Title: Secret Santa
Author: Carina Scott
Pairing: Jim/Warrick; Nick/Greg (implied)
Rating: FRM
Summary: Warrick and Jim find out what 'Santa' got them for Christmas.
Author's Note: This one is for Mara. Enjoy!

~*~

"What are you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing?"

Warrick Brown and Jim Brass stared at each other from across the table for a moment. Each man had been receiving gifts from a 'Secret Santa' all week, and neither man had had any idea who it could be until now. The last gift had been a message suggesting that each man arrive at this restaurant at 7pm on Christmas Eve to learn the identity of their admirer.

The last thing either man had expected when they arrived was to find themselves seated across form one another. Something had obviously been misunderstood, because it was not possible that either man had been responsible for the gifts that had been showing up mysteriously around the lab all week.

Smiling, Warrick decided that maybe if he explained why he was there, the misunderstanding could be cleared up and each man could find their real dates and go on with their evening. It wasn't that he wouldn't be flattered if Jim had been his Secret Santa, in fact he'd be more than flattered, it was just that he knew that was impossible and he'd rather not entertain such impractical thoughts.

"Well, I'm sure this is a misunderstanding, Jim. But we might as well sit here until our real dates arrive."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Jim replied trying to mask his disappointment. "I'm sure they'll be along any minute."

In all honesty when Jim had spotted Warrick at the table the note had instructed for him to sit at, his heart had soared. For a brief moment he lived in a world where it was possible for such an incredibly beautiful man to be interested in an older man such as himself. But with a few words, Warrick brought him crashing back to reality.

The two men sat there for a few moments in complete silence, neither sure of what to say. It wasn't that they had never been alone together, but definitely not in a situation as unique as this one.

"So, what or who brings you here?"

As Jim was about to reply, a waiter approached their table. Setting down two covered trays, one in front of each man, the waiter turned to leave.

"Excuse me sir," Warrick said, causing the waiter turned back to him, "We didn't order this."

"I know sir. Your meal was pre-arranged and I was instructed to tell you both to sit back and enjoy. If you need anything else just let me know." And with that the young man hurried off in the direction of the kitchen.

Leaning forward towards Jim, Warrick looked around before whispering, "Doesn't this whole set-up seem a little strange to you?"

"No, it seems a lotta strange to me." Looking at the tray, Jim eyed it suspiciously, "Do you think we should look under the lid."

"It may seem stupid, especially considering what we deal with everyday, but I'm kind of interested in what's under here."

"Famous last words," Jim replied with a smirk as he lifted the tray to check underneath.

"Famous. Who said that?"

"No one, just speculating on what could be if we open these trays."

"Thanks Jim, really makes me feel a whole lot better," Warrick replied with a smirk.

"My pleasure," said Jim with a wink.

"Okay, on three I say we open them. You game?"

"I'm game. One,"

"Two."

"Three," they said in unison before raising the lids of their trays. Seeing only a folded letter with their names written on it in vaguely familiar handwriting the two men looked at each other in confusion.

~*~

Warrick picked up his letter, and as he read the words, the events from the week leading up until today made more sense.

Hey Rick,

So I'm sure you're wondering why the hell you are sitting here on Christmas Eve across from Jim Brass (hopefully). Well, it's simple. This year when we had the drawing for Secret Santa, I pulled your name. At first I was elated, I mean who better than your best friend to pick out your Christmas gift right? But as I searched and searched, I couldn't find anything unique enough to give you, so I started thinking. Scary, huh?

Anyway, as I walked the mall picking out different things for you, I realized that there was only one thing that you wanted, and you hadn't even put it on your Christmas list. You may not remember, but not long after you returned from your trip to LA, you told me that you were in love with Jim. Considering you were drunk at the time, I didn't think much of it. But as I watched you and Jim's interactions with each other, I realized that you were being completely honest when you admitted that in your drunken haze. Then earlier this year I watched you support Jim throughout his recovery. You were at the hospital everyday, unless you had to work. You probably slept in your own bed three times during his entire stay in the hospital, and maybe four hour each time. If nothing else sealed it for me, it was the unwavering support you offered him and the look of utter fear that came over you when you thought he was gonna die. You did your best to hide it, but I saw it.

And when you divorced Tina, I knew that this was my chance. So when I realized that the only thing that would make you happy would be being with Jim, I began to plot, with Greg's help, of course. So, I've done everything to get you to this point. The rest is up to you. And don't let fear rule you. If he is still sitting across from you, after he reads my letter to him, then be assured that he is interested. Good luck bro.

-Nick

Warrick stared at the letter for a few moments, unable to process the fact that his best friend had gone through so much to help him find his happiness. Nick was right; when he had thought he was gonna lose Jim he had almost lost it. He had been in love with Jim before he left LA those years ago, and it had only intensified over time. Now Nick had given him the chance of a lifetime, and if Jim didn't run he was definitely gonna take it.

~*~

Jim couldn't believe that Nick had been the person behind the gifts that had been appearing around his office all week. And as he read the letter, he couldn't believe the motivation behind Nick's actions.

Jim,

Well, I guess the best place to begin is the truth. Warrick may hate me for telling you this, but I'm willing to take that risk. Jim, Warrick loves you. Not in the platonic father-son way he tries to pretend is all your relationship is about; no Rick really loves you. In fact, he's in love with you.

I first began to notice his attraction to you after you returned from LA, but after you were shot a few months ago, I realized it went well past mere attraction. Rick was frantic when you were rushed to the hospital and I had to force him to leave the ER so that he could wash your blood from his hands. I basically dragged him. I'll admit, after everything that had happened I was more scared for Rick than for you. I mean, if you hadn't pulled through I don't think Warrick could have handled it.

I'm not telling you this to guilt you into anything. I'm saying this because in all the time I was observing Rick's feelings for you, I noticed that you return them. You love Rick just the same, if not more. I know this for a fact. I remember the defeated look you had on your face for months every time Warrick mentioned his marriage to Tina. And when he announced his divorce, I could tell that you were ecstatic (like me), although you tried to act like you were sorry that the marriage hadn't worked out.

So this year, when we pulled names for Secret Santa, Greg told me he had gotten your name. He had no idea what to get you, and neither did I. But when I realized that the best thing for you guys this Christmas was to be together, he agreed to help me with the plot. That's how we were able to get the gifts around the lab and your office with such ease and little notice.

I know you are probably worried that Warrick isn't interested in you, no matter what I've written here. But listen to me on this one thing, if nothing else. If after reading his letter, you find Warrick is still sitting across from you, take that chance. Don't let fear ruin the best thing in your life.

-Nick

Still reeling from everything that had been revealed in the letter, Jim almost didn't notice the fact that Warrick was staring at him.

~*~

Looking up, Jim smiled at Warrick, noticing the immediate relief shown in his eyes.

"So, what are you doing for Christmas?" Jim asked.

"Don't have any plans, how about you?"

"How about we discuss it over breakfast?" Jim replied as he stood.

Following his lead, Warrick replied, "Breakfast? Jim, it's only 7:26pm."

Pulling a hefty tip from his wallet, Jim laid it on the table before turning back to Warrick, "I know. But I can think of several ways to fill the hours until then. You game?"

Never one to back down from a challenge, Warrick smiled, "I'm game."

~*~

In the far corner of the restaurant, Nick smiled, "I knew it was gonna work."

"Well, I didn't. Glad to see I was wrong," replied Greg.

"Hmmph. Looks like Warrick is gonna have a very Merry Christmas."

"I'd say so by the looks of the grin on Jim's face." Turning to his lover, Greg waggled his eyebrows, "So Nicky, how about we get outta here so you can unwrap your gift early."

"Only if you have a bow."

"There's only one way to find out," Greg replied as he stood to leave. Nick almost tripped over his own feet he got out of the chair so fast. "Graceful, Nicky. Don't forget the tip."

"Brat," Nick muttered as he placed the money on the table before all but pushing Greg out of the restaurant.

The End.