Title: Until You're Free
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: one-sided Nick/Greg & Nick/OFC
Rating: PG
Summary: Nick wants Greg, but Greg manages to resist...

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Greg came awake and rubbed his swollen eyes. He went into the bathroom and splashed water on his face, then headed to the kitchen to start the coffee. While he waited for the coffee to finish, he thought about the events from the night before. Warrick had thrown a party for the team at his new house, and almost everyone on the team had shown up.

Greg had been having a good time until Nick and his girlfriend Jean had shown up. Sara gave Greg's shoulder a quick squeeze and winked at him as Nick made his way through the crowd, showing Jean off along the way. When the pair got to the table where Greg was sitting, Nick introduced Jean to everyone and made it a point to hold Greg's hand a bit too long after shaking it in greeting.

Jean soon got on everyone's nerves with her bitchy attitude and snide remarks. Nick didn't seem to notice because he was too busy concentrating on Greg. Greg began to get a bit uncomfortable with the situation, but that didn't last because he had to help break up an argument between Jean and Sara. Greg steered Sara toward the door and the two made their exit.

Greg walked with Sara to her car, and got her calmed down. He suggested going to Rosie's Diner for a coffee and Sara agreed. Sara followed Greg to the diner and after they were seated, and had placed their order, Greg asked Sara if she had noticed what was going with Nick at the table.....

"So it wasn't just my imagination, was it?"

"No, Greg, I really don't think it was....."

"I just don't get it.....I've told him that I have feelings for him but nothing would happen as long as he was dating her....."

"I honestly think she's his 'beard', Greg.....after all, he told you that he wanted you, but I think he's with her just to save face, you know?"

"You're probably right, Sara.....God knows I want Nick, but I don't want to have to share him. With Nick, it's gotta be all or nothing....."

"Have you told him this?"

"Yes, and he keeps saying that he wants the best of both worlds....."

"Are you freakin' serious?"

"His exact words.....no lie!"

"That's just wrong on so many levels, Greg....."

"I know....but what can I do except resist him and keep my distance?"

"I don't know, but what I do know is that Nick is missing out by not being with you!"

"Come on, Sara....."

"Seriously, Greg.....he really is. I just hope he gets his head out of his ass and realizes that before it's too late....."

"Me, too....."

The two finished their coffees and left the diner. Sara told Greg that she would call him the next afternoon, and they each went their separate ways.

When Greg got home, his cell phone rang. Without looking at the display, he answered. He really wasn't surprised to hear Nick's voice on the other end, and when Greg told him that he couldn't talk, Nick asked if he would please call him as soon as he could because he wanted to talk to him about them and their situation. Greg didn't say anything and turned the phone off. He got ready for bed and after turning the light out, Greg lay there and cried himself to sleep.

The next night at work, Nick made it nearly impossible for Greg to get anything done. It seemed as if every time Greg looked up, Nick was either passing by the lab, or hanging around waiting for results. Greg tried his best to keep things professional, but Nick managed to sneak some sort of innuendo into everything they talked about. Greg was relieved when Grissom came in with evidence that needed to be processed immediately.

By the time Greg's shift was over, he was exhausted, All he wanted was to get home and fall into bed. He frowned when he saw Nick standing next to his car in the parking lot. Greg made his way toward his car, and Nick touched his arm as he passed him.....

"What do you want, Nick?"

"That should be obvious by now, Greg....."

"Enough with the bullshit, Nick!"

"What the hell???"

"Nick, I have something to say and I'm only going to tell you this once, so you need to listen, and listen good....."

"Go ahead.....this should be interesting."

"Nick, when you look at me with lust and want in your eyes, you have no idea how close I come to giving in. I don't because you're with somebody and I'm not going to be blamed for breaking the two of you up. Nick, my heart is not made of stone, and it hurts knowing that her arms hold you when I really wish that the arms holding you were mine. I don't want to whatever we might have be just a part-time thing. So, until you're free and know exactly what the hell you want, please leave me alone."

Greg turned, walked to his car, and drove away leaving Nick stunned and feeling a bit foolish.

END

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