Title: Visiting Hours

Author: Asa Meda

Archive: Sure. if you like it. Let me know where so I can visit.

Pairing: Nick/Greg/?

Rating: PG - Perhaps even G ("Fluff")

Warnings: If the suggestion of a threesome is a squick then this is a warning. Perhaps also warning for spoilers for "Play with Fire"

Summary: Explosion. Hospital. Visiting. Love.

Note: I work for a hospice. Do Intake. Medical Records. Chief cook and bottle washer (we're in a small satellite away from main hospital). Yesterday and today I have been ALONE in office
(co-worker out sick, supervisor on vacation, RNs always on road seeing patients). In between calls and other general disasters this wouldn't leave me alone!!! It hounded me... paced with
me... so finally I wrote it down just like that (that's VERY rare for me... believe me. I take weeks... months... years... no kidding). So I submit it for your approval. Hope those who read it enjoy it for what it is!!!

Visiting Hours
by Asa Meda

"How you doing there, bud?"

As awareness returned Greg felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and another gingerly rest on his head. He blinked then squeezed his eyes shut as daylight invaded. Too strong...

"I'll close the blinds." The hand on his arm was gone, taking with it it's warmth. But the hand on his head remained, making up for the loss. "Nick?"

"Right here." There was the sound of movement, blinders being moved and shifted. "It's okay now."

Greg opened his eyes just in time to see Nick sit down in front of him, his broad hand returning to his shoulder. Greg sighed, comforted by the contact. His head still ached and his ankle throbbed. It was badly sprained. But the worst was his back. Some glass had managed to get in through his clothing, sticking into his skin. The concussion of the blast had caused contusions from the nape of his neck down to his butt. No broken bones. No spinal cord injury. He would have to stay in the hospital at least a week then home for several more weeks of recovery.

For the moment, however, the most comfortable position was on his side. Every four hours the nurses came in and carefully turned him from one side to the other, checking his vitals, seeing to
his personal needs. He had protested the use of a bedpan. But they insisted that it be used for at least another day or so before they would let him out of bed. //At least they gave me this cute male nurse to help me out.//

"Greg?"

Greg blinked, realizing he had drifted. "Uh... sorry--"

A hand gently pressed his mouth. "Don't." The hand drew away. Greg focused. Nick was still seated though he had drawn back a bit. Above him stood Gil Grissom, his expression intent, his
general appearance showing strain and fatigue. //Bet he's been working his ass off. and getting it chewed up from what I understand.//

"Catherine was here," he said, wondering how the information would be taken.

"She was leaving when we came about an hour ago." Gil pulled a chair up and sat next to Nick. His hand resumed its place in Greg's hair, lightly massaging. "She said you forgave her."

"There wasn't anything to forgive," Greg said quickly, firmly. "It was an accident. Actually, I'm sort of relieved. I mean considering terrorism in the world getting blown up unintentionally by a friend is far better." He was glad to see both men smile. "Anyway, I'm surprised it didn't happen before now with all the stuff we keep around."

"There's a new protocol," Gil said quietly, his voice oddly even. "The hot plate will be kept in a separate storage container next to the Fumer Hood. The protocol will be to make sure it is
turned off and secured after every experiment. No exceptions."

"Catherine told me she was suspended." Greg grunted as he tried to shift. He was getting tired of the bed, the constant movement of the pressure pad under him. "That wasn't fair."

"She'll be fine, Greg," Gil said. "She was expecting more. But ultimately Robert was impressed with the fact she investigated so faithfully and honestly."

"Hmmm." Greg thought. He wished he could stomp into the Director's office and plead for Catherine. But it was done. Grissom seem to think it would be all right. he had to trust that. Now to the other problem he was having. "How's Sara? She hasn't come to see me," he said, trying not to sound hurt. "Warrick said she was injured too."

"She cut her hand and got thrown down." Gil hesitated and Nick lean forward, putting a hand on Grissom's shoulder and patted Greg's leg.

"Sara's recovering. I'm sure she'll be around soon." Nick's hand gently cupped Greg's face, his thumb caressing the younger man's cheek. "We're not going to stay, bud. The old man here needs sleep. You need to sleep. I brought a change of clothes, your favorite robe, some of your mags, your Gameboy... got you that new game you've been talking about."

"You did?" Greg had been salivating, waiting faithfully for the release date, which was on the day of the explosion. He was afraid they would be sold out before he could get it. Now he didn't have to worry. "Thanks!"

"Anytime!" Nick stood then lean down to kiss Greg lightly on the lips. "We're going to let you sleep. And when they let you out we'll take care of everything!"

"Okay." Greg stared at his lover. A year ago Nick Stokes had made the first move, seducing him one night when both of them had been working late. At first he didn't know if he wanted a relationship but somehow over the course of months he found himself caught in the Texan's web. And now he couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

"If you need anything, Greg." Gil stood too and bent over, kissing Greg on the forehead. Quiet. Loving. Intense. Greg closed his eyes, trying to will his tears back. Four months ago Nick approached him, suggesting Grissom. Greg had no problems and they plotted the CSI supervisor's seduction. All worked according to plan, leading them to this strange but loving relationship that seem to grow stronger by the day.

Greg opened his eyes just in time to see Nick put an arm around Gil's shoulders. Grissom's eyes were bright. //He looks like hell. Nick told me he went as white as a sheet when they were scraping me up off the floor... wouldn't leave the gurney until they closed the ambo door. Man.//

As exhaustion began to claim him, Greg managed a smile and held up his hand in the sign for "I love you." Grissom smiled back and swiftly leaned in for another kiss.

Greg sighed, closing his eyes for good, letting sleep take him, wondering how long it would be before he would be able to get more than pets and kisses...

The End