Protecting the Protector

Chapter Info: For Cirinde Palantir: Can you please write one about Greg and Nick and Greg protects Nick or so... I think it'd be awesome :) Enjoy!

Nick dreaded this day of the year…because on this very day his older brother, the one that he loathed, always tried to come and talk to him. No matter how many times he said he wouldn't be forgiven, Nathan would not give up. Nick closed his locker with a heavy sigh, squeezing his eyes shut in frustration. And to make things worse, he phone rang…again. It was Nate; the guy had called him ten times already and he had ignored them all. He felt that this time it was getting worse; that Nathan was gonna stop at nothing to get forgiveness. Which is why if it came to Nate coming to his work, he would need to keep Greg out of the crossfires. Nate was the jealous type and if he knew about the brotherly relationship he and the kid had, shit was gonna hit the fan.

"Hey man, you okay?" Greg.

Nick looked up with a forced smile and saw Greg standing in the doorway with a concerned look on his face.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Greg scoffed and went to go sit down next to the Texan. "You could've fooled me. You've been tense and jumpy all day. What gives?"

Nick pursed his lips and looked down at the floor. He didn't want to drag the kid into his mess, but he knew that Greg wasn't gonna let it go until he told him. "Can this stay between us, G?"

"Of course…Nick, what's going on?"

"Umm, I never told you this but something happened when I was younger. I only told Catherine a while back and then kept it in ever since. My brother, Nathan, he'd get high…like completely baked on PCP and when he'd come home, he'd beat me up. Of course he'd make sure it was places where my parents wouldn't see…he was pretty good at that. This went on for years until I was twelve…and then the worst happened. He and his girlfriend had gotten high together at my house when my parents were out. I went to his room, because I had accidently left something of mine in there. When I opened the door, they were having sex," Nick choked out a sob and Greg placed a comforting hand on his back. "Nathan screamed at me, but his girlfriend, Christa, dragged me in and…well, you can probably guess. And my brother…he just stood there and watched. He didn't try to stop her."

Greg was horrified; how could Nick's own flesh and blood do that to him?

"Anyways, when my parents got home, I…I didn't tell them, because Nate told me to keep quiet. A couple days went by and my parents came across the drugs in his room. He was sent to juvie. Ever since he got out, he claimed he changed, but I didn't believe him. I couldn't trust him anymore. Now every year on the day that…happened, he'd try to convince me to forgive him."

"God, Nick. I…I never knew. I'm so sorry."

Nick sniffed. "It's not your fault, Greggo. I just…I kept it bottled in all my life. You and Cath are the only ones who know. So please, please don't say anything."

"Nick, I gave you my word. The secret is safe with me. Say, how about we go for drinks. Get drunk and forget about everything and everything will be better in the morning…well, except for the fact we might have hangovers."

Nick laughed. Greg always knew how to cheer him up. "That sounds good, buddy. Let me just grab my coat and I'll meet you out at my car."

"Your car? You think you're driving? Nuh uh, my idea, my car…my music."

Nick rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Fine, whatever; I'll see you in a minute."

Greg smirked and got up from the bench, disappearing around the corner and going outside to his car. He was so preoccupied in making Nick feel better that he didn't even see the man hiding in the shadows. A man that had been standing there for hours, waiting for his little brother to come out. Five minutes later, Nick exited the lab and hopped into Greg's car.

"No changing my music, Nick, or there will be hell to pay."

Nick chuckled. "And what are you gonna do?"

Greg tried to smile as he turned the volume up to an ear-piercing level.

Nick plugged his ears but smirked. Well played, kid. Well played.

Once they got inside the bar, the sat down and ordered two beers. And Greg stuck to his word; they got drunk and forgot about everything that had previously happened. Seven beers later, the two stumbled out into the cold Las Vegas air, laughing and joking without a care in the world. Nick was about to hail a taxi when he heard a familiar voice behind him. He froze and turned around to face…Nathan.

"Nate…what the…what the hell are you doing here?" He pushed Greg behind him, not wanting him to get hurt.

"Nick, you have to forgive me; I've changed and I'm sorry."

"Gee, like I haven't heard that a million times," he spat. "I already said I was done with you. Come on Greg, lets go."

Nate clenched his jaw. He noticed how protective Nick was to the scrawny blonde and it angered him. How could Nick be "brothers" with this complete stranger and not him? As the two turned around, he snatched Greg around the wrist tightly and pulled him back.

Greg yelped and Nick shouted in anger and fear. "Let him go, you son of a bitch."

"What's he got that I don't, huh Nick?" He gripped Greg's wrist hard enough to create a bruise and the younger man grimaced in pain. "How come you treat a stranger like a brother more than your real brother? This guy is nothing, so what?"

Seeing Greg in pain and the utter fear in his the big brown eyes outraged Nick and in a swift motion, he punched Nathan in the nose, causing him to stumble back and let go of Greg. Nick quickly brought the shaking CSI to his side, quietly asking if he was okay.

"Y-Yeah, I'm good."

"Leave us alone, Nathan or I swear to god." They turned and began to walk down to a taxi that had pulled over.

"You never answered my question, Nick!" Nathan shouted after him, holding his bloody nose.

As Greg got into the taxi, Nick looked back at his so called brother. "He actually cares about me, Nate. Greg is more of a brother than you'll ever be." With that, he got in the car and left Nathan in the rearview mirror. When they turned the corner, Nick sagged into the seat.

"This is definitely not how I figured the night to end. I'm so sorry this happened, G." He glanced at Greg, seeing how pale he was, but how good he was hiding the fear.

"Are you okay, buddy?"

"I'm fine Nick…just my wrist hurts, but it's really nothing."

Nick sighed and sat up. "Let me look."

"No really, Nick, it's okay." Greg tried hiding the bruise under his sleeve, but Nick wasn't giving in.

"If it's fine, then I can look at it."

Sighing in exasperation, Greg held out his hand. Nick turned on the above car light and gasped inwardly. "Dammit." The bruise had already formed extensively, it being black, blue and purple. "That son of bitch. Seriously Greg, I didn't mean for this to happen."

Greg chuckled. "Nick, its fine. It was a one-time thing; don't worry about it. It's not like it's gonna happen again, I promise."

Nick smiled weakly, but he had a feeling that what Nathan did was just a warning…that there was still more to come. He was gonna have to keep an eye out for the guy and an even closer eye on Greg. He wasn't gonna let the kid get hurt, because of his family troubles. He looked out his window sadly; he just wanted this all to be over.

The Next Morning

Greg yawned as he exited his apartment. He was dead tired, not to mention the headache he was sporting. Nick was probably feeling the same; they hadn't planned on going into work…the beauties of being on call. He looked down at wrist and winced. The bruise had become yellowish green with spots of purple; damn that guy had some strength. He just hoped that Nathan wouldn't show his face again. He didn't need it and Nick definitely didn't need it. He pressed the unlock button on his keys and was about to open the door when he was grabbed from behind, turned around and thrown violently against his vehicle. His heart beat frantically, praying that this wouldn't be like the last time. When he opened his eyes, his fear dissipated and his anger grew.

"Nathan, what the hell do you want?"

"I want you to leave my little brother alone; he doesn't want you."

"I could say the same for you," Greg growled.

Nate clenched his jaw and before Greg knew what was going on, he was punched in the mouth and ribs, causing him to fall to the ground and spit up blood. Greg stared at the ground, trying to focus his vision. His hair was pulled and his head was yanked back; Nate's face got up in his and he was able to smell the alcohol on his breath.

"You stay away from Nicky or you'll regret ever meeting him. I will kill you." With that, he threw Greg to the ground and ran away before the CSI could look up. Moaning in pain, he shakily pushed himself up from the ground, wiping the blood from his busted lip and going back into his apartment to clean himself up. If Nick saw him like this, there would be questions…and then he would find out who did this…and then all hell would break lose. He would be late for work, but he didn't care right now. Ten minutes later, Greg hopped back into his car and drove off towards the lab. The side of his mouth was bruised, but he changed his shirt and cleaned up the blood and made sure no other injuries would be visible.

By the time he got into the locker room, his head was pounding even more and ribs were aching. He had managed to dodge Nick, but Catherine had seen the pained look on his face and demanded to know what was going on. Thankfully, he had managed to get away with a lie and she left it at that. It was almost noon when he went to the break room for something to eat; the minute he began to sit down, Nick entered and he wasn't able to hide the grimace from his face.

Nick frowned. "You okay, G?"

"Mmhm. W-Why do you ask?"

"Well, you look like you're in pain, that's why. And your lip is busted."

"I-I just fell this morning, that's all." Greg kept his head down, not wanting Nick to see the lies.

"Greggo, you know that it's impossible to lie to me. What are you hiding?"

It took a moment, but Greg finally looked up, tears shining in his eyes. Nick searched the kid's face and soon, he knew he didn't have to be a CSI to put two and two together. Nathan had beat Greg up.

"When did this happen?"

Greg looked back down at his hands in embarrassment. "This morning…confronted me at my car."

Nick fisted his hands, trying to stay calm. "What else did he do?"

"Nick it's nothing, just-"

"Greg I'm not angry or anything, just tell me…please."

Greg sighed. "He threw me to the ground and threatened me…said he wanted me to leave you alone or else."

"Or else what, Greg?" He was getting angrier by the second.

Greg looked up, tears in his eon his cheeks. "Or else he'd kill me."

And that was the last straw. Nick jumped up from his seat, knocking the chair back and slamming his hand on the table causing Greg to flinch. "I'm gonna fucking kill him! I told him to leave you alone, dammit."

"Nick, it's fine, it's probably just an idle threat."

"Greg, you don't know him; when he threatens somebody, he means it."

"Well, isn't he leaving again? You said he did this every year."

"I don't think he plans on leaving this time; in fact, I'm gonna go pay him a visit right now." Nick grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

"Wait!" Greg ran after him. "I'm coming with you."

"No. Greg it's too dangerous; I don't want you getting hurt."

"I'm very flattered, but if something happens to you and I could've done something about it, can you imagine how guilty I'd feel? I'm coming. With. You."

Nick pursed his lips and rolled his eyes. "Fine…but you're staying in the car."

~+CSI+~

Nick pulled up to the motel he tracked his brother's cellphone to. It was crappy and probably really cheap…just like Nate. He shut down the engine and turned to Greg, a serious look on his face.

"I mean it, G, stay."

Greg frowned. "I'm not a dog, Nick."

The Texan rolled his eyes, but stared at the man until he got a straight answer.

"Yes, I'll stay here mom."

Nick patted Greg's chest with a smirk before getting out of the car and going to the motel manager's office to get Nathan's room number. As Nick disappeared, Greg sighed heavily and leaned back in the chair…and then something caught his eye as Nick walked down the path and knocked on the door of Nate's room. It was Nick's gun.

"Nick! Nick you forgot your-" but the Texan was already gone. Hopefully the guy wouldn't need it…however, he had a feeling that it wouldn't be the case. Ten minutes later, the blonde grew impatient; he bit his nails and glanced down at his watch. He looked back up at the door where Nick disappeared to and couldn't wait any longer.

"Screw this." He didn't care if Nick told him to stay in the car. He was gonna help his friend no matter what. Getting out, he started towards the room when he heard shouting coming from inside. Eyes widening, he ran up, immediately opening the door and what he saw stopped his heart. Nick was up against the wall and Nate had a gun…pointed right at the Texan. And what a surprise…he didn't have one and he wasn't smart enough to grab Nick's. Smart move, Greg.

"Hey! Let him go!"

Both Stokes turned their heads and each had different reactions. Nathan had anger and Nick had anger and fear.

"Greg, what the hell!? I told you to stay in the car!"

"What's he doing here, Nicky? Can't fight your own battles so you're sending this scrawny bitch after me?"

Greg clenched his jaw in anger. "I thought I told you to leave Nick alone?!"

"And I thought I said the same? Don't you remember my warning? Seems you took it as a joke." Nate turned away from Nick and moved towards Greg. "You see, I don't joke so everything I say, I mean."

"Oh really?"

"Greg, shut up." The kid was gonna get himself hurt.

But the young CSI ignored him. "Then why haven't you done anything to me yet?" Where the hell was all this confidence coming from?

Nathan growled and lifted up the gun to Greg. "You want me to do something to you?" The safety clicked off and Greg's heart jumped. "Fine, I guess you're signing your death wish."

"No!" Nick pushed off from the wall and tackled his brother down.

Greg flinched back and watched as Nick and Nathan wrestled; he wanted to help, but he saw no way into the fight. All of a sudden, Nate punched Nick on the side of the head and the Texan fell limp, though not entirely unconscious.

"Hey!" Without thinking Greg ran over and jumped on Nate's back, trying to subdue him. And not either of them noticed Nick crawling out the door. He was gonna end this now.
"Get off me you little runt!" Nathan stumbled around the room, trying to get Greg off his back.

"Not until you leave me and Nick alone!" Greg wrapped his arms around Nathan's neck, but he was surprised when he propelled him against the wall. He whimpered in pain and his grip loosened as he fell to the floor. The large man caught his bearings and roughly pinned Greg to the floor.

"Now you're gonna get what's coming to you, kid." He brought his hands around the blonde's neck and began squeezing it as tight as he could. Greg eyes bulged and he began frantically scratching at his attacker's hand.

"S-St…st-stop….p-please." Black spots danced in front of his eyes and he could feel his chest getting tighter.

"I told you to stay away from my brother," Nathan said through clenched teeth as he saw Greg's movements getting weaker. "He's mine and mine only. With you out of the way, he's going to forgive me again."

Greg choked, his eyes fluttering close. He knew that this was it; he was gonna die and Nick was gonna be stuck with this psycho. I'm sorry Nick. I'm so sorry.

However, while Nathan and Greg had been fighting, Nick had crawled out of the room and to his car where he left the gun. His vision was blurry and he was a little disoriented, but he wasn't gonna let his little brother get hurt, because of him. Standing up, Nick stumbled to his car and grabbed his gun off the dashboard and ran back to the room, just in time to see Greg on the floor and Nathan squeezing the life out of him. The kid's face was almost blue and his arms were slowly falling to his side. And he had a choice as he raised his gun; to either let Greg die- the hell with that- or kill his blood brother. But Greg was more than a brother than Nate was…Greg was his blood brother and there was no changing that. He could live without Nate, he couldn't live without Greg. Without another thought, he pulled the trigger and watched as the bullet struck the older man in the back. Nathan shuddered for a split second before falling off of a barely conscious Greg. Quickly, he holstered his weapon and ran over to the kid, falling to his knees. He pushed Nate's gun away before moving to Greg.

"Greg? Greg, can you hear me?" He slapped the man's pale face. It didn't sound like the kid was breathing and it was scaring the shit out of him. "Greg!" Please, please, please. Tears began slipping down his face as he couldn't rouse the blonde. "Greg, please don't do this to me"

All of a sudden, Greg inhaled hungrily, his eyes snapping open. Nick's heart jumped into his throat as Greg began gasping for air. He choked a sob before grabbing Greg by the shoulders and lifting him up into his arms. "God Greggo, don't ever do that to me again."

Greg coughed violently, digging his face into Nick's shoulder. He had almost died; it had been the scariest moment of his life. Nick put his face into Greg's hair, hugging the man tightly.

"God, I'm sorry this happened to you, G; I'm so sorry."

"S'okay," Greg croaked. "Not your fault."

"It is, Greg," Nick whispered as he heard sirens in the distance. Someone obviously heard the fighting and gunshots. "And why would you do something so stupid; he really could've killed you. Do you know how much I'd hate myself if that happened?"

"M' sorry, N-Nicky…had to help…c-couldn't let…y-you get hurt."

"Hey man," Nick chuckled. "That's my job."

Greg was finally getting his breathing under control and he closed his eyes in exhaustion. "Maybe…s'time to switch the roles on occasion."

Nick laughed again. "I don't know how much I like you putting your life in the line of fire…especially for me. I'm still gonna protect you like there's no tomorrow, G."

Greg sighed breathlessly. "Thanks for that."

They waited for the police and medics to arrive and both were treated for their injuries at Desert Palm. Nick had a minor concussion, while Greg had bruised ribs, minor concussion and a slightly damaged larynx. Otherwise, they were okay…even mentally, because they had each other to lean on all the way.

One Week Later

Greg walked into the locker room, a small grin on his face. He had just closed up a case and now he and Nick were gonna go watch the game at the sports bar. Nathan Stokes' funeral had been a couple days ago and he knew that the Texan had to get his mind off of the thought that he killed a family member. Nick was sitting on the bench, looking into his open locker. It had been the same exact scene he saw last week, except Nick looked happier.

"Hey Nick."

The Texan looked up with a grin, clearing his throat. "Hey man; you ready to go?"

"Yeah…listen, um…I'm sorry about your brother and what you had to do to him."

"I'm not," Nick said abruptly and shocking Greg. "I mean…it sucks that I had to kill him, but my parents understand why I did it, Grissom understands why I did it and I'm sure you do too. You saved my life and I saved yours; you're my little brother, G, the only one that I'll ever need."

Greg gave a lopsided grin and they shared silent words before Nick stood up, grabbing his jacket. "Ready to get your ass kicked in the game?"

Greg laughed. "I should be asking you that question, Nick."

"We'll see about that, little brother," Nick smirked, ruffling Greg's hair as they exited the room. "We'll see about that."

FIN!

Hope you enjoyed that brotherly piece! REVIEWS! PROMPTS ARE CLOSED NOW! IF YOU DIDN'T GET YOUR PROMPT IN, YOU CAN ALWAYS PM ME AND I CAN WRITE IT AS A SINGLE STORY! THANKS!

Next story is for: aviola. sekar

PROMPT LIST:

aviola. sekar

pinazee

Anonymous

(again :))

pickledpepper

Csi121099

AstroScience

Lea55ndra

EarthtoAlex

Ashling Alroy

Joanne

Lil Badger 101

Marymel