Title: Solace
By: MoonGoddess
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: R
Warning: WiP
Disclaimer: I own nothing, please don't sue
Summary: Greg recovers a bomb at a crime scene, Nick is concerned.

***

"Griss, I got here I quick as I could. You said you need me to pick something up?"
"Nick, good. I'm glad you're here."
"What's going on? That the Bomb Squad?"
"Yes, it is. Greg recovered an explosive. We now have two crime scenes."
"Related?"
"We don't know that yet."
"Wait...Greg found it?
"I need you to help Greg collect all of the evidence from the Stanton case, take it to the lab for processing. I'll stay here to begin processing the explosion"
"—Woah, explosion? The thing went off? Is everyone ok?"
Grissim fixes Nick with a dull stare. "Luckily, no one was hurt. Take Greg, and the evidence, back to the lab."
"Yeah, ok. Where is he?"
"Try over there," he gestures towards an ambulance.
Nick turned towards the flashing lights and rushed to find his friend.
He finds the young CSI sitting on the floor of the ambulance, legs hanging out the back. He hurries over and takes a seat beside him.
"Hey—"
"Greggo, hear you've had an interesting night..."
"What are you doing here? I thought you had a D.B. on Nellis."
" I did, solved. Griss wanted me to grab you and head back to the lab."
He fixes Nick with a cold glare, "Grissom dosen't think I can handle this. I can."
"Grissom wants to process the original crime scene as quickly as possible, to preserve the integrity of the evidence." Nick continues explaining calmly, "He's gonna stay behind to start processing the explosion."
Greg hangs his head and sighs. " I'm ok, I can work the scene."
"Or... you could work the Stanton case, which is your assignment." He states firmly, standing suddenly, "Come on, I didn't drive all the way over here for my health."
The younger CSI lifts his head to look at Nick for a short moment, then rolls his eyes stands. He gives a short wave to an attractive blond EMT. "Really, I'm ok now, my asthma kicked it, what with all the smoke. I had some O2, and now I'm feelin' groovy. Footloose and fancy free..."
Nick takes his arm and steers him towards his SUV, "I'll take him from here, thanks." She grins after them and shakes her head.
"I think you have an admirer, Greggo."
"What? Nancy? Nah, she's gay."
"No. That blond? She's gay?"
"Big time Lesbo."
"How do you know that? I never know these things..."
Greg starts unloading his kit and evidence bags from Gil's Truck, into Nick's Envoy.
"Here let me he—"
"I'll manage." He completes the transfer, firmly closes the hatch and moves to the passenger side door.
"I was just offering to help," Nick murmers to himself as he circles to the driver's side.
Greg's mood remained gray even after Nick inconspicuously scanned the radio for an Emo Rock station.
"So..." he started, uncomfortable without chatter from the normally talkative CSI, "I guess you solved another case..."
"Yeah." Greg continues to gaze out the side window, barely tilting his head into the conversation. "Wait, no. We've hardly begun processing this case."
"No, my case. This guy was found face down in an old greasy spoon, with ligature marks on his neck. No witness, no video surveillance. But there was a foreign 'glittery' substance on his chest. So for whatever reason, it reminded me of that uranium paint case a while back, you remember that one?" Greg looks at him briefly, obviously trying to concentrate on what his friend is talking about.
"Uh, You mean the case when that crazy chick killed her kidnapper-slash-father with a freaky garden gnome?"
"Heh, yeah, that's the one. Well, I tested the glittery stuff for metals, just like you showed me, and wouldn't you know it, manganese. Found an antique chair in the dumpster, peeling paint and all, covered in the vic's DNA and the killers fingerprints. Turns out the owner had a scuffle with this guy, furniture was thrown around, eventually he pinned the guy, face-down on the floor tried to calm him down, not realizing that this broken chair leg was pressing into the guys windpipe. Suffocated. Over a $60.00 tab. The second I mentioned the chair, the owner caved. Solved."
"That's great. Glad to be of service." His gaze works it way back to his window, effectively ending the conversation. Luckily for Nick they arrive at the lab shortly after. He flips the locks and hurries to the back of the truck. Greg is slower to climb out, not seeming to realize that they had stopped for a moment. By the time he has climbed out and locked his door, Nick is already loaded up and passing by him.
"Come on, we'll drop these off and run grab some grub. You seem like you could use some coffee".


Somehow Greg found himself at their regular dive, with a lukewarm coffee in his hands.
"Uh, Nick, I'm actually really tired. I should probably lay off the caffeine until I get my 8 hours in."
"Coffee snob. Well, if you're like me, then there's nothin' like a big meal to make you sleep like a baby."
"Yeah, maybe. Not very hungry though."
"The growls emitting from your abdominal region are disagreeing with you. When is the last time you ate, anyway?"
"I had breakfast..."
"What like 10 hours ago? Here comes a short stack with your name on it. Dig in."
"Really, I don't really feel like—"
Nick interrupts him with a sing-song tone, "The faster you eat that, the faster you get to go home..."
Greg takes a second to regard his tormentor. Realizing that Nick is unrelenting, he looks down at his food and tucks in. They eat quickly, and in almost complete silence. Nick is relieved to see that Greg cleans his plate without hesitation, proving that it was right to force him to come here. He pays their bill and leads the way back to his truck. Greg gets in and leans his head on the shoulder strap with a wide yawn. Ten minutes later Nick shakes him awake with a soft, "We're here". Waking slowly, Greg looks out to see his own house and silently thanks Nick for saving him the trouble of driving himself.
"You mind if I use the john real quick?"
"Come on in."
"Thanks"
After letting them in, Greg shuts all the blinds to turning the house into a cave. Nick hits the bathroom and worries that his friends mood won't blow over. Greg is taking this much harder than he is letting on. But how do you trick a flippant-near-genius into talking about their emotions? Nick returns to the living room, prepared to make up a new lame excuse to hang around. He finds Greg sitting on his couch, in the dark, staring at his hands, palms up. Silently he moves to sit close to him, hoping that his proximity will be a boon. Greg does not react in noticeable way. Nick follows his gaze. Hard to see in the darkness, but Greg's hands seem to be shaking, palsied. Nick places his hand firmly on Gregs knee, "Greg, I..."
The troubled man sighs and turns away, pulling his knees to his chest, burying his face in the plush couch. Nick lets out his own soft sigh and hangs his head, feeling entirely helpless.
"I thought I was past all this..." Uttered so lightly Nick isn't certain he heard anything at all. A clearing of his throat, and Greg begins again, with more strength this time.
"I thought that I was past this. The panic attacks, the hand shaking. I thought I was stronger than this."
"You don't know how strong you are yet. This is a minor setback on a long, long road to recovery. You'll get past this, and be stronger for it."
"...You hear that pep talk after you were buried?"
Nick shudders involuntarily, whispers "yeah".
"It's pretty good..."
Knowing that nothing he says will help, Nick places a comforting hand on Gregs back, idlily rubbing wide circles. He can feel a shift and then younger man begins shaking, silently sobbing. Tears spring to Nick eyes, remembering this feeling of impotence. He wraps one arm around his friends chest, and places the other in his hair, petting at him like a wounded dog. Greg wraps his hands around the sturdy arm, craving the physical strength his friend possessed. He vaguely realizes that seeing him like this must be difficult for Nick, but is unable to stop the tears from flowing.
"Shhh...it'll be alright..."
Nick continues a litany of reassurances, and holds back his own tears, letting the troubled CSI work out his inner demons. Eventually, Greg wears himself out, falling asleep in his friends comforting embrace. Nick realizes that he has tensed every muscle in his body, completely focusd on calming Greg. Without untangling himself from the now slumbering CSI, he stretches his legs and props them on the coffee table, slouching down to settle into the overstuffed sofa. He rests his cheek on Gregs hair and allows himself to drift off as well.

***

Warmth.
Greg's first thought as he woke was simply, 'Warm'. His cheek was pressed up against a warm body. A hip, as far as he could tell. The pleasant weight of a strong arm protectively resting on his chest. Determining that this was a perfect state of near wakefulness he chooses to remain exactly where he is. He curls his legs to the side, pressing them further into the back of the couch, inhaling deeply as he dozes again.
Nick is vaguely aware of movement, and of a solid knot in his neck. Then he realizes that his body is trying to rouse. 'Screw that,' he thinks, and slouches down further, hugging a slender body closer to him. For a few minutes the only sounds in the entire house are Nick's steadily slowing heavy breaths, punctuated occasionally by Greg's airy sighs of contentment.
'That sounds like Nick. Wait, why would I know what Nick's breathing sounds like? I wonder if that's something that can even be recognized? I mean, you can recognize coughs, and sneezes, but that has some vocal involvement. Breathing is completely anonymous, right? But damn, that reminds me of—Shit.' Greg's eyes snap open. 'Black. To close to actually see, but feels like cotton. Lots of people wear black cotton Tees'. Greg takes a deep breath, cataloging scents like a perfumer. 'Citrus, Ozone...Amber? Yum' another sigh. "Oh My God!" Greg bolts upright, rudely dislodging himself from Nick's loose embrace. Nick, who is sleeping deeply once again, slips towards Greg, settling with his face resting in the couch, very close to Greg's thigh. Shocked, he can only gaze at his friend for a moment, wondering when he had begun noticing things like how Nick's cologne smelled, or how he breathes. His reverie is shortly broken as the bronzed man stretches, settling himself more firmly on the couch, resolutely encroaching on Greg's personal space. A low moan from below, 'And that's a perfect invitation to get up and find some place to be. Someplace not here'.
"Coffee, I must need coffee".


Nick registers 3 things before he is able to drag himself out of a very pleasant dream.
1. Music is playing softly somewhere.
2. Something smells like work, only in the most enticing way he can possibly imagine.
3. He is alone, but is certain that he wasn't that way when he fell asleep.
He pries his eyes open to find that he is not in his bed, nor his bedroom, or even his house. 'Greg's. He found a bomb. Shit! What am I supposed to do with that? Not that he didn't have good reason to freak—Am I rambling? In my own head? Gotta be this place, I have to remember to tell Greg to move, and he'll be cured of ADHD'. He rubs his hands vigorously over his face and through his hair, finger combing it back. 'Not exactly how I imagined staying over, but I'll take what I can get...' He swings his legs over the side of the couch, setting his feet on the floor. He listens close and decides that the music is coming from the kitchen. Sauntering that way, he hitches his jeans up and smoothes down his T-shirt.
"Coffee, that's what I'm smelling." He grins at the thought of a piping hot cup of Greg's special blend, and eyes his wary friend, "do you mind if I...?".
"Oh, yeah, um, let me grab you a cup." Greg jumps to, and opens the dishwasher to pull out an over sized mug. He preps the coffee absentmindedly, stirring in one single raw sugar cube and a hint of fresh cream. He turns back to the table, seeming almost surprised to see Nick sitting there.
"Sorry, I'm on auto-pilot today, I can make it black for you if you want"
"Hmm?" Nick glances up from the table and the newspaper he has been surreptitiously reading upside down, "No, I'm good. I can guarantee that anything you make is better than the sludge I manage to get down everyday".
Greg quirks his mouth at that, a sardonic expression peaking through. He takes his seat opposite his guest and hands over the cup.
"God that smells amazing. Hmm." Nick closes his eyes and leans back for a moment.
Greg pulls out the entertainment section, and slides the Sports over to his guest. Both men sip their drinks and browse through their preferred section of the paper.
Without looking up from reading, Nick decides to try conversation. Greg's lack of talking still unsettling him. "This tastes different than your stuff at the lab..."
Greg glances at his breakfast companion. Sensing none of his own anxiety mirroring back from Nick, he forces himself to relax a bit.
"I don't bother with the sugar and cream there. And I sometimes add random spices when I'm at home. Just to liven things up. I like to experiment."
"One of my sisters likes to add some cinnamon to her hot chocolate. It's pretty good when she makes it, but I've never been able to duplicate it. Guess I don't have much aptitude for Barista".
Greg has to stop himself from choking on a mouthful of hot liquid. He stares at Nick for a moment over his raised mug and slowly swallows.
"Barista?"
Nick looked at his friend, unaware that his comment had nearly killed him, "What? I know things."
"Okay..."
"Just because I have a drawl, that doesn't mean that I can't use proper titles"
"Okay."
"Jackass"
"HEY!"
"I'm just calling it like I see it."
"I've just never pegged you for a 'Barrista'-type guy"
"Well, you may have pegged me wrong, there." He smiles, crinkling his eyes, and places his palm flat on his chest. "There're depths here".
Greg grins at that, raising an eyebrow. "Very eloquently put, there're depths here as well. I should have given you the benefit of a doubt"
"Thank you"
"You're welcome"
Greg tips his mug to Nick's, and they each take up reading again.

***

'What was that all about?', Greg gathers the used coffee mugs after Nick has left to get ready for work. He can't stop remembering the soft black fabric of Nick's shirt, pressed so closely to his nose. 'I remember breaking down last night. Completely. Good fun, that was. Nick is a really good friend to stay with me, I don't think I would have liked spending the night alone. But how did I end up with my head in his lap? Huh, I wonder how he would have reacted if he'd woken up first?'. Once he'd tidied up the small mess they'd made in his kitchen he calls to get a cab and rushes to the shower. 'Damn! Only an hour to get ready!'


Nick surveys his now empty desk. It had been a slow night, and Warrick had been quick to jump on the Stanton bomb case. So, Nick spent his shift catching up on some paperwork that had been slowly piling up. Normally, he tried to stay on top of it, because he dreaded doing it so much. Normally, a backlog of reports would have been absolute torture. But tonight wasn't normal. He was content to dive in and churn it out. Actually, his shift was almost over, and he couldn't remember checking the clock once. Aside from filing away the last form, the only reason he knew it was time to head out were the hunger pangs that suddenly tore at him. 'Since when do I work through lunch when I don't have to?' Chuckling to himself, he heads off towards the locker room to gather his things. Whistling a random melody, he pops his head in to say "'night" to Bobby, and gave a quick wave to Archie. Seeing a frustrated expression on Mandy's face he feels compelled to stop by, "Isn't it quitting time around here?"
"In a perfect world, maybe. Why are you so happy?"
"Dunno, just in a good mood. Is that a crime?"
"In this place, it's scary. Are you getting off on time?"
"For once in my life."
"...you suck."
"Hey, cheer up! One day you too will leave on time. Here's hoping you get to leave early someday!"
"I hate you."
"You Love me, and you know it," he threw her an Elvis style two-handed point and backs out of the lab, singing, "Mandy, you're a fine girl, what good wife you would be..."
"That's 'Brandy' asshole," she yells after him, shaking her head with a wry smile.
Happy that he pulled a smile out of her, Nick enters the locker room. There he finds Greg, stuffing his back pack, bobbing his head to some very loud song on his ipod. He claps a hand on the shoulder of his quirky friend.
"Hey," Greg pulled out his earbuds, and ceases his struggles with his bag for a moment. "What?" He asks with a ghost of a smile.
"What, 'What'?"
"You just seem really...happy."
"Damn, what's wrong with people around here? I am in a good mood, I had a slow night, I got a lot accomplished, I'm getting off on time, AND tomorrow's my day off. I have every reason to smile."
"OK, that's fair."
"Are you trying to burst your eardrums?"
"Huh, oh sorry, I didn't realize you could hear it. It's the new Billy Talent. I'm addicted."
A deep rumbling from Nick's stomach causes Greg's eyes to widen. "How about hunger? That make you smile?"
"Admittedly, I'm starving. And that would dampen my mood, except that it just occurred to me that someone owes me a meal..." he waggles his eyebrows suggestively.
"Since when?"
"Since last night! You were pretty out of it, but I bought you a short stack fair and square, so're you gonna pay up or what?"
"Last—oh, yeah. I do kinda remember food. OK, I could eat. Where to?"
"Alright! Burgers and beer sound good?"
"Mmmm. In-N-Out Animal Style, I could go for that..." Greg replies wistfully.
"Now that just sounds dirty," Nick joked, eliciting a shocked expression from the younger man. Opening his locker to collect his things Nick ponders his order, "Double Double for me, if you please."
"Done, I think I can swing that on my salary. But no beer there..."
"I've got beer, and I was thinking it's high time to break out 'Firefly' again soon..."
"AHH! Joss Whedon is god. I'm so there," Greg jumps up, grabbing his bag, "in 20 minutes or less." He bounces his way to the door, but stops abruptly when he reaches it. With his hand on the handle, he turns to his smiling friend, "Can we watch with commentary?"
Smile fading, the dark man groans leaning his head back to look at he ceiling, "ask me when my belly is full."
Beaming, Greg heads for his car, determined not to waste a second.


Nick watches the door until it stops swinging from hurricane Greg passing it's way. 'Why does this feel like a date?' He shakes his head to clear it and gathers his things. On his way home he stops to purchase a case of his favorite beer, wishing he could find Greg's preference. 'It would be pretty obvious that I bought it for him, so it's better they don't have it anyway.' Again, He can't figure out when this stopped being a friendly meal, and become something more. 'Don't read into this Nick, no matter how much you want it, it would never work. He has his own problems, no need to burden him with yours. And it's never a good idea to mix business with pleasure. Kristy should have taught you that. He's too young anyway, and probably only hero worships you. As if he's even interested. Just leave it alone, I can be content with just being friends.' Bag in hand he enters through his kitchen, and immediately pops a few beers in the freezer to chill. 'Well, maybe not content, but I can live with it.'


Greg sits in a very long, very backed-up drive-thru lane. Thumping his steering wheel along with the song blasting out of his speakers, singing emphatically.
"I'm gonna try and make you laugh. And if I can't, if it just hurts too bad, then we will wait for it to pass and I will keep you company through those days so long and black."*
Suddenly his throat tightens up, he can't catch his breath and hot tears spring to his eyes. Scowling, he forces a thin breath out, and gulps the air back into his burning lungs. "What the fuck was that?" A series of loud obnoxious honks from behind informs him that the line is moving again. "Ok, I get it!". He switches the radio completely off, and rolls up to the window. He realizes that has pushed all thoughts of the previous evening out of his head, for the entire shift. 'That's exactly what happened last night. God! Nick tried so hard to cheer me up, I was a total ass, then he waited it out with me. Why'd he do that? Why didn't he just tell me to 'Buck up and deal with it'? I'm sure that's basically what Grissom would have said. Warrick would have just dropped me off at the lab and disappeared, no deep meaningful conversation in that corner. Catherine would have given me a hug and some sage advice she picked up in a strip joint. Sara would have fed me some shots and made sure I got home safe. But Nick...he took care of me. I haven't been taken care of since I was a kid... Ahhh! I'm loosing my mind. It just means that he is a thoughtful guy, and I was having a rough night. Probably anyone could have seen it. He just wanted to make sure I didn't starve, or crash into something on my way home. Then he passed out on my couch because he had a long night too. Get a grip, Greg. What, do you think he's in love with you? Yeah, God's gift to women, Mr. Adonis himself, Nick Stokes is in love with you. Damnit! I thought I was smarter than this. No crushes on coworkers. That's the rule. That's always been the rule. Especially, no crushes on straight male coworkers. Fuck! Since when am I even gay? Where is this coming from? Do I want for him to be in love with me? Shit, how did I get to Nick's house so fast. Great, now my palms are sweating.'


*Bright Eyes 'Bowl Of Oranges'

***

Hearing the doorbell, Nick drops the last cup into the dishwasher and kicks it shut. He managed to clean his living room and kitchen in record time, only barely breaking a sweat. He grabs the beers from the freezer and rushes to the front door. 'Cool it. Breathe. This is not a date. Repeat, not a date.' He opens the door and greets his friend with an ice cold drink and a dazzling smile. Greg answers by holding up a bag of greasy food and giving a wide eyed grin. Nick ushers him in and heads into the living room. Greg sits on the floor beside the coffee table, takes a healthy swig of his beer and digs in. Nick balances on the edge of the couch, eyeing his burger for a split second before attacking it. Neither says a word until they polish off every last crumb and 2 beers apiece.
"Ugh!" Greg lets himself fall to the floor, legs still folded indian style, feeling much more relaxed with a slight buzz working. "I am so full."
"That was amazing," Nick leans back, raising his arms to pillow his head, "haven't had one of those in a good while. Gonna have to tag an extra hour on tomorrow's run."
"I still don't get how you can run for fun. What's the point? It's soo boring!"
"First, it's not for fun, it's for health. Second, don't knock it, till you try it. Third, not all of us are blessed with the metabolism of a hummingbird."
"Ha! First, you can have fun and be healthy at the same time." Without raising himself off of the floor or opening his eyes, Greg waves his finger wildly in Nick's general direction. "Second, I'll have you know that I made the cut for my High School track team. Third, you have no right to be jealous of my physique!"
'Not jealous babe...' Nick eyes the lithe figure lounging on his floor. 'NOT a DATE,' he straightens up and focuses seriously on his friend, "You did Track? What event?"
"Said I 'made the cut', not that I followed through."
"So you tried out, and were picked, but you didn't join the team? Why would you do that?"
"Trying to impress a girl." He raises himself onto his elbows so he can look at the older CSI, trying to judge his reaction. With a smirk he adds, "There was this cheerleader, you know, with these legs? And all the splits and cartwheels? How could I not try?"
"Cheerleaders aren't really big at Track and Field events."
"Well, yeah. But I would have gotten pummeled if I'd tried for football."
Laughing at the mental picture of Greg swimming in his own High School uniform, "Truer words have never passed your lips." 'Greg lips, Greg in your clothes, tackling Greg. Are you trying to torture yourself?' "Let me clean this up, I'll grab a couple more beers."
"One might think you were trying to get me drunk Mr. Stokes..."
"One might think that you were a light weight, Mr. Sanders."
Greg watches Nick leave the room, paying special attention to the way his forearms flex as he juggles two bags and four bottles. 'That's it then. I'm head-over-heels for the guy. This should make for some awkward moments. When did I switch teams exactly? Maybe it's just a Man Crush. It'll go away, right? Besides, a little unrequited puppy love never killed anyone. Maybe in Shakespeare, but not in real life, certainly.'
"You OK there, G?" Nick strolls back into the room with two new bottles, and a very concerned look on his face.
'I didn't notice that he was barefoot before. He has nice feet. Why am I looking at his feet?' Snapping out of his reverie, Greg looks up at the handsome face and notices the worry coloring it.
"Huh, what? Oh, fine. Just, lost in thought, I guess."
"Thinking about last night?"
"...sort of..." Greg could feel all of his muscles tighten as anxiety creeps in.
"Don't be ashamed—"
"I'm not!"
Sitting back down on the couch, Nick leans forward with his elbows on his knees. "Everyone has a bad night. Everyone's got a trigger. Sometimes...it just gets to be too much."
Slowly it dawns on Greg that Nick is referring to his freak out. He forces himself to hold the pitch colored eyes, fighting to remain calm.
Sensing that he wasn't going to get a response, Nick drops his gaze and continues, "You know I still freeze up in small spaces. It's only natural to..."
"...Any small space? Like elevators, or cars?"
Surprised at the switch in conversation focus, Nick looks back up.
"Cars are alright, as long as I can see out OK. Maybe tinted windows could be a problem... But, yeah, elevators sometimes. Showers at work freak me out on bad days. More than one crime scene has tested me."
"I didn't know that. I guess I'm not surprised, but I never thought-- Not that I can compare your situation to mine. I mean..."
"What?"
"No, I don't want to dredge anything up..."
Nick eases himself onto the floor, leaning against the couch. "Like I don't think about it everyday."
"Every day?"
"Don't get me wrong, it's not like it used to be. I have days when I just think about how lucky I am be alive. But every once in a while, it's still hard to get out of bed, you know?"
"Yeah."
"See? You're not alone."
Noting the moisture in Nick's eyes, Greg feels his chest tighten again. He shakes his head to clear it, and tries to answer, but all that he manages to get out is a weak sob. Which makes his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Nick reaches for him cupping a hand behind the younger mans head, touching their foreheads together.
"It's OK, man. I know how it is."
"No it's not..." A sniff and a childish arm-wipe at his now running nose, Greg leans back enough to lock eyes with Nick. "It's not that I'm feeling overwhelmed. Well, it was last night, but I really am feeling better. Not that I won't freak out next time I run across a bomb, or fire or whatever. But, it's you. You being so nice to me, taking care of me last night. And just You! You have had it soo much worse than me, but you keep it together, and I didn't even see that you needed someone to be there for you. And now you are selfless enough to reach out to me when I was kind of an ass to you last night. And it just kills me that you've seen so much pain since I've known you. And fear, I can't stand that idea that you were ever afraid. I just hate that for you I—"
"Woah woah woah, take a breath, G. You almost died. It's not something you can get over. Actually, that's about as hard as it gets. Don't go comparing sob stories, okay?. And for the record, I had a chance to let you in, when I knew that I needed someone to lean on. I chose not to, the reason that you didn't see it is because I shut you out. I shut everybody out."
"But I should have known, there must have been signs..."
"I'm a good actor when I wanna be." Nick smirked.
Greg studies his friends expression,then drops his eyes, as silent tears run down his cheeks. In a small voice he sighs, "I should have known."
"Greggo..." cradling the younger mans head against his own strong shoulder, dropping his own voice to a whisper, "I can't stand to see you like this. Tell me what to say to make it all better."
Greg clutches at Nick, hugging himself to the solid figure as hard as he can manage. "Tell me that you aren't scared anymore. Tell me that the nightmares stop. Tell me that I won't always feel so alone."
Fighting back hot tears, Nick presses his lips to the lightened tips of Greg's hair, and repeats the now timid CSI, "I'm not scared anymore. The nightmares have stopped. I don't always feel alone."
Waiting impatiently for a response, Nick slowly becomes aware of their intimate postures. He fights to control his reaction, to not give into the comforting warmth and the security of Greg's embrace. He consciously starts to stiffen his spine, so that he can pull away.
Greg instantly responds by pulling him closer. "You're lying".
"Not entirely." 'Tell him Tell Him TELL Him!'
Lifting his chin to rest on Nick's sturdy shoulder, pressing their cheeks together, "How so?"
"I don't feel alone right now."

***

"I don't feel alone right now."
"...No, I don't feel so alone right now either. I am feeling kind of scared though..."
"Yeah. Me too."
For a moment both men succumb to their embrace, leaning into the other. On a sigh, Greg eventually pulls away, creating a void between them. They sit for a few long minutes, eyes downcast, not knowing what to say.
"So...what now?" / "Greg, I'm bi."
"Shit!" / "I just--!"
"I didn't—how—when?!" / "I mean that, I just thought—"
With a hesitant hand on the older mans lips, "I realized like an hour ago that I might be falling for you."
Nick sucks in a deep breath, holding it in his chest.
"Don't say anything, I don't want you to feel like you have to say anything. And I don't expect you to feel the same. But—"
Grabbing Greg's hand, Nick squeezes his eyes tightly as he presses his lips to the captured palm. He cups Greg's face in his free hand, searching his honeyed eyes. "Always."
Greg sighs with his entire body, feeling like a gross ton lifted from him. He watches the lips barely grazing his palm and snickers, "Bi?"
"Yep"
"Nick Stokes. Bi?"
"Always was, I just don't usually open with it."
"Huh."
"I hope that you don't feel like I've been hiding anything from you. I'm just very careful who I tell about my sexuality. But, then I guess you might understand that better than most."
"Honestly, I don't know how I feel about you not telling me before. But, I don't think that it would have changed anything. And, for the record, I'm not gay. Didn't know I was bi either, not until earlier today, that is."
"What?"
"Surprised the hell out of me, let me tell you."
"So, what you're telling me, is that you turned bi this afternoon?"
"Well, yeah. At the In-N-Out of all places," he smiles at that thought, finding it strangely fitting.
"oh. Wow. That's kinda big."
"I'm guessing that it's been coming on for a long time, if that makes you feel better. And, I'm totally OK with it. I've often wondered why I didn't have any college intrigues. Guess I'm an acquired taste."
"I can't even respond to that right now. I don't think you can just decide that one day. Maybe you're just feeling kind of vulnerable right now."
"Nick, have you ever met me? 90% of the women I meet think that I'm gay. I have always been open to the possibility. Fuck, Sara and I have 'I'd-gay-it-up-top-five-celebrity-lists'. It's just that I've never 'clicked' with another guy before."
"Greg, being open to the possibility and being bi aren't the same thing."
"Nick, you're worrying too much. If I had any reservations, I wouldn't have brought it up."
"I just don't want to pressure you into something that you aren't ready for."
"I am now, and always will be, ready for anything."
"That doesn't make me worry less."
"OK, try this then: I trust you. I know in my heart of hearts that you would never do anything to harm me in any way."
Nick ponders this, obviously still hesitant, so Greg continues, undeterred.
"I've never had the pleasure of simply enjoying the company of any past girlfriend the way I do with you. I can only imagine how amazing it could be to date someone like that. And besides, there aren't that many straight sex scenarios that I haven't tried yet, it's about time I move on."
"Greg," Nick practically growls out the name, "I'm serious here, you need to take some time to think about this."
"I really want to give this a try, Nick. What's the worst that could happen? Are you gonna start hating me if we don't work out as a couple?"
"I would rather keep you as my friend, and never have you as my boyfriend, than push you into a bad relationship and loose you forever."
"What?! That's a crappy attitude! What do you think is going to happen?"
"I don't have a good track record in the dating department."
"Who does?"
"So, you're saying that we should combine our bad relationship talents to make one really bad relationship."
"You are really jaded."
"Am I wrong?"
"Maybe. Maybe knowing that neither one of us is naturally good at making romances work will make it easier."
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for long term relationships."
"Bull. Shit. Besides, I'm no stranger to flings."
"I just don't—" Greg forcefully covers Nick's mouth.
"If you say anything about pushing or pressuring me, I will have to hit you." Nick nods, so Greg slowly drops his hand.
"I just want for it to work."
"Good. Then it will."
"You know it's not that easy, G."
"No Nick, it is. If two people want to make it work, and are patient with each other, then you get a bona fide adult relationship."
Shaking his head, Nick gives a begrudging smile. "I'm willing to give it a try. If that's what you want."
"What have I been saying for the past 15 minutes?"
"That you think you maybe might be open to the possibly of maybe being bisexual?"
"For a CSI, you're an idiot.
"What?" Nick tries to feign innocence, but can feel his mouth twitching.
Greg narrows his eyes, and scoots a little closer. "What I've been trying to say, is that I have become aware of the fact that I am kind of hot for your bod." Nicks eyes widen, and he goes slack jawed, Greg just carries on, moving even closer so that their lips are only inches apart. "So, what're you gonna do about that?"
Suddenly, Nick can only see Greg's tempting, slightly glistening, pink lips. "I may have to rethink this whole not pressuring you thing."
A sly smile curls Greg's mouth.
"Come on. Show me how a real man kisses."
Nick reaches to bury his hand in sandy hair, pulling the eager mouth closer still. "You are gonna be trouble for me, I can tell." Gently, he ghosts his lips across Greg's cheek, savoring the smooth skin, then lights a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. Greg turns slightly, cupping his hand around Nick's neck. No more hesitation now, as their mouths fuse together in a hungry kiss. Their lips press and yield, bruising in strength. A shudder ripples across Greg's back. Nick emits a soft moan, and they are forced apart to take in gasping breaths. Pressing their cheeks together again, Greg tries to overcome his sudden vertigo, while Nick attempts to shake off the tunnel vision. Once he regains his senses, Nick seeks out Greg's eyes, silently asking him a million questions, seeking a million answers. All that he can verbalize is simply, "Yeah?"
With a nod Greg answers, telling so much more with the sparkle in his eyes, and the stunned expression on his delicate face.
Feeling lighter than he has in years, Nick's entire face breaks into a blinding smile. "Yeah."

***

Greg had already had it with this day. He'd overslept because he forgot to turn on his alarm last night, he was completely out of coffee at home, and his car was riding on empty. Everything he tried today was completely fucked up from the get go. And now he was expected to solve a possible murder case? Despite all of that, he couldn't help but smile like a total goober. A few more hours and he could call up Nick, and see if they couldn't pick up where they had left off last night. If he hadn't been so tired, he probably would have pushed things more at the time. But with 43 hours already clocked this week, and another grueling shift ahead of him, he gave in to Nick pretty easily. It was actually pretty sweet, the way that Nick wanted to take things slow. But really? Greg could already see that was going to have to be more aggressive than usual. But, that would all have to wait. Right now, he had to focus on the job.
"damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, Damn, DAMN"
"Going that well, is it?"
Startled, Greg looks up from his depleted kit. "Cath, Damn it. I messed up. I forgot to restock this thing. I'm out of luminol, and I'm completely missing my duster."
"That's a little out of character. I thought we trained you better than that."
"Yeah, Warrick schooled me pretty harshly about CSI preparedness early on. I guess I'm just a little out of it today."
"I gathered that around the fourth time you asked where we were headed on the way over. And you wonder why I won't let you drive."
Sheepish, Greg gives his best puppy dog face and asks, "Got any spare?"
With a hint of disapproval, "You're just lucky that this scene is so tiny. What if I needed everything I had?"
"Then you'd send me to fetch more stuff?"
Handing over an extra dusting brush, "Wrong. Here, I'll print the door. You start on those hooks. Then we spray."
They were processing an oversized dressing room at the Bellagio. A squeeze to say the least. A party girl had apparently been attacked by a smallish, dark man, with no unique features. Or, as Cathrine quickly surmised, she probably passed out and slammed her head into the mirror, cutting herself severely, and landing herself in the ICU. After about 3 hours of back bending and tweezing, they managed to remove all visible traces of glass from the lush carpet, and bag them all to test for blood. Now they had the daunting task of fingerprinting the entire room.
"Thanks, Cath, you're a lifesaver."
"What's up with you anyway? You're even more unfocused than usual."
"Just distracted, I guess."
"That's all I get?"
Intently dusting the hook opposite the door, heartily avoiding her gaze. "MmmHmm."
"Well, knowing you, you would probably tell me something if it was a family thing. Maybe a money thing? Nah, everyone knows that you had a pay cut a while back. And you know that I've had some hard times myself, so that wouldn't be a secret. Ah HA! Perfect print!" She lifts a large area, revealing one complete fingerprint, and a mass of smudged ones. "A health thing? Nah, You're never sick, so I would be surprised. So, then. It's a romance thing." She turns to face him, arms akimbo, "Well, tell me if I'm right at least."
Rolling his eyes, Greg gives into the heavy stare, "Yeah. You're right. BUT, that's all you get!"
"Hmm, Greggo got some," she pulls a dirty, yet professional, smirk, "about time." Turning she continues dusting and drops the subject entirely.
Greg watches her expectantly for a moment, and thanks the stars that she has an overactive imagination. 'No need to mention that I'm completely loopy over a single kiss. Or that said kiss was with Nick. Let her develop a harlequin romance revolving around me. I'll have to remember to ask her how it plays out.'
He trys again, for the hundredth time since waking, to concentrate. Usually, if he has trouble focusing it's due to having too many thoughts bouncing around in his head. Sometimes he can imagine them dancing like atoms, made up of little electron/proton ideas, and teeny-tiny quark concepts. But today, it was like someone wiped his brain clean. There are simply no thoughts forming. He couldn't even think of a song to rattle off as internal background noise.
'Ugh, I can't wait until this shift is over.'


"Pick up Pick up Pick up," Nick hears Greg's voicemail switch on and curses his luck. "Hey! It's Nick. I guess you are still stuck at work. I, um, was just checking in. See how things are going. Uh, give me a call, or whatever..." He flips his cell shut, and smacks it against his forehead. 'What, am I back in middle school?' He looks around his empty house and decides that he can't be there anymore. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he heads out the door. 'I'll just go by Greg's see if he's home. Maybe catch him on his way in.' His mind has been churning all day, happy one second because he finally got to kiss the object of his affection, depressed the next because he worried that it was all over before it began. 'He said that he likes you, get over it. Just go see him. Maybe it will be tense, maybe he'll turn you down, but it's Greg! He will be as kind as possible, and then you can get on with your life. Or maybe, he'll be ecstatic to see you, and you will have hot, sweaty sex in the parking lot. Well, maybe not the parking lot, but a very nearby enclosed space. Damn, why can't he just be gay? I don't know how patient I can be now that we're, well whatever we are now. What are we? Oh, stop it! Just shut up already!'
He turns the volume up on the radio and scowls the rest of the way to Greg's. He gets there in no time, and still can't shut down his brain. 'I'll just go up and knock. If he's not in, I'll leave a note.' He takes the stairs 2 at a time, and knocks on the door. 'No answer, of course. But then his car wasn't in the parking lot, so that make sense. Fine, note.' He pulls out he pen and paper he brought from the truck and stares. And then he stares some more. And continues to stare a while longer. 'Great, I can't shut you up all day, and now you desert me. Just write something. Anything! Or don't, you can just leave.' His body gets board with the mental tennis match, and sits on the top step. Leaning against the wall, keeping the offensive paper in sight at all times.
After a very long, very indecisive, while, Nick is roused by a softly uttered string of curses. Greg rounds the corner, rooting through his bag.
"Nick! What--? HI!" His entire face lights up upon seeing the dark man on his landing.
Able to think, mostly, clearly again, Nick allows a broad smile to form. "Hey,"
Greg immediately, and compulsively smiles back. He abandons his search, and sits beside Nick. The stairwell is fairly narrow, pressing them together from shoulder to knee.
"I was just about to call you, but I can't find my phone."
"Is that what you were looking for?"
"UmHmm."
Their gazes meet and time stops. Nick admires the glittering in Greg's eyes, Greg ponders the depth of Nick's. After a time, a door opens a floor above, breaking the trance.
"Want to come in for a bit?"
Nick nods.
"OK, come on then," Greg stands and offers a hand. Nick accepts it and tries, a little unsuccessfully, not to crowd Greg as he unlocks his door. Greg lets him in first and turns to lock up as he enters. When he turns back around to drop off his stuff, he stops short, nearly running into the solid wall of Nick's chest. "Hi, again."
Nick swoops in and wraps his strong arms around Gregs slight frame. He presses his lips to Greg's in a sweet caress. Caught completely off guard, Greg emits a manly squeak, as his bag and keys fall to the floor. He can feel Nick grin against his mouth. Twining his arms around Nicks shoulders, he strokes the broad back, and opens his mouth in an invitation. Nick groans at that, pushing Greg backwards until his back meets the door. They tangle their tongues, mashing their lips together. Soon both are moaning and straining for more contact. Running out of breath, Greg lets his head fall back, connecting soundly with the door.
"ahhnickgod..."
"Mmmm...", seizing the opportunity, Nick trails wet kisses along Greg's creamy neck. "Fuck. This wasn't supposed to go this way..."
A little shocked at hearing Nick say 'Fuck', Greg opens his eyes, regarding the ceiling. "What way is that?" He grabs a handful of shortly shorn hair and presses into the mouth suckling at his Adam's apple.
With just the tip of his tongue, Nick licks once along a taut tendon, savoring the salty taste. He steps back, placing his hands on Greg's slim hips, bowing his head and takes a deep breath. Chuckling, "Like this, I'm supposed to be easing you into things."
"Whoever said that?" Greg lifts his heavy head from the door, working to focus on the man in front of him.
Nick looks up at him, taking in the wet rosy lips, and the flushed cheeks. " Me. I don't want to mess anything up."
Smiling sweetly, Greg gathers Nick to him in a tight hug. "Let's make a deal, OK? You stop worrying so much, and I'll tell you when things start to get uncomfortable."
Nick nuzzles his hair, "I can't help it."
Greg sighs, "I'll just have to wear you down I guess."
"I have no doubt that you will."
"I wonder if we can maybe move this somewhere less door-like? I can be much more persuasive when I'm not trapped."
Stepping back to give him some breathing room, "Sorry, I don't seem to have very good impulse control these days."
"I'm not exactly complaining...actually," he raises an eyebrow, "it's kinda hot, I've never been pinned to a wall before."
"Well, I think I can arrange a repeat performance sometime, if you want."
Considering the offer, Greg decides to talk first, make out later. "Living room. You want a drink or anything?"
"Nah, I'm good." Greg takes Nick's hand and leads him through the apartment. Nick marvels at the casual move and squeezes Greg's hand, before letting go to sit down. "Actually, I'm great."
"Nick, I think we need to set some ground rules."
"Like what?"
"You tell me. You know I'm a go with the flow kinda guy, but you stressing about every little thing is stressing me out. And nobody likes a stressed Greg."
"I'm sorry, I just—"
"Rule number one: no apologizing until you actually do something to upset me."
Sigh. "OK."
"Rule number two: you have to tell me what you are thinking."
"OK."
"Rule number three: I don't get to make up all the rules. Your turn."
"Somehow your expression right now reminds me of my Mom."
"That's not exactly a turn on."
"No, but it's kind of endearing."
"You're skirting the issue here."
"OK, OK, Rule number four? Four: All your rules go both ways."
"Of course, that's only fair."
"And...I don't know, I guess, number 5: more rules can be added as needed, if we both agree on them."
"Cop out. But, I'll let it slide, for now. Oh, supplementary to number two, no more assuming you know what I'm thinking."
"That will be hard. I'll try."
"That's all I can ask," He leans in to drop a quick peck on Nick's mouth, and jumps off the couch. "Glad we got that worked out, 'cause I'm starving!"
"You're always hungry! Where do you put it all?"
"Something has to fuel my massive brain. What, are you turning down a meal?"
"...I could eat."
"I thought so."

***

Greg lay with his head nestled on a strong chest, with his hand pressed to the other mans heart. He lay like that for over an hour, concentrating on everything 'Nick'. He matches his breathing, soaks in his heat.
'Nick. Nick's arm's around me. Nick kissed me. Twice!' He lifts his head to examine Nick's face. 'Why are you so attracted to this man? Gotta to be the square jaw. I've always been jealous of that. I bet he likes to be kissed right there at the corner. I hope so, 'cause I plan on doing that often. Maybe it's the eyebrows, so straight and true. Just like him. Or so I thought. So, Nick's kinda gay for me. I wonder if Warrick knows. They're close, he's gotta know Nick's bi, right? Oh God, is Warrick bi?! Have they-?! No, what are the chances? It'd be the bi-est lab in the country. Heh, maybe Cath and Sara too...' He rests his head back on Nick's chest. 'Who cares? They can all be whatever they want, as long as Nick wants me, I think I might actually be happy.'
He feels Nick take a particularly deep breath and knows that the other man has woken up. On a contented sigh, Nick turns his head and places a chaste kiss into Greg's hair.
"Can't sleep?"
"Don't wanna"
"Hmm"
They lay in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, enjoying their proximity.
"I'm really glad you stayed over."
"Me too."
"I could get used to falling asleep in someone's arms."
"You didn't fall asleep, so how would you know?"
"I'm in a prolonged falling asleep stage, it could last for hours yet."
"Do you do that a lot?"
"Not often, once in a while."
"How long have you been having trouble sleeping?"
Suddenly aware of the concern creeping into Nick's tone, Greg pauses to gather his thoughts. He decides that there simply isn't any point in lying, "As long as I can remember. Papa Olaf has told me stories about how I would lay awake in my crib for hours as a baby. Then when I started school, I can remember my parents coming in to check on me when they went to bed. I would pretend to be asleep, until I heard their door shut. Then I would pull out my favorite toys, or a book. I got myself into trouble more than once..."
"So is it like insomnia, or are you just not tired?"
"Little of both, I guess. I don't need as much sleep as a lot of people. But yeah, sometimes it's more than that."
"Ever try pills or anything?"
"Nah, it's not that bad. Mostly, I just tweak out on coffee, and plan to crash on the weekends. It's actually pretty convenient with the job."
"I can imagine, there are days when I wish I didn't have to sleep."
"Hmm"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Absolutely."
"Um. Well, I don't even really know what I'm trying to ask, but, I mean, how are you so sure? About...this?"
"Well...I'm not."
"Oh."
Greg lifts his head again, to look into Nick's eyes. "You're not sure."
Nick lets out a short breath, "No, not about everything. But I've had a long time to get used to the fact that I dig you. You hadn't ever considered liking men, much less me."
"I'd considered men before. I've told you that. Are you always this insecure in relationships?"
"Everyone's insecure sometimes."
"You never seem insecure."
"You have no idea, Greggo. I'm never sure of myself around you."
"I'll take that as a complement, thank you." Nick awards him with a lazy smile. "Why? What is so intimidating about me? I don't think I've ever intimidated anyone before."
"Well. It's not anything that you do. It's just, you know, a crush, I don't want to do something stupid around you. You might stop talking to me."
"Wow. I can't get my brain around that. How long?"
"Hmm?"
"Don't play dumb! How long have you been into me? Seeing Nick blush, even in the darkness, Greg can't help but torment him some more. "How long have you been lusting after me? How long have you wanted my sweet supple ass?"
"Greg!"
"Seriously though..."
"Few years, I guess."
"...Wow."
"I never really put much thought into it, cause you were straight."
"Funny, I would have said the same thing about you."
"Most people would."
"So, what was it like when you first figured out that you were bi? 'Cause, unless you still doubt it, you should have realized by now that it's something a person can be sure of."
"Well, it was different for me..."
"Isn't it always? Tell me, I want to know!"
Nick shifts them so that they are facing one another, both propping their heads on an arm, eye to eye. "It was different for me, 'cause I knew I was gay before I ever thought I was bi."
"Oh... Isn't that weird, in Texas, I mean? Isn't that like taboo?"
"Yeah, Greg, it's pretty much taboo in most places. But I, um, had a, uh, tough time with sex as a kid."
Greg places a warm hand on Nick's tense bicep, "Let me stop you for a sec. I know about the babysitter. Cath told me a long time ago, but don't be mad at her, I made her tell me."
"Wha—how? When did you talk to Cath about me?"
"I talk to her about you all the time. I've never hidden the fact that I kind of want to be you when I finally grow up."
Nick erupts with laughter, dispensing his pent up tension, relived that he dosen't have to bring up the past.
"That's a little off-putting,makes me kind of narcissistic."
"No, don't get me wrong, I think I may have found a better life goal here. I just respect you. A lot. And maybe have been denying some other more poignant feelings along the way..."
Nick leans in, barely brushing noses, just sharing air for a moment. Greg closes the distance, pressing soft lips to soft lips.
"I have had dreams about you before."
"Dreams? What kind of dreams are we talking?"
"The naughty kind. And the run of the mill repeat your day kind, and random cameos here and there. But, most importantly, to ease your mind, definitely the naughty kind."
"What am I doing in these naughty dreams of yours?"
Greg smiles, an evil glint entering his eyes, "Things..."
"Like this kind of thing?" He mashes his mouth against Greg's, kissing him brutally. He takes advantage of the slightly open mouthed expression the younger man was sporting, pressing his tongue inside. Taking his sweet time to explore every nuance of yielding mouth, he rolls so that he can pin Greg with his chest. Completely overwhelmed with Nick's passion, Greg clutches at him, dragging his hands over every hard plane he can reach. He can hear himself moaning desperately, and pulls Nick tighter to him. Nick growls, and involuntarily bucks his hips hard against Greg's thigh.
"Fuck!" Greg rips his mouth away from Nick's throwing his head back, "Godit'ssogood"
Nick struggles to catch his breath, chest heaving from the effort. "Shit, what are you doing to me?"
Greg, panting as well, gazes hazily at the top of Nicks head. "Hmph, I think you did most of that."
Nick flings himself onto his back, keeping one arm under Greg, and keeping their sides pressed together.
"Seriously, I have no control at all, I'm like a teenager with you!"
"I'm really OK with that. But, I know you aren't, so we'll cool it for now." He sidles up to Nicks side, reclaiming his former spot with his head on Nicks shoulder. "But, I'm so gonna get laid tomorrow!"

***

Nick stays awake for awhile, worried at Greg's vulnerable state. 'Did I step in too late? Has Greg been terrified all this time? Can I reach him in time to restore his sense of security? Is Greg really into me?' He has to shake his head at that thought. How selfish was he, that his friend was on the verge of a total meltdown, and all he could think about was how cute he was? 'Those eyelashes, how can he open his eyes with the weight of them? I'll bet women hate him for those. I wonder if he'd wake if I nibble on his lower lip. Just a taste really. Yeah, that'd wake him. He needs to sleep. I wonder when he last had a decent nights sleep... Why'd I wait so long to say something? Not only could I have helped him cope better, we could be together now. We can be together now. My God. I can be with Greg.' He can feel his sleeping partner tense suddenly, and knows a nightmare has started.

//The dream started the same way it always did. He was back in the lab again, king of his domain. There were four cases on his docket. Grissom, Sara and Nick's, Cathrine and Warrick's, and two left over from days. The shit from day shift could wait, he already decided that. Who will be back first, and who will be loudest if their stuff isn't done? Probably Cathrine, she's been on edge lately. But... on the off chance that he can find some case-breaking evidence maybe he can coerce another heart stopping smile from Nick. Nicky. Nicholas. Suddenly his brain catches up and realizes that he's dreaming. Realizes what is about to happen. What always happens. He feels his body tense up, sweat breaks out on his forehead. He turns to look at the fume hood. In his dreams he can always watch as the explosion happens. See his fate before he feels it. But someone's there, immediately behind him. He should be startled, he hadn't heard anyone. But then Nick is scooping him into his stalwart embrace. Greggo, I'm here. Then everything changes. The cycle is broken. The lab is gone, the fume hood is gone, the plate glass window is gone. Then colors start to merge, everything mixes together, like a sunset in the desert. Gold. Warm. Safe. Protected.//

Nick whispers, "Greggo, I'm here. It's just a dream, I won't let anything hurt you."
'I won't let anything hurt you. If there is anything that I can do, to protect you, I swear I'll do it. I will make you feel safe again.'
Feeling Greg start to relax, Nick lays a sweet kiss to the sleeping mans lips.
'See, I promised. No more nightmare. Just wish you could have been around for me a few years back.'
After studying Greg's face for a few more minutes, deciding whether there was any chance of a replay, Nick allows himself to drift back to sleep. Thinking, 'Greg tastes nice'.


Nick wakes to find himself fully enveloped in Greg. At some point, Greg seemed to have pulled Nick atop him, wrapping his right leg around Nick's own muscular thigh, and tucking his foot under his calf. One of his wiry arms was resting low around Nick's trim waist. The other encircled Nick's strong back, resting his hand on the nape of his neck. Nick resolved to stay exactly where he woke, pressing his nose closer to Greg's fragrant hair. Just as he starts to doze again, he hears a disgruntled groan below him. Before he has a chance to ask what was wrong, he's pushed aside, with surprising force, as Greg gracelessly turns away from him.
"Nickblankettoohot," came a petulant grumble.
'Oh,' Nick tries to give him some space, working to dislodge his right arm, which was still trapped in the crook of Greg's neck. He is stalled when Greg wraps both hands securely around it, nuzzling his elbow. Amused at the childishness of sleepy Greg, he decides to mess with him. Curling his body against him, dropping soft kisses to his neck and shoulder, placing a firm hand on his hip, he squeezes the smaller man against him.
"Hell-o!" Greg's eyes popped open at the not unwelcome encroachment.
"Like you've never heard of morning wood", came the husky reply.
"Well, yeah... I've just never felt it on another guy," he pushes slightly against the subject of their chat.
Nick's hips involuntarily press back against Greg's backside.
"Mmm..." Nick's lips drop to rest on Greg's milky shoulder.
"How 'bout you? When's the last time you handled another mans morning wood?"
"Actually, this it's an entirely new experience for me as well."
"What?!"
"It's always been one nighters and quickies with guys before. Hell, I hardly ever stick around for the morning after with women."
"...That's kind of sad."
"That's how I always wanted it before." He nips at Greg's enticing ear lobe, sliding his hand from hip to sinewy chest.
With a sigh Greg presses more firmly against the powerful body behind him. Untangling one hand he reaches behind him so he can grip Nick's brawny buttock. "God, that feels good..."
"Hmm?" Sucking now on Greg's neck, surely leaving a mark, and rolling his hips.
"ahhh..."
"Greg?" Nick whispers, "Can I handle your morning wood?"
"Yes, please Yes!"
Slowly stroking his way down Greg's lean stomach, grinding his hips against him, Nick lets out a deep moan. Teasing himself by avoiding his goal he brushes his fingers across the sharp hip covered in a thin layer of cotton, grazing down the lithe thigh.
Groaning his disapproval, Greg reaches his right arm up to pull at the older mans hair. "Please!"
Nick winces at the pressure, but smiles into his neck as he finally relents and yanks Greg's shorts down. Once free, he slowly starts stroking Greg's straining member.
"yesssssgod yesnick"
"Yeah baby, so good, you feel so good"
Bucking against each other, both men unable to lay still. Greg claws at Nick trying to get closer, begging him "please please please".
Language is lost completely, grunts, moans and whimpers fill the room. Not gaining the friction he needs to come, Nick suddenly pressed the slender man backside down on the bed. Greg blindly reaches for him with four limbs. Crushing their mouths together, working their hips, pushing pushing pushing against one another.
"OH GODOHGodOhGodOhgod ohgod," clutching at Nick's powerful shoulders, Greg suddenly comes in great hot spruts.
With a rumbling groan at the feel of Greg's semen coating his abdomen, Nick finally lets go, "Greg YES!".
Breathing hard through his nose, Greg gently brushes his fingertips across Nick's spine, and nuzzles his ear. A lazy cheshire grin forms he whispered in a raspy voice, "Round one, tied for speed".
Nick takes a second to fully hear the words and chuckles deep from his chest.
Greg continues, carding his fingers through short dark hair, "Round two will test Agility".
"You hope..."
"Round Three, Endurance."
"Mmmm"
"Round Four, Artistic interpretation."
"Uh," Nick rolls onto his back, pulling a Greg blanket over himself, "can we have a meal break before the trials commence?"
"Right after a nap and a quick word from our sponsors." After dropping a tender kiss onto Nick's Lips, Greg resumes sleeping.

***

Hearing the shower kick on, Greg decides that the bed isn't so comfy after all. He gets up, looking for his discarded jeans.
"Coffee, Greg needs coffee."
Heading to the kitchen, he plucks his t-shirt up from his desk where he apparently tossed it last night.
"FUCK!," he suddenly remembers his plan to shop after work, and his distinct lack of coffee beans. "Shit."
Grabbing his keys and wallet, he makes a run for the quicki-mart on the corner, it's not the good stuff, but it'll have to do.

Nick dries himself off with what may be the softest, fluffiest towel he has ever touched. Humming. he wipes down the mirror, and looks at himself. 'That is the stupidest grin I'm ever seen, but damn if I don't look 10 years younger.' Pulling his jeans on, he hangs his towel to dry and goes back to check on his sleeping friend. 'Oh, he must be up.' He searches the apartment, ending up in the kitchen. 'He couldn't leave, it's his house. Could he? God Damnitt! I Knew this would happen. We moved too fast and I scared him off! You really fucked it up this time Nicky boy'. Sitting Nick lets the shock and despair set in, wishing that he could take back the precious hours he had spent with Greg in his arms.

Whistling badly, Greg finishes off one of the three coffees he purchased. He places the empty cup back into cup holder and balances a bag of doughnuts on top of the drinks. Letting himself into his apartment he strolls into the kitchen. Dropping their breakfast items onto the island counter he turns to fetch Nick.
"Oh, I didn't see you ther—Nick? Nick what's wrong?!" Nick is sitting with his head in his hands. Greg rushes to kneel in front of him, placing his hands on Nick's tense thighs.
"Baby, what's wrong? Tell me what happened!"
Nick raises bleary eyes to meet worried milk chocolate ones. "You came back."
Confusion paints Greg's features, "What? Of course I came back, I live here..."
"I just thought—I thought you," dropping his gaze to the slightly stained floor.
Understanding dawns on Greg, "oh nick, you thought I left you?"
Nick nods, refusing to look at Greg's concerned face.
"You don't like to be alone anymore do you?" He reaches to touch Nick's flinching jaw.
"It's ok. I just didn't know where you were. I thought that last night, this morning, it was too much too soon."
"Nick, I'm ecstatic about last night and this morning. I can't remember the last time that I was this happy." He smiles to show just how happy he is. "I'm not planning on leaving you anytime soon."
Nick closes his eyes and squeezes the hand still cradling his cheek. Fat tears drop down his face.
"Baby, I'm so sorry. I didn't think. I should have told you where I was going, or left a note or something. I didn't mean to scare you."
Finally looking down at Greg, Nick sighs. "I just don't want to fuck this up."
Sitting up Greg leans in to press a soft kiss to Nick's salty lips. "You won't"

After guiding a sheepish Nick to his couch, and force feeding him doughnuts, Greg decided that hard topics could wait for a while.
"Man, I wish I'd gotten a whole dozen, I could eat these all day."
"Seriously, I have no idea where you put it all, you eat like a Sumo wrestler."
"Well, yeah, I eat a lot when I eat, but I rarely get three meals in a day."
"I guess that makes sense, cuts the caloric intake, but Greg that kicks your body into starvation mode and—"
"Spare me the lecture Mr. Universe, it's not my choice. I'm just easily distracted..."
"That's the understatement of the century."
"Can you blame me? I work with this guy, you see. Black hair, dark-dark brown eyes, square jaw, even tan. And when he smiles...I would move the earth for him."
"Well, I guess I'll have to have a chat with this guy, tell him to stop hanging around. Or to at least bring food with him."
"No no! Don't you dare tell him to stop coming by. He's the highlight of my day."
"Yeah?"
"Most Def."
Nick flashes a smile, "Well, he's nothing in comparison to what I've got. I work with this guy, brilliant scientist, bedroom eyes, milky white skin, and he has the cutest moles on his right cheek...."
"Sounds dreamy. Bedroom eyes, huh?"
"Man, you have a way of looking at people sometimes. It's not easily forgotten."
"Why Nick, what are you trying to say?"
"It just makes one's mind wander, is all I'm saying."
"Wander? Like with fantasies?"
"Ahem. Maybe."
Excited now that he had obviously embarrassed the older man, "Do tell! And don't you dare leave out any details!"
Laughing as Greg literally bounces in his seat, "No! There is no way that I am telling you about any possible fantasy of any kind."
"I bet you will!"
"Bet all you want, it ain't happening"
"Oh yeah?"
Nick pantomimes zipping his lips together, and locking them tight. Greg responds with a certain look, and pounces. Attacking Nick with all of his energy, Greg searches for any weak points, tickling every nook he can reach.
"Hey! Hey now! What—AHH!" Hollering with laughter Nick is reduced to a huddled mass on the floor facing the couch. Greg straddles his knees, throwing his fists into the air, "I am victorious!"
"Stopit! Please, stop, I'll do anything, just quit it!"
"So you'll tell me?"
"God, just do not tickle me anymore! My sisters used to gang up on me."
"Tell me or I'll start all over again..."
"OK! Ok." He stretches his legs and settles himself on the floor. Greg waits paitiently not moving from his perch above Nick's thighs. To be safe Nick laces his fingers with Greg's. "Um, well..."
"Come on, I look at you and you think..."
"Ok, the other day you were in the layout room, pasting up some receipts."
"I remember."
"I was walking by on my way to DNA, and you looked up, caught my eye. And, dude, you seriously need to be careful with the looks you throw out... You were kind of leaning over, with your forearms resting on the table, with your come hither expression."
"Mmm, all good stuff, but I'm not hearing anything fantastical." Greg leans down a bit, lightly pressing Nick's arms to the floor above his head.
"Shit, that look, the one you're giving me now, fuck." That makes Greg smile, and lick his lips. "So your standing there leaning, come hithering, and I kind of imagined taking you right there, receipts flying, out in the open."
"Well, that was disappointing. Where's the details? The dirty talk?"
"I didn't said I'd talk dirty."
"That's all the fun of telling a fantasy."
"Well," Nick fluidly pulls his, and Greg's arms down, hugging the slight man to him, flipping their positions at the same time. Now laying on top of Greg, pinning his arms underneath him, Nick gives a look of his own. "Why don't you tell me how it's done?"
A little breathless at the sudden switch, and a little unhappy about the power upset, Greg fights back, "Well, take your scenario, and just embellish it. You were walking down the hall, you see me, I see you, sparks fly. You barge in, not caring what people might think. You haul me around to face you and claim my mouth with your mouth, tame my tongue with your tongue. " Nick is already completely enthralled, his eyes dilating, his breathing growing heavy. "You yank my lab coat off of my shoulders, trapping my arms at my sides, tear at my midnight blue button up, and expose my glistening chest."
"Wait, 'glistening'? Why is your chest glistening?"
"Hush, you'll ruin it. I can't reach your shirt, so I settle for unfastening your pants, grabbing at your hard-on through your tight boxer-briefs. You're kissing my throat, sucking and biting at me. You say, 'Greg, I want you so bad, I have to have you.' I say, 'Yes, Yes Nick, Please take me!'. You grab my ass and push me back down, on the layout table, ripping at my jeans, pulling them off completely. You lean over to kiss me roughly, wrapping my legs around your waist. 'I can't wait, I need to be inside you now.' I'm still trapped by my coat, and can't do more than whimper and wriggle closer to you. You push your shorts just out of the way, and press your big hard cock inside of my tight ass,
I moan at the pain, and beg for more, as you pull out and push back in. 'Yes, yes, god yes, just like that yes,' pumping our hips together, kissing madly, all tongue and saliva. 'I'm gonna come' you say, as you fist my dick and start jacking me off while you fuck my ass. 'YES Please yes, come inside me please! '. After a few hard pulls, and a few hard thrusts, we're screaming each others names, coming all over the evidence."
Nick is staring at the lips that have stopped moving, he is aware that his hips are rolling lazily against Greg's hip, but he doesn't even care.
"Well, do you see the difference?"
"Fuck."
"Now that's what I'm talking about. Say that about a hundred times, and I should be good."
"Is that what you want? Do you want to feel me inside of you?"
Serious now, and and little bit nervous, Greg answers in a small whisper, "yes."
"So do I. I want to feel every inch of you, and I want to feel you inside of me too."
Gasping, "Yes I want that."
Crushing their mouths together, they kiss desperately, hungry.
"Wait, wait. Not like this though, not on the floor of my living room."
"No, no the first time should be special, your first time should be special," But, their bodies aren't slowing down, "how 'bout a blow job to tide you over?"

***