Title: Scratched
Author: Dee
Note: a sequel to Itchy Fingers.
Rating: PG
Word Count: 338
Pairings: Gil/Nick
Characters: Gil Grissom, Nick Stokes, Greg Sanders, Catherine Willows and Sara Sidle.
Warnings: Fluff and AU
Spoilers: No.
Disclaimer: In my dreams they are like, totally mine!
Beta: jayceepat and podga for their invaluable help in the Americanisation of the fic and their insightful comments. I thank high_striker for his wonderful icons. I am indebted to them all. Any errors are mine.
A/N: high_striker and Alisa asked for a sequel and this....just happened....all I would say is beware of what you wish for...

Nick strode out from the locker room towards the file store. He hadn't got a key but he could hang around and look busy until Gil unlocked the door and then.....

What he'd forgotten in the last few minutes, as the blood supply to his brain has relocated elsewhere, was that he had to walk past all the labs to arrive at the file store.

The DNA lab, for instance, where Greg burst out of his glass habitat to stop Nick in his tracks.

"I have the results from the murder scene sex toy...you are not going to believe who...."

"Greggo.....can't stop got an urgent job to do...."

"You'll stop for this...you know that clown....."

"It'll have to wait, man; I have an urgent assignment..."

"Where, can I come, Grissom said I could do some field work?"

"It's not in the field, I've got...work to do here....."

"Oh okay; don't you want to know....."

"Later."

As Nick said this Gil walked past...he was looking purposefully ahead and avoiding eye contact with everyone, at all costs.

Nick started to follow him, and Catherine came of the trace lab.

"Oh Nick, have you got a minute - I have a fibre here and I'm sure it's familiar, just need you to confirm."

"Catherine can you just give me five...well, ten....and then I'll be back?"

"Not really...time is of the essence here...you know we haven't got anything to hold this guy for much longer."

"I'll be quick. Promise."

Nick was able to make up time now and turned the corner with the door of the file store in view.....just as Sara entered. He heard her say, 'Just in time Gris...I need to get that Striker casework out.'

Nick stopped dead in his tracks. There was no way he could continue this journey...he'd have to retreat and regroup. He turned around and headed back to trace and Catherine.

"Hey, I've got the time now."

"That didn't take long."

"Aborted mission.....errr...it's been...scratched. You got anything I could drink....my throat's really...itchy?"

The End