Title: Sick
Author: Carina Scott
Author Email: quitab83@yahoo.com
Category: Angst, Established Relationship, Hurt-Comfort, Romance
Rating: FRM
Pairing: Warrick/Gil
Status of Story: Complete
Summary: Gil is sick, Warrick makes it better.
Disclaimer: I don't own them, please don't sue.
Author Notes: This fic is dedicated to Karen, who has constantly encouraged me to write more. Thank you. After reading this fic, Karen suggested I post it to the group, so here it is. Let me know what you think.

Gil was sick. He hated to admit it, but it was the truth. He was sick and he ached all over. For the last two hours he had been trying to do paperwork, but the pounding in his head was making that an almost impossible feat. He had already snapped at Greg once and he had lost it when Sara came in bugging him, claiming she had a really important question to ask him about a case. He couldn't be sure whether or not the headache caused him to yell at her or if it was just annoyance. `Probably the latter,' he thought. He would definitely have to apologize to Greg later, but not Sara. Maybe his obvious annoyance with her would keep her from interrupting him with dinner invitations and questions so simple even a CSI level one could answer it.

`Or maybe not,' he thought as he heard a knock on his office door. "Come in," he said, trying his best to make sure his annoyance shone through in his voice.

"Well, hello to you too," said Warrick upon entering the office.

"Oh, Warrick, I thought you were Sara," Gil said as he removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Really, did you think it was Sara, or were you hoping it was," Warrick said teasingly.

"Funny," Gil said irritated, "Now did you want something, or did you just come in here to torture me?"

"Well you shouldn't make it so much fun," Warrick said, before noticing the pained look on Gil's face. Getting to the point of his visit, "I came in here to see if you were okay. Greg informed me of how you almost chewed his head off earlier. I told him you weren't feeling well, although at the time I thought I was lying. Looking at you now, I'm not so sure."

"I'm fine, just a little headache is all." Gil lied.

"Yeah right, a little headache. Is that why you look like your head is about to explode?"

"Fine, I have a migraine and I am beginning to feel a little nauseous," Gil finally admitted.

"Why don't you go home early? It's not like you don't have the sick time, since you rarely use it."

"Look who's talking, when was the last time you left because you were sick?"

"Well it had to before more recent than you, because I don't have the luxury being stubborn considering who my boss is," Warrick said jokingly. "Look, babe, no matter about who did what and when. You are sick and it will do you and no one else any good to stay here and get sicker. You could have something catching; do you really want to have the entire lab on sick leave?"

Giving in, Gil conceded, "Okay, I'll go home."

"Good. Do you need me to drive you?" Warrick asked seriously, knowing how bad Gil's migraines could be.

"I'm not a child Warrick, I can drive myself home," Gil said, swaying slightly as he stood from his chair.

"Yeah right, that's why you can barely stand. Sit down and wait here. I'll go let Cath know we are leaving early."

"Warrick if you start leaving and babying me every time I have a migraine, everyone in the lab will know about us."

"Gil, baby the only one in this lab that doesn't know about us is Ecklie. No one else cares. And unless you plan to enlighten him, he won't find out."

"I know that, I just don't think we should make it so obvious," Gil said as he sat back down.

"Ok, then as your friend, I am taking you home. If Ecklie asks, I'll just tell him I used some of my accumulated sick time since this is a slow night. I'll be right back, sit tight," Warrick told him as he hurried out the office door.

If Gil was honest with himself, he was relieved that Warrick insisted on taking him home. Every time he had a migraine in the past, Warrick had always taken great care of him. What he was feeling now was either the worst migraine he had ever had or something worse. As much as he loved Warrick taking care of him, he truly hated being sick. Whenever he was sick he was more sarcastic than usual and he always felt he treated Warrick like crap. Warrick always laughed, saying it was excused because he felt so terrible. It was moments like those he realized how lucky he was to have a man that loved him so much, warts and all.

"You ready?" Warrick asked from the door.

"Yeah, let's go," Gil said, rising slowly from his seat.

Warrick watched him as he slowly made his way to the door and out of the lab. As much as he wanted to help him, he knew that it was inappropriate conduct at work, and Gil wouldn't appreciate it. So he walked a few feet behind his lover as they exited the lab, waving good night to fellow co-workers they passed.

Once settled in the car, Warrick handed Gil a bottle of water and some migraine medication he had confiscated. Unbeknownst to Gil, Warrick always kept a few of his migraine pills on hand for occasions just like this.

"Thank you," Gil said as he took the pills and water.

"You're welcome," Warrick said as he pulled out of the parking lot. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gil lean his head back and close his eyes. Normally he played music, jazz or classical, but today they rode in silence. He didn't want to aggravate Gil's migraine any more than necessary.

As they rode in silence, Gil thought about his relationship with Warrick. Warrick always managed to know what he needed and when. Like the pills and the silence. He was always so considerate and willing to compromise. Since they had been together, Warrick, who despised classical music, has kept classical cds in his car, just for when Gil rides home with him. Gil was very surprised and touched by the gesture. Sometimes he wonders if Warrick gives more to the relationship than he does. But he never brings that topic up to Warrick. At least, not after the first time.

When he mentioned it, Warrick had looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Then he went on to list off all the sacrifices Gil made for him before they were a couple not to mention the compromises afterwards. Like when Gil gave up sleeping on the left side of the bed, because Warrick was never comfortable on the right. Or when agreed to have Warrick's family gather at his town home for Christmas, even though he has never been very fond of large crowds. Not to mention that he was always there as a silent comfort after a rough case. So after that conversation, he didn't bring it up again. And every once in a while, when he doubts his contribution to their relationship, he just reminds himself of Warrick's loving chastisement and pushes those thoughts aside.

"Whatcha smiling about?" Warrick asked.

Not realizing he had been, Gil answered, "You."

"Me? What did I do that you find amusing?"

With his eyes still half-closed, he answered, "Nothing. I was just thinking about how lucky I am. You take great care of me." Closing his eyes completely, "I never thought I would find someone who would do the things you do for me so easily. It took awhile, but it was well worth the wait," as he drifted off to sleep.

If he had been looking at Warrick, he would have noticed the silly grin and watery eyes his comments had caused.

***

"Baby, wake up. We're home" Warrick said as he gently shook Gil awake.

Gil got out of the Tahoe slowly. If he hadn't been able to lean on Warrick, he wasn't sure if he would make it. His head was pounding and he was dizzy. Obviously, the pain meds had not kicked in yet.

They had barely made it in the door, when Gil retched all over the floor of the foyer. Ignoring the mess he knew he would have to clean up later, Warrick led Gil down the hall into their bedroom. He helped Gil lie down on the bed and closed his eyes. Warrick's heart ached as he witnessed how miserable his love was.

Warrick slowly removed Gil's vomit covered socks and shoes. Next, he moved onto his pants and shirt, leaving Gil wearing nothing but his boxer shorts. He went into the bathroom and got a warm washcloth to clean his lover up. Satisfied that his lover was clean enough, Warrick made his way into the bathroom, placing the washcloth in the hamper. He went into the foyer to clean up the disgusting mess his lover had made. `The things we do for love,' he thought as he finished cleaning up the vomit.

He returned to their bedroom to change into some clean pajamas. Turning to the bed, Warrick looked at his ill lover. Deciding to relieve his love's pain as much as possible, Warrick decided his lover was in need of a good massage. Moving to his feet, Warrick worked his thumbs into Gil's right heel.

"Relax baby, let me take care of you," Warrick said softly, as he felt Gil tense at his ministrations.

He felt Gil slowly relax as he worked his thumbs into the heel. Slowly he moved his thumbs from the base of his love's foot to the arch and back. He continued this for awhile before moving to his toes. He heard the gentle pop of tendons as he pulled and massage each individual toe. Once he was satisfied with his job on the right foot, he moved on to the left one, giving it equal attention.

Finished with both feet, he moved on to the calves. Slowly kneading the taut muscles in each calf, he moved onto his Gil's muscular thighs. He worked on each thigh, putting all his strength into relaxing the stiff muscles. Finished, Warrick moved off the bed.

Hearing Gil's plea of displeasure, he chuckled, "Don't worry baby, I'm not going anywhere."

Moving to the head of the bed, Warrick maneuvered himself behind his love, leaning Gil back against his chest. He kneaded Gil's arm muscles slowly until he reached his shoulders. He paid special attention to the rigid muscles in the shoulders and neck of his lover. By this time, Gil was purring like a big cat from all the attention.

Warrick laughed quietly as he made his way to his lover's scalp. He massaged his lover's temples, feeling the tension leave his body slowly. He continued this way for a long while, stopping only when he realized Gil had fallen asleep.

Slowly getting out of the bed, Warrick pulled the blankets up over his sleeping lover. Looking down at the love of his life, looking so peaceful and content, Warrick leaned down and kissed Gil on the forehead. Warrick went to his side of the bed and climbed in. Snuggling up to his lover, Warrick thought of Gil's earlier words, "I love you too."

***

Gil woke up the next morning feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. His head still hurt but it wasn't pounding. Realizing who he had to thank, Gil leaned over to snuggle closer to his sleeping lover. But what he found was empty sheets. Not really wanting to, Gil slowly opened his eyes, and sure enough Warrick was no where in sight.

Slowly, Gil sat up, moving himself to the edge of his bed. Finally gathering up enough energy to stand up, Gil looked around at their empty bedroom. He was about to make his way towards the kitchen, when he heard running water coming from the direction of their on suite bathroom.

Entering the bathroom, the site before him was nothing short of amazing. There his lover sat on the edge of the tub, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, filling the tub with water. The room was lit with only three candles, but together they caused an ethereal glow. His lover's body glistened with moisture and his body glowed in the candlelight. If Gil hadn't already been in love, he would have definitely fallen in love at this instant.

Finding his voice, "Warrick?"

Startled, Warrick turned to his lover, "Hey baby, I was wondering when you would wake up."

"Well, an empty bed will do that to you."

"Really? Well, seeing as I was awake 2 hours ago, you must not have missed me too much," Warrick said jokingly.

Walking over to his lover, Gil replied, "Oh, I missed you. But after the incredible treatment you bestowed upon my body last night, it's no wonder I didn't wake up sooner. I never thought I could be that relaxed."

Pulling his lover close, Warrick nuzzled against his lovers bare chest, "We'll see about that. I have run you a nice bath so you can relax even more."

Running his hands over his lover's bare back, Gil smiled, "Warrick, as much as I appreciate it, you didn't have to do all of this."

"Yes I did. You need and deserve it," Warrick replied as he removed his lover's boxers. "Now get in the tub."

Giving in, Gil silently got into the water. Feeling Warrick step in behind him, Gil was glad that they had gotten a larger tub months ago. Before then, the only time they could bathe together was in a shower. Not that they minded, but now they could relax in the tub together.

Enjoying the warmth of the water and each other, they sat quietly for a long while. Breaking the silence, Gil lazily asked, "Don't you have to work today?"

"I did, but I used one of my vacation days so I could be here with you. And before you say if, I don't care what anyone thinks. As far as Ecklie is concerned, I took a vacation day, and you are on sick leave. So stop worrying so much," Warrick said as he kissed his lover's bearded cheek.

Nuzzling further into his lover's embrace, Gil replied simply, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Warrick said as he reached over for the shampoo. He slowly worked the shampoo into his lover's hair, relishing the moans his actions caused. Turning on the hand held faucet, Warrick rinsed his lover's hair in the warm water. Satisfied that all shampoo was removed from his lover's hair, he lathered up the bath sponge. He slowly began to bathe his lover, paying special attention to the spots on his lover's body that caused him to moan even louder.

Rinsing his lover's body, Gil helped his lover out of the tub. Warrick dried him off slowly. He then helped his lover into a bathrobe, before drying himself off. Helping his lover to the bed, he pulled back the rumpled blankets, as Gil removed his robe before climbing in. Pulling the blankets up, he smiled as his lover gently protested, through sleep-laden eyes, "Warrick, I just woke up. I am not tir--,"

Warrick laughed as Gil drifted off to sleep, mid-sentence. Making his way to their kitchen, Warrick got a glass of water from the tap. Looking in the cabinet, Warrick got two of Gil's migraine pills. Making his way to the bedroom, glass and pills in hand, Warrick leaned against the doorframe. His lover was sprawled across the bed, blankets pushed down low, revealing a lightly freckled, pale butt cheek. Grinning, Warrick walked into the room, placing the water and pills on the nightstand. Sitting on the bed, he pulled the blankets up to cover his lover. Gently nudging Gil awake, Warrick prodded, "Gil baby, wake up. You need to take these pills, then you can go back to sleep." After Gil had taken the pills, Warrick kissed him, as his lover drifted back to sleep.

Making his way to the kitchen, Warrick washed the glass Gil had drank from. He then looked in the refrigerator, trying to decide what to fix his lover for breakfast. Realizing that most breakfast food would just aggravate Gil's previous nausea, he decided that chicken soup was best. Warrick reached into the freezer, grabbing his Grams pre made chicken soup. His Grams always made some for him because she knew he loved it, sick or not. He put it in a pot on low and left the kitchen. Warrick went into their bedroom, checking on his sleeping lover, and quietly changed clothes. Making his way into the kitchen, Warrick checked on his soup. Stirring the rapidly defrosting soup, he made his way to their mail box. Walking back into the house, Warrick looked at the mail, sorting between bills and junk. Trashing all junk mail, Warrick checked on the soup again. Satisfied that it was cooked enough, Warrick added the noodles. Once the soup was ready, Warrick made himself a bowl and placed another bowl aside for Gil, before sitting down to eat his meal.

Warrick was finishing up cleaning the kitchen and living room, when his lover walked in behind him.

"Sleep well?"

"Better than that," Gil replied as he made his way to his lover.

"Hungry?" Warrick asked as he kissed and hugged his lover, loving how adorable Gil always was when he woke up.

"Starved," Gil said, not moving from Warrick's embrace.

"Well, sit down and I'll warm your soup up for you." Gil complied, sitting down at the dining table.

Placing the bowl of soup in front of his lover, Warrick made his way into the kitchen. Checking the fridge for any spoiled food, Warrick went out to empty the trash.

When Warrick came back, he found his lover at the kitchen sink.

"What are you doing?"

"Washing my dishes."

"I'll do it for you. Go sit and relax in the living room."

"Warrick, I can do my dishes, you know."

Realizing that it wasn't worth the fight a response might cause, Warrick simply said, "Okay, babe. I'm going to take a shower."

Gil changed into a t-shirt and some worn jeans while his lover took a shower. When Warrick came out of the shower, he found his lover sitting on the couch, watching a documentary on ladybugs.

"So are you feeling better?" Warrick asked as he made his way to his lover, placing a gentle peck on his cheek.

"Much," Gil said as he turned into the kiss, deepening it immediately.

Warrick sat down heavily on the couch, after they broke apart for much needed oxygen.

Looking at his lover seriously, Gil asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Liar."

"What?"

"You look like hell Warrick," Gil said pulling his lover closer to him.

"I'm fine," Warrick replied, trying to convince his lover.

"Yeah right. You have spent the last day taking care of me. I feel a lot better now, so let me take care of you."

Placing his head in Gil's lap, Warrick repeated, "I'm fine, Gil. Just a little tired, but fine."

Smiling down at his exhausted lover, Gil replied, "I know." He slowly began to massage his lover's scalp, listening as his breaths became slow and even. Turning the TV off, Gil maneuvered his body so that Warrick's head lay on his chest. Curling up beside his lover, Gil went to sleep, with a smile on his lips.

The End