A/N: This fic was beta'd by Shacky20. Thank you for all your help.

To be needed by Lonewolfe001

"Greg stop that NOW!" Nick threatened the man he was carrying over his shoulder. His voice was filled with frustration and concern for his friend. He had almost lost his balance for the third time trying to juggle the load he was carrying while descending ten flights of stairs. It was not easy trying to carry his kit in one hand and the bag of evidence in the other while also carrying a very angry and reluctant man over his shoulder, who was wiggling and kicking and trying his best to get down. Greg's behavior reminded Nick of a spoilt child who was not getting his way.

"If you do not stop squirming we will both fall and end up breaking our necks", Nick tried to reason with Greg. However it was obviously not working by Greg's outrage.

"I don't care. JUST PUT ME DOWN!! I can walk by myself damnit", Greg retorted angrily.

"THAT IS IT", Nick said as he dropped the kit and the bag of evidence and yanked Greg off his shoulders. Nick held Greg securely by the shoulders so he could not escape, but he had enough of the younger man's behavior.

He was tired, hungry and Greg's insistent stubbornness had worn down the last of his patience.

Greg opened his mouth to make a sarcastic comment, but the look on Nick's very pissed off face stopped him. Maybe he had gone too far, he wondered. It's not like he intentionally meant to twist his ankle at the crime scene. He knew that he should accept Nick's help, but he still had a little of his pride left. If he was honest with himself, he would have accepted anybody else's help without question. But he had a secret crush, or maybe not so secret to some, on this particular Texan and to accept Nick's help would be a show of weakness to the person you loved and admired the most. According to Greg's reasoning, someone as brave, selfless and strong as Nick could never love a weakling.

Nick still fueled by his anger continued to grip Greg by his shoulders as if to anchor himself. Internally Nick felt out of control. He was angry but most of all hurt. Why would Greg not accept his help? Nick was raised believing that the willingness to help and take care of the person you loved was in itself an act of love. Therefore the more you were needed the more loved you were.

But Greg did not want his help. His actions alone were enough to tell Nick that, he didn't want or need to hear the words.

Greg did not need him, and therefore Greg could not possible love him.

The idea that Greg might not reciprocate his feelings shook Nick to his core and extinguished his anger.

Greg felt Nick loosen his hold on him. The angry expression on Nick's face was replaced by, well, Greg was not sure. Nick almost looked hurt, which puzzled Greg. Why would Nick be upset by his show of strength, independence? Being one who never lets grass grow under his feet, Greg took this as an opportunity to prove his strength. He pushed Nick roughly away, freeing himself completely from Nick's hold on him.

"I do not want your help. Why can you not get the message? I DO NOT NEED YOU!" said Greg angrily as he shoved Nick a second time. The look on Nick's face earlier was nothing compared to the shock and pained expression it held now. Greg was not going to back down now however, he had made his stand, he couldn't back down now, could he?

But Nick got the underlying message all too clearly. Greg did not love him or need him, not for his help now, or for anything else.

Wordlessly, Nick bent down and picked up his kit and the bag of evidence and without a backwards glance Nick started down the stairs again leaving Greg behind. Greg thought he saw Nick's eyes well with unshed tears, but that couldn't possibly be what he saw, why Nick would be so hurt. Maybe he missed something, but that would mean.......

The "false strength" Greg felt suddenly drained away. He stood there unable to utter a word as he watched Nick walk further away. With each step Nick took Greg felt like he was losing Nick, he felt alone and overcome with guilt.

He needed Nick.

He loved Nick.

What had he done?

A/N: Since I could not think of a good enough ending, this is how it will end for the time being.