Disclaimer: I do not own anything of CSI. If I did, then things would be a whole lot different.
A/N: Thanks to my Beta Seshat3. And thanks to Marifw for the translations. I hope all you faithful readers aren't too upset that this chapter took so long to get up. It should be obvious where I got the title for this chapter. If you don't then you don't get out at all. But I'm a nice person and I'll tell you. It's from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and its popular song Time Warp. The Jasmine Dragon is a Chinese restaurant of my own creation and as far as I know, no such one is found in San Francisco. The same is true for Chandell's. That is based on the name of Liberace's charter on the 60s Adam West Batman show.
Chapter Thirteen, Let's Do the Time Warp Again.
"Have any of you guys heard from either Greg or Nick?" Catherine asked her three colleagues they sat in their traditional booth at the diner they frequented after their shift.
"I haven't heard from either one since they both told me they were leaving," Grissom answered from beside her as he slowly stirred his cup of coffee, "Warrick? Sara?"
Neither responded to their supervisors' inquiry with a vocal response, they merely shook their heads. Catherine noticed that both Warrick and Sara looked down at their respected cups of coffee when Grissom addressed them. She did not need her motherly instincts to know that the looks they had on their faces were those of guilt.
"Do you think they're still mad at us?" Sara asked, not looking-up from her half empty cup of coffee. Her voice filled with concern for her two friends
"If I know those two as well as I think I do," Catherine directed to her, "they've gotten past it."
She knew that they were still feeling bad about their actions toward Greg that day in the lab. Catherine had been stunned when she had heard how they had treated him. She was just as shocked when she heard of Nick's reactions to his friends' actions as well. True. Greg could be a little much at times but even he did not deserve that kind of treatment from the people he considered to be his friends. Secretly, she was glad that Nick gave them his two cents on the matter.
"Do you think they're ok?" Sara asked. The worry was still very much evident in her voice.
"I'm sure they are," Warrick answered her; "They probably just haven't had the time to sit down and call us.
Catherine looked into the green eyes across the table from her. "You think so Warrick?"
"Yeah I'm sure," he said, looking at the attractive blond. "Greg most likely got caugh-up in seeing his family and friends. And there's also his reunion that he had to get ready for. As for Nicky, he probably either had to high tail it back home for something important or had a serious relationship problem to fix."
Warrick's last statement brought a chuckle out of his stone faced companions. But the lighthearted moment faded and all became silent as the four CSIs fell into thought once again.
"I hope at least one of them calls soon. I'm kinda of getting worried," Sara said before she took a drink of her lukewarm coffee.
"I'm sure they're doing fine," Grissom said in an assuring tone to her.
"I hope so," Catherine replied as their waitress came over with their orders.
The smell of frying sausage and fresh coffee filled the Sanders kitchen. Michael and Olaf were sitting at the table, each with a cup of coffee and reading a part of the paper. Greta was finishing buttering the toast while Irene was tipping the cooked sausage onto a plate next to a platter of scrambled eggs.
When the food had been placed on the table and Greta had taken her seat next to her husband, Irene started to make her way towards the door.
"Leave them be dear, "Michael said as he set his paper down.
Her husband's voice made her stop in her tracks and Irene turned towards him with a look of motherly concern.
"I want to make sure they're ok is all," Irene said as she casted her eyes up to the ceiling; "the house was completely quiet when we got back last night."
"It was two-thirty in the morning when we came back," Olaf said as he helped himself to some eggs and toast.
"And we did not find Nicholas sleeping down here in either the sitting room or family room," Greta added, "it is apparent they mended their fences."
"There you see hon?" Michael said as he stood up and went over to his wife and guided her to the table. "Everything worked out for the best. Giving Greg and Nick some space for them to work out their problems was the best thing we could had done for them. I think its best that we just leave them be for the time. They'll come down soon enough.
Irene knew her husband was right and nodded her head. But the look on her face betrayed her thoughts.
"What's truly troubling you my little kitten?" Olaf asked when he saw his daughter's face, "It can't be merely the fact that Gregory and Nicholas had a fight?"
A small smile played across Irene's face when she heard the soft caring voice. Her father had a way of getting her to open up.
"I just can't believe Greg kept so much from his own boyfriend Papa. Poor Nick had to learn everything from us and Greg's friends. It should have been Greg who told him."
"Did you tell Michael everything about your past when you two were dating?" Olaf asked in his knowledgeable grandfather tone.
"Of course not, Papa. There were a lot of things I didn't tell of it was-"
"Was hard for you to talk about," Olaf finished for her. "Gregory has gone through so much in his short life as it was. Much of it is still hard for him to talk about. Now I'm sure that at some point, Gregory had planned on telling Nicholas everything but he wanted to wait until the appropriate time. Only he could have known when that time had come. If Nicholas is the type of person we believe him to be, he will understand and not hold any ill will towards our Gregory."
Irene nodded her head. "You're right Papa."
"Don't worry dear," Greta said with a warm smile as she reached over to pat her daughter's hand, "I'm sure we'll soon see how the two of them made out."
Before another word could be said, the kitchen door opened and in walked a very refreshed and happy looking Greg and Nick.
"Good morning everyone," Greg said in a bright tone, "isn't it a beautiful day?" he added as he gave his mother and grandmother each a kiss on the check.
"Good morning to you too dear," a surprised Irene replied.
"Morning Nick," Michael directed to the content-looking Texan.
"Morning," Nick replied in a pleasant sounding tone that was drastically different from the worried sounded tone of just a day ago.
It was not hard for Greg's parents and grandparents to notice the change in Greg and Nick as they sat down at the table. Each was calm and happy. As they began to eat their breakfast, Olaf decided to get the conversation started.
"Did you two have a pleasant evening?" Olaf asked as he passed his grandson the coffee pot.
"We did Papa," Greg answered.
"That's good," Greta replied, "than you two worked out your troubles?"
"We had a long talk," Nick said as he took the coffee pot from Greg, "I think we got everything taken care of for now."
Nick saw a smile appear on Greta's face.
"Good. A relationship can only be supported by honesty and trust. Remember that young man," she instructed to the Texan.
"Yes Ma'am," Nick answered.
"Did you do anything special while we were out?" Irene asked as she began to cut her sausage.
"Don't pry dear," Michael interjected, "they don't have to tell us anything unless they want to."
"I wasn't prying Michael. I simply asked if they did anything special for the evening. That's all."
But Michael gave his wife a questioning look.
Greg chuckled at his parents little tiff. He knew he had better say something otherwise his mom would continue to ask him without end.
"We talked at the park, came home, went upstairs and took a nap. Then I woke-up, went to the store and got a few things and came back and made a nice supper for the two of us while Nick still slept. He got up, came down stairs and we had ate. After we had finished and cleaned-up, we sat outside for a while then came in. Then we went to bed around one."
"A quiet evening then," Olaf said.
"Quiet but highly eventful Papa," Greg said and gave Nick a wicked look.
"That sound nice dear," Greta said.
Nick merely looked at his boyfriend with disbelief and shook his head. He knew all too well that when given the chance, Greg would be as non-discreet as possible without actually saying anything.
"When we got home, we were worried that we might find poor Nicholas sleeping down here by himself," Olaf said with a slight hint of humor, "but we were happy to see that not true."
"Well we were very tired," Greg said devilishly, "after everything we did, we were just too tried to move as all."
Nick just smiled as he stepped none so lightly on Greg's foot as a sign to stop talking.
Greg winced at the action and it did not go unnoticed by the four other people at the table.
"And how was your evening?" Nick asked Irene and Michael.
"It was fine dear," Irene said, "it was nice for the four of us to be able to go out for the night."
"I thought you went out with friends?" Nick asked.
"We did," Michael said, "With Henry Martens and his wife Elizabeth. Henry is a friend of mine from the university. He had mentioned that he and his wife would like to go out some time and after you left, we figured this gave us the best opportunity to do so."
"What did you guys do?" Greg asked as he continued eat.
"Elizabeth was in the mood for Chinese so we went to the Jasmine Dragon in China Town," Irene continued "they have probably the best authentic Chinese food in the city."
"So how was your cat? Or did you have dog?" Greg asked his mother.
Nick smiled and let out a small laugh. That was a typical Greg question. Looking around the table, he saw that he had not been the only one who found the question funny. His question brought a big giggle out of Olaf and while she did not make a sound, Nick saw a smile on Greta's face and saw her eyes shine towards her grandson. Michael had chuckle and luckily managed not to spew any of the coffee he had been drinking of back out. Irene however did not find the question all that humorous. Nick saw that she had the same annoyed look on her face that Greg would get. And if Irene was where Greg got that from then Nick knew that she was getting ready to tell her son off for his little joke
"Did you do anything else?" Nick asked, hoping to keep an argument from starting.
"Yes we did," Michael took over from his wife, "after supper, we went and saw a beautiful production of Swan Lake. Shame you weren't with us Greg, you would have liked it. I know how much you like the ballet."
Greg's blushing cheeks did not go unnoticed by Nick who was as equally stunned by Michael's statement. In all the time he had known Greg, the lab-rat had made no hint that he liked any kind of music other than his loud rock or to anything like the ballet what so ever.
"What are your plans for this evening Nicholas?" Greta asked to the silent Texan. She too had seen the look on her beloved grandson's face and decided to change the subject for his sake.
"I don't think we have anything planed for tonight," Nick answered as he looked to Greg who shook his head.
"Good," Greta replied, "then we would like you and Gregory to come out with us to one of our favorite places for supper tonight, Chandell's. They even have dancing."
"That sounds great Nana," Greg piped in.
"Yeah," Nick added, "sounds like fun."
"Good," Greta replied with a smile.
They finished their breakfast and started to clean up. As Nick and Greg helped clear the table, Olaf brought up a subject that had almost completely skipped Greg's mind.
"Are you excited for your reunion tomorrow Gregory?"
"Oh God that's right," Greg exclaimed as he slapped himself on the forehead, "I completely forgot about that. It's tomorrow."
"I had forgotten about that too," Nick said as he placed several of the dishes on the counter, "when does it start?"
"Why don't you boys go discuss it out in the living room," Michael said as opened the dishwasher, "we'll take care of this."
Greg nodded and he took Nick's hand and led him out of the kitchen.
"Honey," Irene directed to her husband, "can you go out and feed the dog?"
"Of course dear."
Michael picked-up the plate that had the left over sausage and eggs and headed outside.
As Greta started to wash the dishes off, she looked over to her daughter and saw that she had a look of worry on her face.
"Hva er galt barnet mitt?" Greta asked in Norwegian as she began to hand her daughter the dishes.
"Ingeting mama," Irene said without looking at her mother.
"Ikke lyv til meg unge dame."
Irene stepped back from the sink and looked from her mother to her fathert hen back.
"Vel?"
"Papa," she asked to her father, "du har ikke tenkt å lage noe stort styr i kveld har du? Jeg vil ikke at barnebarnet ditt skal bli flau foran kjæresten sin bare på grunn av bestefarens... energiske personlighet."
"Nå nå min lille katt. Har jeg noen gang gjort min lille pingvin flau?"
"Han har rett min **-katt," Greta said, "Min Gregory har aldri vært flau over sin bestefar."
"Jeg vet det mor," Irene said, "men vi vil ha Nicholas med oss i kveld. Dere har hørt Greg si at han er litt... vel konservativ. Og når han ser dere to der ute, kan han bli litt... sjokkert, det er alt."
"Min kjære," Olaf said as he took her hand into his, "tror du virkelig at den hyggelige unge mannen vil bli sjokkert av din mor og meg, når han helt sikkert har sett vår Gregory i samme situasjon?"
"Du har rett papa," she said with a smile and hugged her father.
"Og i forhold til hva vi vil gjøre i kveld, det vil ikke være store greiene."
"Nei," Greta amended, "det vil være noe som vil gjøre vårt barnebarn stolt av sine besteforeldre."
Nick and Greg sat side by side on the sofa in the living room. Greg had his head resting on Nick's shoulder while the older man ran his fingers through the un-gelled hair of the younger man. As they sat in the warm sitting room, Nick thoughts turned to last night. Nick had always thought of himself as the romantic one in their relationship but Greg had surprised him.
After they had finally came inside, they went into the living room where Greg started a fire in the fireplace. There was no need for the fire but it helped to create a romantic atmosphere. After awhile Greg had excused himself and headed upstairs then reappeared several minutes later. They sat together in a warm embrace. Greg lay against Nick's chest while Nick had his arms around Greg's waist. They had watched the crackling fire, saying hardly a word. There was no need. Both men could tell the feelings they had for one another just by the embrace they were in. It had been close to one in the morning when they finally decided to head up to bed. When they reached the second floor landing, Greg turned to Nick and pressed his lips to Nick's in what was meant at first to be a gentle kiss but elevated into a passionate exchange. They had moved to Greg's room as they became embraced in each other, never letting go of each other. Lips moved over each other, filled with passion and lust. At first it was just their lips but gradually began to change.
"You think you're ready for tomorrow?" Greg asked bringing Nick out of his thoughts and into the present.
"Hmm? Yah I think so," Nick said as he dropped his fingers from Greg's hair to his hand and began to softly massage it with his thumb, "it's only one night after all."
"Actually its three days."
Nick sat straight-up at the information causing Greg's head to slip from its place and land in Nick's lap.
"What do you mean three days?"
"Well the reunion is more than just a class getting together again after several years and seeing who fell from grace. It's also a chance for the school to get us all liquored-up and ask for money," the lab-rat said with a smile.
"Three days." Nick said in disbelief looking down to the head was in his lap.
"Not three full days. Tomorrow night is just going to be the opening ceremony and drinks. Saturday night is the actual dinner party. Then Sunday morning is the goodbye breakfast and awards. That also when we have to let the reunion committee know about any changes in contact information or anything. It won't be that bad. Any don't worry; Alice will be there so you will have someone to talk too-"
A pillow making contact with his face cut Greg off. When it was removed, Greg looked at Nick with an ear to ear smile.
"I love it when you get all annoyed at me Nicky,"
"Well you give me plenty of opportunities Gerggo."
Greg sat up and sat crossed legged on the sofa and looked into Nick's beautiful hazel eyes. When Nick looked into Greg's eyes, he saw that worry and doubt were slowly creeping their way in.
"I mean it Nicky; do you think you're ready for this reunion?"
"I'm ready for it," Nick said as he took hold of Greg's hands, "after all; I came all the way out here to go to it with you. I wouldn't have if I didn't know it was important to you."
"You really are the World's Best Boyfriend," Greg said as he gently kissed Nick on the check and buried his face in the Texan's shoulder.
Nick just smiled and wrapped his arms around Greg's waist.
"I wouldn't say World's Best. World's Greatest Boyfriend has a much better ring to it I think.
Both men started to laugh. The laughter could be heard all the way back in the kitchen where the four elder adults all smiled at what they heard.
"Are you sure I'm dressed ok?"
Greg poked his head out of the bathroom where he had been working on his hair. He smiled when he saw Nick who was standing in-front of the mirror where he was looking over himself with a slight look of uncertainty. The Texan was wearing one of his nice blue button-down shirts and dress pants.
"You look fine Nicky. Chandell's isn't that formal of a place.
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. Just relax," Greg said as he went back to working on his hair. Nick walked from the mirror over to the bathroom doorway and leaned against the doorframe.
"So how come we don't have to get all dressed-up but your Papa looks like he's going to a formal dinner party."
Greg finished with his hair and went to wrap his arms around his boyfriend's neck.
"Well Papa likes to get dressed-up when he goes out. Let's just hope he doesn't dig out his top hat and cane," He said as he lightly placed a kiss on Nick's lips. Before he could pull away, Nick grabbed hold of him and pressed himself against the younger man. Instantly, both men felt the desire to undress the other as quickly as possible. A knock came at the door which caused them to break apart.
"Greg? Nick? Aren't you two ready yet?" Irene questioned from the other side, "I don't want us to miss our reservation."
"Coming mother," Greg replied sardonically.
As the sound of Irene's retreating footsteps was heard, Nick turned his face back to Greg who shrugged his shoulders.
"Moms. What can I say?"
"G, shut-up," Nick mockingly said as he leaned in again for a kiss.
To Nick's relief, Irene, Michael and Greta were also dressed-up for supper. Both Irene and her mother were wearing a nice blouse but differed as Irene was not wearing a skirt as Greta was. Michael was dressed in a causal suit while Olaf on the other hand wore a dress shirt complete with vest, jacket with matching tie and handkerchief. All he was missing was the white gloves.
Instead of trying to pack everyone into a single vehicle, Greg took his own car and followed his parents and grandparents to the restaurant. On the way, Nick wondered what the restaurant would be like. Chandell's was located near the San Francisco Bay and from the outside; it looked like it had once been a church. When he was told they were going to Olaf's and Greta's favorite restaurant, Nick thought it would be a nice quiet place. The image that came to mind was an elegant and lavish restaurant which would be decorated in rich cream and gold colors and feature grand floral arrangements and works of art on the walls. One of those places where the staff was dressed in formal wear and was well mannered. Classical music would be playing in the background while the patrons held quiet conversations over their imported wine and fine cuisines. But Chandell's was not one of those places.
As they walked in and up to the host's podium, Nick's eyes widened at what he saw. The restaurant looked liked a fusion between a formal restaurant and a dance club. There was a full bar located at the back on the same side as the kitchen doors which was directly across from a traditional Japanese sushi bar. Steps going down to the seating area that was divided into two levels were located near the host's podium on both sides. Tables and booths were arranged around the large dance floor that had a live band at the front along with the music system set-up that was the kind seen at clubs. Hanging up above the polished dance floor was a disco ball along with an array of different lights.
"Not what you were thinking is it Nick?" Michael said as they were being led to their table by one of the young female servers.
"No it isn't" Nick replied as they passed a large aquarium filled with topical fish.
Their server led them to table close to the dance floor. The young lady took their drink orders and left. Just as Nick was about to take his seat, he saw that Irene and Greta were having their chairs taken out for them by their husbands. As Michael and Olaf pulled out the chairs for their wives, Nick went and did the same for Greg who gave an impressed look to the Texan as he sat down.
"And they say chivalry is dead."
He smiled at Nick as he took his own seat.
"My mother taught me well G," Nick replied as he picked-up his menu.
"That's good to hear Nicholas," Olaf said, "The art of teaching one proper manners is a dying art in this day of age. This one," he pointed to his grandson, "was a handful to teach."
Greg could not help but roll his eyes at his beloved grandfather while giving the man a bright smile. "I wasn't that bad Papa."
"Oh no, young one?" Greta chimed in with a smile on her face, "I seem to recall an instant that involved you, meatballs, the proper way to eat spaghetti and the drapes."
A memory came to Nick's mind and turned to Greta. "Did that happen to involve him waving his fork around while there was a meatball on it?"
Greta saw the look on his face and she knew what meant. "You too, my dear?"
"I can't have white curtains anymore."
"I know your pain," Greta said humorously as she patted the hand of her grandson's boyfriend.
"You guys act like I'm a complete klutz," Greg retorted in an irritate voice.
"We don't mean that, dear," Irene said in a soothing voice, "you're an energetic individual is all you are."
"Your mother is right son," Michael said, "sometimes it's just hard for the rest of us to keep up with you."
"Well I can't help it. You're all old," Greg mischievously replied.
Everyone laughed and when they had stopped, their server had returned with their drinks and took their orders. While they waited for their meal, Greg's parents engaged Nick in conversation.
"So what do you think of the place Nick?" Michael asked after he took a sip of his drink.
"It's not what I was expecting," Nick answered, "but I have to say so far, I'm impressed.
"We're glad," Irene replied with a smile, "when Greg comes home for a visit, we always make it a point to come here one night during his visit. It's always fun to come here"
"Too bad we didn't come on Karaoke night," Greg responded in a mock sad tone, "I'm so good at it."
"G, please. I've heard you singing in the lab before. Trust me, if you tried that, they would be throwing their dinner rolls at you. "
Again everyone had a good laugh. But Greg knew it was not directed at him personally. He merely kicked Nick gently under the table. Then he placed his hand on Nick's thigh and rubbed it tenderly. Nick answered by placing his hand on Greg's and gave it a feel affectionate squeeze. Their looks of affection were evident to the older couples.
"You have a unique voice dear," Irene replied to her son, "it's just that not everyone is appreciative of."
"That's true," Greg stated in complete honesty.
Greg's statement brought another smile to the faces of the five people around the table. Their server returned with their orders and placed each entrée before each of the six individuals. Both Irene and Michael had ordered the seafood pasta while Olaf ordered lamb chops and surprisingly Greta, a plate of barbeque ribs. Nick had ordered a steak dinner while Greg had ordered a grilled salmon dish. To Nick's amazement, the steak was cooked to perfection. Just like the way his father cooked them which Nick had never thought possible before now. While they ate, they began to talk of the reunion. Greg mentioned the things that were going to take place and Nick found himself being told stories of some of Greg's antics much to Greg's embarrassment.
Towards the end of their meal, the topic of conversation turned to dancing after they watched a few couples that where dancing out on the floor. Michael asked his wife to dance and when she said yes, he led the two of them out onto the dance floor. As he watched then go around, Nick was a little surprised to see a same sex couple dancing as well. Greg caught Nick's eye and looked to where the older man was looking. After seeing the couple, Greg turned to Nick with a small smile.
"So are you going to ask me to dance?" Greg asked Nick.
"Do you want to dance?" Nick asked in return.
"Maybe. Were you ever going to ask me?
Nick shrugged his shoulders and fixed his gaze back on his plate. "I was kinda thinking if it. But then again, I've seen you dancing in the lab when you get caught-up in that noise you call music. And from what I've seen, I didn't know if you knew how to dance-"
"I've had dancing lesson growing-up Nicky," Greg come back with, "you can't dance a waltz to a Manson song. Some observant CSI you turned out to be." Before Nick could respond, Greg leaned over and placed a kiss on Nick's check, "But if you don't want to dance that's fine with me Nick."
Nick felt his cheeks grow red at Greg's statement. He knew that no matter what he said, he knew Greg was hurt.
"How about we go for a spin after we're finished eating?"
"Sounds like a blast," Greg exclaimed then he turned to Olaf, "want to join us Papa?
"Oh I'm afraid we won't be able to," Olaf said as he took a drink of his wine.
"Why not?" Greg asked. He knew that his grandparents were always up for a dance.
"Come on G," Nick said, "you can't really expect your grandparents to have-"
But before Nick could finish, Greta interrupted him.
"You think we don't have the energy to dance young man?"
"I-"
"You think my wife doesn't know how to break loose Nicholas?" Olaf asked, cutting off Nick, "or me for that matter. You think that just because we are aged, that we don't have the ability to do anything you young people find easy to do?"
"You think we're nothing but a pair of old fuddy-duddies," Greta directed to Nick.
"No I don't. I-"
"Well we've something special to show you young man," Olaf said in a confidant tone.
Olaf pushed his chair back and stood tall before walking around to stand before his wife. With a nod of his head, he held out his hand to Greta who took it with a smile. He helped her out of her chair and the two walked out onto the empty dancing floor. They passed Irene and Michael and when they sat down Irene shook her head. Once they got on to the dance floor, Olaf pointed to the DJ who mirrored the action. They stood in the center of the floor and bowed to each other. Then a familiar tune of piano keys being played was heard before a distinctive voice started to sing over the speakers.
First I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side
But I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to carry on
and so you're back
from outer space
I just walked in to find you here
with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed my stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
you'd be back to bother me
Once Gloria Gaynor's voice and tempo began to pick-up, Greta and Olaf began dance. To Nick's great surprise, it was not the Viennese Waltz Greg's grandparents were performing. The aged participants were performing the Hustle in complete view of all the dinners.
Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as I know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive
Nick watched in amazement at the energy and speed that Greg's grandparents kept while performing. They performed each step and move with clear precision. From their crisp execution of the moves, it was obvious to Nick that they had done this dance many times before. Neither Olaf nor Greta looked the least bit tired or looked like they could run out of steam. Looking over to his boyfriend, Nick saw Greg moving along to the beat and mouth singing the lyrics. His eyes were filled with joy as he watched his grandparents. Michael had the same look on his face while Irene had her head in her hand and looked liked she was mortified by her parents; actions. Nick had a feeling she was feeling a little uncomfortable. He had felt the same way at times about his own parents.
'I guess no matter how old you or they get, you can always count on your parents to do something embarrassing.'
Then he saw that the grandparents had gained the attention of many of the other dinners who were also enjoying the sight. Turning his gaze back to Olaf and Greta, Nick saw that they were now doing the classic disco moves. The same moves that he had seen John Travolta do countess times.
It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart kept trying hard to mend
the pieces of my broken heart
and I spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
Now I hold my head up high
and you see me
somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person
still in love with you
and so you felt like dropping in
and just expect me to be free
now I'm saving all my loving
for someone who's loving me
Just as it looked like Olaf and Greta were finished, they performed their routine just as Gloria Gaynor went into her finale.
Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive oh
Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore
weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive I will survive, I will survive
The song and dance ended with Greta falling into Olaf's arms the room erupted into applause. Both Olaf and Greta bowed and returned to the table. Nick just looked in amazement at the two grandparents. He had no idea that they could do anything like that. But he was now sure with no doubt where Greg got his energetic personality from.
"I'm so sorry you had to see that Nick," Irene said as her parents returned to their table, "I asked them not to do anything like that."
"I think it was cool," Nick said with a smile.
"Yeah Mom," Greg added as he hugged his grandmother before she sat down, "you really think Nick would be embarrassed just by seeing Papa and Nana dance?"
"Well-"
"You simply worry too much dear," Michael tenderly told his wife.
Olaf went over and placed a kiss on his daughter's head. "You take on too much child. You must learn to not to worry so much."
"Enough of this," Greta interjected, "we've dance and you've watched us. Now," she directed to her grandson and boyfriend, "it's your turn. No buts about it," she directed to Nick.
Nick understood. He stood-up next to Greg and held his hand out to the lab tech.
"May I have this dance?" Nick asked his accent thick.
"Well, Sir," Greg replied in a mock southern accent, "I am honored."
"You should be Scarlett," Nick said with a grim as he led Greg out onto the dance floor just as other couples began to fill the floor and the music of Time Warp coming over the speakers.
"I can't believe your grandparents can dance like that."
Nick and Greg were walking down the street along the bay. The Golden Gate Bridge was visible out in the distance and the distant sound of ships could be heard. Michael, Irene, Olaf and Greta had gone back to the house allowing the two boys some time by themselves. As they walked, Nick was amazed as no one made any indication what so ever to the fact they were holding each other's hand. They came to a stop along the boardwalk and leaned against the railing. Hearing the comment made by the older man, Greg looked at him with shocked look.
"Well they are where I get my dancing skills."
Nick looked at Greg with a puzzled look on his face.
"What dancing skills?"
"Excuse me?" Greg asked with a death glare and arched eyebrow.
The serious look in Greg's eyes shocked Nick at first but then he saw a smirk break out and Greg began to giggle. Soon Nick found himself giggling as well. Rolling his own eyes, Nick brought Greg into his arms and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"You dance fine G. Especially for an over energetic Mexican jumping bean high on caffeine." Nick said with a smirk. Greg did not reply. Instead he playfully slapped the Texan upside the head. Still in Nick's arms, Greg turned so that both men were looking out over the bay. They looked out over the bay for several minutes. The reflections of the many lights of the area casted themselves off the calm water. Out in the distance they heard the sound of ships sailing across the water. Greg turned around and looked at up to Nick.
"I love you," Greg said, closing his eyes and leaned in towards Nick.
"I love you too," Nick mirrored as he leaned in and felt his lips come into contact with Greg's.
Each allowed their lips to move across each other slowly at first. Nick leaned more into Greg and put all his feelings of love and care for the younger man into his kiss. Greg understood what the older man was doing and answered by leaning in with a high level of vigor and opening his mouth to allow his tongue to work its way into Nick's mouth. Their tongues swept one another as they found a way into the other's mouth. As both men allowed the kiss to become more drawn out, they tightened the hold they had on each other, bring their bodies closer together. Both felt that if continued, they would meld together. Finally, the urgent need for oxygen was the cause for them to slowly and reluctantly pull their lips apart from one another.
Each opened their eyes as they pulled apart. Hazel brown eyes stared deeply into rich chocolate brown eyes. The feelings they had for each other were evident as they peered into the reaches of the other's soul. Nick brought up a hand and began to gently caress Greg's check. The tender touch brought a smile to his face. They stood for what seemed like hours. But before either had a chance to speak, a shocked filled female voice broke the silence between them.
"Nick?"
Nick completely froze. The voice that he heard call his name belonged to a woman he knew all too well and was the last person he expected to find in California.
-Author's Note & Translation-
Who can it be? Think you know? Well, you will just have to wait. I'm sorry this chapter took so long to put up. I know you hate to wait and especially now since I no longer have a more stable means to get on line and my beta has been having issues of her own to deal with but I'm happy to report that she has gotten her issues taken care of and I'm now finished with this semester. Since my chapters are becoming longer, each new chapter should be well worth the wait.
I also had a little trouble writing this chapter. The easiest parts were the opening scene with the rest of the CSIs at the dinner and the ending. The ending was the easiest part and it was the first thing I wrote. The breakfast scene I think got a little away from me I think with the dialog and may have gone on too long. Then there was figuring out how to get to the restaurant and setup Olaf and Greta's dance. I hate writer's block.
But anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and I'm really looking forward to reading your reviews. Only one more chapter to go till finally, the reunion. And I have really have some big ideas for those chapters. In all, I'm thinking that by the end, there will be twenty chapters total. And so, once again, all that is left is for you all to wait. But rest assured, I will continue on with this story. I hope to hear from you all soon.
-And here is the translation of Irene's conversation with her parents.-
What is wrong my child," Greta asked in Norwegian as she began to hand her daughter the dishes.
"Nothing mama," Irene said without looking at her mother.
"Do not lie to me, young lady."
Irene stepped back from the sink and looked from her mother to her father then back.
"Well?"
"Papa," she asked to her father, "you're not thinking of making a big scene tonight are you? I don't want your grandson to become embarrassed in-front of his boyfriend due to his grandfather's…energetic personality."
"Now now my little kitten. When have I even embarrassed my little Penguin?"
"He is right my pussy-cat," Greta said, "My Gregory has never been embarrassed by his grandfather."
"I know that mother," Irene said, "but we'll have Nicholas with us tonight. You've heard Greg say that he can be a little…well, straight laced. And when he sees you two out there, he might be a little…shocked is all."
"My dear," Olaf said as he took her had into his, "do you really think that fine young man will be shocked by your mother and me when he has no doubt seen our Gregory in the same situation?"
"You're right papa," she said with a smile and hugged her father.
"And as for our scene tonight, it won't be that big of a deal."
"No," Greta amended, "it will be something to make our grandson proud of his grandparents."