Title: Pop Quiz
Author: Rpgirl
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: R
Summary: Who knew that one night at a dance club could result in something bad happening in the future.

***

Greg walked into the night club with Sara and David. They were all laughing about things that happened at work. Each wore their own form of club wear.

David was dressed in denim blue jeans, and a button up shirt. It was very formal than anything else. Sara was in a short skirt, and a torn up shirt that Greg had given her for her birthday, with a pair of witch boots. Greg was wearing some leather pants, with a ripped up Marilyn Manson shirt. He was wearing black nail polish, and eyeliner. He was out partying, it wasn't like it happened a lot.

"I still can't believe Warrick accidentally spilled coffee on Ecklie. That's wasn't an accident!" Sara laughed, as they walked over to the bar.

"Shh! It was! We all just kept on screaming accident so Warrick wouldn't get suspended." Greg said, as he looked over at the dance floor.

"So who alls meeting us here?" David asked.

"Nick, Warrick and Catherine. We tried and failed with Grissom." Sara said.

"I tell you, we should've just gone to his house. Knocked on the door, grabbed him, and thrown him in the trunk." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"We aren't that desperate...are we?" Sara asked.

"Yes. That man has no fun. Ecklie has more fun, and that's saying something." David said, as the other two laughed.

"What's so funny over here?" a rough voice asked, as they turned.

Warrick was wearing what he would wear to work, which slightly disappointed Sara and Greg.

"Haven't you and David heard of club wear?" Sara asked, as Warrick glared.

"Nicky and I came straight here. Cath is going to be here in an hour." Warrick said, as Nick came up.

He however was wearing ripped up denim jeans and a tight black shirt.

"Nick wasn't wearing that to work!" Sara said, making Warrick glare at her more heatedly.

"Look, I don't care if they came naked, at least their here." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"You'd like to see that huh Greg?" Sara asked, as Greg just shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not." Greg said, as Nick and Warrick blushed.

"Can we change the subject!" David said, as Greg and Sara started laughing.

"Fine. How's this for a subject! Mia wants to go on a date with you!" Greg said, as he pulled Sara onto the dance floor, leaving three stunned men behind them.

"You aren't serious?" Sara asked, as Greg nodded.

"Very. She told me not to tell him. Now would you like to dance with your best friend?" Greg asked, as Sara laughed.

"Sure. But I know you're doing it to make Nick jealous."

"Am not. Besides he's straight. Hello, do you remember Kristi Hopkins?" Greg asked, as they both started dancing like idiots.

"Yes. I also remember that that was about 6 years ago." Sara said, as a Marilyn Manson song came on.

"So what? Besides he would've asked me out before now." Greg said, as Sara rolled her eyes.

"Maybe he's just as scared as you are." Sara said, as a guy knocked her into Greg.

"Oh I'm sorry." The guy said, as Sara shook her head.

"That's fine." Sara said, as Greg smirked at her.

The guy smiled at Sara widely.

"Can I buy you a drink?" He asked.

Sara looked at Greg, who pushed her towards the bar.

"Go have fun, be merry. Send David or one of the others out." Greg said, as Sara nodded.

A few minutes later David came out.

"Greg, pop quiz." David said, as he got infront of Greg.

"Go." Greg said.

"If the jock duo isn't talking about football or women what are they talking about?"

"What color underwear they're going to wear tomorrow." Greg said, as David laughed.

"No. Try again." David said, as he watched Greg move to the rhythm of the music.

"I don't know. What happened at work." Greg said, as David shook his head one last time.

"Think about it Greg. Why would I ask you if they were talking about underwear or work? Your clues are not football and NOT women." David said, as Greg stopped moving.

"Me?" Greg asked, as David laughed.

"Ding Ding, gold star." David put his thumb on Greg's forehead.

"Why?" Greg asked, as he ignored the Highway game that they'd made their own.*

"I don't know. I just heard Greg, and asking, then came running over here." David said, as Greg started moving his hips again.

"That's weird. Is that guy with Sara behaving himself?" Greg asked, as David smirked.

"Yes. Why? You going to go big brother on her?" He asked.

"No! I was just wondering, damn." Greg said.

"Oh and you might not be interested, but there's a guy over yonder who's been checking you for the past twenty minutes." David said, as Greg laughed.

"Yeah right." Greg said.

"Greg, HELLO! We're at a Bi club, just because one of us is Bi, so that means other people are going to be Bi. Jesus, for a CSI you're kinda stupid." David said, as he dodged a playful slap from his friend.

"You know me."

"I know, you'll dance with another guy, but you want Nick. I know it's like written in blood somewhere." David said, as Greg glared at him softly.

"No. I'll dance with another guy, but I'm not having sex until I find the right guy." Greg said, as David laughed.

"Which inevitably is Nick." David said, as Greg swung as hand at him, which he dodged.

"Will you shut up!" Greg said, as they both started dancing.

"Catherine is here." David said, pointing over to where the blonde was.
"That's cool. Do you want to go say hi?" Greg asked, as he saw Nick and Warrick go greet her.

"Have they even started dancing yet?" David asked, as Greg shrugged.

"I don't know." He saw Sara fight her way towards them.

"So lovely to grace us with your presence. Was the guy nice?"

"Yes mom. He gave me his number, and asked me on a date." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"Hey Greg, that guy is still staring." David said, as Greg sighed.

"I don't care. He can stare all he wants, he's probably looking at you David." Greg said, as Sara tilted her head.

"What guy?" Sara asked, as David pointed to a man with black hair and brown eyes.

"Will you two stop it." Greg said, as David laughed.

"No, never!" David said, "You need to get over Nick. Go find someone worth your time."

"Nick's worth my time! Besides that you two are the only ones that know I like him. Which is how it will stay or I will tell the lab about all of your little crushes." Greg said, as both paled.

"I didn't say anything Greg!" Sara said, as Greg shrugged.

"Uh oh! Mr. Tall-Dark-Stare man is coming over." David said, as Greg snorted.

"I don't care."

"Well, I need a drink. I'm dehydrating." David said, as Sara nodded.

"I'll get you a water Greg." Sara said, as she walked with David.

"Traitors!" Greg yelled, as he felt a hand tap his shoulder.

"Hi." The guy said, as Greg just smiled.

"Hi. Bye!" Greg said, as he tried to walk towards the bar, and found that he couldn't. The guy had his wrist.

"Will you dance with me?"

"I don't dance on the first date." Greg said, as he looked the guy up and down.

"It's just one dance, it's not like I'm asking to marry you." The guy said.

"And I'm telling you, I don't want to." Greg said, as he tried to pull his wrist out of the guy's hand, "Will you let go?"

"No, I just want to dance. Is that a crime?"

"In the United Brain Cells of me, yes." Greg said, as he saw something brown out of the corner of his eye.

"Then why were you dancing like that infront of me?"

"I was just dancing!" Greg exclaimed, as the guys hand tightened, "Ow! Will you let go! I don't want to dance with you!"

He saw Nick grab onto the guys wrist, squeezing it.

"I believe he said no." Nick said, as he made the guy let go.

"What? Are you his mommy?" the guy asked.

"No, I'm a friend." Nick said, as he and Greg walked off.

"Thanks Nick." Greg said, as Nick smiled at him.

"Are all of your love interests like that?" Nick asked, as Greg laughed.

"No. That's just an asshole who's horny." Greg said.

"How's your wrist?"

"It's okay. Just a bruise." Greg said.

"He was obviously a body builder. He had a tight grip on it. You could press charges, that's sexual harassment." Nick said, as he saw Greg's bruised wrist.

"Obviously he was a jackass. I'm not going to press charges, and then he'd probably just flip it and come after me." Greg said.

Sara and David ran over looking shocked.

"Greg, we are so sorry. We didn't think the guy was a total jackass." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"It's fine guys." Greg said, as he smiled at Nick.

Nick smiled back, as the other two smirked.

"Well guys, I'd better get going. I want to get some form of sleep tonight." Warrick said, as Catherine agreed.

"See you guys tomorrow at work." Catherine said, as she and Warrick left.

"Something's up with them." David said, as Sara laughed.

"Do you think everyone's together?"

"Only the pretty ones." David said, as Sara's mouth dropped.

"So now I'm not pretty?"

"I never said that."

"It was implied." Sara said, as they argued on.

"Well guys, I think I'm going to head out too." Nick said, as they all nodded.

Nick smiled once more at Greg before leaving.

"It was really lucky that Nick was there." Sara said, as David nodded.

"That guy was sure aggressive." David said, as he scanned the floor for him, "He's not here anymore."

"It was lucky Nick was there." Greg repeated Sara, as the other two sighed.

"Greg, you have to get over Nick."

"I'm not going to. You guys know that."

"We know, and it's slightly depressing." Sara said, as Greg leaned on her.

"I don't feel like partying anymore." Greg said, as the other two nodded.

"Let's go home." David said, as they all walked out.

They'd parked down the block, so they could get out easier. Greg turned around for a minute, looking around the area for a few seconds.

"What's wrong Greg?" Sara asked, as Greg shrugged.
"I felt like someone was watching me." Greg said, as David laughed.

"Paranoia, Paranoia, everyone is out to get me." David sang, as Greg slapped his arm playfully.

"Oh be quiet!"

"Greg, it was probably nothing." Sara said, as she glared at David.

But even as Greg shut the door to his car, he still felt someone watching him.

***

Greg was laughing with Sara and David in the break room the next day.

"No! The worst thing on TV is Soap Opera's. You know like Passions?" Sara asked, as Greg laughed.

"I used to watch that for a while. God, that was so horrible." Greg said, as David stopped laughing.

"No. The worse thing on TV is anything on Disney." David said, as Greg chuckled.

"I agree." Greg said.

"I kind of like two of the shows." Sara said, as Greg tilted his head.

"Which shows?"

"I'm not telling you! You'll use it against me!"

"No I won't."

"Phil of the Future and Hannah Montana."

Greg literally fell out of his seat in shock.

"You're joking! Please tell me you're joking, and I'll be eternally grateful." Greg said, as Sara shook her head.

"I get bored." Sara said, as she kicked Greg lightly.

"I'm sorry! I'm just imagining you watching Disney." Greg said, as he controlled his laughter.

"Oh shut up. At least I'm not a closet Dr. Who fan." Sara said, as Greg shot up.

"There's nothing wrong with Dr. Who!" Greg said, "Besides the 8th and 9th Doctors are really hot."

"Sci-fi geek." Sara said.

"At least Dr. Who is a good show. Your shows are stupid."

"A person who is an extraterrestrial isn't a good show."

"He's a Time Lord! There's a difference."

"I can't believe you two are arguing about Dr. Who." David said.

"And that little phone booth he travels in! That's not an original time travel device."

"The phone booth has a name! It's TARDIS, and it blends in." Greg said.

"STOP FIGHTING!" David said, "Especially about Dr. fucking Who." David said, as Greg glared.

"Sara has no taste." Greg said, as David slammed his head on the table.

"I have no taste. I know you didn't go there."

"Yes I did."

"Do you remember what you used to wear? Marilyn Manson..."

"Still wear it."

"...Ripped up jeans..."

"Still wear it."

"...and worn converses..."

"I still wear that too, and the correct term for these...." Greg put his foot up so she could see it, "are Chuck Taylors."

David started laughing.

"You guys are acting like two year olds, no wonder Nick doesn't l---HI NICK!" David said, stopping his sentence.

"Nick doesn't what?" Nick asked, as he sat next to Greg.

"Nick doesn't like Sara's coffee." Greg finished for him, as David nodded.

"Yeah, I actually don't. It tastes like mud on steroids." Nick said, as Greg snorted into his coffee.

"Do you like Greg's?" David asked.

"Yeah, it tastes like good coffee." Nick said, as Greg blushed.

"Do you like his mil--" Greg slapped a hand on his mouth.

"Do I like his what?" Nick asked.

"Milting." Sara said, as Nick rose a brow.

"Isn't that seminal fluid from a fish?" Nick asked, as Sara laughed uneasily.

"Yeah, I was going to try to make a dip out of it." Greg said, mentally hitting himself, as David almost gagged in his coffee.

"That's kind of nasty, but if it tastes good then I'll try it." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him sheepishly.

"Well I've got a case with Cath, see you guys later." Nick said, as he left.

"Milting! MILTING!" Greg said, as Sara shrugged.

"It was the only thing I could think of."

"No wonder he doesn't want to kiss you, you eat seminal fluid from fishes." David said, as Greg threw the newspaper at him.

Grissom walked in, raising a brow to the three.

"Don't you guys have cases?"

"Nope." Greg and Sara said, as David smiled.

"No ones given me anything to run." He said, as Grissom nodded.

"I have a case for you then." Grissom said, handing it to Sara.

"A B&E? Grissom, couldn't we get something more challenging?" Sara asked, as Grissom shook his head.

"No. So go have fun." Grissom said, as he left.

"I was having fun sitting on my ass." Greg whined, as Sara laughed.

"Come on. Oh David are you coming to Greg's apartment later?"

"What're we doing again?"

"Watching Hellraiser: Hellworld, and The Skeleton Key." Greg answered.

"Oh yeah! Yeah I'm going to be there. Wait...is it a sleepover?"

"No!" Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"I don't care if you guys spend the night, my apartment is big enough for all of us." Greg said.

"I might just take you up on that Greg." Sara said, as Greg smiled.

"You just said No though."

"You never said we could." Sara said, as Greg stuck his tongue out.

"I thought it was a given." Greg said, as Sara laughed at him.

"C'mon, lets do this so we can go watch those movies." Sara said, as they waved bye to David.

The ride there was spent with them semi-blaring Orgy. Sara actually found she liked Orgy, once she listened to them. When they arrived, they saw the couple talking to Brass.

"Finally, you two took your time."

"Well you know us, always going slow." Greg said, as they walked in.

"Pop Quiz!" Sara said, as she looked at the door.

"Go." Greg said.

"Who the hell leaves the lock pick in the door?" Sara asked, as she put on gloves.

"A dumb ass that needs to learn more about thieving skills." Greg said, with a wide smile on his face.

"Ding Ding Ding! Perfect Score, gold star!" Sara said, as she put her thumb on Greg's forehead.

Sara put the lock pick into an evidence bag as Greg laughed and looked around the place.

"Brass, what did the couple say was missing?" Greg asked.

"Nothing that they know of." Brass said, as Greg tilted his head.

"Sara, come here." Greg said, as Sara walked over.

"What?"

"What's missing?" Greg asked, as Sara looked at a spot on the wall.

"I don't know."

"A painting." Greg said, "Wouldn't they notice if a painting was gone."

"How do you know it's a painting?" Brass asked.

Greg walked to the wall, snapping on some gloves. He traced a line with his finger, showing the place where dust was and where it wasn't.

"How did you notice that and so quickly?"

"My mom has about twenty portraits, that she made me clean when I was younger." Greg said, "But that doesn't answer the question, wouldn't they notice if a portrait was gone."

"Probably." Brass said, as he walked outside.

Sara and Greg dusted the place for prints, coming up with a few.

"The couple say that it was a portrait made by Salvador Deli."

"Dali." Greg corrected, "Was it The Persistence of Memory?" Greg asked.

"How did you know that?" Brass asked, as Greg just grinned at him.

"Salvador Dali is one of my favorite artists. Plus that's his most famous piece of work."

"Greg, I didn't know you were into art." Sara said, smiling at Greg.

"I have other hobbies besides surfing and coin collecting." Greg said, as Brass tilted his head.

"How much do you think the painting would go for?" Brass asked.

"I have no clue. It'd be worth a fortune." Greg said, as Brass nodded.

"So they knew what they were getting."

"The only place they could sell a painting like that would be some shady place on the strip. Everywhere else doesn't take famous work anymore, because they're scared it's fake." Greg said.

"Seriously, when did you get so smart with paintings and artists?" Sara asked.

"Since my mom made me dust all of hers off." Greg said.

"Well it's a start." Brass said, "I'll check out that tip Greg."
Brass left the room, as Sara just looked at Greg incredulously.

"You do know that if Brass finds that place, and they have a receipt, then you've solved the case." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"The fingerprints have to match up too Sara."

"That won't matter! It'll be proof that he sold the painting, which means that he stole it from here. How many copies of that painting are there?"

"In the natural world? One in art museums probably, and then if you're rich then you'll have one. But most wealthy people don't like Dali." Greg said, as Sara smirked.

"See." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"He might've stolen something else." Greg said, as they both looked around.

Greg went into other rooms of the house, before returning to Sara.

"Nothing else seemed out of place." Greg said.

"Same here. So I guess that means we take the prints to Jacqui and we're off." Sara said, as they both walked out of the place.

"Then let's go." Greg said, as they hopped into the truck.

The drive back was spent this time semi-blaring Nine Inch Nails.

Once they got back Sara went to Jacqui with the prints, while Greg went to the Trace lab.

"David, how much longer until you're off?"

"Ten minutes." David said, as he smirked.

"Cool, if Sara comes around tell her I went outside for some fresh air. I think someone got a decomp or didn't shower." Greg said, as David threw a book at him.

"Shut up!"

Greg laughed as he walked into the locker room to grab his coat.

"You off?" Nick asked, as he walked in.

"Uh yeah."

"So what are you doing tonight?" Nick asked.

"Sara, David, and I are going to watch Hellraiser:Hellworld and The Skeleton Key." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"That's cool. Warrick and me are going to go to a bar." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him.

'Stupid hormones.' Greg thought.

"That's awesome, maybe we can go back out partying next week."

"That'd be cool G." Nick said, as he left.

Greg walked outside the lab and slumped down the wall.

"Maybe we can go back out partying next week." Greg mocked himself, "Idiot."

Greg heard something crack and looked up suddenly. He looked around and felt a weird feeling in his stomach. He'd felt that feeling before the lab exploded, or when something bad was about to happen. He stood up and looked around again, not seeing a thing.

He shook his head, and heard something crack again. He decided to trust his instincts and ran back inside, running straight into Nick. Both fell to the ground with a dull thud.

"Are you two okay?" Warrick asked, as he helped Nick up.

"Damn Greg, you were running like someone was after you. Are you okay?" Nick asked, as he helped the ex-lab rat up.

"Uh...yeah. I think..." Greg said uncertainly.

"You sure?" Warrick asked, as Greg just looked outside again.

"Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching you...but then no one's there?" Greg asked.

"Yeah, right before I got knocked out by Walter Gordon." Nick said, shuddering slightly.

"I'm having that feeling." Greg said, as both men tilted their heads.

"Well I'm sure it's nothing G. Probably your imagination." Nick said.

"Yeah man, it's probably all in your mind." Warrick said, as Sara and David came up.

"You set Greg?" Sara asked.

"Yeah. See you guys later." Greg said, as he followed David and Sara out.

When they reached Greg's apartment, they were talking about who would win if Pinhead and Freddy Krueger fought it out.

"I'm telling you it's Pinhead, the guy lives in Hell, and tortures you. Freddy just has knives and can attack you in your dreams." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"I agree with Greg."

"I still think Freddy would kick Pinhead's ass." David said, as Greg unlocked his apartment.

While his friends got settled in, Greg made some popcorn.

"Done." Greg said, as he brought the big bowl into the living room.

"I know, it's so hard to put a bag in the microwave." David said, as both Sara and Greg laughed.

"This is homemade." Greg said, as David looked at him.

"This tastes like movie theatre popcorn."

"Worked at a movie theatre during high school." Greg said, as they turned it onto Hellraiser: Hellworld.

***

Greg turned off the TV after they finished the Skeleton Key, he yawned loudly.

"I still can't believe that girl clawed out her own throat...that would suck!" Sara said, as Greg smirked.

"Just be glad we don't get cases like that." Greg said.

"I think I'd murder myself." Sara said, as David laughed.

"That's be an interesting case."

"Well we need to get some sleep, or we won't be able to go to work tomorrow." Greg said, as the other two groaned, "Who's staying, and who's leaving?"

"I'm going. I have no spare clothes, and I need to shower." Sara said, as David nodded.

"Me too."

"Alright. I'll see you guys tomorrow then." Greg said, as his two friends left.

Greg sighed as he took the bowl in the kitchen. He went back into the living room, and locked the door. He turned off the light in the living room before going to his bedroom and falling on the bed.

A few minutes later he heard a knock on the door. He groaned, and considered not answering the damn thing, before another knock followed. Greg went to the door and looked through the peep hole and saw the guy from the other night. Greg backed away slowly and got near the phone. He called the first person he could think of.

"Sidle."

"Sara." Greg whispered, as he went into the kitchen.

"Greg? Why are you whispering?"

"The guy from the other night is here...outside my door." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"Good joke Greg."

"I'm not joking!" Greg said in a loud whisper.

"Oh shit, you aren't? Greg, you need to get out of there." Sara said.

"No shit! But the only other way out of my apartment is out the window, and guess what? IT HAS NO FIRE ESCAPE!" Greg said.

"Then call David, he'll come rough him up."

"You're joking?! David is afraid of flies!" Greg said, as he heard another knock.

"I don't know what to tell you. Call Grissom or Brass. Just call someone, I'm to far away." Sara said, as Greg sighed.

"Sara, I really do NOT like my situation over here. What makes you think I'm going to get off the phone and call someone else?" Greg asked.

"Then I'll three way." Sara said, as Greg heard dialing, then the phone ringing.

"Who are you calling?"

"Nick."

"WHAT!" Greg yelled, and then slapped a hand over his mouth.

A louder knock came to the door.

"Greg, he's the only guy besides Warrick who could intimidate the man." Sara said.

Greg walked back towards the front door, looking out, still seeing the guy.

"Sara, maybe he wants to talk?"

"Or you know fuck you." Sara said.

"Stokes." Nick's voice came through the phone at the same time the guy started talking.

"I know you're in there, I heard you scream."

Greg heard Sara's voice.

"Sara, he knows I'm in here!" Greg said, not knowing Nick was on the phone.

"How?"

"He heard my little scream. I think I'm going to take my chances with the fucking window."

"What? What's going on?" Nick asked, as Greg clapped a hand over his mouth.

'Dumbass!' Greg mentally thought.

"That jerk from the other night is at Greg's apartment." Sara said.

"How'd he find out where you live Greggo?" Nick asked.

"I don't know." Greg said, as the knock got harder, "But I think he wants to come in."

"Warrick and me will be there in fifteen minutes Greg. Maybe less" Nick said, as he hung up.

Greg jumped again when he heard the guy yelling.

"Open the door!"

"I heard that...AND I'M ON THE PHONE!" Sara said.

Greg jumped a little when he heard a loud thud on the door.

"Greg get away from the door." Sara instructed.

"I'm going to ask you one last time to open the door."

"Sara, FUCK!" Greg yelled, as the door busted open.

Greg backed away as the guy came in.

"Greg? GREG?" Sara's panicked voice came over the phone.

The guy lunged at Greg, who dodged him. Greg dropped his phone, looking for something to defend himself with.

Greg picked up a vase and threw it right into the guys face. Greg ran and got a potted plant and smashed it into the back of the guys head.

Once the guy composed himself he rounded on Greg, who ran over to the coffee table and threw books and magazines at the guy. Greg was running out of things to throw.

Greg ran towards the bathroom, he could lock himself in. The man tackled Greg to the ground. Greg twisted his body and punched the guy, who just smirked at him.

"GET OFF OF ME!" Greg screamed, as the guy sat on Greg.

"You should've just taken the dance."

Greg screamed louder when the guy tried to hold his arms down.

"STOP IT!" Greg shouted, as he tried to throw the guy off of him. Greg was panicking beyond all belief.

Greg punched the guy again, who moved slightly. The man turned and smacked Greg, snapping Greg's head to the side.

Greg started crying, as the guy finally got his other arm in his hand. He felt the guys hand creep down to his jeans and let out a blood curdling scream.

'Nick, where are you? Oh God, I don't want this to happen! What did I do wrong?' Greg thought to himself.

He suddenly felt the guys weight lift off of him. He looked up and saw Warrick punch the guy, making the stranger stumble back. Greg stumbled into a sitting position and crawled backwards into the corner. The man just glared at Nick and Warrick before running away. Warrick chased after him, leaving Nick with Greg.

Nick looked at Greg who just stared at him.

"Greg? Are you okay? G, I'm so sorry we didn't get here sooner." Nick said, as Greg put his head on his knees.

Nick could see him visibly shivering, and heard something faintly. He saw Greg's cell phone, and answered it.

"GREG!?" Sara's voice asked horrified at the screams she'd heard.

"Sara, it's Nick." Nick said.

"Is Greg alright?"

"The guy busted the door down...Greg's...I don't know...you need to come back though." Nick said, as he saw Warrick come back in.

"I'll be there in ten." Sara said, as she hung up.

"I couldn't catch him. He took the elevator...I had to take the stairs." Warrick panted, "How's Greg?"

Nick just shook his head and walked back to where Greg was.

"Greg?" Nick asked, as Greg looked up, "You okay."

Greg nodded his head slowly, his vocal chords hurt from all the screaming.

"So do all guys you turn down for dances usually stalk you?" Nick asked.

Greg shook his head slowly, looking at the ground.

"GUYS?" Sara yelled, as she got into the apartment. She looked at the apartment and ran towards the three men. She stopped infront of Greg, dropping to her knees.

"Greg? Are you alright?"

"I'm going to call Grissom." Warrick said, as he flipped his phone open.

"Yeah, we definitely need to catch this asshole." Nick said, as he heard Warrick talking.

"Oh Greg, I'm sorry I didn't take up your offer. David and I should've just spent the night. He probably wouldn't of attacked you." Sara apologized, as Nick frowned.

"Greg, why aren't you talking?"

"My vocal chords hurt." Greg said softly.

Sara hugged Greg, who returned the embrace.

"Griss and Cath are going to be here in a couple of minutes." Warrick said.

"We'll wait for them outside." Nick said, as both men walked out.

Sara let go of Greg.

"I feel like this is my fault. Shit Greg, are you okay?"

"F-Fine." Greg said, as Sara frowned.

"God...I was so scared. I didn't think Nick was going to get here...I just heard breaking glass and then screaming..." Sara said, as Greg looked at her.

"I was scared too...I didn't think he was going to get here either...I thought..oh god Sara...that guy is still out there...I knew something bad was going to happen."

"I know...next time you feel someone looking at you, got to the nearest crowd." Sara said, as she tried to stop Greg's shivering.

Greg started crying again, as Sara just hugged him.

"It's okay, we'll catch him. When I get my hands on him, I swear to God.."

"Greg?" Grissom's concerned voice came through.

Grissom and Catherine walked in, taking a look at the living room. One of Greg's favorite vases was shattered, and so was a pot plant. Books and magazines scattered the floor.

"Greg, did he punch you?" Sara asked, as Greg shook his head.

"Smacked. I punched him twice." Greg said quietly.

"Greg?" Catherine said, as she saw Greg and Sara.

Catherine and Grissom walked towards the two, both frowning.

"Greg...did he actually do anything?" Grissom asked.

Greg shook his head, both letting out a sigh of relief.

"Do you know what he looks like?"

"He has short black hair...it kind of looked how mine did when I first started working at the lab...he has dark brown eyes..they almost look black. He's a body builder...um.." Greg looked at the ground, "I don't know his height...I wasn't really paying attention to that..."

"That's fine Greg." Grissom said, as he saw Sara hug him tightly.

"Where'd you meet him?" Catherine asked.

"He wanted to dance with me last night, and I told him no." Greg said, "I thought someone was watching me all day today...but didn't think anything about it."

"Alright. We need to process your living room...so you might want to find somewhere to stay tonight." Grissom said, as Greg nodded.

"We'll get a statement on what happened tomorrow." Catherine said, as Sara helped Greg up.

"Do I need to give you my clothes?" Greg asked.

"Yeah, you can give them to Nick." Grissom said, as Greg nodded.

Greg went into his room and got out a tiny duffle bag, throwing some clothes in there, and other necessities. He went into his bathroom and changed clothes. He shuddered at the memory of what almost happened and heaved into the toilet.

Sara knocked, before opening the door. She rubbed circles on Greg's back, before flushing the toilet.

"Sara, Greg, you have tomorrow off." Grissom said, as they both nodded.

"Can David have tomorrow off also?" Sara asked.

"Why?"

"Greg should be around friends right now, and we're his best friends." Sara said, as Grissom nodded.

"That's fine." Grissom said.

Sara helped Greg up, who was trembling.

"I'm going to call David, and we're going to watch a few movies at my place." Sara told Greg, who nodded.

Both walked out, Greg handed over his clothes to Nick, who frowned at Greg.

"Uh Greg.." Nick said, as Warrick put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

"Yeah?"

"Nevermind." Nick said, as Greg frowned.

Greg followed Sara to her car. She was talking to David, explaining what happened. Greg almost laughed as he heard David's angry voice.

***

Greg got out of Sara's car, and was automatically tackled by David.

"Holy Shit Greg! I'm sorry I didn't stay, are you pissed at us?" David asked.

Greg shook his head, as David looked over at Sara.

"His vocal chords hurt." Sara said, as David nodded.

"C'mon Greg, I got some movies we can watch." David said, as Greg half smiled at Greg.

They walked into Sara's apartment, as Sara went and looked around for something to eat with the movies.

"Hey Greg, which do you want to watch first Highway or The Hole?" David asked.

Greg just shrugged his shoulders. David smirked at him.

"The Hole!" Sara yelled, as she came in.

"Well aren't you decisive." David said, as Sara sat next to Greg.

They mainly talked through most of the movie.

"Why do you think Nick stopped you?" Sara asked, as Greg shrugged.

"Probably wanted to apologize again." Greg said, as David shook his head.

"Uh uh, the most ANY straight man will say sorry is once." David said, as Greg laughed.

"You'd know all about that, right David?"

"Oh shut up, what I'm trying to say is he probably just wanted to talk to you." David said, as Greg sighed.

"I don't think Nick thinks of me as anything other than an annoying brother." Greg said, as David shook his head.

"I beg to differ, Greg if he didn't like you then he wouldn't of stopped damn fuckwad prick the first time." David said, as Sara and Greg both laughed.

"So that's what they're calling body builders now?" Greg asked, as David nodded.

"In the 'David Hodges Dictionary' it is." He said, as Sara snorted.

"If you made a dictionary, I think I might have to burn it."

"Thanks." David said sarcastically.

"Your welcome!" Sara said, as Greg rolled his eyes.

"You two fight like an old married couple." Greg said, as Sara and David glared at him.

"No we don't!" They both cried out.

Greg smirked at both of them.

"Let's watch Highway." David said, as he switched DVD's.

Greg put his head on Sara's shoulder, yawning loudly.

"Tired?"

"Nah, I can stay up a little longer." Greg said, as Sara put her head on his.

"Okay, what are we doing tomorrow?" Sara asked.

"I don't know. Maybe we could go shopping or something." David said, as the other two laughed.

"You hate shopping."

"Yeah, but I can't think of anything else to do." David said.

"I second shopping." Greg said, as Sara nodded.

"Then we'll go shopping." Sara said, as they continued to watch the movie.

When the movie was over, Sara got out her air mattress, sticking her tongue out. They all watched it inflate, laughing at Sara's frustration.

"Why won't it go faster? GO FASTER!" She yelled at it.

"I don't think yelling at it is going to help." David said.

"I don't care!" Sara said, as it finally inflated, "HA! See it listened."

"Sara, you've finally lost it." Greg said.

"Oh shut up." Sara said, as she threw a pillow at them, and some covers.

****
The next morning the sun was pouring in, right on Greg's face. He turned and fell off the mattress.

"What the..." He looked up and saw David and Sara drinking coffee.

"Morning." Sara said, as Greg glared.

"How long have you two been up?"

"Thirty minutes. We don't have a death threat." David said.

"Oh fuck off." Greg said, as he sat on one of Sara's stools.

"So are we off to the mall?" Sara asked.

"Yes. Why don't we go right now. I mean, boxers are always a good thing to go to the mall in." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"I meant after you got a shower and dressed...and gotten some coffee. You're really sarcastic when you wake up." Sara said, as David laughed.

"Sit and spin." Greg said, flicking Sara off.

"No that'll be your job, when Nick comes around." Sara said, going into the bedroom.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Greg asked, as David smiled at Greg innocently.

"Well damn, I need to get a shower." David said, as Greg grabbed his arm.

"What was that supposed to mean?"

"Nick and Brass are coming by later to question you about last night." David said.

"What about Sara and my case?"

"Brass said that it was already solved." David said, as Greg groaned.

"What time are they coming?"

"Thirty minutes." By the time David had finished, Greg had grabbed a change of clothes and was in the bathroom.

"Did you tell him?" Sara asked, as she came out in clean clothes.

"That was the little blur you just saw, shooting into your bathroom." David said, as Sara laughed.
Sara baked some of those pop in the microwave biscuits.

Ten minutes later Greg came out, hearing laughter.

"Greg, how come you never get dressed quickly when we say we're coming to get you?" David asked.

"That's none of your business." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"It's fine." Sara said.

"No it's not. Greg wants to get all cutesy for Nick." David said, as Greg threw a biscuit at him.

"I am not. I just don't need to look all..." Greg cut himself off and looked at the ground.

"It's okay Greg." Sara said, as she threw a biscuit at David too.

They ate the remainder of the biscuits, without throwing any more at David.

"Do you want us to hang around while they talk to you?" Sara asked, as Greg nodded.

David opened his mouth to say something when a knock came on the door. Greg winced a little, watching Sara answer it.

"Hey guys, he's right in here." Sara said, as she let Brass and Nick in.

"Hey kid." Brass said, as Greg nodded his head to him.

"G, we need to know what you did from when you had that freak out at the lab till this morning." Nick said.

Greg nodded and told them about what had happened. He told them about how he felt someone was watching him, to making popcorn for the movies. He then told them about the encounter with the body builder, to when he looked up to see Warrick punching the guy. He told them about Nick stopping him and finally about what they'd done when they'd gotten to Sara's apartment.

"Thanks Greg. Nick I'm going to take this to the station, are you going to stick around?" Brass asked, as Nick nodded.

"Yeah. Tell Grissom that I'll be a little late." Nick said, as Brass nodded before walking out.

"Oh damn, I think I smell something burning." Sara said, "Will you help me David?"

"Uhhh" David said, as Sara dragged him into the bedroom, "Something's burning in your room?!"

Greg sent them a look before they left the room, before smiling at Nick sheepishly.

"Greg...do you not like me anymore?" Nick asked, as he sat infront of the other man.

"NO!" Greg shouted, "I mean..no. I still like you. I've just...had a lot of things going on lately."

"Because the other night...at the club...it felt like you were avoiding me."

"Why would I avoid you?" Greg asked, "You haven't done anything to upset me."

"I know...but it just felt like you were. We haven't really done anything together anymore." Nick said sadly.

"I've just been busy. I swear I haven't been avoiding you Nick. I'd never do that." Greg said earnestly.

"Greg, is there something you want to tell me?" Nick asked, as Greg shook his head quickly.

"No. What would there be to tell? I mean I'm not hiding anything from you." Greg said.

Both stopped talking when they heard David's voice say, "BULLSHIT!"

Greg sent a death glare towards Sara's bedroom, and turned to look at the ground.

"What were you going to say last night? Warrick stopped you...and I was wondering what you were going to say." Greg said, as Nick sighed.

"I don't think I should tell you. I was going to go over to your place after Warrick and I left the bar...but then all of this happened." Nick said, as Greg looked up.

"But I want you to tell me. Are you mad at me or something?" Greg asked.

"Why would I be mad at you?" Nick asked, as Greg shrugged.

"I don't know. You just always have to come to my rescue...I thought you'd might be sick of it."

"Greggo, it's only happened twice. And that's all it's going to happen with this prick." Nick growled, making Greg look up.

"I was really scared last night Nick...I didn't think you were going to come." Greg said, as Nick looked at him dejectedly.

"We almost didn't. Shit Greg, we drove as fast as we could. We even had the cop lights out." Nick said, as Greg looked down again.

"But you did, and I'm really grateful for that. But can you just please tell me what you wanted to last night." Greg asked, as Nick just laughed sheepishly.

"Well I mean...um...I'll tell you later." Nick promised, as Greg shook his head.

"But I want to know now. I'll be busy later." Greg said, as Nick sighed.

"Well...it wasn't and still isn't the right time." Nick said, as Greg tilted his head.

"Why isn't it the right time? You could let me decide that." Greg told him, as Nick laughed.

"I er...shit...I can't find the words now." Nick said, laughing sheepishly.

"Why are you stalling? Nick whatever you say, I won't run away and hate you." Greg said, tilting his head.

"I lik容r..." Nick said, as they heard David say, "OH MY GOD!", followed by a loud thud.

They both looked at the bedroom, both raising a brow.

"What I'm trying to get out, if my tongue will work with my brain, is that I love you Greg." Nick said, all in one breath.

An awkward silence filled the air, and it could be cut in half.

***

Greg just sat there for a minute.

"Did...you just say you...loved me?" Greg asked, as Nick nodded.

"Yes I did." Nick said, as Greg looked at the floor.

"Do you like me out of pity? Because of what happened?" Greg asked, as Nick shook his head.

"No! Why would you think that?" Nick said, "I don't love people out of pity."

"I don't know. I just...did..." Greg said looking up, "Why is everything so fucked up?"

"I don't know." Nick answered, as he cupped Greg's cheek.

Greg leaned in to the touch, and looked right into Nick's eyes.

"Why were you scared to tell me?"

"Just because you're bi doesn't mean you like me." Nick explained, as Greg laughed.

"I've liked you for years now." Greg said, as Nick smiled at him.

"So would you like to go out to dinner tomorrow night?" Nick asked, as Greg opened his mouth.

"HE'D BETTER SAY YES!" Sara's voice rang from the bedroom.

Both men laughed, as Greg smiled at Nick.

"Dinner would be great." Greg said, as Nick grinned widely.

"Great. I would say tonight, but I'm working." Nick said, as Greg flinched involuntarily.

Nick frowned and stood up. He pulled Greg to his feet and hugged him tightly. Greg just stood there for a moment before returning the hug, laying his head on Nick's chest.

"I'm sorry." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"It's not your fault." Greg said, "So stop saying sorry."

Nick put his chin ontop of Greg's head, holding him as they both heard a cough.

"Well whatever was burning stopped." Sara said, smiling.

"Right, well I have to get back to the lab or Grissom will tear me a new one." Nick said, letting go of Greg.

Greg walked Nick to the door, leaving his two friends smirking at them.

"I'll pick you up at seven." Nick said, kissing Greg's cheek.

Nick smiled at Greg before walking out of the door. Greg blushed scarlet, putting a hand to his cheek. He shut the door, leaning on it, and seeing his friends start to laugh.

"We TOLD you!" They both said, as Greg glared.

"Oh shut up." Greg said, as Sara smirked.

"But you have a dinner to go to tomorrow. Now we really have to go shopping."

"I'm not buying new clothes for a date."

"But it's not just any old date. It's a date with Nick." David said, as they watched Greg's face turn beet red.

"It's okay Greg. It's not like we're going to the House of Bondage or something. We're just getting you something that Nick hasn't seen you in." Sara said, as David laughed.

"Translation: We're getting something that shows off your assets, and doesn't classify as club wear." David said, as Sara threw a napkin at him.

"Do you think they'll catch the guy?" Greg asked, as Sara frowned.

"If Grissom has the whole team working it, then they'll have him in three days. You know how we all work." Sara said, as Greg gave her a shaky smile.

"Now I'm anxious about two things." Greg said, as Sara hugged him.

"It'll be fine. Besides he won't come near us, or I'll shoot him in the fucking head." Sara said, as she grabbed her gun.

Greg and David laughed, as Sara posed like James Bond.

"So if David'll get dressed then we'll leave." Sara said, as David flicked her off, "You really can't afford me."

"Bet I can." David said, as he walked in the bathroom.

Greg started laughing loudly at that, making Sara throw a can tab at him.

When David finally got dressed, they went outside to Sara's car.

"Shot gun." Greg said, making David glare.

"Fine, then we listen to Blur." David said, as Greg laughed.

"The only Blur song you like is Song 2." Greg said, as David smirked.

"I'm not listening to that for thirty minutes." Sara said, "Pick another band."

"Smashing Pumpkins." David said, as Sara smiled.

"Alright." Sara said, as she put in the CD.

By the time they were almost there, they were at Tonight, Tonight. Greg was singing the lyrics quietly, so not to disturb the actual feel of the song.

"So what store are we going to first?" Greg asked, as Sara smirked.

"Oh shit." David said, as he and Greg looked at her fearfully.

"It's not like I'm making you go into the Gap guys." Sara said, as they both calmed down.

"Then why did you smirk?" Greg asked.

"Because we're spending time together." Sara said, as both laughed.

"I call bullshit!" David said, as Sara glared.

"Fuck you! Let's go." Sara said, as the boys got out.

Sara dragged Greg into a store as soon as they had entered. David was laughing, and feeling pity for Greg. She loaded up Greg's arms with pants, before shoving him into a dressing room.

"Do you think you gave him enough clothes?" David asked.

"Actually...no." Sara said, as Greg came out in the first pair.

"I don't like them. They close at the legs, they should flare. Next." Sara said, as Greg went back in.

David laughed at the barking tone.

The second to about the fifteenth pair were the same. David was slouching in a chair, counting tiles on the ceiling.

"Oh wow. Greg that looks great." Sara said, as David's head shot up.

Greg's pants were black with electric blue pinstripe that flared out at the bottom. They had zippers at the bottom so you could open them up to give them more flow, and they hugged Greg's butt making it look pert. They hugged his upper legs until they started to flare after the knee, giving it a sort of bell bottom look.

"You are wearing those." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"Now we need a belt." David said, as Sara nodded.

She walked over to the belt stand, letting Greg stand out in the open. She picked out a two row pyramid stud belt, and then got a black with electric blue pinstripe fedora.

She handed them over and Greg put them both on. Sara's mouth dropped at the sight.

"Damn! All we need is a shirt and you are going to look hot." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"I agree...and I'm the straight one." David said, as Greg walked back into the dressing room.

He came out of it a few minutes later, going to the register. He paid for the clothes as they walked out and into another store.

They walked into Hot Topic, following Sara who looked like she was on a mission. She walked to the back, grabbing a shirt before going to the register to pay for it. She smirked at Greg before walking out.

"What the hell did you just buy?"

"Your shirt. Do you remember Boondock Saints?"

"With Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flannery?" Greg asked.

"Yeah! Do you remember the prayer?"

"No."

"Well that's your shirt." Sara said, as David laughed.

"Doesn't my opinion count at all?" Greg asked.

"No." Both said, as Greg put his hands up.

"Fine. It's just my body that the clothes are going on. Sorry." Greg said, as Sara turned and glared.

"I just want you to look nice, and not insane. We've been waiting for this moment for what...six or seven years." Sara said, as Greg nodded.

"We aren't going to let you screw it up by wearing Marilyn Manson shirts." David said.

"And ripped up jeans." Sara added.

"With nasty shoes."

"And bad socks."

"With some form of bondage on you."

"OKAY I GET IT!" Greg said, "And there's nothing wrong with the way I dress. I got Nick to like me by dressing this way."

"That may be true. But this is a date, not work." Sara said.

"This is my foot going up your ass." Greg said, going to kick her.

"Oh shut up." David said, as they walked out of the mall.

"You shut up! I'm nervous as hell now. Thanks, you guys fucking suck as friends." Greg said, as Sara pinched his arm, "OW! Have you ever heard of the term PAIN."

"You'll feel pain if you don't stop bitching." Sara said, as David started laughing.

"You two went into PMS mode fast didn't you."

"What would you know about PMS?" Sara and Greg both said, as David recoiled.

"Nothing. Let's just get back to the apartment." David said.

"I'm wearing eyeliner." Greg said.

"Oh no you're not." Sara said.

"It's my face! Damn!" Greg said, as Sara shook her head.

"No. We're dressing you, so you aren't wearing it." Sara said.

"Are you my mother?"

"No. But she needs to beat your ass." Sara teased, as Greg laughed.

"Oh shut up!" Greg said, as both started laughing at the other.

"What the hell did I just miss?" David asked.

"NOTHING!" Both said, as they got into the car.

Greg felt someone watching him again, turning and looking around.

"Greg? You okay?"

"Huh...yeah. Let's go now though." Greg said, as Sara nodded.

"What band?"

"Lords of Acid." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"You can't be serious?!"

"Out Comes the Evil." David said, as Sara groaned.

She put the CD in, as the beat thumped through the speakers.

"Let's head back to my apartment then." Sara said, as she pulled out and drove off.

***

Greg paced back and forth in his outfit the next night.

"Chill out." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"You want me to chill out? I can't chill out. I think my heart is going to come out of my chest." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"You'll be fine. Just turn on the Sanders charm, and be yourself. Don't try to impress him, don't try to show off." Sara said, as David came into the room.

"And lastly, no dork references. Don't talk about yourself. And absolutely, positively NO talking about work." David said.

"Alright. You guys drilled all of that into my head last night." Greg said, as Sara smiled.

"We just don't want you to mess this up."

Greg nodded and sighed.

"I'm going to go get some fresh air." Greg said, as they nodded.

"Constant vigilance." Sara said.

"Closet Harry Potter fan!" Greg accused, as Sara smirked.

"Better than a closet Dr. Who fan." Sara said, as Greg walked out the door.

'Ten minutes till Nick comes to pick me up. Ten minutes until I get to go out on a date with him.' Greg thought, as he leaned against the wall.

He took a deep breath, looking around carefully. He knew he shouldn't be out here, but he couldn't take any more of his friends telling him what and what not to do. It was giving him a migraine!

He heard a crack come from his left side and looked over in that direction closely. He looked around and grabbed a broken branch from a tree. He stood with it, and heard another crack. He swung the branch forward, and almost hit something.

"GREG! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Nick yelled, as he dodged the branch.

"Oh shit..Nick...I'm sorry. I was getting some air, and YOU SHOULDN'T SNEAK UP ON PEOPLE!" Greg screamed, as Nick sighed.

"Give me the branch." Nick said, as he took it out of Greg's trembling hands.

"You should've called me to tell me you were here." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"I wanted to pick you up at the door." Nick said, "What are you doing out here alone anyways? You shouldn't be alone period."

"I just needed some fresh air from the demonic duo upstairs."

"Well, if you're ready then we can go." Nick said, as Greg smiled.

"I'm ready." Greg said, as Nick grinned.

"You look nice." Nick said, as Greg blushed.

"T-Thanks. You look nice too." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Come on." Nick said, as he grabbed Greg's hand.

Greg's face looked like a giant cherry.

Greg got into the car, letting Nick blindfold him.

"What are you doing?"

"Where dinner is at, is a surprise." Nick said, as he got on his side.

He started driving, as Greg started wondering where the hell they were going. The car stop a few minutes later, Greg heard Nick turn off the engine. He then heard a door shut, before he heard his open. Greg felt two hands on his, helping him out of the car, and towards something.

"Alright." Nick said, as he unfastened the blindfold, "Ta da."

Greg saw a small table set up with a little silver table cloth. There was two plates on the table, and two candles. There were two glass covers over the candles, so the wind wouldn't blow them out. The moon was shining on the cloth, giving the table an ethereal look.

"Oh...wow Nick." Greg said, awestruck.

"You like it? I didn't know if it was to much. I asked Catherine, and she said that it would be romantic...and that was the feel I wanted." Nick said, as Greg smiled.

"It's wonderful." Greg said, as Nick grinned.

"I'm glad you like it." Nick said, as they sat down.

Nick smiled at Greg sheepishly.

"Well the dinner isn't really anything special. It's just pasta, it's about the only thing besides barbecue that I can cook." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"I can only make ramen and coffee." Greg said, as Nick chuckled.

"I remember when you ate ramen noodles one day at the lab, and when you started walking away, I just started staring at your ass." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"David told me that you did. I didn't believe him though. I thought he was just kidding!" Greg said, as both men laughed.

"Yeah well, it's the truth. Shit, I don't know why it took me so long to tell you." Nick said.

"Well I didn't tell you either." Greg said, as Nick served him some of the pasta.

"We were both scared of rejection." Nick said.

"Yeah. I was mostly scared that you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore." Greg said, as Nick frowned.

"I wouldn't care if you liked me or not, I'd still be your friend." Nick said, making Greg smile.

"I was still scared though." Greg said, as Nick frowned.

"I guess I didn't help matters." Nick said.

Nick sat down, as both started eating. They started talking about idle things, and somehow the subject got to work.

"I remember how you used to blare music in the lab." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"Grissom used to hate it." Greg said.

"He misses it now." Nick said, as Greg tilted his head.

"How do you know?"

"He told me one day, when we were working a case that he missed the noise that was your music." Nick said, as Greg frowned.

"I just couldn't work in there anymore. I was really paranoid. I kept on checking to see if the burner was on, or if any unstable chemicals were close to any others." Greg told Nick sadly.

"G, I saw you that day. Saw you get thrown through the glass...it scared me to death. I thought you were dead, and I tried to get to you. Grissom just told me to get Sara outside, and anyone else that was in the building." Nick said, as Greg shook his head.

There was an awkward silence that followed.

"The pasta's good." Greg said lamely.

"Thanks." Nick said, as both looked around.

"Nick, I really appreciate this. I mean your timing was a bit off, but better late then never." Greg said, as Nick piled their plates ontop of eachother.

"I just wish I could've gotten up my nerve earlier." Nick said, putting the plates and the rest of the things on the table in a picnic basket.

"But it's alright." Greg said, as he stood up.

Nick smiled at him faintly, and brought Greg into a hug.

"I love you Greg." Nick whispered in his ear, as Greg hid his face in Nick's chest.

Nick rubbed Greg's back affectionately, as both sat down on the bench.

"I love you too. I just wish I would've told you earlier." Greg said, as Nick kissed his forehead.

"We both do. But we can't change the past, but we can change the future." Nick said, watching Greg bite his lip.

"Yes, we can." Greg said, as Nick leaned in.

Greg could feel Nick's breath on him, and leaned in towards him. His eyes closed as their lips met, it was soft and chaste. He felt Nick's tongue outlining his lips, and opened his mouth slowly. Nick's tongue invaded Greg's mouth, probing the new territory. Greg moaned slightly into the kiss, leaning back on the bench. Nick smiled into the kiss, as he stretched out across Greg.

Greg pulled away for oxygen, breathing harshly. He smiled up at Nick, before starting to shiver. His hat had fallen off at some point, and it was on the ground. Nick sat up, bringing Greg with him.

"Sorry...I've wanted to do that for years." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"So have I." Greg said, as he picked up his hat.
"Do you want to go back to Sara's? Your house is still...erm..." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"Yeah...we should do this again." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Definitely, I mean...Greg, I'd like to do this a lot...and there goes my tongue." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him.

"Nick, are you asking me to be your boyfriend?" Greg asked, as Nick nodded.

"Yeah." Nick said, as he looked at Greg.

"Then the answer would be yes." Greg said, as Nick smiled widely.

Greg smiled and kissed Nick softly, before standing up.

"Right, if I don't get home then Sara and David will murder me." Greg said, as Nick stood up.

They grabbed the picnic basket, and went to the car.

"Um...Nick. Do you think I should start carrying a gun?" Greg asked, as Nick started the car.

"Until we find that psycho, I think you should carry some form of a weapon." Nick said, his tone bitter when he said psycho.

"It's going to be okay Nick. Everyone's working on it, we'll find him." Greg said, adding 'hopefully' in his head.

"Have you felt anyone looking at you in the past day or anything?" Nick asked, as he pulled out of the little park.

"I did yesterday...at the mall. I told Sara that we needed to get going right afterwards though." Greg said, as Nick sighed.

"I don't think you should be alone until we find this jackass. I'm telling Grissom that tomorrow at work." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"He'll probably get Brass to follow me everywhere like a mother hen." Greg said, as Nick shook his head.

"It'll be for the best. That way we know where you are, and know you're safe." Nick said, as he pulled up infront of Sara's.

"I know that. We need to take precautions." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Exactly." Nick said, turning off the car.

Nick walked Greg to the door, cupping the side of his face.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"Definitely." Greg said, as Nick kissed him lightly.

"Night." Nick said.

"Good night." Greg said, as he watched Nick leave.

He smiled to himself, and knocked on the door. Sara opened it, smiling widely.

"Hello there. Do you know what time it is?" Sara asked, as he walked inside.

"What time?" Greg asked.

"Midnight. Now I'm wondering what you two could've done since seven." Sara said, as Greg hit her in the arm lightly.

"Nothing. We just kissed and had dinner." Greg said, as Sara and David both frowned.

"He didn't ask you to be his boyfriend? What a rip off." Sara said, as Greg laughed.

"Actually he did." Greg said, as Sara squealed.

"I knew he would!" Sara said, as David smirked.

"Now you aren't single. That makes me a one man party of singleness." David said, as Greg smirked.

"Mia's asking you out tomorrow." Greg said, as David's mouth dropped.

"Liar!"

"No, I'm serious. She is." Greg said truthfully.

"Well damn." David said, as Sara pounced on Greg.

"So what happened? What'd you talk about?"

"Just stupid things, somehow the conversation got to the explosion." Greg said, as he rubbed his shoulder involuntarily.

"That's weird. So that's all that happened?" Sara said.

"Yes, that's all I'm going to tell you." Greg said, making Sara glare.

"Jerk. Leaving all the details for yourself." Sara mumbled, sitting down.

"I personally don't want to know. I love you like a brother Greg, but I don't want to know about your sex life." David said, as Greg glared.

"I'm glad you don't. You're straight, Sara's...Sara." Greg said, making Sara flick him off.

"Well...we need to get some sleep. We do have work tomorrow." Sara said.

Both nodded before going to change. Sara set up the air mattress, before saying good night.

***

Did you ever have one of those feelings where you walked into the room and it went silent. You knew they were talking about you, but you couldn't prove it. That's what Greg was thinking when he walked in to the lab the next day.

"Hey guys." Greg said, breaking the silence.

A few people started staring at him, as others continued talking normally.

Greg walked with Sara towards the break room, where he saw Nick and Grissom talking. They both looked up when they saw the two.

"Hey Greg, Sara." Grissom said, as both smiled.

"Hey Grissom." They chorused.

"Hey Greggo." Nick said, as Greg smiled widely in his direction.

"Alright you two, it's really slow tonight, so I'm thinking you two can drive around or whatever. If a case comes up I'll call you." Grissom said, as both frowned.

"Okay." Sara said, as they waved bye.

Greg blushed when Nick smirked in his direction.

"Come on." Sara said, as they walked down the halls.

"So now what do we do?" Greg asked, as Sara shrugged.

"I propose on going for a walk." Sara said.

"That's fine with me." Greg said, as they walked out of the lab.

They started walking down the street before Greg started singing some lyrics from Deep.

"Greg, will you stop it?" Sara asked.

"Never. Nothing could make this day bad." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"Ugh. Now I'm never going to hear the end of it." Sara said, as Greg smirked.

"No. No you really aren't. You'll hear about it until your ears bleed." Greg said, as Sara laughed loudly.

"I'll tell you about my period then."

Greg made a sour face, glaring at her.

"You wouldn't."

"I would. I can tell you all the nasty details, that no man wants to know." Sara said, as Greg cringed.

"That's sick."

"That's Sara logic." Sara said, as Greg smirked.

"Then I won't tell you any details about me and Nick." Greg said, as Sara's mouth dropped.

"You wouldn't."

"I would." Greg mocked her, as Sara put her arms over her chest.

"Jerk."

"Bitch."

"Well aren't you snarky today." Sara said, as Greg smirked.

"Snarky...you just said snarky. Next thing I know you're going to be coming into work saying passively, "I was jk ya'll." If you do, I will murder you with something very dull. It will hurt, and you will feel pain." Greg said, as Sara took a deep breath.

"I was jk ya'll." Sara said, in a hyperactive teenager voice.

Greg cringed, and made a unpleasant face.

"Never...EVER do that again." Greg said, as Sara started laughing.

"Yes! I have something else that bothers you." Sara said, as Greg just glared at her.

"Oh fuck off. The only reason it bothers me is because you are saying it in a...preppy hyperactive, I had to much sugar voice." Greg said, as Sara turned.

"Greg...don't freak out."

"Why would I freak out?"

"I don't know where we are."

"Why would I freak ou...YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE?" Greg yelled, as Sara cringed, "We were just infront of the lab."

"I guess we paid to much attention to the conversation." Sara said, as Greg slammed a hand on his head.

"Earth to Sara. We have to be in a place with lots of fucking people, because of that evil ass prick motherfucker who likes stalking me. See the lack of people." Greg said, as Sara's mouth dropped.

"Is it even possible to say two cuss words in a sentence?"

"I used three. Learn how to count." Greg said, as he looked around.

"It'll be okay Greg. We'll just..wander back."

"You want to wander...wait...I think I know where we are." Greg said, as he walked to a street sign.

"Isn't that the old rundown park?" Sara asked, as Greg smiled.

"Yep. We cut across there and we'll be a block away from the station." Greg said, smirking at Sara.

"What?"

"Aren't women supposed to have a natural sense of direction?"

"Oh shut up. We know where we are." Sara said, as they crossed the street.

"No thanks to you." Greg said, as they entered the park.

The reason it was rundown was because everything in the park was dead. The park equipment was rusty, and unusable. They were laughing, when Sara heard footsteps behind them. She reached for her gun, and felt that it wasn't there.

"Oh shit." Sara muttered, as Greg looked at her.

"What?" Greg asked.

"I left my gun in the car." Sara said, as Greg's eyes widened.

"Why do we need a gun?"

"Precaution." Sara lied.

"Precaution my ass." Greg said, as they heard a branch snap, "Maybe it's someone from the lab."

"I don't know." Sara said, as they turned and stopped.

"Why are we stopping?"

"If it's someone from the lab, they'll show themselves." Sara said.

"If they aren't then we'll get jumped." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"That bullshit." Sara said, as she saw a tall man.

"Oh fuck me." Greg said, as he and Sara walked back a few steps.

"I would love to." The guy said, coming into the light.

"You'll have to get through me, jackass." Sara said, as the guy took a few more steps toward them.

"Easy." The man said, as Sara got infront of Greg.

Greg bent down and the guy couldn't see what he was doing. He saw when he got back up, Greg was shaking slightly.

"Sara it's okay." Greg said, as Sara looked at him.

"No it's not okay." Sara said, as Greg moved her aside and stopped moving.

When they guy came in 8 inches of them, Greg threw his hand at him, letting it open. Dirt flew into the guys eyes, as he yelled out in pain. Sara's mouth dropped, as the guy started cussing.

"That's a dirty trick. Fucking cheater." Body builder started saying, as Greg grabbed Sara's hand.

"C'mon." Greg yelled, as they made a break for it.

They ran for a few more minutes, before stopping. Greg let go of Sara's hand.

"We have to hide. There's no way we can outrun him back to the lab." Sara said, as Greg looked around.

"We'll hide in here." Greg said, pointing to the ditch.

"How about somewhere cleaner."

"How about you don't bitch." Greg said, as he started to slide down the wall.

Sara followed him quickly, both hiding in the cover of darkness the overhead provided. They were standing up to their knees in unidentified liquid, that Sara didn't even want to know what was in it.

A few minutes later, Greg started walking to the handle bars. He began climbing up the wall.

"What are you doing?" Sara hissed at him.

"I'm seeing if he's still up there." Greg said, as he looked over the edge of the ditch.

He didn't see anything at all, and waved for Sara to come up the bars. Sara walked over, and Greg got onto the ground, his shoes squishing slightly. He helped Sara up, and then cussed quietly.

"If you tell me he's walking down the sidewalk I swear I'm hitting you." Sara said.

"Then I won't tell you." Greg said, as Sara smacked him upside the head.

"Now what?"

"Now we run, and hope to live." Greg said, as they both ran out of the park.

The guy saw them and started chasing after them. Greg looked behind him, and saw the guy. He looked for something to use as some sort of a weapon. A block, that's all there was between them. He almost tripped, which would've sent him straight to the pavement. Sara grabbed his hand, both running faster.

Luck was not on their side today however. They came to a street that the way they needed to go had a red light, and the other side a green light. Sara looked behind them to see the guy coming closer.

"What's more important Greg, getting away from him and almost getting hit by a car, or the guy capturing us?"

"I'll take the fucking car." Greg said, as Sara pulled them into the street.

They stopped when a car zoomed by, and then continued on to the next line. They finally crossed the street after a few more moments. They looked behind them to see the body builder doing the same. Sara felt like she would cry, as Greg pulled her forward. They could both see the lab in plain sight, both running a bit faster.

Their bodies were screaming for them to stop running and pushing themselves. To stop for a minute to take in some oxygen, to stop to rest.

"Come on Greg. We're almost there." Sara said, as she panted.

Sara looked behind her to see the guy still coming at them. They stopped when they were infront of the lab. Only problem was they were on the wrong side of the street. Greg looked at the guy who was stopping as he neared them.

Greg tried to take in a deep breath, but found it difficult. He tightened his hold on Sara's hand and pulled her into the street. They almost got hit by a car, but that was the least of their worries, as Greg pulled them to the other side of the street. They both ran into the lab, startling Nick, Grissom, and Warrick who were about to walk out.

Greg fell down, taking in deep gulps of air. He tried to fill his lungs with much needed air, as Sara tried to do the same. Nick sat next to Greg, rubbing his back softly.

"Were you two racing? There's no reason to run like that." Grissom said, as Sara shook her head.

"We weren't racing." Sara gasped, as she stumbled a little.

"Then what were you doing?" Warrick asked, as he supported her.

"We went on a walk...and we didn't pay attention to where we were going." Sara wheezed.

"We got lost for a second, before we found out that we were near that old rundown park a block away. We were going to cut across it so we could get back quicker. We got into the park, and the body builder guy followed us in the park. I threw dirt in his eyes...dirty tactic I know...don't really care." Greg said, once his breathing was under control.

"We went into a ditch, and we were going to stay there. Greg went up and didn't see the guy. But in the time space from when he said that and I got up there he was walking down the sidewalk. So we made a run for it." Sara said, as Grissom's eyes widened.

"He followed you?"

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you call us? We could've caught him."

"We weren't exactly thinking about getting him Grissom. We were thinking, let's get the fuck out of dodge before he kills us." Greg said, as he shook a little.

"We had to jaywalk to get away from him...almost got hit by a car. Shit that was an unnecessary adrenaline rush." Sara said, as Greg leaned into Nick.

"If he's following you Greg, then he'll know what you do when you do it." Warrick said, as Grissom's eyes widened.

"That's true." Grissom said, as he bit his lip.

"What?"

"I just had an idea. I have to call Brass." Grissom said, as he walked off.

"Wait..does that mean he followed me on our date last night?" Greg asked, as Nick's eyes widened.

"It's possible." Warrick said, as Sara frowned.

"Oh shit." Sara said, as Greg stood up.

"What?"

"I think I know what Grissom's idea is." Sara said, as Greg looked at her.

"What?"

"I'm not saying, because I'm hoping I'm wrong." Sara said.

"I'm telling you this Sara, we need to go to the gym more." Greg said, as Nick stood up.

Nick and Warrick walked with them to the break room, where they promptly plopped on a piece of furniture.

A/N: My friends say I was JK ya'll, and I want to shoot them for it. It's okay if you throw dirt in someone's eyes. It's a cheap and dirty trick, but it will stop them for at LEAST three minutes. And you can also go ditch running, you'd be surprised how entertained that can keep you. And yes I had to do this chapter, don't worry about ol bitchass bodybuilder man. He WILL get what's coming to him, promise.

***

Next part of Pop Quiz.