Pairing: Greg/Nick
Category: First-time, light angst
Rating: R
Summary: Greg and Nick explore the possibilities of their friendship.
Author: Jacki (kbfan)
Feedback: always much appreciated (kbfan@msn.com)
Archive: WWOMB, Deep End, others please let me know first, thanks
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone, except maybe my cat, but that's questionable too. I don't have any money now and I'm not making anything off this either. All rights to these characters belong to the creators and producers of CSI
Notes: This is going to be a multi-part fic...and Part 2 should be following soon, however, I have no idea how long it will turn out to be in the end -- the muses haven't let me in on that little tidbit just yet. I need to thank the muses for being there and Ana for the beta and the encouragement.
Underneath It All
by Jacki
"Remind me why we're going to Clark's bachelor party again? We don't even like him."
Greg turned to look at Nick inside the limited confines of the elevator. "Free beer, free food. Oh and maybe because we work with him and we were the only two guys from the night shift that had off tonight."
"Oh, yeah, right," Nick mumbled, looking up and watching as the floors ticked by one by one. "Guess we might as well make the best of it then," Nick smiled.
"Exactly why we got a room for the night, my friend. I don't know about you, but I plan to get plastered," Greg said as the door to the elevator slid open revealing the brightly lit corridor of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
The two men had decided to share a room in the hotel for the night; it would save them some money and getting arrested for drunk driving wasn't looked upon kindly at the Las Vegas Police Department. They had checked in before coming upstairs to one of the hotel's Celebrity Suites for Andy Clark's bachelor party.
"Ok, the suite should be right down here," Nick pointed to the right and started making his way down the hall. "Ah ha! This must be it," he grinned triumphantly, knocking on the door.
Gary Baker, a guy they both recognized from the day shift, pulled the door open, a beer in his free hand.
"Welcome to Andy's night of debauchery!" he chuckled, ushering them inside.
The party was already in full swing and there were people everywhere; some were piled onto the semi-circular black couch that dominated the room, while others were lining up at the bar area waiting for another round. Greg and Nick immediately headed toward the bar area and grabbed a couple of beers. They joined the rest of the guests in gathering around the television.
"Time for some porn!" Gary yelled as he pushed a tape into the VCR. "This one is supposed to have a little of everything...everything that poor Andy will probably never get a chance to experience again once he shackles on the ball and chain," he laughed, flopping down into one of the cushioned chairs and propping his feet on the table in front of him.
Greg laughed along with everyone else, while Andy tossed an empty beer can in his tormentor's direction.
"Screw you, Gary," Andy said as he tossed another can, this one just missing Gary's head.
"Hey, buddy, it might be the last time you get screwed," Gary replied, jumping up to answer another knock at the door.
"Hey...Andy!" Gary called from the doorway. "I think we forgot to hang the `Do Not Disturb' sign on the door handle," he continued, stepping aside to reveal a tall, blonde dressed as a naughty maid. She handed a CD to Gary before stepping into the suite.
Gary crossed the room and slipped her CD into the state-of-the-art stereo system. He muted the TV and pressed play on the compact disc player. The room was suddenly filled with a thumping beat as the stripper led Andy to a chair in the center of the room.
"Woohoo!" came the calls of the crowd as she began to dance.
Greg cheered along with everyone else as the girl continued her performance. When he looked over to where Nick had been chatting with another colleague, he noticed that Nick didn't seem to be focused on the `live' entertainment. Instead, Greg realized that he was watching the television, his face lit with a mixture of intensity and interest. Curious, Greg turned to see what had caught Nick's attention so completely on the television. What he saw surprised him. There on the television were two men intimately engaged in one another. Greg looked at the screen and then looked back at Nick. The other man's expression had not changed--Nick still seemed fascinated with the scene.
Greg struggled to wrap his mind around this new facet of his friend; he had never thought Nick was interested in other men. That, as a matter of fact, was precisely the reason that Greg had kept his feelings for Nick to himself and had instead decided that having Nick as a friend was better than not knowing him at all. But now...now, maybe there was a chance.
***
Three hours passed before the party began to wind down; the groom-to- be eventually passed out and Nick helped Gary carry him into the bedroom. Greg helped clean up some of the mess while waiting for Nick to get back and one of the other guests offered him some of the leftover beer. Greg took the bag from him just as Nick returned to the main room.
"Ready, Greggo?" Nick asked.
"Yep. Thanks, Gary...you throw a great party," Greg called to their host as they moved toward the door.
"You know I do, Sanders," Gary replied.
Once out in the hall, Greg and Nick started back toward the elevator. Their room was a few floors down and neither man felt up to the challenge of the stairs. Nick pressed the down button and they stood waiting for the car to arrive.
"Marc gave me some beer for helping him straighten up while you were carrying the bridegroom to bed, so if you're awake, I am."
"Of course, I'm awake," Nick replied as the elevator arrived and they stepped inside. "I work night shift, I stay up half the night whether I'm on the job or not."
Greg smiled, "Well, then I guess he gave the alcohol to the right man."
Nick grinned in return. When the elevator reached the third floor, Nick and Greg stepped off. Nick pulled the card key out of his back pocket and slid it into the slot in their door. He pushed the heavy door open and held it as Greg walked into the room.
"I gotta piss," Nick said. "I'll be right out."
Greg carried the bag further into the room and stored the cans in the mini-bar's refrigerator. He kept one each for Nick and himself. Greg popped the tabs on the cans and carried them over to the bedside table. He leaned up against the headboard of one of the queen-sized beds, lost in thought as he sipped his beer.
Nick returned from the bathroom, his voice startling Greg out of his reverie.
"So, what did you think of the bachelor party?" Nick asked as he crossed to the other bed and flopped down. He grabbed the beer Greg had opened for him and took a long swallow.
"Baker sure did pull out all the stops, didn't he?" Greg laughed. "We need to get him to plan a party for Grissom some day....Can you imagine that?"
Nick covered his mouth to avoid spewing alcohol all over the bedspread. "Dammit Sanders," Nick spluttered as he regained his composure.
Greg had his opening now. He hoped he could allay his curiosity about Nick's interest in the video with his next question.
"Yeah, just imagine Gris watching that video. I mean, damn...there was a little bit of everything in there."
Greg watched his friend's face and was worried he had said too much when Nick's expression changed. His easy smile had fallen away and was now replaced with a look of serious contemplation. Greg was about to say something more, hoping to rectify his mistake, when he heard Nick begin speaking softly.
"Yeah," Nick started. "Did you see that one part? With those two guys?"
Greg tried to conceal his shock at Nick's questions. He had never thought Nick would be interested in...another guy. "They did things even I couldn't imagine," Greg answered.
"So you've thought about it?" Nick asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"About what?"
"Guys..." Nick replied his voice trailing off.
Greg wasn't sure if he should tell Nick the truth, but with the alcohol loosening his tongue, he couldn't stop himself. "Well, yeah, I guess so. Back in college there was this guy...my roommate actually...and we sort of messed around a little." Greg prepared himself for almost any reaction, but what happened next threw him off guard.
Nick stood up and moved the few feet to the other bed. He sat down next to Greg and looked him in the eye, his expression serious as he asked, "Did you like it?"
Greg was uncomfortable with this sudden closeness and the intensity in Nick's gaze. Instead of answering him, he started to get up off the bed. A strong hand on his forearm stopped him.
"Where are you going?" Nick asked softly.
Greg was just sitting there, staring at the firm hand that gripped his arm. The feel of Nick's rough fingers on his bare skin sent a shiver down his spine.
`Oh God,' Greg thought. `I hope he can't tell what kind of effect he's having on me right now.'
"Umm, nowhere, I guess," Greg finally squeezed the answer from his startlingly dry throat. `What the hell is going on? Nick still hadn't loosened his grip and it's taking all the willpower I can muster not to lean the short distance and...and what? Kiss him? Yeah, right, like that wouldn't end with a fist in my face,' Greg thought.
Nick looked from his friend's face down to where his fingers lay against Greg's skin. He noticed the subtle tightening of the muscles and tendons beneath his hand. Nick had a sudden urge to run his fingers up Greg's arm. He wanted to feel Greg's muscles expand and contract in response to his touch. `What am I thinking?' Nick asked himself silently. `But, I can't deny the fact that I want to touch him.'
For a moment, Nick and Greg just sat there, both staring at the place where their bodies touched. Finally, Nick looked up.
"Greg..." he began softly, causing the other man to raise his eyes. "Would you mind...ummm...if I...ummm...kissed you?" The words tumbled out of Nick's mouth as the look on Greg's face shifted from curiosity to shock.
"Nick..." Greg was fumbling for words. "You don't mean that. You can't..."
The rest of Greg's words were suffocated as Nick leaned his head forward and pressed his lips to Greg's. His tongue snaked out leisurely tracing the softness of Greg's mouth. A faint moan escaped Greg's lips and Nick took that as an invitation. He plunged his tongue into Greg's open mouth. The taste of Greg mixed with the alcohol only served to excite him and he craved even more.
Greg was unable to control his body's reaction and another low groan poured from his throat. He began to kiss Nick in response. Their tongues slid along one another, creating a friction that seemed to heat every cell in Greg's body.
Nick moved his hands up to Greg's face, cupping the other man's chin. He slid his fingers up Greg's cheek as his tongue plundered its way into the moist recesses of the other man's warm mouth. Again, a tiny moan formed at the back of Greg's throat. It mingled with Nick's own and created a gentle rumbling between them. Slowly, Nick pulled back to gaze into Greg's eyes. He saw the heat of desire there warring with confusion--and he knew the look was reflected in his own eyes.
Nick and Greg just sat there staring into each other's eyes, searching for something. Answers, encouragement, awkwardness, fear...maybe it was all of these. Nick moved his hand around to the back of Greg's neck. He could feel the other man's pulse pounding as his fingers swept past his throat. The short hair at the nape bristled against Nick's touch, sending a chill down his spine. Again, he leaned in and Greg's ragged breathing caressed his face. Their lips met again, slower this time, more exploration than raw hunger.
As their mouths continued their sensual fight, Greg finally, tentatively, moved his hands out of his lap. He slid his arms around Nick's waist, enveloping him in an embrace. Lightly, he began to stroke the other man's back; his hands skimmed softly, up and down, up and down. Nick's muscles reacted to the gentle ministrations and he curved himself into the feel of Greg's grasp.
Nick reluctantly pulled away from Greg's mouth, showering him with gentle kisses before separating completely. He ducked his head towards Greg's earlobe. Reaching his destination, Nick began to nibble tenderly. Unable to contain his response, a series of moans escaped Greg's lips as Nick's swirling tongue continued to caress his ear.
Greg's mind was racing. But even if his mind couldn't grasp it, his body was making up for it. Another low rumble slipped from Greg's throat as Nick's tongue traced the curve of his neck. Greg's hands, still lightly grazing Nick's back, began to tug at his shirt in earnest.
Nick raised his eyes and looked at Greg. He slid his hands around from the back of the other man's neck and began to fumble with the buttons on Greg's shirt. Nick watched the emotions flitter across his friend's face as he slipped the shirt off his shoulders. Greg was still pulling at his shirt; Nick obligingly raised his arms, allowing Greg to yank the shirt over his head.
`I don't know why...but nothing about this feels wrong,' Nick thought.
Greg lowered his head to Nick's chest, licking and nibbling on the already peaked nipples. Gliding his hands across the tight muscles of Nick's abdomen, Greg reveled in the feel of another man against his skin. Nick's breathing quickened as Greg continued to stroke and caress his torso. The attention Greg lavished upon him while exploring his upper body only served to heighten his arousal.
Nick cupped Greg's face in his hands, dragging him away from his chest. Looking into the other man's eyes, Nick saw a flash of anxiety.
"Did I do something wrong?" Greg wondered in a whisper, worry tingeing every syllable.
"No, not at all," Nick soothed, running the pads of his fingers down Greg's cheek. "I just thought we might want to move into a slightly more comfortable position."
A flush crept up onto Greg's cheeks as the implications of Nick's words hit him head-on. "Sure," Greg whispered, scooting further onto the bed and pulling Nick with him.
They adjusted position, never severing their skin to skin contact. Greg noticed Nick's arousal as he lay on the bed.
`I want to touch him there. I want to feel his cock react to my touch, my lips, the warmth of my mouth,' Greg thought.
Greg's desire pushed him forward and he lay his hand cautiously over the hard-on that was clearly evident through Nick's jeans. Nick's body involuntarily twitched as he felt the heat of Greg's palm on his hardness. Greg's hand began stroking him through the coarse denim; Nick's breath caught in his throat as the movement persisted. Greg looked into the face of his friend as he searched for encouragement. Nick's arms snaked around his body, pulling him into a passionate kiss.
As their lips crushed together, Nick began to mumble against Greg's mouth. "Don't worry, Greg. I want this...as much as you do."
The words were swallowed in their kiss, but Greg heard every word; his newfound knowledge pushed him to be more aggressive. He fumblingly began to unbutton Nick's jeans. He gripped the waistband and quickly pulled them from the other man's body. Greg gazed longingly at the bulge that threatened to free itself from the boxers that Nick still wore. No longer able to resist, Greg yanked the boxers off and tossed them to the floor. Nick lay, reclined, on the bed, his thoughts a mixture of passion and anticipation. Carefully, Greg positioned himself between his friend's legs.
Greg settled his hand on Nick's balls as he tenderly wrapped his lips tightly around the tip of his penis. He sucked hungrily on the head as he continued his caresses. Nick groaned in response to Greg's actions; his senses were sharpened as he felt the warmth that enveloped him.
Greg began to move his head, sliding Nick's cock into his mouth as far as possible. Greg moaned and the sensation of his vocalization sent a wave of pleasure throughout Nick's body. Greg smiled, reacting to Nick's response.
Teasing him, Greg lightly ran his teeth along Nick's shaft. He opened his eyes to look at Nick. On his face, Greg saw the rapture his actions had aroused. Closing his eyes again, he went back to the task at hand.
Nick's breathing quickened as Greg began to move faster over him. He knew that he was on the precipice of his orgasm.
"Faster..." he panted. "I'm going to cum..."
The words seemed to fade from his lips as his body tensed and he felt the sweet release; his aching cock pulsed in orgasm. Greg's mouth remained tightly fastened in place. He swallowed every drop of Nick's climax, savoring the bitter sweetness that was simply Nick. Pulling away, he drew his tongue from the base of the shaft to the still throbbing head, before sliding himself further up on the bed.
Nick pulled Greg closer to him, wrapping his arms around the man who had just given him so much pleasure. He planted a delicate kiss on Greg's lips, tasting his own essence as he did so. The two men lay entwined as their breathing gradually returned to normal. Eventually, they lay quietly, falling asleep still wrapped in one another.
***
Greg awoke, squinting against the sunlight that had slipped through the curtains covering the double doors to the balcony. He reached blindly across the bed, searching for Nick. Slowly, he was able to open his eyes completely and he realized he was in bed alone. Greg glanced quickly over to the other bed and still he saw no sign of Nick.
`I knew it had to be a dream,' he chided himself. `It was so real, and yet unreal at the same time. I knew that Nick wouldn't do that...it had to be wishful thinking.'
Disappointed, he slowly pulled himself out of the bed. Sleepily, he padded toward the bathroom and the sound of running water stopped him in his tracks. Greg's heart began to beat harder within his chest...maybe it hadn't been a dream after all. Tentatively, he crept closer to the bathroom door. Unable to stop himself, Greg knocked lightly on the door.
Nick opened the door, a toothbrush in his hand and a towel wrapped loosely about his waist.
"Just brushing my teeth," Nick offered, gesturing toward the sink. "I'm almost done. You need the bathroom?"
"Uh...no," Greg stammered. "I thought you had left."
Nick swished some mouthwash and spit it out before answering, "Of course not." He sat his toothbrush on the counter and took a step toward Greg. Taking the other man's face in his hands, he spoke quietly.
"Good morning," he whispered, before placing a light kiss on Greg's lips.
"Good morning to you, too," Greg replied breathlessly.
Part 2
Nick POV
It had been a week since that night; the night that Nick had finally gotten up the courage to kiss Greg. Even if it was liquid courage, it was still an accomplishment. He had been attracted to Greg since the day they had met, but he had been flustered by his attraction and had settled on being the young lab tech's friend.
Nick had even tried to convince himself that his feelings were only an aberration. He had dated Kristy, after meeting her on a case, and when they were together it was nice; the spark he felt when he and Greg were in the same room wasn't there, but, still being with Kristy was...safe. Until she'd gotten herself murdered, of course. Everyone had supported him while he was being investigated, especially Greg, but he had just chalked that up to normal friend behavior. But now...now things were different.
Nick threw himself into every case he worked in the week after Clark's bachelor party. Concentrating on the job was his only way of keeping his mind off of Greg and most of the time it worked. At least until he had to go to the lab to drop off or pick up a piece of evidence Greg had processed for him. Nick tried not to change his usual demeanor during these interactions and they had both fallen back into their routine of friendly banter. Over the past few days, however, Nick wasn't sure how well his show of professionalism was working.
Nick had noticed that Greg seemed anxious more often when he entered the lab and he was convinced it was his fault. He knew things had changed between them and he didn't know how to fix it. Nick had thought about talking to Greg, every day, and about finding out how Greg felt about that night. Yet, every time he started to say something, to ask the question, they seemed to be interrupted-- colleagues, computers--they all seemed to be working against him.
On the drive to the crime scene tonight, Nick had tried to concentrate on the few sketchy details Grissom had given him before sending him out on the case. His mind, however, refused to cooperate and he found himself thinking about Greg as he navigated the vehicle through the cool, dark night.
The breeze that blew in through the open window was a direct dichotomy to the heat he recalled as he had kissed Greg. Nick could feel his skin flush as he remembered the warm, wetness of their encounter. He was so caught up in his memories that he almost missed the turn he needed. Tapping the brakes, he took the corner wide.
Nick knew he needed to stop this train of thought; he needed to focus on the case. He was supposed to meet Sara at the scene and it wouldn't do for her to notice his lack of attention. Purposefully, Nick started reciting all the particulars he knew thus far, aloud. He hoped this tactic would push thoughts of his night with Greg to the back of his mind. Even that trick didn't seem to help, however, and his brain rebelled. Nick believed he could almost feel Greg's lips on his own, his hands running over his body, the sensation of his heated mouth enveloping... "No," Nick chastised himself. This had to stop.
He turned up the radio and began to lose himself in the pounding beat as the images of Greg slowly began to fade.
Within ten minutes, Nick was pulling up to a house that was already surrounded by yellow crime scene tape. He took his equipment from the passenger seat and pushed the car door closed behind him. Determined to drown himself in the ordinariness of processing a crime scene, Nick started toward the house.
He had talked with Brass and some of the others at the scene as he waited for Sara to arrive. When she hadn't appeared by the time he finished questioning the victim's roommate, he decided to get started without her. It wasn't long before she made an entrance and Nick was glad to see her. He had evidence that needed to get back to the lab as soon as possible.
"Hey, Sara," he called, as she walked into the house.
"Nick," she started, coming towards him, "I'm sorry. It took me a little longer than I thought to get here."
"No problem, I was just getting started in here anyway. But I'd really appreciate it if you could run this back to Greg right now," he said, picking up a large evidence bag.
"What is it?" Sara asked, squinting as she tried to make out the contents in the dim light.
"Stomach contents."
Sara pulled a brown paper bag out of her kit. "Drop it in here," she said. "I'm really not in the mood to watch that sloshing around next to me on the way back to the lab."
"Suddenly squeamish, Sidle?"
"No, but I did just eat. And I'm really starting to wonder why I always end up carting this kind of stuff back to Greg. First the cheerleader case and now..."
Nick laughed quietly. "Tell Greg that I'll come by and get the results when we're done here."
"Sure," Sara replied as she took the bag and made her way back outside.
Nick had suddenly realized exactly what he needed to do; he had to talk to Greg. That was the only way his life and his sleep patterns would ever get back to normal. Nick decided, while he was asking Sara to run the evidence back to the lab, that if he really wanted to talk to Greg alone...all he had to do was ask.
Satisfied with his conclusion and motivated by his decided game plan, Nick eagerly set to work processing the rest of the crime scene.
Greg POV
It had been a week since that night; the night Greg had thrown all his common sense barreling over a jagged cliff. And even now he felt as if he were falling. When the inevitable landing happened, everything would be shattered into a million pieces.
Greg had tried not to get his hopes up, but he hadn't been able to stop himself from fantasizing about what it would be like to have Nick in his life as more than just a friend. But as the days wore on, even the faint flicker of hope had started to dim. Every day went by as if nothing had changed. Nick brought him evidence to process and they had exchanged their normal banter, but no mention was ever made of that night.
Greg wasn't sure he could stand another day of friendly professionalism; he had to do something. If Nick wanted to pretend that nothing had happened, Greg would be devastated; he could live with it, however, as long as he knew for sure. It was the idea of not knowing that was turning his stomach into a tangle of knots every time Nick walked into his lab. Greg didn't want to pressure his friend, but he knew at some point they needed to talk...seriously talk.
For the past seven days, Greg had been replaying everything that had happened. Examining the details was his job, however he didn't think the magnifying lens of the microscope or the DNA microwave spectrum analyzer were going to help with this one. Greg wished he could just take the information he had, run it through CODIS, and wait while the computer made its conclusions before giving him a print-out that would solve his dilemma. This time there would be no easy answers; this wasn't science, this was his life.
Greg sat at his desk. Luckily he wasn't busy tonight, and his mind wandered once more back to the hotel room.
After Greg had found Nick in the bathroom, everything had seemed wonderful. Nick had gotten dressed while Greg used the shower and when both men were ready, they had gone downstairs for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Their conversation was light and neither man brought up the encounter from the night before. Greg had been positive that Nick would mention it, if just to tell him it was the effects of the alcohol and it would never happen again. However, Nick didn't say anything and Greg tried to take that as a good sign. A sign that their friendship hadn't been ruined.
They finished their breakfast and Nick had dropped Greg off outside his building. Before he could get out of the truck, Nick pulled him close and dropped a simple kiss on the edge of his mouth. It was both unexpected and perfect and Greg had smiled as he said goodbye.
Since that morning, however, Greg had noticed that whenever the two of them were in a room together Nick avoided physical contact. He had never done that before and Greg had started to get worried. Maybe Nick regretted everything, maybe he felt like Greg had taken advantage of him...he wasn't sure because Nick wasn't talking, at least not about that night.
Greg's musings were interrupted as Sara walked into the lab. Greg turned to look at her, plastering what he hoped was a sincere smile across his face. It wouldn't do for anyone to wonder why he wasn't his normal, cheerful self.
"Ah, Sara...what wonderful treat have you brought me tonight?" Greg asked, gesturing toward the brown paper bag Sara was holding in her outstretched hand.
Sara grimaced as she dropped the bag on the table. "Hope you haven't eaten recently."
"What is it?" Greg asked warily, raising his eyebrow.
"Stomach contents from what Nick told me," Sara replied. "I got to the crime scene and he asked me to run them back here ASAP."
He wasn't sure why Nick hadn't brought the evidence himself...maybe he was still busy at the scene, or maybe he just didn't want to see Greg. His expression almost faltered, but he caught himself just in time.
"He told me to let you know he'd be by for the results as soon as they finished up at the scene."
Greg smiled then, and this time he knew it was sincere. Nick wasn't avoiding him.
"Well, I suppose this goes to the top of the list then," he said.
"Yeah, you looked awfully busy when I walked in," Sara responded sarcastically as she turned to leave the room.
"You'll never understand how the mind of a genius works," he said, the subtle tease coming to him easily.
Sara just rolled her eyes as she walked back out into the hallway.
Greg smiled as he pulled the bag nearer to him. An idea had started to form in his mind and he finally felt some of the stress of the past week slip away. When Nick came in to get the results, Greg would casually suggest they get together for breakfast after the shift. Maybe if he could get Nick alone, away from the lab, he would be able to get some answers.
Even if they weren't the answers Greg wanted to hear, at least he would be able to get rid of the heavy ball of anxiety that had settled in his stomach. The last thing he wanted was to lose Nick as
his friend, so if he had to sacrifice anything else that could have developed between them he would live with it.
Satisfied with his conclusion and motivated by his decided game plan, Greg eagerly set to work processing the new evidence.
-END PART 2