Title: The Shadows Of Your Mind
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG
Summary: Greg wants to leave and Nick doesn't put up much of a fight.....

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Nick knew what was coming. Greg wanted to leave. Nick could see the signs a mile away. What Greg didn't know was that this time, Nick wouldn't try and stop him. They had broken up and reunited so many times over the years and Nick was at the point where he was tired of doing so. Don't misunderstand; it wasn't that Nick didn't love Greg because he did. It was just the back and forth and indecision on Greg's part that was getting old. Nick knew he had done everything in his power to help Greg conquer his fears and insecurities to no avail. So here Nick was waiting for Greg to come get his stuff yet again. This time would be completely different. This time it would be for good.

Nick heard Greg's car pull in the driveway. When Greg came into the house, Nick heard him drop his house key on the table in the hall. Greg walked into the living room and paled when he saw Nick sitting on the sofa......

"Nick! You startled me. I thought you went out with Catherine and D.B. for breakfast....."

"No, Greg, I decided to go ahead and come home. I knew you would be coming to get your stuff and there was something I wanted to tell you....."

"Nick, if this is the part where you ask me to stay and pledge your undying love, I'm really not in the mood....."

"Well, Greg, that's not what I was going to say. What I wanted to tell you was this: you've come to say goodbye and this time, I won't try to make you stay. Shocking, right? The truth is that I'm tired of you coming and going. You've made up your mind so do what you want to. ...."

Greg was taken aback at what Nick had just told him. Nick had never taken this position before. He had always begged Greg not to go. Greg didn't know what to think. He went about gathering his things and when he was finished loading the boxes in his car, he went back inside to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. He went into the kitchen to let Nick know he was leaving.....

"I just wanted to let you know that I got everything. If you find anything just bring it by the lab..."

"Okay....."

Nick was preparing breakfast for himself. Greg stood there in the kitchen door watching him......

"Nick?"

"Yes, Greg?"

"Why are you being so calm about this?"

"I already explained it, Greg. I'm done with all the drama. I'm at a point in my life where I want a bit of calm and peace. That, coupled with the fact you can't seem to decide if you want to stay with me or leave. Don't misunderstand, Greg. It's bothering me that you are leaving, but I refuse to give in to the hurt anymore. Just remember this: it's easy to leave, but in the shadows of your mind, the love I gave you will be there for a long long time."

Greg turned and walked to the front door. Part of him hoped that Nick would call him back, but when he didn't hear Nick calling to him, he walked out the front door for the last time.

END

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