Title: Trust In The Evidence
Author: Terabithia
Pairing: Gil/Nick
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: CSI the characters and locals etc are the property of CBS and Alliance-Atlantis Communications. The plot and story ideas are mine. This story contains sexually explicit descriptions of what two handsome men might get up to with each other. If you are under 18, or just don't like sure things. Don't Read the story. Author's Notes: This is my first attempt at CSI slash… take pity on me.
Summary: One too many relationships gone bad have convinced Gil he'll be better off alone. But Nick is determined to convince him otherwise.

***

The case was solved. Nick was driving with Gil in the passenger seat. They'd followed the evidence out to Lake Mead at about 3am it was now just about 6am and they were heading back to the city. Seeing a view point Nick suddenly pulled over.

"What are you doing?" Gil questioned.

"When's the last time you saw the sunrise over Lake Mead?" The younger man grinned, putting the Tahoe in to park and releasing his seat belt. "Unless you're really in a rush to get back." He added seeing the odd look on his boss' face.

"No, Nicky no rush."

Nick just grinned again and climbed out of the SUV.

Gil followed a little slower, joining him at the rail of viewpoint a few moments later. Other then them the place was deserted. Much too early for the average Vegas area tourists to be emerging.

They stood side by side beside the car in silence just watching the sun's slow progress over the horizon. They were surrounded by the quiet of morning. The SUV blocking the sight of the road making it seem as though it was just them for miles. They were alone.

The sky slowly and silently suffused with colors. Pinks, reds, yellows, golds, and blues it was a spectacular sight.

"You were right Nick." Gil said turning to look at him. "This was worth stopping for."

The younger man turned to meet Gil's look. "I certainly thought so." He smiled and suddenly they found themselves gazing at one another.

The moment stretched and finally overwhelmed Nick. He moved in closer and before the other man could react he brought their lips together in a kiss. Nothing fancy, just pressing their mouths together in a drawn out moment. Then drew back wondering how much trouble he'd just got himself in to. To his surprise Gil didn't look angry or upset. Just confused, and maybe the slightest bit sad.

"What?" The Texan finally asked when the look didn't change.

"Why did you do that?" Grissoms's confusion was in his voice too.

"I'd think that was kinda obvious." Nick smiled reaching out to lay his fingers on Gil's cheek gently.

The confusion still didn't fade.

"Gris you're utterly brilliant but you can't figure out why I'd want to kiss you?"

"Well unlike Sally Peterson in the eleventh grade I can't help you pass Chemistry."

"Huh?"

"I'm a geek Nick. I'm sure you've noticed. My greatest passion is for bugs."

"I know all that." The Texan smiled.

"Then why'd you kiss me?" Gil muttered pulling away his voice still puzzled.

"Gris." Getting no response Nick put a hand on his shoulder and pulling him around to face him again. "Gil. It's because of all that." Gil just gave him a disbelieving look. "I work with you man. I've seen you in your geekiest forms. Watched you take holidays for the cockroach races. I know it all... and like you just the way you are. More than like actually."

"But..."

Nick didn't let the protest go any further covering Gil's mouth with his own again. Taking advantage of the partially open mouth to slip his tongue just inside the warmth of other man's mouth. Drawing a response from the older man at last.

When they parted again Nick was shocked by the wary look in Gil's eyes. "What do you want?" This time the voice was hard and sad.

"What?"

"Whatever you want just ask." Grissom ground out in a pained voice. "You don't need to seduce me to get it."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Nick gaped at him.

"People don't want me Nick. They want something from me." With that the other man turned away and walked back around the Tahoe climbing back in to the passenger's seat.

Nick paused, took a last look over the lake quickly trying to gather his thoughts. Then climbed in the driver's door.

Grissom was determinedly not looking at him. "Gil?" He questioned softly. There was a long moment and he though for sure he was being ignored then Gil turned to look at him. "I don't want anything from you." He tried. Then paused. "No, that's not strictly true."

Grim triumph flared in the gray eyes.

"Don't you go jumping to conclusions. You know better then that. In fact you're always getting after me about it." Nick chided. "I just hope that someday you might be able to share yourself with me. Maybe eventually you might give me your love. I suppose before that though I'll need your trust too." With that he turned the ignition starting the SUV. He didn't want an immediate answer; because it was obvious Gil was going to protest. No. Better that the man be forced to think on it for a bit.

By the time they'd reached the limits of Vegas, Grissom still hadn't said a word and Nick hoped it was because he was thinking and not anger towards him. He didn't have much time to consider it in depth before they found themselves caught up in the morning traffic rush. After several long minutes of stop and go traffic they came to a stand still.

"It isn't that I don't trust you Nick." Grissom finally spoke.

"Well then what? You know some people might be insulted by you insinuating they sleep around to get ahead."

"But not you Nicky." The older CSI gave a brief smile.

Nick sighed then smiled ruefully. "Yeah not me. I'm just a nice guy. Or so I'm always told. So what then?"

"It's me I don't trust. I trusted Sally but the day after the Chemistry final. She was back with the captain of the foot ball team."

"You pointed it out yourself Gil. I don't need your help to pass Chemistry."

"There could be other things."

"Like what? Believe me, I've read the departmental regulations very well. There's not much you could actually do for me. I'm already a level three. Not eligible for a raise until next year. And you only make a recommendation for that. Someone else decides on it. Besides if I know anything about you Gil I know you wouldn't even do the review yourself if you were involved with someone. You'd hand it off to Cath or something."

The other man just blinked at him. Then traffic began to move again. "It's all a moot point anyway." He said staring pointedly at the car in front of them. "I decided I wasn't having any more relationships a while ago."

"You just arbitrarily decided it. You won't even try? Won't give me or anyone else a chance?"

"Look Nick. It's not you or anyone else for that matter. I just don't have the ability to tell when someone's using me. At least not in a personal context. I'm too caught up in my work to really pay attention anyway. I just couldn't handle another betrayal. It's easier to just not even risk it at all."

Nick didn't say anything in reply. He had no idea what he could say. Gil almost never admitted to a weakness especially one that had anything to do with his feeble social skills. And he was having some trouble wrapping his head around the idea that the man who could read evidence like a novel, who could read a killer by what he left behind, couldn't read the people closest to him.

The remainder of the ride passed in silence. When they pulled in to the parking lot at the lab Gil told Nick to go home and worry about his report the following evening. Nick agreed dropping his boss off and pulling back out into traffic for the drive home. If Gris thought he was going to give in quite that easily he had another thought coming. He'd find a way under all that armor Gil surrounded himself with even if it took a while.

*** *** *** ***

It was nearly noon by the time Grissom made it home to bed. Reports always seemed to take more time then you expected. And it took still more time for him to fall asleep, his great mind all a jumble. Thoughts of Nick and their kiss. And all his past unsuccessful relationships running over and over.

He knew Nicky wouldn't give up easily. He would have to stay strong. He couldn't bare the idea of Nick joining the line of those who had hurt him. He never wanted the perfect sweet image of Nick marred in his memory. Which of course made it all the more difficult to remain objective about it.

The young man was exactly the type of person anyone would want to be with. Young, handsome, kind, honest almost to a fault at times. The kind he wouldn't think would betray him. But then he hadn't thought any of his past loves would betray him and they all had. That pretty much told the tale of his judgment of people.

It all rolled over and over in his head but he already knew what he had to do. He couldn't let Nick succeed in seducing him. He couldn't take the chance. It was an answer to it all, which was enough to relax him enough to sleep at last.

*** *** *** ***

It was lunch break the following evening when Nick finally tracked Grissom down in the office. His supervisor had managed to avoid him for the first half of the evening having Catherine hand out the assignments and inform them the boss would be holed up with paper work all night before sending them on their separate ways.

So the young man was vaguely surprised to see the office door actually open when he finally got back to the lab. He peeked in seeing Gil was alone and eating lunch. This way Gil couldn't use the not while we're working thing. It was lunch break and neither of them were working. He knocked lightly before stepping in and 'accidentally' nudging the door so it swung nearly shut.

"What can I do for you Nick?" It was his supervisor speaking. Hiding in the safety of being the boss.

"I don't want you to trust me."

"What?" Gil grunted, clearly confused.

"I don't want you to trust me not to hurt you. I want to prove it to you. Prove I won't."

"Nick, I told you I'm not doing this. It isn't happening."

"I know. Which is why I'm not asking for a relationship. I'm not even going to ask you to care about me at this point. Just like me enough to give me a chance. Like every other person on earth when they say yes to a first date."

"Nick." Gil tried again.

"Just a chance. Let me prove I'm safe. A couple dates; we can have a good time, no serious investment. After that you can examine the evidence. Maybe you can't read people Gil. But you're an expert in evidence."

"I just..."

"Come on man." Nick pleaded. "Coffee and muffins this morning when we're done work."

There was a long moment and finally Gil gave a jerky nod.

"Great." The younger CSI grinned. "I'll come find you when I finish up."

*** *** *** ***

Grissom watched as Nick left his office. He hated to get the other man's hopes up like this. Nick would end up hurt but better a little hurt then a big one later. He'd known Nick would never be able to let it go.

This was the best solution he could come up with. He'd go out with Nick once or twice. Then he say he was sorry, he just couldn't get over his past. Nick would have to let go because he'd never want to force anyone to do something they weren't comfortable with. And he wouldn't be able to say Gil hadn't even given him a chance.

Yes this was the best solution.

He sighed again. It really was too bad he couldn't have met some one like Nick in his youth. When he didn't have all this baggage to haul behind him. Because he really did believe Nick Stokes was a good person. But he couldn't risk his heart again. His judgment of people had been so wrong in the past; it had just cost him too much. Another heartbreak would kill him at this point.

*** *** *** ***

True to his word Nick appeared in Gil's office doorway a little after the end of the shift. The older man had considered claiming too much paper work and begging off. But after a whole night of sitting at his desk he was looking forward to leaving. Even if it was for this sham of a date.

"I never want your job." Nick announced after surveying all the papers covering every available surface in the small office.

"I didn't realize just how much paper work was involved when I took the job." Gil admitted. "Otherwise I might have thought twice about it."

Nick laughed. "I gotta grab my stuff out of the locker room, that going to give you enough time to finish that one up?" He asked nodding to the report currently in front of his supervisor.

Grissom glanced down at his work. "Yeah I think so."

"I'll be back in a few minutes then."

Gil just nodded in response bending back over the papers. Congratulating himself on that conversation. Neither too eager nor too held back. If he did make it appear he was actually giving the Nick an honest chance the young CSI would never give up.

Nick meanwhile headed down the hall towards the locker room. He changed his shirt and gathered the rest of his things. It'd taken him half the right to figure out where they should go for this 'date.' Finally settling on Sheila's. Sheila's was a little bakery come coffee shop. With Vegas's 24-hour life style and having to keep staff on half the night baking anyways, the owner figured why not just add a fancy looking coffee machine, a few bistro tables and a cashier? It was a little further away then most of the CSI staff's haunts, but it was hardly unheard of for two or more of them to end up there after shift for coffee and goodies. Nice, neutral ground where they would both be comfortable, yet far enough from the lab that none of the day staff was likely to wander in which could make for a slightly awkward situation.

Plan in his head he headed back to Gil's office finding the older man attempting to tidy up the stacks of files.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah." The other man said picking up his bag and coat. They stepped out of the office Gil shutting the door and double-checking the lock caught. They headed for the parking lot. The silence between them stretched out and was starting to feel awkward when Gil finally spoke up.

"So where are we going?"

"For coffee and sweets." Nick grinned giving the him a clue.

"Ah, Sheila's."

"Got it in one." The younger man laughed. "Figure it's just easier if we both take our cars so we can just head home when we're done.

"Sounds good." Grissom agreed stopping in front of his SUV. "See you there in a few minutes."

Nick nodded continuing on to his own car.

At Sheila's they got Cappuccinos and pastries. Nick in date mode paid and they claimed a table towards the back of the seating area.

*****

"So what's next Nicky?" Gil found himself asking as they left the Bakery. Then wondered what the heck he was thinking; he wasn't supposed to be encouraging the younger man.

"Well I was thinking you haven't seen my new place. You could come over and I could make us breakfast." The Texan suggested carefully.

"Okay. Sounds good." What the hell are you saying, Grissom wondered. He was supposed to draw this out. No second date for a week at least. And public so nothing could happen. Yet he seemed to have just agreed to a second date tomorrow in pretty much the most private place they could go.

Nick, obviously still in date mode, walked him right to the door of his Tahoe. It wasn't until they stopped that Gil realized just why the younger man had. In the small parking lot between their vehicles they were out of site from anyone passing on the street. Nick leaned close, dropping just the quickest kiss on his lips. As he straightened Gil had a little wash of disappointment run through him, realizing that was all Nick seemed to be planning. Turning he opened the car door and climbed in.

"See you tonight." Stokes smiled closing his door behind him then turning to make his way around to his own car. Gil backed out of the parking spot, found himself giving Nick a goodbye wave, then moved forward to the lot exit.

*** *** *** ***

At home Grissom entered the house, dropped his bag, took off his shoes, made it as far as the couch and dropped on to it. What the hell just happened? It was supposed to be a little date. Coffee, some talk. Endure a kiss at the end if he had to. Put off the next one as long as possible in the hopes that Nick's attention would be drawn else where in the mean time.

Instead they'd spent over two hours talking, laughing. Then he'd all but dared Nick to set the next date ASAP. And just a peck on the lips. What the heck was that? Wasn't Nick supposed to be doing everything to convince him? That kiss certainly wasn't the seducing type. Though, he mused, it certainly had left him looking for more.

That realization drew a rueful chuckle from him as he pushed himself up from the couch, heading for the bathroom and a shower before he fell asleep where he was.

Under the pounding hot spray he revived a little. Enough to realize that little peck of a kiss had left him seriously wanting. His mind drifted over the first kiss he and Nick had shared by Lake Mead. It had been wonderfully sweet with the promise of so much more. His train of thought caused his cock to harden a bit. Might as well take advantage of it, jerking off would help him sleep anyway. Wrapping a hand around his dick and sliding it up and down as the water sluiced over him, he quickly was panting. Gil first tried to come up with a beautiful girl. When that failed, a well-built guy. Neither had the desired effect of pushing him that last little way over the edge. So he turned his mind loose.

He was back at that viewpoint with Nicky's mouth moving over his own. Nick slowly pushed him back until he was leaning against the railing around the point. The young man dropped to his knees and grinned up at him as he unfastened Gil's pants. Those graceful hands he'd caught himself staring at in the lab many times reaching. Tugging his underwear down to uncover his cock. Then with a smile, diving in. Wrapping his mouth around the head of the organ, looping his fingers around the shaft. He could see his hand coming to cradle the back of Nick's head as it bobbed up and down, working Gil with his mouth and hands.

The orgasm slammed into him within moments. And Gil came back to reality, finding himself slumped against his shower wall. Shaking his head he methodically finished his shower and got ready for bed.

You aren't supposed to be fantasizing about him, he chastised himself as he pulled on some clean boxers and a t-shirt to sleep in. Climbing into bed he sighed, he would have to get this over with as quickly as he could. Otherwise he was going to seriously be risking falling in love with Nick. The late bed time, combined with the left-over stated feeling from his shower activities quickly combined to drag him off to dream land and free him from his worries.

*** *** *** ***

The following night was pretty dull for everyone. Mostly in the lab, continuing to work on the previous night's cases. Gil still trapped in the office doing paper work. Seeing as they were all stuck in the lab they got together and ordered Chinese for lunch, all of them crowding around the break room table. Nick used the excuse of too many people and not enough tables to snug his chair right up beside Grissom's. And Nick, being the nice polite boy he was, no one questioned him keeping one hand under the table in what appeared to be good manners. In fact his hand was resting lightly on Gil's upper thigh and he was tracing little circles with his thumb. Very much to his surprise the older man hadn't protested at all.

The after lunch shift dragged on for Nick. He desperately wanted it to be over so he could take Gil home with him for breakfast. He could have another try at convincing the older man he was worthy of him. He'd spent all of the previous afternoon and early evening cleaning the house and things ready. There were plates of fruit and cold cuts in the fridge; the coffee maker was all set to brew. And being in the privacy of his home would give him a little more leeway to use physical means to convince Gil than he'd been able to do in public yesterday.

Finally, after what seemed like forever to Nick, morning finally came. He headed for the locker room to gather his things knowing full well Gil would still be working on his paperwork. At lunch Catherine had been teasing him. He growled at her that he'd probably be done by the end of shift. If he was that close to finishing then Nick knew Gil wouldn't want to leave until he was done. With his bag and the book he was reading in hand, the Texan headed for the boss' office.

Gil looked up at the knock on his office door and found he was unable to stop the smile that spread across his face at seeing Nick.

"Hey you ready?" The young CSI asked him.

"Almost done. Just two left." He said.

"I figured as much." Stokes laughed and held up his book. "I came prepared."

Gil smiled again and bent back to his work. Nick dropped into one of the other chairs in the office.

Half an hour later found them walking towards their cars together again. "Sorry." Gil muttered. "I knew we were going at the end of the shift. I should have skipped lunch or something to finish on time."

"It's fine Gil, I expected a bit of a wait. Why do you think I had the book with me? I really didn't expect to be able to get you out of the lab on time two mornings in a row."

Gil blinked in surprise. No anger at him running late, instead Nick had been ready for it, and content to wait for him.

"So, I figure you can just follow me back to my place." Stokes said calmly. "Cause it would be a heck of a lot of extra driving if we had to come back here so you could pick up your car.

"Okay." Gil agreed and they separated, each heading for their own SUV.

*** *** *** ***

Nick's house was a comfortable two-story building with a beautifully done yard. Gil noted the state of the art security system that Nick keyed off when they entered the house. The young man shrugged. "I just needed a little more security this time." He muttered sounding a little embarrassed.

"I don't blame you." Gil said calmly. Trying not to make an issue of it. Though he thought Nick would know that anyone on their team would understand his need for more security after his experience with Nigel Crane.

The house was older but beautifully done with hard wood floors and rich colors making it seem wonderfully comfortable and welcoming.

"I'll give you the grand tour later on if you want. But right now I'm hungry." Nick told him as he led the way to the kitchen. Once there he flipped on the coffee maker. "You can head out the French doors there if you want. I thought we'd eat out on the patio since it's shaping up to be such a nice morning."

"Anything I can take out with me?"

"Sure. Those." He host said, indicating a small pile of dishes and cutlery. Outside, Gil set the table on the patio then sat and watched in awe as Nick produced plate after plate of food. Finishing with a thermo jug of the freshly brewed coffee.

"Nick, when did you do all this?" He asked looking over the feast Nick had laid out for them.

"Oh, yesterday evening before work."

"You didn't need to go to so much trouble."

"I wanted to. You're definitely worth the effort."

Gil just stared, not sure how to respond to that. Then settled for taking a sip of his coffee. They both filled their plates with food and ate for a while in silence.

"You should try some of the pineapple." Nick said and reached out, offering a piece. Gil almost reached up to take the fruit with his fingers. Then something changed his mind and he leaned forward, opening his mouth. The other man grinned and carefully fed the tangy fruit to him.

"Any other suggestions?" Grissom found himself asking when he'd finished the pineapple.

"Oh yeah." Nick laughed plucking a strawberry from the fruit platter and bringing it up to his companion's lips. Gil bit in to the berry, the juice running over his lips. "Ah ah ah." The younger man scolded when he reached for his napkin. "Allow me." He murmured, leaning in to catch the juice with his tongue. He licked at Gil's lips until he was sure he had every little bit of the sweet juice then pressed their mouths together in an open mouthed kiss and they both enjoyed the sweet flavor in each others mouths. Tongues sliding together as they sought as much as they could get.

"Mmm... wow."

"Yeah." Gil agreed breathlessly. Then, looking across the table, he spotted a section of an orange. Grasping it in his fingers, he casually offered it to the younger man. Nick certainly wasn't one to miss such an opportunity. He carefully took first one bite, then taking the half of the fruit from Gil's fingers he closed his mouth over fruit and fingers sucking gently, enjoying the mingling flavors of citrus and Gil.

It was sometime later they finally finished the meal. Together they tidied up the dishes and leftovers. They were both in the kitchen leaning on the counter after the last dish was put away. "I need to get home." Gil said finally and a little reluctantly.

"I'd consider asking you to stay." Nick said in a teasing tone. "But this is only our second date."

Grissom smiled. "So it was. But definitely a fun date."

"Definitely." The Texan agreed as he carefully maneuvered himself so he could brace his arms on the counter on either side of the other man. Pressing him lightly back against the counter he bent his head and kissed Gil again. It was a deep searching kiss and the older man couldn't resist bringing his arms up to wrap around Nick's lean waist. After a long moment, Nick raised his head a fraction parting their lips ever so slightly. Gil wasn't ready to let him go that easily and pushed up just enough to bring their lips together again. They spent several minutes trading short chaste kisses before Nick finally drew back again. "You better go now Gil. Or I'm not sure I'll be able to let you go."

"Hmm...Okay." Gil agreed and Nick moved back far enough that he could move out from between the younger man and the counter. They walked to the front door. Grissom paused and turned to say good-bye but Nick had better ideas and pressed another kiss to his mouth, taking advantage of the already partially open mouth to thrust his tongue into the warm mouth one last time before releasing him. "Get a good day's sleep Gris." He said gently.

"You too." Gil said a little breathlessly. "I'll see you tonight."

"Ditto." Nick grinned, opening the door to let the other man out. He watched until Gil was in his car and pulling away, then shut the door. Locked it, then leaned forward against the door lightly banging his forehead against the heavy wood. The action was something like pinching himself to be sure the last few hours had been real. It still hurt so it must have been real.

"Wow." He muttered repeating his earlier assessment of things. He'd just spent the last two hours making out with Gil Grissom. Wow. After savoring that thought for a long moment he straightened and wandered back through his kitchen, double-checking they'd gotten everything cleaned up.

Finding everything in order he headed for bed. In his bedroom, he stripped off his clothes and crawled into bed. He pulled the blankets up to his chest and snuggled down in the soft sheets with what he knew was a silly smile on his face. He thought back over the last few hours, the taste of Gil and fruit still lingering in his mouth. He really had to make this work. He didn't know if he could go without tasting that wonderful flavor again.

He gave a small sigh, wishing he'd asked Gil to stay with him. Of course it was too early for that. But it would have been wonderful to cuddle up together. Letting his mind wander he pictured the two of them spooned together. His back pressed against Gil's chest. The other man trailing kisses down the back of his neck. Lapping at the base of his neck as his fingers played with Nick's nipples, pinching them and twisting lightly. Then his lover's mouth would come around his throat, licking and nipping until he reached the tender junction of skin where the neck and shoulder met. That perfect spot was where Gil would bite down sinking his teeth into the soft skin. He'd arch against the other man's body as the pleasure, pain of the bite washed over him. The image was so vivid Nick gasped and came over his hand. With the little energy he had left, he cleaned himself up with a corner of his sheet and curled up to sleep.

*** *** ***

Gil entered his office that evening to find a little container of fruit sitting on his desk along with fresh coffee. A smile spread across his face, Nick definitely got full marks for effort.

Each day for the rest of the week Gil arrived to find little treats on his desk, or a card slipped in his locker. Each little gift warmed his heart and no matter how hard he tried to ignore the feeling he just couldn't.

Then on Saturday night there was no gift, no card. Grissom found he was deeply disappointed. He must have managed to put Nick off after all. It affected his mood for the rest of the night. He snapped at Greg, and growled at Catherine. Not that she gave him the satisfaction of responding. And the rest of them got the silent treatment.

Finally, just after lunch, Nick appeared in the doorway of the lab he was working in. "I was going to save this for after work. But I think everyone would prefer if you got it now." He said holding out a small box. Gil took it, a thrill rushing through him. Nick hadn't given up on him after all. He looked down at the box. A chocolate frog. He looked at Nick questioningly.

"Sorry. I tried to find you a bug of some kind. But with that Harry Potter movie out this was the closest I could get."

"Frog is fine." The older man smiled suddenly feeling very embarrassed about his behavior.

Nick saw the look on his face. "Don't worry about it Gil. They were all starting to wonder about you anyway since, as Catherine put it, you've been walking on air all week." What he didn't say was the full comment was, Grissom must be in love or have discovered a new bug, he's been practically walking on air all week.

Then the younger man's pager went off a moment later. "That'll be Greg. Don't run off after work, I gotta talk to you." And with that he was off down the hall. Gil starting after him until he felt a silly smile starting to tug at his lips. Then he carefully set aside his chocolate frog and went back to work with a much lighter heart. But he hadn't walking on air. Had he? No way, he was way to old for that type of behavior. He thought shaking his head slightly.

A few hours later Gil tracked down the younger man. "You wanted to talk?"

"Yeah." Nick said looking up from his work. "Is it the end of the night already?"

"Nick, you're forty five minutes past quitting time."

"Oops." The younger man said with a shrug and a grin. "Oh well, this will keep." He announced, nodding at the stacks of papers he was sifting through. "We both have Tuesday off."

"We do?" Gil questioned, not quite following where Nick was leading with this.

"We do. You up for an adventure?"

"What kind of adventure?

"It's a surprise." The Texan said mysteriously. "Nothing too strenuous. I promise."

"Okay." Gil found himself agreeing.

"Great. Tuesday evening you come over to my place and we can go from there."

*** *** ***

Tuesday evening found Gil at Nick's door, wondering just what the heck he's agreed to.

"Hey come in while I get a few more things together." Nick said, letting him escape the evening heat of the city into the cool house. And a few minutes later they were in Nick's SUV headed towards the city limits. At first Gil wondered if they were going back to Lake Mead in some kind of romantic gesture by the younger man. But they seemed to be going the wrong way for that so he sat back and tried to just enjoy the ride.

"Death Valley?" Gil questioned as they drove past the sign a long while later. "Very romantic." He added dryly as any of the romantic ideas in his head withered.

"You wait." The younger man smiled sounding a little smug keeping his eyes on the road.

The road wound down to the floor of the valley. They passed the signs for several touristy things, hiking paths, a campground. Until finally Nick pulled off the main road into a small parking area. Gil just looked at him askance. "We're gonna do a bit of star gazing." Reaching into the back seat, Nick pulled out a backpack and flashlight. "Come on." He said opening his door and climbing out of the SUV.

Gil followed him and with the flashlight lighting the way they crossed over a small sand ridge and climbed the side of the nearest sand dune. Nick produced a blanket from the backpack, which they spread on the sand. They sat down on it and the younger man brought out a thermos of coffee. They had to share the cup but neither complained. Once the coffee was gone Nick lay back on the blanket to get a better look at the night sky.

"It's kinda sad you know." He said. "We work at night all the time. Outside a lot of the time too. And how often do we just take a second to look up."

"It isn't the same if you look in the city anyway." Gil said. "All those bright Vegas lights." A long silence followed. Finally, Gil cautiously lay back beside Nick, keeping a few inches between them.

The Texan stifled a sigh at Gil's actions. All his efforts still didn't seem to have made much difference. He would accept Nick's affections and respond to them. Their time together was enjoyable but lacked that deeper connection; Gil just wouldn't open up to him. At first, he'd seem to made good progress but maybe that really was all that Gil could give. Maybe he really was too hurt by his past for this to work.

Grissom stared in to the brilliant starry sky. In the face of the universe overhead everything seemed to come in to focus. He had to decide now. What he was doing to Nick was cruel, it just wasn't fair to draw this situation out any longer. He glanced over at the younger man, surprised by the sad look spreading across his handsome face. In an instant he decided he didn't like it. He didn't want to see Nick sad or upset. He was possibly the sweetest kindest person Gil had ever known. He deserved so much more then a stressed out, wounded old CSI, 15 years his senior. Yet he seemed to be the only one Nick wanted. He couldn't understand it.

Reaching out, he grasped the other man's warm hand twining their fingers together. He didn't look at Nick though. It was just easier to look into the infinite stars overhead then into those rich brown eyes. "Nicky."

"Yeah Gris."

"I think I'm done looking at the evidence." Nick didn't say anything. His only reaction was a twitch in the hand Gil held. "I... It tells me I should trust you." Nick rolled on his side to look at the older man. But still he stared into the heavens.

"Yeah?" Nick's voice was hopeful.

"Yeah." He smiled, finally turning his head too meet Nick's gaze. "I guess I have one more try in me after all."

"Gil." Nick smiled bringing a hand up to stroke the older man's cheek. "You're safe with me."

"I never doubted that Nicky. I didn't trust my judgment, it's failed me in the past."

"You're right this time. I promise."

"I believe you." Gil said softly, then he looked away. "Though if we could take it slow. I don't think I'm quite ready to dive right in to a relationship."

"That's okay. This week's been fun and I think we could build on it."

"That sounds like a plan." Grissom murmured, rolling his side and for the first time allowing himself to pull the younger man's lean body into his arms and kiss him like he'd wanted to all week long.

*** *** ***

They stayed in the dune cuddled together, looking up into the heavens until the cool desert wind chilled them both. They walked back to the car, hands still clasped not parting until they climbed in to the SUV. Nick started the engine and pulled them on to the highway heading back towards Vegas. The drive home was mostly silent. They took turns letting their hands creep across the center console to grasp the other's hand or rest on a warm thigh.

When they got back to Nick's house they climbed out of the SUV and walked to the house, not touching in deference to Nick's neighbors some of who were starting to show signs of life even this early in the morning. As soon as Nick had the security system off he tugged Gil into a tight hug. He nuzzled into the older man's neck. "I think I'm hooked." After a long moment he released his hold and grasped Gil's hand as they headed for the kitchen.

They made coffee with a minimum of conversation, just enjoying each other's presence. Brushing close together as they made the simple procedure of making coffee in to a two-person job. A few minutes later they were sitting close together on the couch when Gil spoke up. "Well Nicky you managed to catch me. Now what?"

"Now?" The younger man grinned at him. "I hang on forever."

Gil's jaw dropped and he sat there speechless for a long moment before sitting back and leaning against Nick. "Okay."

Finally as the first light of day started to creep through the windows Gil sighed. "I suppose I should be getting home to sleep."

"You could stay." Nick offered cautiously; not sure if it was to soon to ask.

"I…" Gil started a slightly stricken look coming over his face.

"Just to sleep Gil." The younger man reassured him. "We'll just have to be up early enough that you can stop at home for a change of clothes before work."

"That's okay. I have a change of clothes in the Tahoe."

"Really." Nick drawled, raising his eyebrows teasingly. "Planning to stay were you?"

"No." Gil blurted then looked abashed at his reaction, repeating himself again more calmly "No. It's just you know… we never know what we might run in to on the job."

"I get it man." Nick smiled. "So what do you think? Stay with me?"

Grissom couldn't stop the slow smile that came across his face. "I think so."

"Yeah!" Nick exclaimed.

He just shook his head at the younger man's enthusiasm. Then suddenly he blinked in surprise. All that enthusiasm was for him.

"What?" Nick questioned at the startled expression that appeared on the other man's face.

"All that excitement just because I'm staying." Gil grinned. "How are you going to react when we agree to have sex?"

"You'll just have to wait and see Gris." Nick grinned, getting to his feet and offering a hand to help Gil up from the couch.

They returned their coffee mugs to the kitchen. Then Nick led him down the hall to his bedroom. Nick promptly crossed the room to his dresser while Gil hung back by the door, not sure what to do with himself. Looking around he admired Nick's room, it was done in soothing blues and the hardwood floors continued in here.

"Ah hah." Nick suddenly said triumphantly, pulling something out of one of the drawers. "Here." He said coming back across the room and holding out something plaid.

"What's this?" Gil said suspiciously.

"Night shirts." Nick grinned. "Gotta preserve our modesty you know."

"Nick, these look brand new."

"They were a gift from my mom last Christmas. I used to like them when I was younger. I don't know about you but I'm sure some of that sand dune came home with me… I sure don't want to sleep with it."

"Thank you." Gil said finally taking the nightshirt.

"You can have the bathroom first. There's clean towels under the sink if you want." With that, he found himself twisted around and given a little push in the right direction.

When he immerged from the bathroom a few minutes later a little unnerved, vaguely wishing he had a robe. But he found Nicky had changed into the other nightshirt. The younger man ignored his shyness dropping a kiss on his lips as he passed. "I'll be right back."

Gil looked around a bit uneasily. He tried to figure out which side of the bed Nick usually slept on, not wanting to steal the younger man's usual spot. A little investigating found a few things on the table on the right side of the bed so he moved to the left sitting awkwardly on the edge not sure if he should just climb into bed or wait for Nick. As he sat there he couldn't help wondering if he was making a mistake. After all, it was only a few weeks ago he was content with his decision to be alone for the rest of his life. Now… now he was about to crawl in to bed with Nick Stokes. That was one heck of a fast turn around. Especially for him. He was so busy thinking he didn't notice Nick return from the bathroom.

"Hey." The younger man said softly. Gil jumped a little. "I think you're thinking too much." Nick said gently. "Let's just sleep." With that, he tugged the other man to his feet and flipped the covers back urging him to climb in. He playfully tucked the covers in around Gil before moving to the other side of the bed and climbed in himself.

They found themselves laying face to face no touching but each watching the other. Gil reached out first running his fingers over the younger man's face enjoying the rough texture of a days worth of beard growth. Some how it made everything seem that much more real. Leaning forward he caught Nick's mouth in a slow kiss. When they parted he smiled. "Good night Nicky."

"Night Gil." Nick replied catching Gil's hand as he rolled over so he could pull the older man to spoon up behind him. Snuggled up close the pleasure and comforting warmth of having each other cuddled close lulled them both to sleep. They slept away the hot Vegas day twined together.

End

I know terribly sappy ending it isn't like me… just how it happened.

***