Chapter Two

Looking nervously at the movie theatre in front of him Greg was barely aware of the crowd around him as people quickly passed him. When Grace had asked him to join her and some friends to catch a movie Greg had been more than happy to get out of his apartment, about to go crazy being confined in the place. Still on medical leave from the lab the only thing which had made the last two weeks manageable was the occasional check up by his friends when they could and Grace's daily visits.

Ever since his release from the hospital Grace had been dropping by before and after work; offering to help him change his dressings and check how the burns were healing. Simply stating that since she already knew what she was doing it made sense rather than explaining everything to someone else. Although he was glad of Grace's help the after work visits had particularly turned into socializing after the first night; even after two weeks Greg found that they still had plenty to talk about. During the two weeks both had even cooked a traditional meal for the other, each trying a Norwegian and Irish dish in a bid to show off their other nationality. To be completely honest Greg had found himself looking forward to when Grace showed up, unable to remember the last time he'd ever felt so at ease with a woman before, hence why he had agreed to this evenings outing.

However, being here now Greg couldn't help but wonder if there was time for him to back out of this outing.

"Hey Greg!"

Looking in the direction of the Irish accented voice Greg found his doubts for a moment leaving him as he saw Grace's familiar figure, taking in the woman before him Greg couldn't help but think she looked great. The skinny black jeans only aiding to show off her legs, while the red blouse not only matched the silk scarf around her neck, but also flared loosely around her. While her usual shoulder length had been pulled back into a ponytail Greg had to smirk as he saw a few of her newly acquired purple streaks had fallen free.

Making his way over to the red head Greg was immediately taken in by that heart warming smile of hers, unconsciously aware that it was a common reaction around him. Feeling his nerves beginning to come back Greg had no time to focus on them as Grace quickly grabbed his hand pulling him long after her into the movie theatre. Focusing on ensuring that he kept on his feet Greg could do nothing but allow Grace to pull him along; managing to stop himself from colliding straight into Grace as they finally came to a stop before a small group of people.

"Everyone this is Greg. Greg that's David, Anthony, Jessica, Amanda, Lisa and last, but not least Sam."

Trying to remember which name went with which face Greg was fairly confident he had the correct combination as Grace finished introductions. Taking a few minutes to greet those before him Greg was grateful for his easy going nature as he exchanged words with Grace's friends however, he was happy to regain his personal space again. Sensing someone's gaze on him as the others began to move off Greg turned to see Grace with a reassuring smile directed at him, feeling a squeeze on his hand it was only now that he realised Grace still held his hand. Giving a smile back Greg felt Grace's hand leave his, although she did remain nearby as they followed her friends.

Later that day

Already having a feeling what was going to happen next Grace wasn't surprised to see the explosion which that ripped through the car before taking the gas station with it. Despites the gasps that filled the theatre as a result of the theatre Grace quickly picked up on the silence beside her, glancing at the person next to her Grace immediately became concerned for Greg's silent form. Eye's averted from the screen before him Greg had taken on an almost ashen colour while the death grip his hands had on the soda cup in his lap did nothing to prevent the tremors which were running through them. Putting two and two together within minutes Grace understood immediately what was going on, feeling like a complete idiot as she did.

Placing a hand over the one closest to her Grace felt horrible as she now felt the tremors running through the man beside her however, it was the panic she saw within Greg's brown eyes that really made her mind up. Giving Greg a supportive smile Grace was relieved to see not only a tentative smile in return, but a slight decrease in the tremors that she was feeling. Turning to her friend Lisa beside her Grace quietly got her attention.

"Listen I'm not feeing to hot, think it's that tuna salad I had for lunch."

"You ok?"

"I'd rather just go home and try to sleep it off."

"Did you want me to come with?"

"That's ok; Greg's already offered me a lift, besides I need you to tell me the ending. I'll phone you tomorrow."

"Alright, I hope you feel better."

Returning her attention to Greg Grace gave his hand a gentle squeeze before indicating for him to get up, taking a moment to give her friends a quick wave Grace fell in step beside Greg. Walking out into the late afternoon sunlight Grace remained silent as she gave Greg a moment to himself.

"You shouldn't miss too much if you head back."

"Not really one for action films anyway, more of a comedy girl myself."

"Sorry for spoiling your day off, you must think I'm pretty pathetic."

Deciding to lighter the mood Grace twirled past her down friend before coming to stop facing him, taking in the surprised look he was giving her.

"I've got three points for you. First pathetic is one word I'd never use with you, second you couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to what I think about you and third what do you think about Italian?"

Unable to prevent her light laughter at the totally look on confusion Greg was giving her as he took in what she said Grace found her look adorable.

"Come on, my day off isn't over yet and I plan to enjoy it. Just got to make a few stops along the way and we'll be back on track."

Later that day

Standing patiently outside his friend's apartment Nick could faintly hear the strains of music through the door, obviously something that was more to Greg's taste as he couldn't recognise it. Wondering whether or not his friend had heard his knock Nick decided to give it another minute before trying again. Taking in the pale blue door before him Nick couldn't help but feel a little guilty for not checking in sooner on the lab rat, it had been nearly a week since he'd last seen him, aside from a quick phone call he hadn't had much chance to talk to Greg. Since he considered the younger man not only one of his best friends, but like a younger brother Nick had made it a point to come see how Greg was doing on his night off.

About to knock again Nick found himself stopped in mid motion as the door open revealing now over than the lab rat in question. Lowering his hand Nick quickly took in the younger man before him, despites the dressing that he could see upon Greg's neck Nick would never had guessed that his friend had been through a horrific event only recently. Although he was well aware that most of the damage was hidden from view it wasn't the physical evidence that had Nick thinking along this train of thought, but the fact that Greg was sporting one of this award winning smiles alongside a renewed spark of life.

Although it had been a week since he'd last seen his friend Nick, as well as the others, had noticed that Greg's usual flare for life had been dampened since the explosion, instead having a wariness that was totally out of character for him.

"Hey Nick, I wasn't expecting you."

"Nice to see you to G, I've got the night off, thought we could hang out."

Unable to prevent his own smile in response to Greg's Nick stepped past his friend as he moved out the way to let him in. Coming straight to the living room Nick still couldn't get use to neatness of the place, always envisioning Greg's place to a mess however, just like the first time Nick had seen Greg's apartment he was still surprised; rather than the mess he had imagined Greg's apartment was quite stylish combining elements that were both modern and from 60's Las Vegas. In fact the part of the apartment that was vaguely messy was the glass coffee table which was covered in various magazines, ranging from forensic journals to DNA journals.

Waiting for Greg to shut the door Nick quickly became aware of the smell which filled the apartment, one which smelled extremely good to the CSI. However, for all that the smell was appealing Nick didn't immediately associate it with the lab rat; although he'd recently learned that the one in question was actually an excellent cook from personal experience Nick knew that when it came to Greg's cooking it held a completely different aroma. Hearing Greg walk up behind him Nick was about to turn and face his friend when noises from the bathroom diverted his attention for a minute.

Glancing at his friend Nick had to contain his grin at the sheepish smile Greg was wearing; never in the whole time they'd know each other had Nick see Greg with such a look.

"Hey Greg, just warning you I'm adding a little extra something ok, gives the dish that little kick."

Realising the voice was feminine Nick could totally understand the sheepish look as he took in the woman before him, the streaked red head definitely an attractive woman and more than able to compete with Greg in the smile department. Seeing a look of surprise briefly pass over her face at the sight of him Nick watched it just as quickly disappear as her smile once again appeared.

"Let me guess from graveshift and a CSI."

"Yeah, but how did you that?"

"Only someone from graveshift could look this spiffy this time in the evening and only a CSI has that take everything in vibe Tex."

Hearing Greg's slight snicker at the nickname the woman before him had given him Nick was a little surprised at how quick she'd picked up on his Texan accent, especially considering the fact that it tended to be hardly noticeable these days, unless he got angry or was talking to his family then it tended to be the only thing you could hear.

"Oh don't look so surprised Tex, when you have an accent yourself you tend to notice when others have one as well."

Having to smile as he now came to hear the Irish accent voice from the one before him Nick had to give agree with her, he'd often found it easier to pick up on accents even when others couldn't.

"Never thought I'd see the day you'd be rendered speechless."

"When the same happens to you G, I'll be the first in line to document it."

Smiling at the slightly embarrassed look Greg gave at his comment Nick kept his attention on his friend.

"Listen G I didn't realise you had company I'll catch you at another time ok."

"Don't leave because of me, you'd actual be doing me a favour if you'd join us, you can keep Greg entertained while I get dinner yet."

"I really don't want to intrude."

"If you like Italian I've done more than enough to go around, and who knows maybe Greg will actual get a win on Madden. Oh by the way I'm Grace, Grace Callaghan."

"Nick Stokes."

"Well I've got to get back to dinner, have fun boys."

Realising he didn't have much of a choice Nick watched as the quirky red head returned to the kitchen. Turning his attention to Greg Nick wasn't surprised to see his friend was trying to avoid his gaze as he awaited Nick's response to Grace's last statement.

"Before you say anything you try playing her."

"Hey I wasn't going to say anything G; I'm not the one with something to prove."

"That's it Stokes, as a gentleman I'll accept my loss to a Grace, but I can still beat you any day."

Noting the challenging tone to Greg's voice Nick couldn't help but laugh at the younger man as he followed Greg to the living room, happy to accept Greg's challenge if it meant keeping him in his upbeat mood.

Later that day

"And the girl's have it, accept it Tex I've won this round."

Trying his best to contain his laughter Greg watched in amusement as Grace stated the simple facts to this friend, after a best of five playing Madden Grace had come out the victor at three wins to Nick's two.

"Ok I give, but I definitely want a re-match."

"Whenever you're ready Tex, but I have to warn you growing up with four brothers has given me plenty of gaming experience."

"No kidding."

Hearing the light banter between Grace and Nick Greg was glad to two were getting along, when Nick had turned up Greg had been a little unsure of how the two were take each other. However, after seeing the easy interaction between the two he realised he had nothing to worry about, the Irish and Texan getting along famously.

"Well I hate to break up the party, but it's getting late and some of us have work in the morning."

Not realising the time Greg was surprised to see how late it was, feeling a little guilty about keeping Grace not till this time. Allowing Nick and Grace to say their goodbyes to each other Greg followed the woman to the door, part of him not wanting the red head to leave.

"Thanks for...you know today."

"Told you we'd have fun didn't we, and don't worry about it you're got nothing to be sorry for. I'll see you tomorrow ok, don't stay up to late."

Returning to where his other friend was sat after saying farewell to Grace Greg was surprised to see the questioning look Nick was giving him.

"You kept this one quiet Greg; you normally can't wait to brag about your dates."

"We're not dating, we're just friends."

"You're kidding me right, how can you not have asked her out? Unless she's not you're type."

"I don't know man, I just haven't ok."

Sensing his friend waiting for him to continue Greg needed a minute to think about what he was going to say, there were that many things going through his head and it was only now that he had to really think about them.

"Remember that time you asked me what happened to getting to know a girl over coffee."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"That's all I've done with Grace, the last time I just really talked with a girl was in high school and I didn't get to know her as much as Grace. I'm telling you Nick this girl is amazing, she has a lot of the same interests as me, but totally has her own sense of style as well."

"So what's the problem?"

"I'm not use to this type of thing, I've never gotten on so well with a girl before, and I don't want to ruin that, Grace is different from any girl I've met before."

"Word of advice Greg, I'd spend less time worrying about what could go wrong and take a chance, because if I know anything a girl like that wouldn't stay single for long. The worst that can happen is she'll say no, but at least you'll know for sure, better that sitting around wondering about it then realising you missed your chance."

Taking in his friends words Greg realised he had a lot to think about as he pondered what he said, after all what he said made sense the only thing was actual doing and saying you'll do something were two completely different things.