Title: Rejection
Author: Rpgirl
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Rejection: The rejecting of something or somebody, or the fact of being rejected.

***

Rejection: The rejecting of something or somebody, or the fact of being rejected. That was the definition of the one word Greg had hated since he'd started working at the Las Vegas Crime Lab.

It's why he'd never gone up to Nick, thrown him up against the lockers, and kissed him. It's why he'd never told anyone about the crush that he'd had on the man since day one. For if someone knew about it, then Greg's world would come tumbling down. So he kept it to himself, for six long years he'd stayed silent.

"Greg? Are you okay?" A quiet voice asked from behind him.

"Fine Catherine. Sorry, just thinking about something." Greg said, throwing a fake smile at her. Catherine smiled back, even though she knew his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Well Grissom's giving us assignments. Come on." Catherine told him, jerking her head towards the break room.

Greg nodded, following the strawberry blonde into the room. Nick was sitting with Warrick, both were laughing. It was probably about a woman, it always was about one anyways. Grissom and Sara were talking in hushed voices, before laughing too. In Greg's head he mentally gagged at them. It was to early to be so cheerful.

"Oh there you guys are." Grissom said, smiling at the two people entering the room.

"Yep, Greg was just outside getting some air." Catherine said, sitting down.

"That's fine. Alright, let's get down to business then." Grissom said, "Greg and Nick, you two have a B&E over on Sirius Street."

Greg let out a snort at the name, as Nick took the sheet.

"Warrick and Catherine you have a body in Lake Mead." Grissom said, making Catherine stick her tongue out.

"Joy." Catherine said, taking the little sheet.

"Sara you're with me, we have a body over on the Strip." Grissom finished, as they both left.

"C'mon G." Nick said, smiling at the other.

Greg nodded, following Nick out.

"So Greggo, what're you going to do tomorrow?" Nick asked.

"Huh?"

"It's your day off isn't it?" Nick asked.

"Oh yeah..I don't know. Sit around." Greg said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Damn, I would've thought you had a hot date or something."

"Don't I wish." Greg said, making the other laugh.

Nick stopped when they were outside.

"Your car or mine?"

"Let's take yours." Greg said, as they started walking again.

Greg got in on the passenger's side, as Nick got in on the driver's.

"I hope you aren't going to make me listen to your music." Greg said, as Nick threw him a sideways glance.

He was smiling that smile, that made Greg want to jump him.

"We aren't listening to yours." Nick said, "I'm sorry, but hearing Manson, just isn't my style."

"What style are you talking about? Because if it's clothes you have none, in music; you have none. So I'm curious as to what style you're talking about." Greg said, throwing him a fake smile again.

Nick playfully glared at him, also noticing how Greg's smile never reached his eyes.

"I have better style than you." Nick said, pulling out.

They both decided on an alternative band. Alternative meaning Smashing Pumpkins, it was one of the only bands Nick could actually stand to listen to.

Nick tried and failed at trying to start a conversation with Greg. He kept on glancing at the other, seeing Greg watching the scenery passing by.

They arrived at the scene a few minutes later, seeing Brass waiting for them.

"About time you two got here." Brass said, as the two CSI's walked over.

"Yeah, sorry about that. We couldn't find Greg for a minute." Nick said, as Greg threw Brass a sheepish grin.

"Whatever, just go inside and do your stuff." Brass said, as Nick nodded.

"I'll look at the scene inside, Greg you take the perimeter." Nick said, "Let's see if he left anything that could help us."

Greg nodded unenthusiastically, pulling on his gloves. He started walking around the house, looking for any little thing that would jump out at him. Nick watched him walk away and looked at Brass.

"Jim, have you noticed anything different about Greg?" Nick asked, walking inside.

Brass followed him into the house.

"Yeah, the kid's not hyper anymore. It was soothing not to see him bouncing all over the place." Brass said, as Nick shook his head.

"Anything else?" Nick asked.

"What's this got to do with the crime scene?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one noticing." Nick said, looking at the living room.

He started at the point of entry, which was pretty damn obvious. The window was busted, and had some blood on it.

"Whoever did this was an amateur." Nick said, "What's missing?"

"Nothing." Brass said, "Except a few food items."

"Food? That could mean it was someone homeless." Nick said, swabbing the blood.

"Yeah, well it's still a crime." Brass said, "Even if we feel bad for them."

Nick nodded, as he started searching the room. He heard a yelp from outside, before he saw Brass run outside. He followed him quickly, jumping down the stairs. He ran to the side of the house, where Greg was on his knees.

"Sanders? Are you okay?" Brass asked, going over to Greg.

"Y-Yeah, my foot stepped in that hole." Greg said, pointing to the big hole.

"Did you take a picture of it?" Nick asked, as Greg nodded.

"I heard a sound from behind me, and turned. I lost my balance I guess." Greg said, as he looked down.

"C'mon G." Nick said, helping Greg up.

"I found a few hairs." Greg said, holding up a bag.

Nick smiled at him.

"I've got some blood. So we'll take that back to the lab." Nick said, "Let's try to get some fingerprints from the latch and then head back."

Greg nodded, as Nick went back in.

"Sanders you feeling okay?" Brass asked.

"Huh? Yeah...why do you ask?" Greg asked.

"You look kind of pale...and you don't seem like yourself." Brass said.

"I think I might be coming down with something." Greg said, as Brass nodded.

"Probably." Brass said, as he walked back into the house.

Greg looked down at his arm, which was scratched up. He glared at it for a minute before Nick came out.

"Well they didn't wear gloves, which means we got a print." Nick said, grinning.

Greg nodded.

"Then lets get back to the lab." Greg said, as they made their way towards the vehicle.

Just a normal day, like any other day in Greg's life. He'd learned to accept that he'd be rejected by Nick long ago.

A/N: The rating will change as the story goes on.

***

Denial: refusal to acknowledge existence of something. Refusal to grant something, to allow people of something they want or believe they have a right to. This was a word Nick Stokes was very familiar with. It was the one reason he didn't go over to Greg Sanders and shake him for looking so robotic. He did everything automatically, and it scared Nick more than anything.

Nick didn't even remember the last time Greg had eaten anything. He walked into the lounge, going over to the mini-fridge. He took out his lunch, and noticed everyone elses. Sara's was a salad, Warrick had a brown paper sack, Grissom had his chocolate covered grasshoppers, then Catherine had a brown paper bag like Warrick. He didn't see anything for Greg though.

"Hey G, you hungry?" Nick asked, as Greg shook his head.

"No thanks Nick." Greg said, as Catherine walked in.

"You sure? I've got more than enough." Nick pressed, seeing another shake of his head.

"I'm not really hungry." Greg said, leaving the room.

Nick threw down his lunch, then plopped down in a seat.

"Nicky? What's wrong?" Catherine asked, as Nick laughed dryly.

"You mean you haven't noticed!" Nick exclaimed, watching Greg's retreating back.

"What are you talking about?" Catherine asked, as Sara made her way in.

"I guess we were all hungry." Sara said, smiling at them.

"Catherine, have you noticed anything...off about Greg?" Nick asked, as Catherine's eyes widened.

"You've noticed to?." Catherine asked.

"I've noticed he hasn't eaten anything in a while, and his face is so..."

"Blank, unemotional. Have you noticed those fake smiles he throws at us." Sara said, as the other two looked at her.

"So we aren't the only ones who noticed." Nick said, "Do you think Griss and Warrick have?"

"I think everyone's noticed...question is...why is he so.."

"Depressed, miserable, dejected." Sara said, as both looked at her.

"Exactly. I mean...we haven't done anything wrong have we?" Catherine asked.

"We've been treating him like we'd normally would. Sara, aren't you his best friend?"

"We haven't hung out for a while now. He's always busy, like I asked him if he wanted to hang out tomorrow. We both have the day off, he said he was busy." Sara said, looking down.

"Really? I asked him what he was going to do tomorrow, since it's his day off. He said he was just going to sit around." Nick said, as Sara's head shot up.

"So he's been lying, not eating at work. One of us needs to go to his place tomorrow. I'm about ready to throttle him." Catherine said, "We all know what severe depression can lead to."

All three flinched at the thought.

"Why would he be so depressed though? Maybe he got dumped or something." Nick suggested, making Sara laugh.

"He hasn't seen anyone in a few months."

"And this has only started happening in the past month." Nick said, "Well maybe someone died."

"He would've asked for time off." Sara said, "To go to the funeral."

"Maybe he lost his pet."

"He doesn't have one." Sara put in.

"Maybe...I don't know...he's homesick."

"He's said he doesn't want to go back home. He loves his parents and all, but he spent to much time there."

Nick kept throwing theories out, and Sara kept shooting them down.

"Guys, maybe he's lovesick." Catherine said quietly, making both stop.

"He would've told me." Sara said, as Catherine looked at her.

"What if he's embarrassed about the fact." Catherine told her, as Warrick walked in.

"Why would he be embarrassed?" Nick asked, "I'm sure the girl would be awesome to know. Greg doesn't have good taste in music and clothes, but his last girlfriend was a sweetheart."

"What are you guys talking about?" Warrick asked.

"Can't you tell we're talking about Greg." Sara said, as Warrick sat down.

"I was wondering when you guys were going to start talking to eachother, and throw theories out."

"Well we think he might be lovesick."

"Lovesick? Greg? We all know Greg's outgoing, why would he just yearn and pine for a girl. He'd just go up to her, and not care about being rejected." Warrick said.

Sara looked at him.

"Something's happened to him then. Because he isn't that outgoing anymore."

"Doesn't eat." Catherine put in.

"Doesn't talk like he used to." Nick added.

"Lies to us, so we can't hang out with him." Sara finished.

"Maybe the girl he likes is someone from the lab. That's why he won't say anything, because if he tells us, he knows we'll tell them." Catherine said.

"Whoa...I just had a thought." Sara said.

"What if the reason why he's embarrassed is because it isn't a girl, but infact a guy." Sara said, making the other three laugh.

"Please Sara." Nick said.

"You're right, that was a stupid theory." Sara said, laughing it off.

They stopped talking when Greg walked back in. They all looked at him, four pairs of worried eyes looking at him. He grabbed a bottle of water and turned around.

"What? Do I have something on me?" Greg asked, as Nick shook his head.

"You look fine G." Nick said, as Greg threw another fake smile.

Nick wanted to get up and smack it off. Shake Greg until whatever the hell was wrong with him fell out.

"Well I need to get back to work." Greg said, putting the water back up.

Nick looked at Sara.

"You have got to go to his place tomorrow. I don't care if you beat the shit out of him. Snap him back to normal." Nick demanded, as Sara glared at him.

"You can't just snap people out of depression like that Nick. I'll go over there, but I can't promise anything." Sara said.

"I just...I want to shake him so hard when he throws those fucking smiles. I used to throw those smiles. You all know I did...I just want to smack it off his face." Nick said, as Warrick laughed.

"I wanted to do that too...when you did it...don't worry Nick. He'll snap out of it...we'll make him." Warrick said, as Sara sighed.

"We have to find out what's making him so sad. If we do, then we can fix the problem. That will help with the depression." Sara said, "Men, honestly. Have to do everything the stupid way."

Catherine snorted.

"That's true." Catherine said, looking at the lab where Greg was.

"Guys, I'm really scared for him." Warrick said, "Why haven't we tried to do anything before now. We all realized what was going on."

"We didn't want to believe that someone like Greg could be depressed." Nick said simply, "And I'm with you Warrick, I'm scared for him too."

The four friends just glanced at Greg's back. Each feeling bad for letting the ex-lab tech made CSI down.

"If Grissom's noticed, he isn't doing anything about it. So let's leave this whole thing between us." Sara said, as they each put a hand in.

"We do anything we can to help Greggo out." Warrick put in.

"We have little meetings like this, where we put our information together." Catherine added.

"This is a private case." Nick finished, as the each started to eat their lunches.

Nick wasn't lying, he was scared for Greg. He was scared to let the one he loved down, so whoever was making Greg so depressed was going to get their ass kicked.

***

Disgust: strong disapproval or revulsion. Feeling of horrified or sickened distaste for something. Another word Greg had feared since he'd started at the lab. Believing that if he told Nick, that the other man would be repulsed by it. Another reason to keep his crush a secret, even though he knew in his head that it was killing him.

He sat on his couch, looking at the blank TV. He should eat, he knew he should, in part of his brain, he knew he should eat. He just wasn't hungry anymore, and that thought scared him. So here he was, sitting and avoiding everything that came his way. He flinched slightly when he heard knocking.

"Greg! Open up, it's Sara."

Greg glared at the door.

"Go away! I'm busy." Greg said, hearing a key turning inside the lock.

"Should've changed your hiding spot." Sara said, as Greg gave her a disbelieving look.

"Um, sorry if I sound rude but what the hell are you doing here?"

"You have nothing to do, and neither do I. So I thought, let's do something together. We never hang out anymore Greg." Sara said frowning.

"I know but I've been busy."

"That's bullshit." Sara snapped, "You told me that yesterday, then told Nick you weren't doing anything. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Greg looked down at the floor, and shrugged.

"I don't know. Maybe I like being by myself now."

"You never did before." Sara said, "What happened to change that?"

Greg gave her a withering look.

"None of your business."

"As a friend, I'm making it my business damnit. You've been so...I don't even know the word anymore." Sara said, "We haven't seen you eat anything in a month, you've been throwing us those nasty blank stares."

Greg's head snapped in her direction.

"I've been eating at home." Greg lied, "I just ate."

Sara gave him a look.

"Where are the dishes?" Sara asked.

"In the kitchen. It was takeout." Greg said, "I ate it all, and threw away the containers."

Sara stood up and walked in the kitchen.

"What the hell Sara! You can't just go through my trash." Greg said, following her.

"The only thing I see in here are empty water bottles." Sara said, "See and you're lying. Don't you understand that we're all worried sick about you."

"Well you shouldn't. I'm fine! I swear I am." Greg said, "I'll eat something later. Promise."

Sara threw him a look.

"I'm tired, so I think I'm going to go take a nap." Greg said, as Sara laughed.

"You're just trying to get rid of me." Sara said, standing her ground.

"No I'm not. I'm actually tired...kind of dizzy." Greg said, making Sara's eyes widen.

"Greg, that's not good. When's the last time you ate?"

"I don't know...I can't remember." Greg said, as Sara went to the pantry.

"You need to eat something Greg...like now." Sara said, "What the hell made this all happen?"

"Nick." Greg said quietly, not thinking Sara could hear it. Sara dropped the can of soup in her hand.

"What about Nick?" Sara said.

"Uh uh. I'm not telling." Greg said, "If he finds out...I'll be happy with his friendship...it's a nice friendship..."

Sara frowned at him, she picked up the soup. She put it in a pot, and watched it carefully while it cooked.

"Greg, I'm making you something to eat. Will you eat it?" Sara asked, as Greg laughed.

"Why?"

"Because if you don't eat something, you're going to pass out." Sara told him, making Greg laugh again.

"I don't care." Greg told her, swaying slightly.

"Well I do. Don't make me call someone to come help me." Sara threatened, as Greg shook his head quickly.

Sara looked at the soup, seeing it come to a slight boil. She poured it into a bowl, and found a spoon. Greg was sitting back on the couch, looking at the TV.

"Eat." Sara said, putting the bowl infront of Greg.

"I'm not hungry Sara." Greg said, as Sara glared.

"You eat, or I'll shove it down your throat." Sara threatened, making Greg's eyes widen.

Greg ate the soup in tiny bites, it sort of tasted like saw dust in his mouth at first. He then realized how hungry he'd been, and started taking bigger bites.

"T-Thanks Sara." Greg said, pushing the bowl away.

"Will you please tell me why you're depressed? I can probably help you!" Sara pleaded.

Greg looked at her.

"You can't tell a soul. Like at all." Greg said, as Sara nodded.

"If I don't tell anyone, will you start eating again?" Sara asked.

"I can try...No promises...but..the reason I'm depressed isn't because of a girl. It's kind of the opposite...I haven't told anyone in six years...because I'm scared it will get back to him...that you'll accidentally open your mouth and tell him. That scares me more than anything in this world." Greg said, as Sara's eyes widened.

"You're in love with a guy...and not just any guy...Nick. You said early that's why this was all happening." Sara put together.

Greg nodded his head.

"Why don't you tell him?" Sara asked, as Greg laughed.

"Please, straight, frat boy Texan Nick Stokes. Why don't I just go kill myself now. Save myself the embarrassment."

"Greg, what happened to your esteem?" Sara asked, "You've never been afraid of embarrassment."

"But those people weren't Nick...I tried to make him jealous with those girls. It didn't work, because he's straight. I'm so stupid, but I'm happy with being his friend."

"It's not healthy for you!" Sara said, "Nick himself said he just wants to shake you until you snap out of this."

Greg scoffed at her.

"Yeah right." Greg said, as Sara sighed.

"He did. We all put our heads together to try to find out what's been happening." Sara said, shaking her head.

"And I'm telling you I'm fine. You can't tell anyone!" Greg said, as Sara gave him a look.

"I won't. But if you don't get better soon, I'm telling Nick." Sara threatened, "You not eating anything is really fucking serious Greg. It can kill you damnit."

Greg looked down.

"I know...I didn't even realize I wasn't eating." Greg said, as Sara's phone rang.

"Sidle, oh hey Catherine. Yeah we can come in." Sara said, hanging up.

"Did we get called in?" Greg asked.

"Yeah...you might have to work with Nick. Warrick called in sick, and Nick needs help. Cath needs me help too." Sara said.

Greg nodded before standing up.

"Then let's get going...wait...how'd she know you were here?" Greg asked, as Sara grinned sheepishly.

"It was Nick's idea for me to come over to see what was wrong with you." Sara said, "And I told them I would. But I won't tell them about Nick."

Greg looked down again.

"I really don't know why you guys are worried about me. I'm fine...I will be fine. I just.." Greg trailed off, before they both walked out.

Sara followed him to the lab. When she parked her car she was jumped on by Catherine.

"So what's wrong with him?" Catherine asked.

"I-I can't tell you. I'm helping him though..."

"What the hell Sara! You said you'd tell us."

"Yeah well this is a lot deeper than we thought." Sara said, "I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone."

Catherine glared at her.

"We have a DB, come on."

Sara threw a smile at Greg, who gave her a half smile.

He walked in, and found Nick immediately.

"Hey G, come on." Nick said, smiling at him.

"Hi Nick." Greg said quietly.

Nick threw him a confused look, before they walked into Hodges lab.

"Damn Sanders, you need to learn the word sandwich." David said, as Nick glared at him.

"You need to learn the words shut the fuck up." Greg snapped back, making Nick grin.

"Hodges, just give me my results." Nick said, making Hodges glare.

"Here." Hodges basically threw them at the two.

Greg let Nick walk by, before following him.

"That jackass. What I wouldn't give to punch the hell out of him." Nick muttered, making Greg laugh.

The sound startled Nick, because he hadn't heard it in so long.

"What's so funny?"

"He didn't really say anything to you." Greg said, "Yet, you're still pissed."

"Of course I'm pissed. No one messes with my Greggo, and gets away with it." Nick said, messing up Greg's hair.

Greg swatted his hand away, blushing at Nick's statement.

"I'm going to go show these to Griss, so I'll be right back." Nick told him, smiling.

Greg nodded his head, going into the lounge. He grabbed and apple, tossing it around in his hands. He finally decided to take a bite out of it. Not noticing a big smile breaking across two people's faces at the fact that Greg was eating again.

***

Abjuration: to abstain from, reject, or avoid something. To deny yourself of something or someone. If there was one thing Nick looked at everday, it was synonyms for denial. He could see the one he loved hurting, knew he could help fix it. Knew that this was going to end up killing the other man. Fear was also a powerful thing to, don't get Nick wrong. He told his parents he thought he was bi; which hadn't shocked them. His parents already knew he was bi. Which shocked Nick beyond recognition.

"Nick, where's Greg?" Grissom asked, "He was called in to help us."

"He's in the lounge, don't know why though. Not like he'll eat anything." Nick said, as Grissom frowned.

"I've noticed that too, maybe he's on a diet of sorts."

"Yeah and the Queen of England is twenty-five." Nick said sarcastically.

"Well you never know, maybe he's just stressed." Grissom said, "It happens to the best of us."

"Grissom, he's been avoiding us after work too. Sara's been trying to hang out with him for a month. What's your explanation for that?"

"Maybe he wants to be alone."

"Yeah so no one will see that he's to skinny for his own good. He was way to skinny to begin with. Hodges made some smartass comment, and I just want to rip that fucker's face off."

"Nick!" Grissom said, stopping him.

"What?"

"I've never known you as the type to use those kind of words."

"I'm just so mad. I'm going to end up shooting Hodges myself." Nick said, "He's out of order, always making smartass comments to Greg. He doesn't do it to us as much anymore, but he does it to Greg a lot more now. If he doesn't stop I'll..."

Grissom's eyes looked amused.

"You're acting like the protective boyfriend." Grissom said, as Nick's eyes widened.

"Why would you say that? I'm not a protective boyfriend. Besides that Greg's straight." Nick said, his words frantic.

"You didn't say you were straight." Grissom said, making Nick sigh.

"I'm bi, it's as simple as that Griss."

"If you love Greg, tell him. You'd be surprised just how straight noodles are until cooked." Grissom said, "Let's get Greg and head to the crime scene."

Nick's mouth was dropped, where the hell did Grissom read that? Sounded like a bad line from some sort of movie or story. He shook his head and caught up with Grissom. They stood outside the lounge, both stopping suddenly. Nick's face broke out into a big smile as he saw Greg eating an apple. Relief washed over Nick like a hurricane, Sara had gotten him to eat again.

"Hey Greg." Grissom greeted, sitting next to Greg.

Greg threw Grissom his famous fake grin, and continued to eat the apple.

Nick mentally sighed. The fake smiles were still there. Well getting him to eat was progress. Nick sat on Greg's other side.

"Hey Greggo." Nick said, smiling at the other.

Greg gave Nick a half smile, before swallowing the bite.

"Hey Nicky." Greg said, "So what's the case?"

"B&E." Grissom lied, "You and Nick have it."

Nick gave Grissom a dirty look.

"But...what are you going to do about the double homicide?" Nick asked, as Grissom shrugged.

"That's for me to know, and for you not to find out about. Now get going." Grissom said, handing them the little sheet.

Nick gave Grissom a confused look, as Greg finished up his apple.

"Hey G, if you hurry up I might let you drive." Nick bribed, as Greg grabbed another apple. Now that he'd eaten something he was really hungry.

Grissom shook his head at the two retreating backs.

"Now Nick just needs to get confident and ask Greg. If so, those two will be a great team." Grissom said to himself, smiling.

**
"Greg, let me drive." Nick said, making Greg laugh loudly.

The sound made Nick smile widely.

"You said if I hurried I'd get to drive." Greg said.

"I was lying." Nick said, as Greg held out the keys.

"You want to drive, you have to get the keys from me." Greg said, making Nick lunge for thin air.

"G, don't make me run around like a fool." Nick said, making Greg shrug.

"Nick it isn't my fault that you're out of shape." Greg said, making Nick tackle him to the ground.

Greg's breath hitched, Nick was on top of him. Not only was Nick on top of him, but their noses were touching. Nick was trying to get all of his control together, so he wouldn't kiss Greg. Especially not in the CSI parking lot.

It was only a few inches, just a few. It'd seem like an accident if Greg freaked out. Greg looked so vulnerable right now, Nick's head leaned into Greg's on it's own accord. His lips lightly brushed Greg's, who gasped at Nick. Nick took this as an opportunity, and lightly probed his tongue into Greg's mouth. He tasted the apple that Greg had just had, along with something else that was sweet. He couldn't describe it, his hands trailed up Greg's sides. He winced mentally when he felt Greg's ribs through the shirt. If he did confess to Greg, he'd make sure to make the man eat more.

Greg pulled away, looking close to tears. He scrambled up from underneath Nick. Nick got up, looking at Greg.

"Did Sara tell you?" Greg asked, "Did she call you? I don't like pity Nick. It's almost worst than rejection...and I..."

Nick made a mental note to yell at Sara for keeping this information out of the conversation.

"I mean...I just told her today...I asked her not to tell anyone...tell Grissom something came up." Greg said, dropping the apple.

He ran to his car, and it only took two seconds before he was out of the parking lot.

Nick was frustrated, he was pissed, he was a lot of things right now. Greg was acting normal, and then he had to just fucking kiss him...wait...the way Greg was talking a few minutes ago.

Oh my god! Greg likes me....of all the fucking times to let this happen. Fucking hell, I should just go kill myself.

"Nick? Where's Greg?" Grissom asked, coming out.

"He uh...he..." Nick trailed off.

"Did you tell him?" Grissom asked.

"I kinda kissed him."

Grissom looked like he was about to smack Nick, or himself.

"Nick, that was tactless."

"I know that! He thought it was pity." Nick said, looking ready to punch a wall.

"You, give me that sheet." Grissom said, snatching it from Nick.

"What?" Nick asked, stunned.

"I'm going to say this to the best of my vocabulary. You.are.going.over.to.Greg's.and.telling.him.the.right.way." Grissom said, making Nick's mouth drop.

"Who are you? What have you done to Gil Grissom?" Nick asked, as Grissom glared.

"This has been going on for way to long. I'm sick of it, frankly. So if you don't go over to Greg's right now, you're both fired." Grissom said, "I can't have two people who can deal with crime scenes, and dangerous perps. But can't do something as simple as ask someone out on a date. I don't need those type of people."

Nick smiled at Grissom, before hugging the other man.

"Thanks Grissom."

"That's right, go." Grissom said, pushing Nick towards his car.

When Nick left, Grissom sighed.

"Great, now who's going to do this." Grissom asked himself, holding up the sheet.

***

Next part of Rejection.