Title: Realign
Author: Rpgirl
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Greg's thoughts on Nick over a time period of a few days. It's my first shot at 1st person.

***

Wouldn't you think that after six and a half years that I would've told him?

It's really hard though. He's so perfect! And I'm so not, I feel like I'd taint him.

We never get paired up for cases. And when we do, someone else is with us. Only one person knows my secret, but they'll never tell him. At least I hope they won't.

Oh God! What if she has?!

I can handle being his friend. I worked hard to just get that much with him. It's insane, I know that! I just can't let him know. He's the loved one, where I'm just the CSI wannabe. Why is everything so messed up?

I stumble over my thoughts when he and Warrick walk in. Nick smiles at me and I melt inwardly. I told my friend Loki that I could never fall in love with someone from Texas, or Alabama. Southern twangs are just too country bumpkin for me.

That was before I met Nick Stokes. His southern twang is cute. So is his smile, which I have an odd fascination with. But he is from Texas, which is inevitably the problem.

I told Loki and she's ecstatic. She's coming down tomorrow since I have the day off. So does Nick, we already decided to hang out at my place. I even told him my best friend was coming. He thinks Loki's a guy, but she's definitely not. I can't wait to see the shock on his face.

Oh crap! They've been talking to me, and I've been zoned out the whole time. I hope I haven't been drooling. That would take my embarrassment to a WHOLE new level.

"Sorry, what'd you guys say?" I ask them.

"You okay G?" Nick asks, worry evident in his voice.

He's worried about me! Must hold in my fan girl...erm....fan guy squeal.

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You just look really pale."

"I'm always really pale."

Nick and Warrick laugh at that, as I smile at them widely. I know I'm always good for a laugh. So they get a cup of coffee and sit down.

Nick and I start laughing when Warrick accidentally spills coffee down his front. Warrick leaves so he can go get a new shirt on.

Now we're alone.....shit.

I dread and live for these moments. Dread because I'm horrid at small talk. Live because we're alone, and I could tell him everything. But I'm way too scared for that.

To think that I would be scared. Loki would scoff at that. So now we're talking about what we can do tomorrow.

His hand brushes mine, and I almost blush. Which would've been VERY bad. Considering the circumstances.

"So G, what is Loki like? Oh and is that his real name?"

"No, it's not. Loki is well....Loki. Always causing trouble, always looking for it. That's where the nickname came in."

"Loki, Norse god of mischief, and trickery."

"One in the same." I tell him.

"Sounds like a cool dude."

Dudette, I correct in my head. We finally are able to get off shift, by the time I get to my apartment, Loki's green Nova is parked next to my silver Jetta. Always one for her 'house'. I walk up the stairs quietly.

Stealth has always been on my side at night.

A woman with dark auburn hair that reaches her butt is standing at my door. She has hazel eyes that are yellow around the pupil. No they aren't contacts. She's paler than me, and she has light makeup on. She's 5'6, and she's wearing blue jeans, a black spaghetti strap shirt, and in her pants is a holster with a 9 MM in it.

The woman turns towards me and smiles.

"Chaos! You look great." She says, as I laugh.

"You do too Loki!" I say, as we hug each other.

Her real name is Audra, but since she hates that name, we call her Loki.

"When's Nick getting here?"

"Tomorrow at noon."

"Well crap." Loki says, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

"Same old Loki."

"Oh shut up! Seeing as how you are alone tonight, I'm thinking you still haven't told him."

Guilty as charged.

"Of course not. Okay, sit down. We're going to have a lesson." I say, pushing her on to the couch.

I take out one of those whiteboards that can stand. Then take out a black marker.

These are actually very useful for brainstorming. I draw a bad picture of Texas , then write in capital letters: TEXAS .

"Okay, Texas."

I then draw two male stick figures, and then cross them out.

"No boy on boy love."

Then I draw the equation. TEXAS + no boy on boy= no me and Nick.

"That's so stereotypical. Not all Texans are straight, homosexual kicking jerks!"

"Well do you remember the last guy I dated?"

"Yeah, he lived in Texas for a year then....oh."

"Now you see my point."

"Yeah, you never know until you try though."

"Well I'll just die afterwards."

We both sighed loudly.

****
I got up at 11:45, taking a quick shower, then getting dressed. Loki follows my example.

I'm wearing black jeans with a red shirt. Loki's wearing a light blue shirt, and blue jeans. Her hair is down, it touches her but. No dead ends, no split ends. She loves her hair. It's framing her body right now though. When we hear a knock on the door, I answer it.

Nick has some beer, and a camera. He's obsessed with Texas winning, so he takes pictures of it. I let him in, and he smirks at me widely.

"Nick Stokes, I'd like you to meet Audra 'Loki' Simmons. Loki, Nick Stokes."

Nick's mouth is on the floor, and he's shocked.

"Nice to meet you." Loki says pleasantly, "I'll put the beer in the fridge."

When she walks away her hair flows behind her like a cape.

"Why didn't you tell me Loki was a chick?" Nick's mad.

"Slipped my mind."

"Dude, she's a complete hottie."

I hide the jealousy that's hit me like a tidal wave.

"She's cute, yeah."

"No, she's like really hot." Nick said, as she walks back in.

"So what are we doing?"

"Watching football." I tell her.

I don't even enjoy the game but I do notice Nick taking a picture of Loki with the camera. He then takes a picture of the end score.

Texas: 27, Kansas: 20.

He smirks at me, and I roll my eyes.

"Texas was lucky."

Loki laughs as we bicker. I know Loki's hot, but damn if Nick's attention wasn't all on her.

Now I'm sad, and wish they'd never met. They both seem taken by each other. Loki would never betray me though. I hope she won't at least.

***

I watch the two of them interact, and think to myself that they make a good match.

Despite knowing this I wish I was the one playing around with Nick. My crush of six years likes my best friend.

Story of my fucking life.

I keep the tears at bay. I can't let Nick see how hurt I am by this. I know he's straight, but to see him flirt right in front of me. Well....let's just say my already damaged self-esteem took another hit.

Maybe it's for the best. Even if we were together, Nick could never tell anyone about me anyways. Texas doesn't take kindly to homosexuals.

I'd be a complete secret.

I excuse myself, and go to the bathroom.

I cry silently, not making a single sound. Neither of them can know that I'm crying.

Although Loki probably knows anyways. She has a sixth sense about me being upset. A knock on the door comes, and I already know who it is.

"I'm almost done." I call to the person.

I straighten myself up. I let water run from the sink, and get a hand towel. I learned a trick in high school, when I fought with my Dad. I let a little of the towel get wet, and gently rub under my eyes. I take my index and thumb and place them on my eyelashes. I rub them so they part again. Then I wash my cheeks off.

It doesn't look like I've been crying at all. Neat trick, huh? I open the door to see Loki, and smile.

"You okay?" She asks.

"Fine."

When I say this Loki frowns, but I throw her a half smile.

"Chaos, he's not my type."

"I know. You don't do tall, dark, and muscular."

"Damn straight. I do tall, blonde, and skinny."

I laugh with her, both of us smiling.

"Besides that, his twang killed any feelings I might've had about him."

"Thanks Loki." I say.

I pull her in for a hug. We don't even realize anything, until a flash comes from the other side of the room. We pull apart and see Nick smirking widely.

"Well, it's been fun. I have to go however. I have to work in two hours." Loki tells us.

"What do you do?" Nick asks.

"I'm a top private detective." Loki says, "Helps me get away with a lot of shit."

She hugs me once more.

"I'll be back on Friday." She tells me, "It was a pleasure meeting you Nick."

She smiles at both of us, and leaves. I go to the window, and see her get into her green Nova. When she drives off I look over at Nick.

"She's really cool Greggo." Nick tells me.

"Hence why she's my best friend."

Nick nods his head.

"Has her hair always been that long?"

"Since we were six." I tell him.

Nick smirks at me.

"Warrick's going to hate he missed this."

I can't help but agree.

"So what's up with the nicknames?"

"I told you about Loki's." I remind him.

"You didn't tell me about yours." Nick counters.

"Oh. I got the nickname Chaos when I was in the 9th grade."

"Why?"

"Because whenever I was around people, Chaos would break out." I tell him simply.

He laughs at the statement. I just shrug my shoulders.

An hour later Nick leaves.

**
By the time I reach the lab the next day, I already know something's up.

I make my way to the break room, seeing the team huddled. When I enter they all turn towards me.

I already know Nick is showing them the pictures. I can see them on the table.

"Hey Greg." Sara says, smiling.

In case you haven't guessed it, the only person who knows I like Nick is Sara. She accidentally found out about it. Accidents happen however, and they can't be changed.

"Hey Sara, what are you guys looking at?" I ask, playing the role of stupid.

"We're just looking at Audra." Warrick tells me.

I flinch, I can't help it.

"It's Loki, not Audra." I tell them, my voice snappish.

"Oh right, sorry. What was your nickname again? Chaos?" Warrick asks, looking smug.

I wish I could smack him.

"Yes Warrick, its Chaos. Although the only people who are allowed to call me that aren't present."

"Who are those people?" Catherine asks.

"Loki, Rhys, and Pez." I tell her.

"Pez? Rhys?"

"Rhys is his actual name. Pez got her nickname because of how many pez dispensers she has." I explain.

Warrick holds in a laugh.

"Warrick, you can laugh all you want. I really don't give a damn. I like the nicknames that we gave each other. Sorry you aren't mature enough not to laugh at something ten year olds made up." I tell him unemotionally.

I'm not going to let a jerk like Warrick Brown upset me. I learned this the first day at the lab.

Warrick looks taken aback. My eyes turn to Nick, who looks apologetic.

"Grissom, do I have a case?" I ask, not taking my eyes off of Nick.

"No, it's been really quiet tonight." Grissom tells me, I can hear sympathy in his voice.

I nod my head and exit the room. I don't even care right now. Before I can get to my Jetta, I hear my name being called.

I turn and see Nick running towards me.

"Man, I'm sorry. You know how Warrick can be."

"Yeah a complete and total jackass. You know Nick, its fine that you told them about Loki, but you could've left my nickname out of the mess." I tell him, slightly snapping.

"I didn't think he was going to act like a douche."

"Well then don't think. That's something that Loki, Pez, Rhys, and I have that's special. We made those up the day that I...." I stop, my eyes widening briefly.

I almost told him! Stupid, stupid, stupid Greg.

Nick tilts his head.

"The day that you what?" Nick asks.

"Nothing! It was nothing. Just forget about it." I tell him, and get in my car.

I already know what's going to happen. Nick's going to go tell the team, and they're going to pry. They can't help but pry into others lives. They do it every day.

I pull out of the parking lot, and drive to my apartment. I need to call one of them now. I'm thinking Rhys, since he lives closer. By closer I mean he lives in Vegas. I already have my cell phone out, and I'm calling him.

See I told my friends about Nick the first day I met him. They were so upset when I left them in San Francisco. Rhys moved here, Loki moved to Los Angeles , and Pez still lives in San Francisco . We all still keep in touch, Loki coming over whenever she can. Pez....not so much. Rhys and I spend a lot of time together though.

"Hey Chaos." Rhys greets.

"Hey, can you come over tonight?" I ask, pulling on to my street.

"Yeah, sure I can. What's wrong?" Rhys asks.

"I'll tell you when you come over." I say, as we both hang up.

I park the car in front of my apartment, and get out. Walking up the damn stairs is a bitch. Some teenager broke the elevator, I don't know how, or why. I really don't care.

When I get into my apartment I go to the fridge. I take out some ramen, and start cooking it. By the time I'm done cooking it, a knock comes to the door. I open it, and let Rhys come in.

"Ramen, food of college students." He jokes.

"Shut up." I tell him, and sit down.

"So what's up?" Rhys asks, sitting next to me.

"Loki came in to town yesterday." I tell him.

"I know she was in town for two days. We should've all gotten together."

"She met Nick."

"Oh."

"Yeah, 'oh'."

"How'd it go?"

"What do all straight men say when they meet her?"

"That she's hot. Damn, Greg." He says, making me laugh.

"Yeah. Nick told them about my nickname...and he told them Loki's real name."

"Snap?"

"Very much so."

"Damnit Greg, why does nothing every work out like we plan?" Rhys asks.

"Because I live in a fantasy world." I tell him, looking to the side.

"No you don't! You live in reality, it's just reality sucks." Rhys says, standing up.

"It does. It was good to see her though." I tell him, "So how has your day been?"

"Not as drama filled as yours." Rhys teases, and I throw a noodle at him.

It gets stuck in his hair, and I start laughing loudly.

He glares at me, and pulls it out.

"Jerk." Rhys says, "I'm trying to comfort you, and you throw noodles. I can feel the love."

I laugh at him lightly.

"So do you want to do something tonight?" Rhys asks.

"Let's go clubbing." I suggest, "We haven't done that in a while."

Rhys smirks, and agrees with me.

***

When we enter the club, we can already feel the vibrations from the speakers. Rhys loves to comfort me, and I love the comfort. So we go to a bisexual club. There are only about five bi clubs, nine gay clubs, and who knows how many straight.

So when we start dancing on the floor, and I see Warrick and Nick. You can just imagine my astonishment.

Rhys sees them too, and smirks at me.

He has a plan.

This could be good or bad. Good because Rhys is smart in this kind of field. Bad because they'll ask why I'm here. Then again, I could counter that with why are they here. So the bad is out, and I tilt my head at Rhys.

We move through the crowd, until Rhys knows we're going to be right in front of them. I'm blushing now, I know I am, because I know what's going to happen. Rhys takes my hands and brings me towards him. I'm laughing now, and I can't stop it.

Rhys is going to rise so many questions. The song changes and its Taproot. I know by Stephen's voice. The song is Mine, which is my favorite song by them.

Rhys tilts my head towards him, and goes to my ear.

"Let's fuck with their heads, shall we love." Rhys says, and I grin evilly.

"Yes, lets."

Rhys pulls me into an embrace, sneaking a glance to where the other two are.

"Are they looking?" I ask him, and he nods an affirmative.

"Now Greg, remember I'm straight, so this all means nothing."

I laugh, my head tilting upwards.

"I know that."

Our eyes lock, and we dance towards each other. Now we're up against one another, and Rhys is smirking like no tomorrow.

Rhys has to be the cleverest person I've ever had the courtesy of calling friend. We're both laughing, foreheads leaning against each other. I wish it was Nick that was doing this with me however.

Rhys goes to my left ear and blows on it. I giggle, and he smiles widely.

"I do believe they can catch flies now."

Translation: There mouths are on the ground.

I put my hand on his shoulder, and we both have looks of pure joy on our faces. Rhys and I both got leads in our plays at school. So we have no trouble with acting things out.

I grin widely at him, and we move our heads to the music. I'm moving my shoulders, as we get closer.

He gives me a look and I roll my eyes. The look said, 'This means nothing.'

That doesn't mean I'm not going to tell Loki and Pez. Blackmail like this doesn't come around everyday for Rhys.

He puts his hand on the small of my back, and we start grinding into each other. Rhys throws his head up, and I lay my head on his shoulder. We're both shaking with laughter, but the music hides us.

From where they're standing it looks like we might be panting.

Don't you just love loud music?

Rhys tilts my head, and raises his right brow. I half shrug using my right shoulder. Rhys just grins evilly and kisses me lightly.

I smirk and he twists us around so my back is to his front. I sneak a peek at Warrick and Nick and can hardly hide my laughter.

Warrick looks like he's just seen a ghost. Nick however....I don't know what's up with him. He looks upset, but pleased at the same time.

I don't get enough time to think about it, because Rhys twirls me out, then back in. Now we're front to front again. He goes to my ear again.

"I think my little plan is working. What do you think?" Rhys asked.

"I think that you are one brilliant son of a bitch." I say, "Thanks Rhys."

"I've got another grand idea." Rhys said, "Let's play Damsel in Distress."

I get a confused look on my face, and yelp when he grips my wrist.

Now I get what he means, and he literally drags me out of the crowd. I can't keep up and I stumble to the ground. He jerks me back up, and he's dragging me again.

What's up with straight men, and needing to drag people they want to screw? It makes no fucking sense! So when we get outside, and I fall again. I take a look at my wrist. Rhys, that son of a bitch left a bruise on it.

"Hey!" a voice from behind calls.

Rhys yanks me up, and I follow. I do not need yet another bruise on my pale skin. Rhys raises a brow at the person. I turn and see a pissed off Nick, and a worried Warrick.

Wait a damned minute! Warrick is worried. Maybe he is human after all. Yeah and maybe Grissom doesn't like bugs. I shouldn't be so judgmental, but I really can't stand Warrick sometimes. He's just a jerk to me half the time.

The other half he's my friend. It's like he's bipolar or something. I yelp when Rhys pulls me behind him.

Okay the jerking has GOT to stop. No wonder Rhys hasn't gotten a girlfriend yet. With the way he handles me, any romantic feelings I've ever had for him have disappeared.

Nick takes a step towards us, and Rhys makes us back up.

"Will you mind your own business cowboy?" Rhys sneers.

I love it when Rhys sneers! I'm sorry, I know I'm a Nick fan guy, but a guy can still appreciate a sneer.

Nick looks two steps away from pulling out his gun and shooting Rhys head off.

"Hey Greg, why don't you come over here." Warrick says.

I love how people love to jump to conclusions. It's so brilliant. I shrug and walk over to them. Rhys glares and walks away.

I'll see him back at my apartment. Where we will laugh about this whole ordeal.

Isn't life pretty? Nick looks at me, and I just grin.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." I tell him.

Playing Damsel in Distress has always been my favorite game. I bite my lip when he takes my arm.

"That jerk bruised your wrist." Warrick said, and I bite every comeback I can think of.

"Yeah." Is the only thing I can think of.

'Lame. Lame. Oh so lame.' I think.

"Do you want us to try to find him? That's minor assault." Nick said.

"No it's fine. Really." I tell him, and then tilt my head.

Nick looks upset.

"What are you guys doing at a bi club anyways?"

Both blush red, and I inwardly smirk.

"We uh...." Warrick trails off.

When it takes this long to answer a question, you're supposed to let it slide.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone you were here." I say, and then look at my watch. I need to be getting home.

"Thanks Greg." Warrick says, and I shrug.

"It's whatever. I've got to go though. Later!" I say, and walk over to my Jetta.

Rhys is already in the back seat. He's laughing so hard, that he's red.

"Having fun?" I ask, getting in the driver's side.

"Oh so much. That was so awesome!" Rhys says, as I pull out.

When we're good distance, he gets into the passenger seat.

"Sorry about your wrist Greg."

I shrug.

"I think you popped my arm out of socket." I tell him, as he looks apologetic.

"Sorry, but it was the only thing I could think of."

"It's fine." I say, "Do you want me to drop you off?"

"Nah, my cars at your place remember." Rhys says, and I make an 'o' with my mouth.

When I park, Rhys gets into his car.

"Call me later Chaos." He calls, and then leaves.

I shake my head, and walk up the stairs to my apartment. They're still a bitch to walk up, but I manage.

I enter my apartment, and pass out on my couch. I am way too lazy to walk the twenty or so steps to my bed.

Do you know how much work that is for someone who's 6' tall? First you have to get up, then you have to walk, and if that's not enough then you have to change clothes. It's just way to much work for one person. I really hate it.

***

I'm really starting to understand the hatred of going to work.

You have to get up early, and then work for long hours. Plus the coffee is shit, unless I bring my own. But see, when I do that I get none of it. So I drink the sludge they like for us to think is coffee.

Actually just a minute ago, I took some of it to Hodges. I asked him to run it, so I can know what the hell is in it.

I go into the break room, and sit next to Sara. We share a smile as Grissom walks in.

See normally I'm paired up with Sara or....Sara. So imagine my shock when I hear that I'm paired up with Nick.

Dread fills me, and I hope I don't babble like I always do with him. Nick grins at me, and I share the grin. When we're allowed to leave, I share a pathetic look with Sara.

I hate Grissom. Grissom with his stupid bugs, stupid facial hair, and stupid quotes.

How can he do this to me!?

I don't really hate Grissom. I just can't believe he'd switch it up like that. Someone's paying him or something. Maybe he smoked something before he came into work.

That would explain so much.

Like why he's so scary half the time.

Okay he's not really scary, but he has his moments. I snap out of my thoughts when Nick walks by me.

Drool check: I feel my face, and there's nothing wet on it. I passed the check. Then I follow him, and I swear I think I might die.

When we get outside, it's a whole other story. I put on my sunglasses that make me look like I have bug eyes.

"Whose car should we take?"

"Yours." I say.

When we get into his car, my ears are assaulted. That stuff southern people like to call Country is being belted into my ears. I think I'm crying from how bad it hurts them.

Nick turns it off, and offers me an apologetic smile.

Is he me? I blare the music, not him. I get comfortable for the hour long drive to our scene. We start talking about stupid things, and I notice something.

The only time Nick spends time with me is when Warrick doesn't have the day off.

That's great friendship, isn't it? But I can't complain, because every second with Nick is a blessing.

No, I'm not a stalker. That's Nigel Crane.

When we pull up to our scene, I see Sophia standing next to the door. I really don't need her smart ass comments today.

"You boys are late." She tells us.

"Sorry about that." Nick apologizes.

I refuse to apologize for something we couldn't help. Traffic sucks, she needs to get over it.

She gives me a look like I should apologize, and I ignore it.

"Nick, I'll take the perimeter if you take the house."

Nick's hated taking the perimeter for as long as I can remember. So when he nods his head, I start the walk around the place. I'm not really paying that much attention to the scene. Which is bad for a CSI to do. It's my job to find the stuff, tie the stuff to the suspect, and put the suspect away.

It's the funniest thing. A few weeks ago Nick asked me why I don't wear my insane shirts anymore.

When you have scars, you don't really want to show them off to the world. No I'm not talking about the explosion. God knows everyone's seen those scars.

I'm talking about the scars that no one should have. I'm talking about the kind of scars whips leave. I'm talking about the kind of scars fathers give their kids to punish them for being bad.

The burns cover up about 95% of those scars, but there are still a few that can be seen. Those are the scars I hide, that's why I don't wear those shirts.

I find some tread marks, and go through the procedure.

Who the fuck needs procedure? It takes too long to do, and by the time you're done, what more do you have? A tire track. Woohoo, that's so much.

See now I'm getting sarcastic. This is what happens when.... I can't even blame it on something. I see Sophia coming towards me, and hold in the groan that wants to escape.

I can only stand a few people I work with. I even have lists. Screw you, I'm an organized person. I have to keep the people I like from the people I don't like from the people I can actually stand.

People I like are Nick, Catherine, Sara, Jacqui, Archie, and Bobby. People I put up with are Brass, Warrick, Grissom, and Hodges. People I wish would learn how to walk off cliffs are Sofia, and Ecklie.

Yes I have some problems, but we aren't discussing that. Oh god, here she is.

"Greg, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I say.

"You look pale."

What's up with these people and being pale? I'm going to go up to the President and say, "Mr. Bush, you look pale." Then maybe I can be initiated in the 'I state the obvious' club. A dream come true, I assure you.

"I'm fine Sophia, thanks for asking though." I say, and she smiles at me flirtatiously.

Doesn't she like Grissom? Oh wait, that's right Grissom's with Sara now.

Oh no! I'm the poor son of a bitch that she's trying to rebound on.

Danger! She's in my personal space! Must abort the mission!

I take a few steps back, and make some excuse about evidence. I keep an eye out for anything, just so she won't come back.

She is permanently on the cliff list. I'll have to put the star on her when I get home.

Yes stars. Nick has a green star, so does Catherine, and Sara, and the rest of the people I like. They will never be moved.

I thought maybe Sophia could move up into the 'people I can stand' list, but not anymore.

I find some white substance, and I think it's either glue or the other white substance that looks sticky. I take a picture of it, and then take some to give to Hodges.

I get a smirk on my face at the thought of Hodges getting it. My phone starts to buzz. Great, now I have a message. I open my phone to see it's from Hodges.

It's creepy how lab rats know when you're thinking about them.

It says:

-You don't want to know what's in it-

Great, now I think I might just lose my breakfast. Thank you, Hodges.

I snap off my gloves, and walk over to Nick's car. I put the evidence in it, and shut the trunk.

Remember the last time we put evidence in Nick's car? It got stolen, and then looked like someone wanted to masturbate 24/7.

I felt so bad for him, but then I couldn't help but sing in my head.

'Thank god it wasn't me. Thank god it wasn't me!'

I would've put on a hat and everything.

I walk into the house, to see Nick printing a window.

"'sup G?" Nick asks me.

"Nothing much, I'm done though. I got a tire track, and some unidentified white substance."

Nick sticks his tongue out.

"Did you touch it?"

"Well yeah, I had to get some for Hodges to run." I say, "I had gloves on though."

Nick grins at me, and I swear that I will melt one day just from his grin. It should be illegal to grin like that.

When he's finally done with collecting his stuff, we head back to the safety of the lab.

Well not so safe, because Ecklie can still show his ugly face. This also means that I can have nightmares.

When we get there, we drop our things off at the right tech. They give us a grin, and say it's on the top of their stack.

Nick and Sara love that when they work with me. The lab rats will always have a former one's back. So that means they'll do my stuff first, because I'm their friend. Slightly biased I know, don't really care.

So then we get to wait for all of that to get done. We try to find any relations near them, and possible suspects.

Is it bad I'm paying more attention to Nick's mouth than what he's saying?

It happens to the best of us. So he asks me what I think, and I blink.

"I have no idea." I say honestly.

It is honest, because like I said, I haven't paid attention to a damn word he's said.

We go over the facts again, and Grissom walks in. He wants to know how we're doing on the case.

It's been four hours. Does he really think we've made that much progress? Then again this is Grissom we're talking about.

We tell him all that we have, and he leaves. Not before telling us that we can leave, since there's nothing else we can do.

Why he's so gracious, I think I'll get him the same thing I get him every year for Christmas.

Nothing.

See now I'm being cynical. I really need to lighten up; he's being nice to us. I mean we still have two hours left on our shift, and he's letting us leave early.

While I walk out, I drop by Hodges lab. I actually want to know what's in it. He hands me the results, and he was right.

I didn't want to know.

***

Words can't express how much I would love to throw Nick Stokes up against the wall and kiss him.

Like I said before, I am way too scared for that. So I just watch him discuss the case with me. I'm paying attention, I swear! I mean his butt is part of the conversation.

His back is to me! I'm allowed to look.

Sophia walks in, and my mood changes instantly. I hold in a groan, and Nick turns around.

Peep show is over, and replaced by ugliness that is this girl. I blink my eyes and watch the scene.

"So what do you boys have for me?"

Nothing that we want to give you.

"Not much. We have some fingerprints that weren't in the database." Nick says, as Sophia gives us a look.

"Let me run them again." Sophia says, holding her hand out. She smiles at Nick, and I can't help but feel jealous.

Back the fuck off! I hate over-impulsive women. They just don't know when to quit, or when to back off.

Nick is looking uncomfortable too. Greggo to the rescue!

"Nick and I were going to go have another look at the scene." I tell her, grabbing Nick's arm.

I yank him away from the evil Sophia 's clutches. Now this is the time where I get a kiss for saving him, but instead he pats me on the back.

Pat on the back, or a kiss?

Which one would you choose?

I take a deep breath, and follow him to the Tahoe. I will not scream, I will not throw a fit.

"So Greg, what's up with you?" Nick asks me.

"Nothing much. I hung out with Rhys a little last night." I say unenthusiastically.

"That's cool. So is Rhys a girl or a guy?"

"Very much a guy." I say.

You know the one that you threatened because he hurt me. I don't say anything though. Nick thinks he saved me, so I'll let him think that.

We get into the car and drive to the scene.

I want to tell Nick that he has a nice ass, but I don't know how to tell him that. You can't really go up to someone and go, 'You have a nice butt.' You'd not only get your ass kicked, but the humiliation would kill you as well.

"G, you okay?"

Fine, just keep talking to me.

"I'm okay. I just haven't been sleeping well." I lie.

"Why not?"

"Nightmares." I say, wondering why he gives a damn.

"What are they about?"

Great, now he's asking difficult questions. Doesn't he know my brain needs at least thirty minutes to reload?

"Just stupid nightmares. I hear a knock on the door, and go to answer it. There's this guy in a mask, and he kidnaps me." I sort of lie.

It's not a complete one. I had that nightmare two weeks ago. It's been bugging me for a while.

"Is that all?" Nick asks.

"No, but I'd rather not discuss it." I tell him.

Nick lets it go like the nice guy he is. Sometimes I hate that about him.

Doesn't he know I'm like a woman. No really means yes.

When we get to the scene he goes back into the house, and I take the perimeter. I really hate working out in the heat. Its way too hot and I'm wearing black. I'm just asking for a heat stroke. I jump when I hear something snap behind me.

This is why I would love to carry a gun, but see, I kind of have this problem of passing the test for it.

See me and guns, we have an understanding. I hate them, and they hate me. It's a great understanding, that's which has kept us both sane for the past thirty-one years.

When I hear another snap, I stand up straight. I try looking around, but see there's a problem.

It's night, which means it's dark.

I pull out my flashlight, and look around. I don't see anybody, but that doesn't help my growing anxiety. I start walking towards the house, and I nearly run into the house.

"Hey G, already done with searching the outside?"

I'm scared of the dark, I hate the perimeter. I wish I could kiss you long and hard. So yes, I'm done searching the outside.

"Yeah, nothing new." I tell him, as he frowns.

Does he know how cute it is when he frowns? It's just about as cute as when he pouts.

Mind on task Sanders. The case is more important right now.

"This sucks. Nothing is helping us, and unless your white substance has a DNA tag that is somehow related to the hairs I found, then we're fucking screwed."

I want to tell him to calm down, but he looks sexy when he's mad.

MIND ON TASK! I can't keep doing this. I'm really going to end up getting hurt.

"Nick, chill out. We'll find something." I try to comfort him.

He nods, and smiles at me.

"G, thanks. I really don't think I could do this case without you." Nick says, and pats my shoulder.

When he walks out, I literally fall down. One, what he said came out of nowhere! Two, OH MY GOD HE TOUCHED ME!

I may never wash my shoulder again.

Not stalker, fan guy. There's a difference. Stalkers are people like Nigel Crane. Fan guys are people like me, who don't have a life.

I jog after Nick, and gracefully trip on a rock. I hit the ground with a dull thud. I hit my head...that really hurt.

Nick's at my side in a heart beat though.

The words' I meant to do that! come into my head, but I don't say them. One, the world is spinning, and two Nick's face is way too close to mine.

I could kiss him.

Then get my ass kicked.

Or I could not kiss him, and never know what it's like to kiss him.

And not get my ass kicked.

Choices, choices.

I'll go with choice number one. I slightly tilt my head, and our lips brush lightly.

I think electricity just shot through my body. It looked like an accident however. A very convenient accident.

But an accident all the same. Remember what I said about accidents? They happen, and you can't change them.

When I open my eyes again, Nick's eyes are wide. I really hate my ideas sometimes. I'm really stupid.

There's a look in his eyes though, and he licks his lips.

Maybe I was wrong about him being straight? It wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.

He leans down and kisses me again.

Okay, you know when you think you're in a fantasy?

That's me right now. If someone pinches me, I'll stab them repeatedly with a dull pencil.

It will be painful.

He pulls back, and I smile widely. So does he, and I really think I'm going to faint.

My head hurts a lot. But then again I just fell, so that'd explain a lot.

"You okay?" Nick asks me, and I think I'm about to sigh.

Or I think I'm about to squeal. I can NOT squeal. That isn't manly, and it isn't smart.

"Yeah, just bumped my head. Uh...did you just kiss me?" I ask.

Nick blushes.

"I hope you didn't mind. If you did I'm reall--"

I put my finger to his mouth.

"If you say you're sorry, I swear I might murder you." I tell him, as he helps me up.

Nick grins at me, and I think I'm about to die.

"So does this mean you like me?" I ask him.

"Have since you started working at the lab."

I resist any and all urge to scream and smack him. I want to smack myself too, but I'll do that when I'm alone.

"We're both idiots."

"Yeah, Warrick heard you and Sara talking a while back."

I know my mouth's open.

"And you didn't tell me!? What's wrong with you? We could've been screwing like bunnies in heat by now!" I tell him.

"I was waiting for the right time."

The right time?! The right time for him is when I knock my head on a rock.

That is so unromantic it hurts!

But hey! I somehow managed to get Nick.

Isn't life pretty? I think it is. I think I like living that much more now.

We call Grissom, and tell him I'm injured. He tells us we can get off shift.

He shouldn't have said that. Now we're going to Nick's apartment.

Sometimes I love Grissom. He's now gone up to the people I like list.

End

***