Disclaimer: I do not own CSI. If only...*sighs*
Ashamed
Greg collapsed onto the sofa beside his boyfriend.
"How was work?"
"Unbelievable, first I had a 4:19 on the strip, just a messy B&E but then I also had a trash run in some hotel dumpsters. It was disgusting!"
"I'm sorry you had a bad day." Nick squeezed his partner's hand.
"Nicky, I've been thinking... I think it's time we told the team about us."
"You want a coffee?" Nick stood to go to the kitchen and Greg sighed loudly.
"Nick, sit down. We need to talk."
Four words that can strike fear into the heart of anyone in a relationship.
"Why?"
"Because every time I mention telling someone even our parents, you change the subject."
"No I don't!"
"Then why not tell them?"
"I'm not ready."
"You've been saying that for six months Nick! Before that it was just 'soon'. Nick, are you ashamed of us?"
Nick refused to meet Greg's eye.
"Oh." Realisation dawned on Greg's face as he realised he'd hit the nail on the head.
"No Greg it's not like that!"
"How is it then, huh? I'd love to hear your reasons. Let's face it your ashamed of being gay and that makes you no worse than the people we put in jail every day for hate crimes and who you claim you hate above everyone else." Greg calmed down and slumped back into the sofa. "I can't be with someone who is to ashamed to even tell their best friends. I can't believe I'm saying this but. Goodbye Nick. I'm sorry."
They both cried as Greg left the apartment they'd shared for five months.
Things at the lab were difficult after that. Greg avoided the older man when possible and when it wasn't he'd be closed off and no more than civil.
Nick was sat at home in the empty apartment when something caught his eye. He pulled it out from under the table to find a photo. It was the day he'd moved in with Greg, they were so happy and they had their arms lung around each other. Then, all of a sudden, he knew what he wanted. Greg and suddenly none of the stupid little things like telling the team scared him anymore. He didn't care what anybody thought. He had to do something big to win Greg back.
Two weeks later it was the night of the Christmas party. This year it was a massive black tie event for all the CSI's. Nick was nervous, what if Greg didn't show? He needn't have worried as he turned to see Greg walk in in a perfectly fitting tuxedo, his hair (for once) tamed. Nick's mouth went dry and he felt a pang of jealousy as he watched women's heads turning as Greg walked by. Once everyone had taken their seats the band begun to play and people begun to dance, a slow song came on and couples took to the floor. Nick took a deep breath and walked over to Greg's table.
"Can I have this dance?"
Greg's face cycled through several expressions in a matter of seconds, finally settling on a broad grin as he reached out his hand and took Nicks. As they stopped Greg wrapped his hands around Nick's neck.
"People are staring." He whispered.
"I don't care." Greg looked at Nick with tears in his eyes. "I love you too much to let you go Greg."
"God, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have left."
Nick smiled. "You were right, I was ashamed, but I realised that I loved you and that that was more important. Love you."
"Love you too."