Short Nick and Greg Slash.

I do not own CSI or their characters.

'god he is gorgeous' Nick thought as Greg walked by. Crushes always mess something up. In this case it was Nicks mind. His head was full of thoughts of the old DNA tech/ now CSI. 'Someone help me!' Ladies man Nick Stokes was crushing and falling deep in love with Greg Sanders. No one knew or at least that what he hoped, he sincerely doubted that though he worked with people who are trained to notice and observe. Maybe they did know. Maybe Greg knew. Should he know? Would he want to know? What if he didn't want to know a co-worker liked him like that? What if he didn't like Nick? What if? Too many what if's. too many questions. Only one remained what does he do. He was sitting on the bench in the locker, another tough case. Too many tough cases. His locker door was still open his eyes bored into it as though there was something worth looking at in there. All he saw was clothes that were hung up. He was getting ready to go home when all his emotions came crashing down on him pinning him to the moment in time thinking about everything. Cases victims suspects love hate anger denial flash across his mind, filling him with raw emotion he cant contain.

BANG!

He had slammed his locker shut praying that action alone would offer some release to the tension building around him but it didn't. he didn't think twice when he raised his arm pulled it back and lurched it into the locker door. He was still searching for release from what was building in his chest. He pulled his arm up again and let it snap into the locker again and again. He didn't count the number of times it was nor did he register the pain shooting through his hand and up his arm. He didn't notice the blood dripping from his hand onto the floor.

"Nick" a voice sang into the silence around him.

"Nick" louder.

"Nick" louder.

"NICK STOP" someone shouting pulled him from his trance. He didn't turn his head to see who stopped him. His arm still ready to make another blow. 'what the hell one more couldn't hurt me' BANG!

He dropped his arm and finally surveyed the damage. His locker was a bloodly dented mess. The floor was covered in blood. His hand was cut up blood was trickling down his arm. He didn't move or talk but just starred at his hand as though it were a foreign object. He watched blood drop to the floor. He didn't focus on the pain he had finally managed to release his feelings, he watched them fall along with the blood from his hand. He hadn't noticed a furious Ecklie or a shocked Grissom and the team standing outside the locker room flanked by the lab staff.

He didn't notice anything until a damp towel was wrapped around his hand tightly bandaging it stopping him from being able to punch the lockers again. A hand fell on his shoulder, a familiar touch. He slowly lifted his head to see an undisturbed Greg Sanders looking down at him. He let go getting cleaning supplies and began to clean up Nick's blood from the locker.

Nick took this chance to look around seeing everyone starring. Ecklie seemed to regain the use of his voice ordering everything back to work but the team did not leave. Neither did they enter the locker room. To Nick it felt like they were scared of him in case he went off on one again. Greg seemed to be the only one not afraid of him. He was silently cleaning the remains off Nicks locker door. Nick just watched him, he was still sitting on the bench still as stone. Nothing could be heard but breathing and the sound of water hitting metal. No one moved just watching waiting. Nick knew they were all waiting for him to snap again. He heard water hit the floor, he starred ahead at his locker. He didn't see Greg move away leaving a clean locker and floor, nor did he register another locker opening and closing after a few minutes. Someone put his coat around his shoulder and picked up his bag which was sitting next to him on the bench. Greg was now stood in front of him pulling on his uninjured arm dragging him to his feet, he complied because he was given no option.

Greg lead him from the locker room and down the hall. Nick just followed barely registering the voices or the looks. He didn't like it any of it, not liking people talking about him glaring at him as though he had no right to be angry or upset. He didn't want to turn into a robot but it seemed to be expected. He couldn't help been sensitive it was who he was. But sometimes in this job he felt as though he couldn't be. Some cases hit hard and others didn't. But his own emotions overriding him was another matter all together.

Cold air hit his face, he finally broke free of his trance to take in the night sky. He lifted his head to gaze at the stars trying desperately to understand what just happened. he hadn't noticed he had stopped walking until someone pulled on his arm. He lowered his head to see Greg patiently waiting for him to move. He realised he hadn't said anything at all he didn't intend to either he didn't trust his voice or his thoughts at the minute.

"We're going the hospital and getting your hand checked out. Then we are going to your place pick up some things and you will be staying at mine so I can stop you if you decide to hurt yourself again. Any objections, no, good." He started to walk towards his car Nicks followed him slipping round to the passenger door getting there just as he heard a click indicating that it was unlocked. Silently he slid into the seat gently closing the door behind him with some difficulty. He attempted to do his seatbelt one handed only to have Greg's hands replace his quickly putting it in place.

No music, no words, nothing but silence filled the car on the way to hospital. He didn't try and apologise or justify his actions because deep down he felt he couldn't. He had lost it scared his team mates except Greg. Why had he not been scared of him. He didn't know what he was going to do on his next shift. Maybe he needed some time off, he should Grissom but was afraid what he would hear on the other end of the phone. He was afraid he had lost his job his friends everything.

"Come on out." Greg voice brought him from his thoughts. He nodded opened the door and stepped out. He hadn't checked his hand since Greg had wrapped the towel around it he looked down to see a red towel instead of a white one. He felt pressure on his other hand, Greg hand had slipped through his gently tugging him towards the doors.

"How can I help you?" the nurse asked.

"Well my friend here decided to get in a one way fight with a locker and really messed up his hand, I thought it would be better if a doctor looked over it and bandaged it properly. We work for the crime lab I would have taken him to Doc Robbins but I knew he was busy and wanted to get this sorted as soon as possible." Greg told her holding out both of their Id's.

"Name?"

"Nick Stokes" Greg answered for him. "And I'm Greg Sanders"

"If you could fill these out and bring them back so I can inform a doctor" she handed him the forms and a pen. "Waiting room is over there" pointing towards rows of seats.

"Thank you" he took the forms clasped Nicks hand again and led him towards the chairs.

Nick felt himself being pushed into a chair a clipboard was placed on his lap and a pen in his hand. His writing hand wasn't the one that was injured so he filled in the forms quickly and silently handing them back to Greg when he was done. His hand started shaking, he just starred at it completely detached from everything until fingers wove their way in between his effectively stopping it shaking.

"Its okay Nick, its okay." Nick looked into Greg's eyes to see the care there falling completely into the brown depths. Greg didn't avert his eyes but sat there patiently waiting for something anything to let him know Nick was okay.

Time passed neither one moving just staring it seemed an eternity had passed until they heard the doctor asking for Nick.

"Mr. Stokes, would you follow me?" Nick got up robotically and followed the doctor dragging Greg with him. "Are you accompanying him sir?" the doctor asked Greg leading them to a cubicle pointing towards the bed.

"It seems so" he answered. The doctor nodded and began to check out Nicks hand while the other was still gripping Greg's.

"What happened may I ask, these cuts are quite distinct." he looked at Nick who was detached again. I didn't feel the pain as the doctor prodded and poke his hand.

"He had a one way fight with a locker door. Pummelled the thing. He hasn't spoken since but I think that's more with not trusting himself to speak at the moment" Greg answered for him, it surprised him that Greg knew why he wasn't talking, how did he know that.

"Alright, nothing is broken but we will x-ray it just to make sure." He began cleaning his hands and then set everything up for the x-ray. Everything was done as quickly as possible and no one questioned Greg being next to Nick the entire time.

A couple of hours later they were in Greg's car driving to Nicks to pack a bag. Nick still hadn't spoken, his hand was bandaged and he had painkillers in his pocket. He wanted to use some of his vacation time but still couldn't trust his voice. He watched the scenery flash by. He felt pressure on his hand again looking down he saw Greg's hold his stopping it from shaking. He felt the car slow to a standstill but didn't get out when he saw he was outside his apartment.

"Come on, you pack a bag for a few nights and I'll call Grissom tell him you need some vacation time okay." Nick nodded. "Where are your keys so I can get the door open for you?" Nick pointed at his bag and watch his friend go through it until he found them. "Come on then lets go." cold air hit his face again as he left the warmth of the car. He followed Greg to his house knowing there was no point overtaking him since he had his keys. Greg had the door open before he got there.

"Go pack a bag I'll call Grissom." Nick made his way to his room pulling out a duffle bag and starting throwing things in, he didn't mean to eavesdrop but he could hear Greg's side of the conversation.

"Griss its Greg…yeah I know…he's okay I think he is patched up but hasn't said a word…he's staying at my place…vacation time for both of us would be good…I don't want to leave him alone…look what happened today it could happen again and no one will be around…yeah will do thanks Griss bye." he heard a cell snap shut and footsteps coming closer to his room.

Greg surveyed the older man trying to pack a bag one handed. He walked over and pushed his hand aside.

"Get what you need from the bathroom and anything else you need- books DVDs CD's etc I'll fit it all in okay." leaving Greg packing his clothes he went to the en suite and began throwing things into the room which amazingly landed on the bed with perfect precision. He went to the living room picked up his books and threw them on the bed too. Figuring he didn't need anything else he checked the windows and made sure all the lights were off before following Greg out of his front door. He let Greg lock up and carry his bag to the car.

'More questions filled his mind. Why was Greg doing this for him? Why wasn't he asking questions? Why is he just letting me be? Is he waiting for me to say something? What going on?.'

Still not talking he silently climbed back in the car and rested his head against the window his eyes started to flutter closed and it only took a few minutes for sleep to claim him.

Greg saw him fall asleep and said nothing, he knew Nick would talk in his own time but didn't want to push anything out of him. The last thing Nick needed was reminders. He decided he would wake him when he got home. He silently admired he friends face, the innocence it showed when he was asleep. He didn't know what to think or how to feel but that is tomorrows problem this is today's. Pulling into his drive he decided it may be better to wake Nick up because he wouldn't be able to help him into his house and carry bags and open the front door. He gently laid his hand on his friends shoulder and squeezed very delicately he didn't want to freak him out.

"Nick come on man, you need to wake up." Little did he know that Nick was a very light sleep and therefore woke immediately.

He glanced up at the house, it was rather big for someone on Greg's salary his brow contorted into a deep frown which Greg observed and explained.

"Inheritance Nick, I inherited it and most of what's inside too. Not to mention a sizeable amount of money which helps keep me going. Well come on I'll give you the grand tour but you need to get your ass outta my car." he laughed before getting out indicating for Nick to follow. Carrying the bags again he leap up the steps and opened the front door walking into the hall and checking his phone messages. Just one from his mother which he would return later. Dropping the bags in the family room he proceeded to the kitchen putting the coffee machine on, Nick was standing in the hall undetermined on where he should go.

"Go to the family room Nick, you can put TV on or something. Coffee? Blue Hawaiian?" he swore he saw a slight smile on his friends lips but it was hidden by and small nod instead. Leaving Greg in the kitchen he ventured into a rather large room. His eyes immediately gravitated to the large plasma screen TV hanging over a marble fireplace. Leather sofas and armchairs surrounded it. Paintings and plants decorated the room contrasting the deep terracotta and yellow wallpaper. Cabinets displayed trinkets and photographs of who he was guessing were his family.

"Coffee" a mug was being passed to him which he gratefully accepted and sat down on one of the couches. Finally starting to feel relaxed he managed to drink half the mug in one go. Placing the mug on the table he leaned back staring at a blank TV screen.

Greg had sat down on the same couch leaning against the arm rest his legs were on the couch. He was sipping at his coffee watching Nick knowing he was battling inside.

"Nick, I wont lie to you" he put his coffee down but laid back against the arm rest again. "You are seriously worrying me. You completely lost it at work and wont say a word to anyone. Do you not trust your voice and your thoughts?" Nick turned his head to face him and nodded. After taking that confirmation Greg continued "I wont force you to talk, I wont ask anything of you, only to remember I am here for you no matter what. Okay?"

Figuring he could show Greg part of his problem and then bolt if it didn't work out. Carefully and slowly he moved over towards Greg leaning against him as he gently pressed their lips together. He was expecting a slap a punch and 'What the hell Stokes' but he was not expecting a response like the one he got. Greg instantly pulled him deeper turning the experimental kiss into a passionate one. Breaking for air Nick stole a glance at the young man eyes falling into their depths for the second time that evening.

"Nick come here" he held his arms out waiting for the older man to realise he wasn't joking and fall into them. Nick didn't hesitate as he lowered himself into the awaiting arms gently wrapping his around the younger mans waist. He ignored the slight pain in his arm the painkillers were really doing their job he barely felt anything. Greg arms wound around him creating a safe haven. No more than five minutes later sobs wracked Nicks body, shaking and crying he clutched onto Greg while releasing the pain he had held in for so long.

He didn't know how long they had been sitting there when Greg heard keys turn in the door but Nick didn't it wasn't until he heard Sara's voice ring through the hall that he spoke up.

"Greg you in here."

"Family room Sara."

He was shocked when the entire team walked through to his family room taking in the view before them. Red eyed Nick holding onto Greg for dear life. Sensing the tension he decided it would be better for him to deal with this.

Bending his head down he whispered into the older CSI's ear. "Get your bag, go upstairs and take a hot shower or bath in the master en suite and crawl into bed. I'll deal with things down here." loosening his hold he watched Nick slowly rise and obey his orders. Glancing up at the clock he realised its was three in the afternoon. They had left work around six AM spending 4 hours in the hospital and an hour getting home. 4 hours they had lay on the couch, no wonder Nick had stopped crying he didn't have anything left to cry.

Downstairs

When Nick was safely out of the room he turned to see the faces of his co workers. "Come say what you want to so I can tell you to get out and go back to work"

Grissom decided to go first. "Has he been like this all day?"

"Yep he hasn't said a word. He wouldn't let go of my hand at the hospital though I think he needed to know someone wasn't scared of him. I did mange to find out that he only isn't talking because he doesn't trust his own feelings at the moment. He doesnt want to cause pain or annoyance. Considering the beating his hand took nothing is broken but very badly cut. He got painkillers. So hopefully he will be okay."

"Why were you like that on the couch if I can ask?" Warrick was desperately trying to get his head around it.

"That is between me and him. I will tell you now he needed comfort I was here end of story." realising he would get nothing more from him Warrick dropped the issue.

"What are you going to do Greg?" Cath now stepped up to the plate trying to pry answers out of him.

"I am going to be a good friend and be patient let him come to me if he needs something and not badger him with questions he obviously doesn't want to answer yet." he fixed is eyes pointedly on each one of his co workers. "I know what its like not wanting to talk so I wont force him and you shouldn't either he will come to you when he is ready. Do we have an understanding?" he asked them all. When all of them nodded he felt relief.

"So your gonna use up vacation time to be here with even if you cant do anything?" Sara was bold enough to ask.

"Sara if you need to ask that question I would ask where your loyalties lie. Would you push a friend you saw have a melt down or wait until they came to you. What would you do Sara?" he was getting defensive and Sara knowing he was right bowed her head.

"Your right. I wasn't trying to sound cruel I just needed to understand we all do. You saw what happened, I wont lie I was scared but you just walked in and handled it."

"I was beaten up I may still have PTSD sand may still fear for it but he needed my help way more than an fear I have. He deserves that. I hate to be cruel but I reckon he hasn't moved from the top of the stairs so I would really appreciate it of you got back to work while I dealt with things here okay?"

Everybody rose and bid goodnight to Greg he walked them as far as the stairs and waited until he heard the door lock.

Upstairs

Nick had wanted to know what was being said so he had mounted the staircase but sat on the top one listening to the conversation about him. He was grateful Greg had sent him upstairs because he would not have liked to listen to that but he could not resist seeing how much they hated him. He was generally surprised at the short exchange that had taken place. Listening in disbelief that Greg had stood his ground and was not letting himself be bullied by the older members of the team. Although he had heard the defensive tone of Greg's answer to Sara he understood what she meant. How could he use up time to stay with him when there were more fun things to do. His friend only asked one question each but managed to ask all the questions that were needed. While he was grateful he was also guilty. He head shot up when Greg has said he knew he hadn't moved form the top of the stairs figuring he wouldn't delay the inevitable he remained there until he heard footsteps on each stair coming closer to him.

General.

"I knew you hadn't moved. You needed to hear what they had to say right." he took a seat next to his on the step. He watched Nick display different emotions across his face as he nodded.

"I wanted them to know what happened between us stayed between us, that you were okay but you didn't want to be hassled. I told them about the talking because I didn't want them badgering you about it. And I saw guilt written all over your face so I'm going to say stop feeling guilty because you really don't have anything to feel guilty about. I told you I would be here for you and I will be." with that he stood up taking Nicks hand pulling him along. He pulled Nick into his master bedroom whose jaw dropped when he went inside. It was not what he was expecting from Greg but it did compliment him well.

A four poster bed complete with curtains of deep blue matched the duvet. The furniture in the room matched the wood of the bed and fitted nicely with the delicate balance of reds and browns that covered the walls. He felt as though he had been transported back in time. A walk in closet, a dressing table covered in photos, antique drawers and book case. The room wasn't huge but it fit Greg.

Letting him take in the room Greg took Nicks bag and placed it in the bathroom before he started running a bath, his injured hand needed to stay out of water so a bath would be better for him. Nick stood unnoticed in the doorway watching the younger one fill a bath and turn on the jets.

"Do you need help or should I leave you alone?" knowing he wouldn't get a verbal answer he waited until some sign showed itself to tell him what he needed to do. Nick attempted to undo his shirt but it seemed to take forever sensing that he was getting annoyed Greg quickly took over undoing the buttons and slipping it from the mans shoulder. He gently tugged the t-shirt over Nicks head. He stopped and waited for him to be told what Nick needed.

Nick had successfully manage to rid himself on his belt and trousers hesitating before stripping off his boxers and stepping towards the tub. He didn't care that Greg saw him naked since he had made his feelings clear earlier. However he was wondering how to get in the bath without falling. He gripped the safety rail but still felt on edge Greg seemed to pick up on this however and gripped his other elbow helping him in tub.

"I read your face, it gives your emotions away but it helps me understand what you need." answering his friends confused face. As Nick leaned back in the tub he winced. He hand had been pretty badly cut up but the pain also went up in to his arm which made it difficult to do anything with it. Trying to get shower gel onto a wash cloth proved difficult until Greg stepped in again.

"Shake your head if you don't want help washing because I'll back off but with that arm it might be difficult. Nod if want help." he began to feel shy but nodded anyway knowing Greg was right he couldn't do this by himself. Sitting up he let Greg gently wash his neck, back chest and legs. He handed the wash cloth to Nick respecting the fact that he probably wanted to clean his privates himself. He turned away and began to dig a towel out of the cupboard. He took the liberty of taking Nicks sleepwear out of his bag. Placing them both on the radiator to warm up a little he turned around to help Nick out of the tub. Wrapping a towel around his mid section as soon as he was out Greg boldly leaned in to lightly press his lips against Nicks. Nicks unharmed hand gripped the back of Greg necks pulling his closer. It wasn't passionate like their first it was tender and soft. Greg hand were on Nicks hips as he pulled away his hold grew tighter.

"Need help drying off and getting dressed?" he saw Nick go a little red before nodding. "hey don't be embarrassed you just stripped off and stood in front of me naked let me help you into the tub help wash you help you out of the tub and wrap a towel around you. Its okay." the blush had gone from his face as Greg began to pat him down with the warm towel handing it over when it came to drying off his manhood Nick was grateful for that. He managed to get into his clothes with a little help from Greg. He brushed his teeth and was promptly pushed into Greg's bed.

"You can take mine its better than the others, you need a good nights sleep." wrapping the covers around his friend he lightly kissed his forehead before going to move. He was stopped by Nick catching his wrist fear evident on his face.

"I'll be back up in a minute, I'm just going to check the locks and switch the lights off. I have to get your meds too. I'll be back soon." he quietly walked out of the room and flew down the stairs checking everything was locked and grabbing two bottles of water and Nicks pain meds before the lights were shut off. He wasn't surprised that Nick was still awake placing the bottles of water on the bedside cabinet taking the lid off one, he handed Nick his painkillers then the bottle and waited until they were taken and replaced the lid on the bottle, he then proceeded to stripping down to his boxers before climbing on top of the covers. Nick looked confused again so taking a wild guess hoping he was right he slid in between the covers and was very surprised when Nick laid his head on his chest wrapping his good arm around his slim waist. He wound his arm around the older man creating that safe haven again without realising.

"Thank you" Nick whispered before letting exhaustion send him into a much needed sleep.

Greg's grip tightened. Just hearing those two words made his heart soar because although Nick didn't tell him he knew he had helped someone he truly cared about. Greg let his eyes close falling into slumber.

Everything else was tomorrows problem For Now they just wanted sleep.