've seen you around Mia, so I figured you weren't interested in men. So I decided to um, keep my feelings to myself. But they didn't go away, they just got stronger. That's why I did the whole secret admirer thing. I wanted to see your reaction when you figured out it was a man. I figured you'd freak or something and I could drop it without you knowing it was me."

Nick knew he was doing a lousy job explaining. David's expression hadn't changed. But Nick wasn't about to give up.

"I had been telling myself if I didn't have a chance with you it was because you weren't gay. When I found out you were I got scared. What if you already had someone in your life? What if you just didn't want to go out with me? What if you were angry at me? I saw how it upset you for everybody to find out. I swear David, I never dreamed Greg would out you to the whole damn lab. I'm really sorry.

David took a step closer. "Nick, the only reason I was upset is because I didn't want you to know."

"Why?"

"Why do you think? I know we aren't really friends but I didn't want you to hate me."

"I could never hate you, David."

"But you couldn't get away from me fast enough."

Nick laughed. "You thought it was because I hated you? David, despite all my fears when I walked in and saw you sitting alone in the break room, I knew I had to get out of there before I did something stupid."

"Stupid? Stupid how?"

"Telling you how I felt, kissing you or telling you I was your secret admirer."

"Why would any of those things have been stupid?"

"I wanted to do this right. I've had this planned for a while. I didn't want you to find out it was me at work." Nick stopped and stared as David's words finally registered. "You don't think any of those things would have been stupid? If I had kissed you, you wouldn't have hit me?"

David shrugged. "I guess we'll never know. Now continue.

"I decided avoiding you was the only solution. It was working too until lunch yesterday. When you sat down you were too damn close. I wasn't sure I could control myself. I thought I'd better get the hell out of there before I got fired for jumping a co worker."

David laughed. "So instead you stood there and endured Jacqui's wrath."

"I did try to defend myself but she wouldn't let me. That woman can be scary sometimes."

"Tell me about it."

"David, I didn't realize till then the way my behavior looked. I'm sorry."

"Would you stop saying that?" David moved even closer. "I'm just glad you're here now."

Nick grinned. "Does that mean you'll go out to dinner with me?"

"I'd go anywhere with you." Good lord, he hadn't really said that, had he?

"That's good to know." Nick winked as David turned an interesting shade of red. "I've got reservations at Jerome's at eight."

"Jerome's? Nick, that's too expensive. You don't have to take me there just because I've been calling you cheap all week."

"I'm not." Nick chuckled. "I've had the reservations for two weeks now."

"Really? Pretty sure of yourself, huh?"

"Just optimistic."

Despite everything Nick had said David's insecurity reared its head. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Nick cupped David's face in his hands and softly kissed him. "I've never been more sure of anything. What about you?"

David nodded then put his arms around Nick's neck as they kissed again.

Nick smiled as they pulled apart. "I'd better go."

"Huh? Go?"

"I need to go home and change."

David looked at the other man. He was wearing blue jeans and a solid black t-shirt. "You look fine to me."

Nick grinned. "Thanks but I don't think they would let us in the door if I showed up like this."

That was true; Jerome's had a strict jacket and tie policy. "I guess you're right." David sighed.

"I'll pick you up at 7:30, ok?

"Sounds good."

Nick was almost to his truck when he turned and said "I was right."

"About what?"

"Your kisses are sweeter than chocolate."

David was pacing back and forth in his living room. He hated waiting. He glanced at the clock; fifteen more minutes till Nick arrived. He sighed. He'd been ready for over an hour. He had considered calling Nick and telling him to come on over but that would just be pathetic. He'd just have to be patient.

David hated wearing a suit as much as waiting. Yet here he was in a suit and waiting. Only for Nick, he thought. He straightened his tie for the hundredth time as he thought about the other man. It still didn't seem real. Why would someone like Nick be interested in someone like him? David picked the rose up that the Texan handed him earlier. It was real, it had to be. He saw it in Nick's eyes and felt it when they kissed.

David jumped when his doorbell rung. He told himself to calm down as he opened the door. "Hey."

"Hi." Nick smiled. "I know I'm a little early, hope you don't mind."

"Of course not. Come in."

"Thanks. Wow, you look good."

"You sound surprised."

"No, no I didn't mean it like that. You look good in that suit but you'd look good without it too." Nick felt his face turn red as he realized what he said.

"Really?" David smirked. "I bet you would too."

"Um, maybe we should go.

"Wait. Your tie's crooked."

David walked up and straightened Nick's tie. Then he leaned into the Texan and started peppering kisses on his neck.

"Mm David." Nick moaned

David smiled and started to take off Nick's jacket.

"Dinner, remember?" Nick moved away and put his jacket back on.

"Wouldn't you rather stay here?" David asked disappointed.

Nick sensing that he had somehow hurt the man's feelings tried to smooth it over. "Dave, believe me I'd love to stay but I think we should take things a little bit slower."

David nodded as he picked up his keys. As they started for the door Nick took David's hand and laced their fingers together.

"Are you alright, David?" Nick was worried about his silence.

"I'm fine, Nick. Just thinking."

"Want to share? I've got a penny."

"There you go again being cheap. My thoughts are worth much more then that." He tired to pretend he was insulted but Nick could see the amusement in his eyes.

*******

They were sitting in Jerome's, sipping wine and waiting for their meal. The conversation had lapsed once they had finished critiquing the restaurant and the snooty waiter. David thought he could probably reduce the waiter to a blubbering mess but decided it wasn't a good idea on their first date. Maybe next time.

"I don't understand why you and Jacqui thought I had a problem with you being gay." Nick finally said.

David looked at him in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

"I know how it looked but come on, I've never had a problem with Bobby."

"Yeah well, Bobby's likeable." David shrugged.

"And you aren't, is that what you're saying?"

"I know people think I'm arrogant, rude and a kiss up. No one would ever say that about Bobby." David hoped Nick couldn't tell how much those words hurt, even if they were true.

Nick reached across the table and laid his hand on top of David's. "Dave, I don't think that."

"But you used too." David tried pulling his hand away but Nick wouldn't let him.

"Yeah, when you first came to the lab I did think that. But I know better now. Those are just the walls you put up to keep people at a distance."

"And when did you get your psychology degree?" David asked defensively.

"Tell me I'm wrong." Nick challenged.

David considered getting up and leaving. He knew he was getting upset over nothing. What had Nick done anyway? He was just being honest. David was saved from answering when the food arrived. They ate in silence until he couldn't stand it anymore. So he asked the question he'd wanted to ask for so long now.

"Are you gay?"

Nick almost choked on his food. "What? I won't be here if I wasn't."

"It's just I know about the women you dated."

"I've seen you ogling Mia."

"I never went out with her."

"Fine, you're right. I have dated women."

"Dated? I've heard about Kristy Hopkins." David wanted to take the words back as soon as they came out.

"Are people ever going to forget that? Yes, I slept with her. I wish it hadn't happened but it did."

"I'm sorry Nick. I shouldn't have said anything. It's really none of my business."

"An apology from David Hodges? Wow." Nick smiled.

"You should feel honored."

"Oh, I do. Now to answer your question, yes I am gay. For a long time I've tried to deny it. I've spent most of my life dating women trying to find one that made me feel something. I never did. After everything that happened with Kristy I did a lot of thinking. I realized I'd been denying my attraction to men because I was afraid of what people would think. But I was tired of doing what other people thought was right."

"So you've been dating men since then?"

"Yes. It's right for me. I feel free and alive now." Nick wondered if he'd given David too much information.

"Thank you for explaining it to me. I thought maybe you were just experimenting."

Nick frowned. "David, I wish you had more confidence in yourself and me."

David started to apologize.

"Don't." Nick stopped him. "I don't think I can handle two apologies from you in one day."

"Very funny."

"I try. So is there anything else you want to know?"

David had a lot of questions. "How did you get those notes in the lab without anybody seeing? And how the hell did you get into my house?"

"Bobby." Nick smiled.

"What do you mean Bobby?" David asked puzzled.

"Bobby was my lookout at the lab."

"He's known all this time it was you?" David was stunned.

"Actually, he was the one that pushed me into action."

"How?"

Nick laughed. "Remember when Sara tripped and spilled her coffee all over your shirt?"

"How could I forget. I can still feel it burning."

"Well, if you recall, I was in the locker room when you came to change. I was kind of staring and Bobby walked in and caught me. He told me I should stop staring and ask you out. So when I came up with the secret admirer idea, I asked him to help."

"That man should be an actor. He told me he thought Greg was the note person."

Nick groaned. "Could you stop calling me that?"

"What?"

"The note person." Nick rolled his eyes.

"Ok, how about note guy? Is that better?"

"No, what's wrong with secret admirer?"

"You've got to be joking."

"Fine, I'll just start calling you sugar lips."

"Not if you value your life."

Nick grinned. "I won't if you won't."

"You win. Sugar lips." David shuddered.. "I'd never live that down."

Nick laughed. He could picture Warrick and Greg teasing the man.

David glared. "Back to how you got in my house."

"Well, I sort of pocketed your keys while Bobby was distracting you."

"Stole you mean? Is that why he was going on and on about that stupid bullet?"

"Yes and I didn't steal them." Nick protested. "I put them back after I made a copy of your house key." He took a key out of his pocket and handed it to David. "Sorry, I thought it was better then breaking a window to get in."

"I should have you both arrested." David smirked.

"You could" Nick agreed. "But are you really that upset?"

"No." David admitted. "So Bobby invited me for coffee so you could break in?"

"Well, I'd prefer not to think of it as breaking in but yeah, he did."

"When he called I thought he might be the one leaving the notes."

Nick's smile faded. "I hope you weren't disappointed."

This time, David laid his hand on top of Nick's. "I'm not disappointed. I'm glad it was you."

Nick's face lit up as his smile returned. David though he could sit and look at that smile all night. Unfortunately, the waiter was glaring at them. They wasn't sure if it was because they were holding hands or because they had finished eating and were just sitting there talking. David just glared back at the man. Nick laughed and suggested they go somewhere else before David did something to get them banned from the restaurant forever.

"Do you want to walk to the park?" Nick asked as they were leaving Jerome's. It's about half a block from here."

"Sure."

They walked hand in hand to the park. David was a little shocked that Nick was being so open. The Texan must have been serious when he said he didn't care what other people thought. They ended up sitting on a bench, Nick's arm around David.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but I want to hear that song."

Nick was confused. "What song?"

"The Yellow Rose of Texas."

"You remember the name?"

"Don't you know I hang on every word you say?" David joked.

Nick laughed. "I'll have to remember that."

"You purposely tortured Greg with the song, didn't you?" David smirked.

"I had to figure out a way for you to make the connection between the yellow roses and me. At first, I thought I'd just start humming it but decided that might be too obvious. I knew if I made Greg listen to it repeatedly he'd gripe about it the rest of the day."

"Hey, does he know you are the note person?" Damn he forgot he wasn't going to call Nick that anymore.

"No, sugar lips. Nick chuckled when he heard the other man groan. "Only Bobby knows."

******

"Do you want to come in for a drink?" David asked as the truck stopped in his driveway.

"I'd better not but I'll walk you to the door."

They stood on the front porch as David fumbled to get the key to work. He turned to glare at Nick, who was chuckling.

"Need some help there, Dave?"

"I'm perfectly capable of unlocking the door, thank you."

"Yeah, if you could only get the key in the keyhole."

"Keep it up pal and you won't be getting a goodnight kiss."

"We certainly can't have that." Nick said as he backed David up against the door and started kissing him.

The need for oxygen finally made Nick break the kiss. He leaned his forehead against David's and gazed into those gorgeous blue eyes. He could get lost in those eyes. Especially the way they looked now, full of happiness and desire. He also thought he saw love in those eyes but he wondered if that was only wishful thinking.

"Let's go inside." David suggested.

"I can't" Nick frowned as he saw the happiness in those eyes fade. "I'm sorry."

"Sure, no problem." David turned and opened the door. "See you at work."

"David, wait. It's not that I don't want too cause believe me I do."

"Whatever." David shrugged like it didn't matter to him. He had been kidding himself thinking Nick could truly be interested. He should know better by now.

Nick grabbed David's hands to keep him from going inside. "I want this to be about more than sex. I want to have a relationship with you. It's been my experience that moving to fast can kill a relationship before it starts. I want us to last, David. I hope that's what you want too."

David slowly smiled. "You, Nicholas Stokes, are a hopeless romantic."

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"Well, just to let you know, I'm not. However, I have a feeling you are romantic enough for both of us."

"I'd better go before I change my mind and jump you right here." Nick sighed.

"So much for romance." David teased.

"I had fun tonight."

"Me too. Thanks for dinner."

"I was wondering if you wanted to go on a picnic tomorrow. I know this great place on the outskirts of town."

"Sounds good."

"I'll pick you up at 11:30, if that's ok." Nick gave him one last kiss. "Goodnight, David."

"Goodnight, Nick."

David stood and watched till Nick's truck was out of sight. Once it was he went inside his house. He sat down on the couch and thought about what Nick had said. He wondered if it could really last. Probably not. Nick would get tired of him just like all the others had. He resolved to just enjoy it while it lasted even though he knew his heart would be broken in the end.

*********

Day 7

The place Nick picked for their picnic was beautiful. It overlooked the city and he told David the view at night was spectacular. Nick put a blanket down and started taking out the food. David laughed at all the food the man had brought. There was ham, bologna, turkey, apples, grapes, oranges, four different kinds of chips, iced tea, soda and beer.

"Guess it's true. Texans do everything big." David smirked.

"I wasn't sure what you liked." Nick grinned sheepishly. "What do you usually take on a picnic?"

David shrugged. "This is the first picnic I've been on."

Nick was stunned. "You've never been on one? Not even as a kid?"

David shook his head as he started fixing himself a sandwich.

********

They had finished eating and were sitting side by side talking. They talked about work, their families, jobs they had before coming to Vegas. Nick noticed most things David would easily talk about but when it came to L.A. he tended to be vague. Nick wanted to know what had happened there but was afraid to push it. He figured David would tell him when he was ready.

"Nick."

"Yeah?"

"I think I owe you an apology."

"What for?"

"Yesterday. I practically threw myself at you not once but twice. You must think I'm horrible. It's just that I've never really had a relationship that wasn't based on sex." David explained. "I figured if we had sex you would want to be with me longer."

"David, look at me."

David slowly met Nick's eyes.

"First of all, I don't think you're horrible. You've obviously had some bad experiences before but I'm not like those jerks. I'm here because I care about you. I care about you a lot and you don't need to use sex to keep me interested. I hope you believe me."

Staring into Nick's eyes David knew that he was telling the truth. The man was unlike anyone he'd known before. "I do believe you."

Nick smiled and started to kiss him but David stopped him.

"Question."

"Yes?"

"Exactly how long does is this no sex policy going to last?"

"Not very long, I'm afraid."

"Thank god." David smiled.

Day 8

David opened the locker room door and found Nick sitting on a bench.

"Morning, Nick."

Nick looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Dave."

"May I ask what you are doing?"

"I'm hiding."

"Hiding? From who?"

"Who do you think?" Nick gave him an irritated look. "Jacqui. I've been at the lab ten minutes and have already had two encounters with her."

"Nick, you deal with murderers on a daily basis. It alarms me a little that you would be trembling in fear of Jacqui Franco."

"I am not trembling in fear." Nick stated indignantly.

David smirked. "Maybe not but you are hiding from her."

Nick glared. "I thought you would have called her off by now."

"I wasn't sure if you wanted me to tell anyone." David frowned.

Nick was about to answer when the door opened and Catherine and Jacqui walked in. From the seriousness on the two men's faces the women thought they had walked in on an argument.

"Is he harassing you, David?" Jacqui asked.

David had to pretend to be searching for something in his locker to keep from laughing at Nick's expression. "No, Jacqui, everything's fine."

"Just fine." Nick agreed as he almost ran out the door.

"Jerk!" Jacqui called after him.

"Would you ease up?" David barely concealed his amusement. "You have the poor man scared to death."

"Poor man, my ass." She mumbled.

David shook his head and started to the break room. Even if Nick didn't want the lab knowing, they would have to tell Jacqui before she hurt the man.

"Whoa, is Hodges smiling?" Warrick joked as David poured himself some coffee.

"Have a good weekend?" Bobby asked.

"Yes." David gave him a ‘you're in so much trouble' look. Bobby just grinned.

"Did you get another note?" Sara guessed.

"I have a feeling I won't be getting any more."

"How would you know that unless…"

"Unless you know who it is." Jacqui finished Sara's sentence.

David just sipped his coffee.

"Man, you've got to tell us." Archie insisted.

"Yeah, how we going to know who won the bet if you don't?" Greg asked.

David rolled his eyes. "If and when he wants to tell you, you'll find out."

Nick came into the room in time to see his boyfriend getting glares from everybody. "Damn David, what did you do now?"

"He won't tell us who the note person is?" Greg frowned.

Everybody was so intend on David that they missed the fact that Nick had called the man by his first name.

"Why not?" the Texan asked.

"I thought he might not want to be outed."

"Don't you think that if he cared about that he wouldn't have done something so public?" Nick asked.

Jacqui glared at Nick. "Well, maybe he saw what a jerk some people can be."

"Jacqui, Nick's already apologized for his behavior. I've accepted the apology and it's time to move on."

"What? How could you?" she was bewildered. "You hate bigotry."

"I said drop it." David was starting to get angry.

"Can you at least tell us how you found out who it was?" Catherine asked trying to calm everyone down.

"He gave me flowers." David was surprised to realize Nick was now standing beside him.

"You figured it out from the flowers?"

David hesitated till he saw Nick nod his head slightly. "Yeah, they were yellow roses."

Greg moaned. "Don't say yellow roses. It reminds me of that god awful song that…. Nick! Nick is the note person?"

They all stared as Nick draped his arm around David and grinned. "Very good, Greggo."

After the initial shock passed, Grissom cleared his throat and suggested it was time to start working.

They were leaving the break room when Greg said "Wait. Who won, Bobby?"

David stared at Bobby and Nick. "Tell me you didn't. They will kill you."

They both laughed. "Of course we didn't. I bet on Mandy and Nick bet on Sara.

"Didn't what?"

"You knew it was Nick?" Jacqui glared at Bobby.

"Yeah."

"So who won?" Greg repeated.

"There was only one person that bet on Nick." Bobby answered.

"Who was it?" Nick was curious.

Bobby motioned towards the CSI still standing in the break room. "Catherine."

"How did you know?" Nick asked.

"The second note was so sweet. It sounded like something you would say. Besides I know love when I see it." She laughed as both men blushed.

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

Nick looked at the text message.

Please come to the print lab when you have some free time. Jacqui

He wondered if this was a good or bad sign. He wasn't busy so he headed to the lab.

"You wanted to see me?"

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything."

"I'm just waiting for some DNA results."

"I owe you an apology." Jacqui said.

"What's going on?" David demanded as he entered the lab. When he saw Nick in the print lab he rushed over hoping to stop another argument.

"I was getting ready to apologize to Nick."

"Jacqui, you don't owe me an apology. I didn't mean for my behavior to upset David. I'm just glad he has a friend that stands up for him."

"And I'm glad he has you."

"He is in the room." David interrupted. "I'm glad you made up cause all that tension was driving me crazy."

"Short drive." Nick and Jacqui said at the same time.

"That is only funny when I say it." David huffed.

******

"Dave." Nick called as he saw the man walking through the lab.

David stopped and waited for him to catch up.

"Are you done for the day?"

"Yeah, I just have to give these results to Warrick." David replied.

"Good. I'm finished too. Want to go grab breakfast?"

"Nick, I've been fielding questions about us all day. I think I've had enough for one day."

Nick smiled. "I wasn't asking you to come with the team. I meant just you and me."

"I think they plan on following us." David sighed as he noticed they were being watched.

"I'll shoot them if they do." Nick said loud enough for half the lab to hear.

"Let's go then."

"What about the results?"

"Oh yeah." David couldn't believe he'd forgotten. "I'll meet you in five minutes."

********

Day 9

David was having a hard time wrapping his mind around it. He had fantasized about this for years. Now, here he was in Nick's bed with the man's arms wrapped around him. It was so much better then he ever dreamed.

"Dave."

"Yeah, Nick?"

"Remember when I told you that I was looking for someone that made me feel something?"

"Yes."

"I've finally found him."

David looked up into his lover's eyes and smiled as he saw the sincerity in them.