Here's the next chapter! Thanks for all your reviews they mean a lot to me! So; enjoy!

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Chapter 6

Nick didn't talk to Greg that night or the night after. There had been so much to do; he just hadn't had the time. Or maybe it was because he chickened out every time he was in the lab alone with the tech. It could also be because Greg refused to look at him when he came in. The Californian would just tell him to leave the evidence on the table and he would page him when it was done.

He also saw that he got his results considerably slower than the other CSI's. He knew that Greg kept doing his samples last, even though he delivered them before anyone else. Catherine, Sara and Warrick always got their results before him; it hadn't been like that before this whole mess had happened. He knew he had to talk to Greg, and he had to do it fast.

On the fourth night a.k. (After Kiss) Nick decided that enough was enough. He was sitting in the break-room and listened to the others talk. It was a slow night and they were talking about Greg. They couldn't believe how sad he looked and how he would snap at them when they talked to him. Sara had asked him what was wrong, but he had just ushered her out of the lab, refusing to talk about it.

Hearing this, Nick felt even guiltier. He had seen the sadness that surrounded the lab-tech, seen him gaze into the air with those big, brown, beautiful eyes.

'This is all my fault; I have to make it right now.'

He excused himself to the others and walked over to the lab. When he entered the lab, Greg still wasn't looking at him.

"If you got something for me to process, just leave it on the table and I will page you when I'm done."

"G, please, will you just look at me? I don't have anything for you. I… I just need to talk to you."

Greg was still looking down the microscope. His heart was bleeding and he didn't want to hear what the Texan had to say.

"Just leave it Nick. I can't do this anymore."

"Please Greggo, please just look at me. I really need to talk to you."

Hearing the familiar nickname, Greg looked up at the CSI and saw so many emotions in his eyes. Sadness, pity, regrets and maybe, just maybe, some love. Nick almost jumped when he locked eyes with Greg. The sadness and anger was too much to bear.

"Fine. Go ahead. Talk."

"Not here, not now." Nick pleaded with him now. "Please, can we have breakfast together after shift? Please G."

Greg shrugged his shoulders. "Fine, whatever. Now get out of here."

Nick quickly left the lab. His mood was a little lighter. At least he had gotten Greg to talk to him. All he had to do was explain the situation, he was sure the tech would understand. The only problem now was that over the last few days, he had gotten less and less sure that his choice was right. Seeing that sadness and anger in Greg's eyes was something he hoped he didn't see again. He so wanted to be the man that took away all of that. He wanted to be the one to make Greg happy.

Greg wasn't sure what to think about this. These last shifts had been miserable. With Nick avoiding him, and the other tech's and CSI's all hovering over him, he had felt terrible. He was sure the Texan had feelings for him, but suspected that he was deep, deep inside the closet. Maybe this breakfast-thing could give him some answers. He really hoped so, 'cause he was going mad here.

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The fourth night a.k. was the longest Nick had ever experienced. He had been out on one case during the night, a case that was wrapped after half an hour since the perp was found on the scene and all the evidence backed up the story.

He was kinda happy that there wasn't much to do, because he hadn't been able to keep his mind off the upcoming breakfast with Greg. He was still having second, third and fourth doubts about his choice. Looking at the lab-tech made everything more difficult. The look of sadness and anger was still haunting him.

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In the lab, Greg also had some problems with focusing. He just couldn't stop from wondering what the Texan would say to him. He desperately tried to keep his hopes down, but he had loved the man so long, it was hard not to look forward to some alone time with the CSI.

On the other side; why had Nick treated him so badly these past several days (or rather nights)? It was Nick that had initiated the kiss. It was Nick who had started avoiding him after that. It was Nick who could hardly stand to watch him or talk to him when he stopped by with evidence. He hadn't tried to talk to him before this night.

He had tried to make Nick angry with him; tried to force the man to talk to him. He knew it was kind of childish to put Nick's evidence constantly last, but it had been meant to be noticeably deliberate. He had really tried to make the Texan say something. It hadn't worked though. Nick hadn't said anything, even though it was obvious what Greg was doing.

He didn't know why, but this actually made him even angrier. He felt like Nick was somewhat patronising him, feeling pity for him, and this was not something he wanted. He was so angry he felt like trashing the lab and screaming from the top of his lungs. However he didn't want a lawsuit, so he did those things inside his head. Imagined tipping cabinets over and throwing the GCMS to the ground and stomping on it, ripping results up and throwing them in the trash. It was a good thing that his imagination was great.

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The shift was finally finished, and Nick quickly went to the locker room, eager to get out of the lab. He still had no idea what to say to Greg, but he hoped the words would come to him eventually. When he entered the room, Greg was sitting on the bench, putting his shoes on. The tech looked away when he saw Nick; the tension between them was hard on both men. Nick walked up to his locker and changed his clothes before turning towards the younger man.

"I was thinking… maybe we could have breakfast at my place. I guess it would be easier to talk there."

Greg looked at him for a minute before he nodded, then he stood up and walked out of the locker room. Nick quickly followed him. Outside they went for their cars and drove of.

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When they arrived at Nick's house, Nick had started doubting that this was a smart move. Yes it would be easier to talk when they were in the privacy of his home, but at the same time, it could be totally awkward and make the tension even worse. It was too late now anyway. He could see Greg waiting outside, so he got out of the car and went over to unlock the front door.

Greg had still not said a word since earlier that night. Inside, the lab-tech went over to the couch and sat down. Nick went to the kitchen and started to make some food. Greg had only nodded when he had asked if egg, bacon, and toast were okay.

When the food was done, they both ate in silence. There was nothing of the easy-going fun they had had during their last meal together. Nick had no idea what he should say or do, and Greg was pining. He just wanted to touch the older man, make him smile at him. Being this close, and still so far away was killing him. With the food devoured, Greg leaned back on the couch and looked at Nick expectantly.

"Okay Nick. I'm here. You wanted to talk, so talk."

Nick almost jumped when he heard the tone of Greg's voice. It was so flat, no emotions were allowed out. He glanced at the Californian and the words were caught in his mouth.

"I… Look… It's just… Eh… Fuck. I'm sorry G. I'm really truly sorry. I never… I didn't want for this to happen. I'm just… I don't know."

"You're sorry? For what? For kissing me? Or for hurting me?"

"I don't know. Both I guess… Or not really. Jeez Greggo. I'm just so screwed up right now. I never meant to hurt you, please; you gotta believe me on that."

Nick looked at Greg now, pleading him to understand. He needed him to know that he didn't want to hurt him, he cared for him… he liked him… he loved him.

"Okay, I believe you. You never meant to hurt me. Then why did you?"

"I don't know. It's just… complicated."

"Do you want to know what I think?" Seeing Nick nod, Greg continued.

"I think you're scared. You've never had feelings for another man before, and you don't know how to handle it. You're scared for what your family might say. I know you're from Texas, and it's not the state that is most friendly against homosexuals. You've probably grown up in a homophobic home, and you're scared you'll loose your family if you act up on the feelings you have for me."

With a sigh, Greg leaned forward, closer towards the Texan.

"I know you Nicky. You are that kind of man that would sacrifice your own happiness and future for those you love. And it's not right Nick. You can't go trough life, always putting yourself second. You should think of yourself from time to time, or you will die inside. So tell me Nicky, am I close?"

Nick couldn't believe how Greg could know all of this; it was exactly how he felt. On Sunday, he had felt alive for the first time since he was a kid. And during the last few days, he had felt like he was dying. He couldn't give Greg a reply; he had lost the ability to make sentences.

"I guess I am right then. Look Nicky. Just answer me one question, and I'll be off your back. I guess you've figured out that you're my crush. It's true. I'm deeply in love with you Nick. Just tell me that you don't have feelings for me, and I'll never mention it again."

"I… I don't… I can't do that Greg. I mean. I do… have feelings for you. But I can't…"

Greg was looking intently at Nick now. The emotions were playing in the Texans face. He looked so sad and lonely, like a lost puppy. Greg just wanted to give him a big hug, but thought that that would be a little too much for the older man.

"That's what I thought. As I said, I love you Nicky. I have for a long time now. I know that we're right for each other. If one little kiss can make such sparks, then think about the rest. I'm not promising you a perfect future, but I can promise you a lot of happiness and love. Please. Just think about it. Let's give it a try."

With those words Greg got up and went to sit next to Nick. He took his hand and caressed it. When the CSI looked up he could feel the techs breath on his face. The inches between them were slowly closed by the Californian.

Their second kiss was a little firmer, a little more demanding than the first one. Nick could feel the sparks and he felt like he would pass out any minute. When he felt Greg's tongue on his lips he only hesitated for a second before granting access. When their tongues met for the first time, a small moan escaped both men's lips. The taste of the other was making their minds spin.

Just as soon as the kiss had started, it was over. Greg looked at Nick one last time before he got up and left the house. He turned around in the doorway.

"Think about it. Feel it. Please Nicky… I love you."

After the tech had left, Nick paled when reality hit him. The kiss had made him so happy and so content. He knew now that he didn't want to live without it. He couldn't live without Greg in his life. For the first time, Nick would put his own happiness in front of other people. 'Wow, I guess I am gay then. Now that's a mind-turner for you.'

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Now what? Next chapter will come tomorrow! Please review!