A/N: So I have a longer piece in the works that happens after this episode, but I had to write this because I just love this episode because Nick was just so pissed and there was so much subtext there! So enjoy and thanks to everyone who is enjoying this series. Also in other news I start my vacation next week so expect alot and an update on Forcing Seperation! Enjoy!

Nick couldn't believe a lot of things he saw happen day to day, he'd seen so much since abandoning his parent's dreams for him and coming to Vegas. This though, was very hard for him to wrap his head around. Groups of people, kids really were going around and beating people for fun, even going as far as killing one. It made him sick to his stomach and all he wanted to do was stop them before they reached their next target. He just never expected it to be the person he loved most in this world.

He could remember exactly where he was the moment it happened, the moment Catherine came up to him and shattered his entire world. Now it was common knowledge to those who mattered at least that he and Greg were a couple. They weren't officially out of the closet, but out to the those who were important to them. So he knew the way Catherine's face was contorted that whatever she was getting ready to tell him wasn't good.

"Nicky…"

"What's going on Cath?"

"It's Greg…" and she faltered slightly turning her head so Nick couldn't see, but he knew she had tears in her eyes.

"What happened to Greg Catherine?"

"He was attacked saving a man's life." Nick knew all the color had drained from his face as he tried to comprehend what Catherine was telling him.

"Is he ok? Where is he? I need too…." But Catherine stopped him grabbing his arm.

"No Nicky, Sara is already on her way."

"Sara…but…"

"You don't want to see him like that Nicky."

"I need to see him Cath…I need…"

"I know." She said gripping his hand tightly. "I know."

"Let me process scene."

"Nick…"

"Please Catherine let me I need to find out who did this."

"Ok, but you have to remain composed Nick."

"I know, the sooner I get this done the sooner I can see him."

"I think I found a piece of Sander's hair." Nick clenched his jaw as he scraped paint off of Greg's Denali. Stay calm that's all he needed to do, just focus and then he could be with Greg.

"What did somebody else get a beat down?" The next thing he knew he was standing up and advancing on some punk who had the nerve to say something.

"Someone is about to get a beat down if they don't keep their mouths shut."

"Cops beating people up now? That it?" the guy was smirking now and Nick knew he wouldn't be able to remain composed for much longer, not with this guy lingering around. So in an instant before the guy could open his fat mouth again he punched the guy in the stomach and he would have done more if Warrick hadn't of pulled him back.

"Nick dude I know you're upset…"

"You have no idea Warrick, I'm sick of this town."

"Then maybe you need to leave."

"Maybe I do." And he wanted to leave and take Greg far away from anyone ever hurting him again.

He could see Greg as he smiled when Sara handed him the Mexican he longed for, but Nick knew him too well and knew he was trying hard to mask the pain.

"Nick are you going in?"

"Just give me a minute Rick, one minute." Warrick nodded knowing Nick needed his space. Greg's face was so bruised and Nick had pleasure in knowing that the guy he punched earlier was the same one that marred Greg's beautiful face. He could feel the tears coming and that's not what he wanted Greg to see. He wanted to be strong for his lover, but it was hard when he had come close to losing Greg.

"Nick he's looking for you." Sara appeared just outside the doorway. "Warrick and I can leave if you want."

"I…"

"It's ok Nick we understand." She gave him a soft smile then went back into the room whispering something in Warrick's ear. Nick watched as Sara gave Greg a gentle kiss on the cheek and Warrick clap his shoulder both saying they would see him soon.

"He needs you Nick." And that was all Warrick said before he followed Sara down the hall.

"Hey Nicky." And that's what did it, he found himself next to Greg's bed choking back a sob as he touched Greg's bruised face.

"Hey baby…" his voice was choked and he could do was grab Greg's uninjured hand caressing it softly. "You had me so scared, I can't lose you Greg."

"You heard what I did Nicky…that kid…he's dying."

"It was self defense baby; they'll see that, you saved a life."

"But I could be taking another." He turned away from Nick trying so hard to not let his boyfriend see him cry he was already in enough pain.

"It'll be ok baby; I'm here for you always."

"Grissom called my mom, she's gonna freak when she sees me Nick."

"Because she loves you Greg, you heard how I reacted at the crime scene, I just…I love you so much…and when Catherine told me my world stopped."

"I'm right here Nick."

"I know." Nick said as he reached over to kiss bruised lips. "I know."

Several hours later Greta and Mike Sanders entered their son's hospital roomed to find him curled up to Nick Stokes, the man they had come to know so well. Greta wiped her eyes and leaned into her husband knowing even though they couldn't always look after their son, he had someone who loved him and that was enough for them.