Title: Picking Up The Pieces
Author: Susie
Author Email: Susie41694@Aol.com
Fandom: CSI: Vegas
Pairing: Greg/Jim
Rating: FRAO - Adults only
Summary: This AU was started in answer to a challenge by Shanyles posted a very long time ago. In this AU Nick is not a member of the unit but is an ex-hustler that Gil bought home with him one night then kept. The first story is Trouble Lane, and the next is Knight in Armor. Now another moment for Greg and Jim as we find out how they got together.
Permission to Archive: Yes to WWOMB,CKOS, anyone else please asks.

Picking Up The Pieces

Block Bar was very different from most bars in Las Vegas. It was the hangout for a mixed crowd. These were the type of people that lived by the saying Live and Let Live. And as long as you weren't hurting someone no one really cared what your life style was. Or paid much attention to who was dancing with whom as long as the clothes stayed on in the bar. The crowd at night could really party and the only issue was that everyone had a good safe time. The day crowd was much the same way just a little quieter and most worked the night shift somewhere.

It had pool tables, darts and a dance area to one side of the building. And the other side had a bar island in the center. One half of the room had booths and the other side tables. The end with tables had a counter that ran around the walls with video slots machines set in to them so you could eat and drink but still play. The menu was limited but the food was good.

Greg sat in a back booth downing his second, no, his third drink. His life in the last 24 hours had gone from great to the shits and he could only blame himself for it. Like so many times before he had headed for this place. Here he could drink until he found someone to pickup or until he was ready to go home. He knew the bartender would make sure he didn't drive as he had handed her his keys on the way in. The regulars all knew the routine here. If you wanted to get really drunk the keys were given to the bartender then when time to go she would call a taxi if you needed a ride.

Greg thoughts where lost in reliving the events that had sent him here to get drunk. First was the mistake of thinking it would be okay to use the bathroom at the club. He had thought it was cleared and that had caused him to fail the CSI test. But still Grissom had made him continue with mapping the scene out.

Next when they finally did get back to the lab and he had checked in all the evidence instead of heading for home he had walked into Grissom's office. He had told Grissom that it wasn't fair. The people on the day shift get real training as in a class room when they moved from the lab to the field. But all he got was some online classes and manuals. He didn't even get assign to single trainer but was passed around the unit, adding that he probably won't even get another try. By the time he had stopped talking he had called his boss a dozen names and slammed the office door.

Greg had headed straight out the door, jumped into his car and drove to the bar. He headed straight for the back booth throwing his keys at Sandy, the bartender, on his way.

Jim Brass stood by the bar looking around the room for Greg. Gil had called him worried that the kid would do something stupid. Gil and Jim both knew of this bar and had themselves sought it out many times. Three things had told Jim that he would find Greg here. The first was Greg's key chain when you sign up for the special care package that they offer you are given a numbered tag for your keychain. Second was he had seen the worst of "the club scene". And last was Greg's car parked outside. Jim spotted him finally and headed for the booth carrying two drinks.

"Hi Greg, can I join you?" Jim was trying to sound like nothing was wrong.

"Sure anyone with a drink for me can sit here as long as they keep filling up the glass and don't ask me questions."

"So it's a time to get drunk then. Did you turn in your keys?"

"How do you know? I never noticed you here before?"

"Maybe that's because you were on the other side, dancing or play the games. I've noticed you before and I saw the tag on your key chain."

"Did Mr. Grissom send you here to take the dumb kid home?"

"Yea, Gil called. He was worried about you. He said that you were upset about work. I told him I would see if you wanted to talk if I could find you, besides my shift wasn't exactly that smooth either."

Greg waved for more drinks having already down that one. "Oh?"

The waitress winked at Jim as she sat his 7up down then place the vodka down in front of Greg.

"I was written up for something I did yesterday so I had to sign the paper and listen to the lecture before heading out to the field. Next I'm watching Gil and you. That doesn't exactly make for a great shift."

"I guess if I'm lucky I'll get to stay in the lab."

"You're not being fair to Gil. He told me you left before he could say anything. He will give you another chance if you want it. You did make some good points."

"I yelled, I was out of control…I just lost it."

"That's what Gil said. Greg, slow down. How many drinks have you had?"

Greg waved for more drinks, but this time he held up two fingers then pointed to his drink. "I think that was my fifth if you're counting because I'm not. I'll be right back." And Greg walked towards the restroom, a slight weave to his walk.

When Greg sat back down the two drinks were waiting. Jim continued to try and get Greg to talk but had little luck. Jim watched as Greg downed the drinks.

"Greg, How about you let me take you home? I think you can still walk to the car"

"Okay, maybe you're right. They have my keys." Greg starts to stand up but falls back into the booth.

Jim comes over and offers his hand. Greg takes it; letting Jim help him to his feet. Jim kept his arm around Greg as they headed out to the car. Greg leaned into Jim thinking how nice his body felt and smelt. They were at the car and Jim opened the door helping Greg in. Jim slid in on his side and realized that Greg was having a hard time with the seatbelt so he reached over and helped. Once he had the belt on Greg, he put his own on.

"Thanks Jim, do you know where I live?"

"Of course, I'm a cop, remember…..Gil gave me your address."

"Oh" and for the next few minutes the only sound was that of the radio.

"Jim, you going to walk me in?"

"Yes, I'll walk you in."

They pulled into Greg's driveway. Jim helped him into the house.

"Jim, you going to help me to bed?" slurred Greg as he leaned on Jim, barely keeping up on his feet. Greg held on a little tighter than necessary the feel of Jim's body awaking other thoughts.

"Come on. Where's the room." Jim headed down the hallway.

"Jim, I need to pee" Greg pointing, "there's the bathroom."

Greg managed to get his pants open as Jim stood behind him holding him up. He just let the pants drop to the floor.

"Now, to bed," but Jim had to sit him on the toilet as the pants twisted around his feet. Jim reached down pulling off Greg's shoes and pants. Next Jim got him to his feet again and started for the bed.

"Jim, you smell soo good, do you like me?"

"Yea, I like you. Now sit. Let's get the shirt off. Lay back, feet under the covers. Now go to sleep. I'll let myself out."

"You need a key to lock the door. Jim, you could stay. It's a big bed."

"Go to sleep. I'll be back to take you to work."

"If you stay, you won't need to come back. Please." And Greg threw the bedding back on the other side of the bed.

"I promise to be good. Jim, please, you'll have that side. Pleaseee."

Jim shook his head, his body showed the debate raging inside.

Greg continued "You're tried and it will save time."

Jim gave in. First he sat his things on the dresser, flipped off the light then he slid into the bed.

A few minutes later he felt Greg snuggle up to him, "You were married but do you like guys too?"

"Go to sleep, you're drunk."

"Not that drunk."

"Greg, stop, you're not thinking straight."

Greg snickered

Jim stammered "I mean … clearly." And a soft moan slipped out.

"I think you like guys too."

With that Jim pulled Greg into a kiss. The question as to liking guys was soon answered as Jim took control. Before long it was Greg that was moaning…begging for release as Jim took him. Jim pounded him into the bed both finally finding the release that each had needed. A quick clean up and they fell sound asleep.

The next few months found Jim and Greg meeting up at the bar. It started with maybe once a week and quickly changed to several times a week. They would play the games or sit and talk. As time slipped by it changed to calls asking "your place or mine."

The relationship grew as time went by to where they hung out with each other. Sometimes watching TV or even playing the video games that Greg had. It seemed to be moving into a serious relationship until the incidence happened.

Greg and Jim had a few days off but both had been busy catching up on errands that needed to be done. It was late afternoon when Jim called.

"Hi Greg, I know you're off tonight so how about getting together?"

"Sorry I can't. The gang is all going out for Jerry's birthday."

"Have a good time. Later."

"Wait Jim, why don't you come with me?"

"No, you go have a good time. Night" and the phone went dead.

Greg did go out with his friends and had a great time. It had been a long time since he had gone out with them.

After that Greg and Jim spent less time together. The times that they did get together grew farther apart. The once easy connection they had now seemed to be forced. It was as if some part had been broken. Greg tried to talk with Jim but they just seemed to be growing farther apart. It was as if their ages suddenly became the whole issue. Jim acting like he felt as if Greg was seeing him as an old man and Greg thinking that Jim saw him as some kid.

By the time Gil had the "flu" they hadn't seen each out of the office for over a month. But they still had each other's keys.

Sara and Greg had been talking as they walked down the hall one night. She came to a dead stop forcing Greg to run into her. He followed her line of sight and understood why she had stopped. Standing in the hall was Gil, Catherine and a gorgeous dark haired man. Gil was holding his hand and when he looked at the man you could just feel the love. It's at this point the Gil saw them and called them over. He introduced the man as Nick Stokes his boyfriend. A few minutes later they left as Gil had the night off.

Greg guided Sara into a room where they could talk privately.

"Why didn't he just tell me he was gay? I've made such a fool of myself."

"Sara, I'm bi and I didn't even have a chance, if it helps. You ever remember seeing Gil looking that happy before? Because I don't."

The sight of Gil and Nick together seemed to have rocked Greg's world. For the next few days he seemed so sedate and introspective. He did his work with the highest level of professionalism like always. It was just that he wasn't in high gear, no loud music, no jokes.

Then after work one day Greg did something totally out of character for him. He went to Jim's office in the police department. If he couldn't get him on the phone then he would get him in a face to face talk.

Greg was the one that got a surprise as he was told that Jim had taken some time off for a family emergency. Once Greg was back in his car he called Gil ask if he knew where Jim was and what the problem was. But all Gil knew was that he was in Las Angeles and it had something to do with his daughter.

Greg decided to do three things to reached Jim. The first was an email. The second was to leave a message on his home answering machine. And the third was to call his cell and leave a message. They would all have a similar message.

***

Jimmy, I'm sorry. I would like a second chance. You were the first real relationship that I had ever had. I've had crushes and been in lust before, Gil is a good example. But I Love You. Please at least talk with me when you get home.

Love you,
Greg

***

Jim looked at the email and listen to his cell message. He kept that message and listened to it many times in the few days that he was in LA. It was a big mess but the message helped him to handle it. Finally came the moment that he had done all that he could do. Jim placed the gift with the card outside his daughter's door hoping that one day she would use the card.

Then he headed back to Las Vegas. Once in town headed straight for the only place that he could go to and used a key that he hadn't used in far too long.

Greg was asleep in his bed when Jimmy walked into the house. Setting his suitcase quietly on the floor then slipping out of his clothes on the way to the bedroom Jimmy slipped into the bed. Greg had heard the noise and turn to face the only person that it could be. Jimmy's head rested on Greg's shoulder and his arm curled around Jimmy. A moment later the sobs came crashing through as Jimmy broke open. Greg just held him letting it all flow out, whispering comforting words to Jimmy. When Jimmy had finally released all the pain, he fell into a deep sleep, safe in Greg's arms. Greg went back to sleep as he felt Jimmy relaxed into him. The talking could wait.

They awoke to find their bodies twisted together. Greg smiled as he looked into Jimmy's eyes. Jimmy was the first to talk.

"I'm sorry, Greg. I just thought you were tired of this old man. If I stayed away you would move on to some young thing, someone closer to your age, not old enough to be your father. "

"And I started thinking that you had gotten tired of this kid. I never thought of you as an old man especially not in bed. You have been the best lover I've ever had. And it was so much more. "

"Just remember one more thing; never call me Jimmy in public."

The two of them lost themselves in a passionate kiss. The rest of the talking would wait for a little while as the two men let passion control them. The kissing moved from the lips down the bodies as tongues joined the party. Hands joined in on the making of moans and cries of passion. Then Greg was in Jimmy as the waves of passion roared through them. First one then the other came. Finally they collapsed, holding tightly to each other until the waves subsided.

After they returned to a relaxed state the talking slowing continued as they opened up to each other. It was as if the age thing just melded away in the words of love that they shared. And once more the easy connection was back but this time with a more solid base to build on.

A few weeks later they decided to move in together. Happy in their own little castle.