A/N: This story is an exploration really, it's an experiment for me but I've had this idea for awhile. It is set in season nine, so Warrick is dead, but he plays a very important role in this story. It is pre One to Go so Grissom is still there, but Sara is not. Its humor, angst, romance, and slight parody all rolled into one (Greg has some really weird dreams, LOL!) And of course it's Nick/Greg slashy goodness. So please enjoy and as always tell me what you think!

Prologue: In Between

Nick Stokes swore it all happened in slow motion, he and Greg were on their way to a routine crime scene, the roads were slick with rain and Nick drove slower than usual.

"Dude why did we have to get the one way the hell out?"

"We're just lucky I guess." Nick said. "Oh come on Greggo, at least it's us going out here."

"Yeah." Greg said with a small smile. "That's the only good thing." Nick could only grin, he and Greg were on the path to becoming a proper couple and he couldn't be happier. They weren't there yet, but they were so close and Nick knew he was ready to finally take their friendship over the line.

"How about breakfast after shift G?"

"Yeah sure."

"Just us." Greg looked over at him and Nick swore he smiled so big he though Greg's face was going to break.

"Just us." Greg repeated. Nick smiled and focused on the road, hoping whatever the scene was it would be simple and he and Greg could go to breakfast earlier.

"Hey Nick…"

"Yeah G?"

"I wanted to just say that…"but Nick would never hear the rest of Greg's words because the world became black.

Nick blinked his eyes and wondered where the hell he was and why his body ached all over.

"Welcome back Nicky."

"Cath? Where the hell am I?"

"Hospital."

"What the hell happened?"

"Another car hydroplaned and slammed into you, your car flipped three times Nicky. Luckily you only got out with a broken arm."

"How long have I been out?"

"Nine hours."

"Damn. Wait what about Greg? Is he ok? Where is he?"

"Nick maybe you should wait for the doctor."

"Please Catherine tell me."

"Greg got the full impact and had to be pried free, he broke both his legs."

"What aren't you telling me Cath?"

"He's in a coma Nick."

"I need to see him."

"Nick you need rest."

"I've been resting for nine hours, please let me see him."

"Ok, ok. I'll get the doctor."

Ten minutes later Catherine led him to Greg's room, he stopped at the door turning to Catherine.

"Please let me go in alone."

"Ok Nicky." Nick took a step into the room, his heart clenching when he saw how battered Greg looked, yet he looked peaceful. He walked slowly over to the bed, pulling up a chair next to it.

"Oh Greggo." Nick said as he took Greg's hand in his. "Today was going so well, please wake up soon. Please wake up for me."

Greg blinked his eyes as they adjusted to the sun. He had no idea where he was but his clothes defiantly weren't what he put on today.

"Nick?" No answer. "Nick where are you?"

"Nick's not here Greg." Greg turned around and gasped.

"Warrick?"

"Hey Greg and before you ask you're not dead."

"Then where the hell am I?"

"Trapped inside your own head I suppose."

"Huh?"

"Coma Greg, you're in a coma."

"Damn, can you help me wake up?"

"That's up to you, how bad do you want to wake up?"

"I…I don't know anymore, am I losing it Rick? Seconds ago I knew the answer, not I can't seem to remember."

"You're already slipping away; it's up to you and only you to find your out."

"I don't know if I can Warrick."

"There's someone waiting for Greg, you can do it I know you can."

"Warrick wait!" Greg called but Warrick had already disappeared.

Somehow Nick knew something was going inside of Greg's head, Nick knew he was trying to find his way out of the darkness, and he wouldn't leave Greg's side until he did.

"Come on baby, I know you can do it."