Don't Say a Word

Chapter Info: For AstroScience: Greg gets hurt by someone and he was threatened not to tell anyone; and then his friends come to the rescue! Enjoy!

Greg wiped a hand down his face as he trudged up the stairs to his apartment. Exhausted was an understatement; more like he was dead on his feet. The case that they were working on was extremely weird...especially their suspect that they had to let go due to lack of evidence against them. Tyler Malcolm; the way the creep had looked at him interrogation made him shiver. Luckily Nick had set him straight, however the man was now out on the streets and he couldn't help that something wasn't right...especially once he reached his door. He thought he heard a thump come from inside, but he blamed it on his imagination and lack of sleep and unlocked the door. It was dark and it made him regret that he didn't leave any lights on. Breathing softly, he slowly shut and locked the door, listening for something that probably wasn't there. After staying like that for a few moments, he let out a deep breath and closed his eyes. All of a sudden, something tackled him from behind and he fell hard to the ground, smashing his head on the floor.

"Ah!" He struggled in the man's tight hold, but he was being pinned down good. And when he was flipped over, his fear turned into sheer terror. It was Tyler Malcolm. "W-What the hell are you doing here? How did you f-find me?"

"Easy," he smirked. "I followed you home and beat you inside through the window. Now lie still and let it happen."

Greg's heart beat painfully against his chest. He knew where this was headed and he knew it wasn't good. And he should've noticed it when the guy was looking at him funny earlier. Stupid Greg. "No." He whimpered as Tyler began kissing his neck, holding his wrists down tightly and sitting on his waist. "Please stop."

"I said just. Let. It happen," he growled, suddenly pulling out a knife and pressing it against Greg's throat. Pain was immediate and he could feel warm liquid dripping down his neck. He gasped and closed his eyes, tears escaping onto his face. This really could not be happening; he was a good guy, paid his taxes, did his job and now he was going to get raped...by a man?

"Please," he cried, struggled weakly. "Please don't do this."

But Tyler didn't respond, only pressing the blade harder on his skin and kissing his face. When he moved to Greg's lips, the blonde turned his head, trying to shy away. But he didn't have much place to go and suddenly Tyler's lips were on his. Greg freaked and bucked his hips to try and get the creep off of him, but that was stupid, because Tyler got angry and cut his arm. Greg cried out, the stinging pain growing already. He just had to face that he wasn't going to get out of this without scars. And then, while the knife was still being held to his neck, Tyler took one hand and slowly began sliding down Greg's chest. Greg trembled in fear and sobbed harder when his shirt was lifted and Tyler was stroking his skin. Before he knew what was happening, the man was going down to his waist and started to unbuckle his belt.

"No, no, no, please!"

Suddenly, there was a heavy knock on the door and they both stopped. Tyler growled into Greg's ear, the knife never faltering. "Ask calmly who it is."

Breathing heavily, he nodded and cleared his throat. "W-Who is it?"

"Greggo, it's Nick."

"And Warrick!"

"We were coming over to see if you wanted to head out and get a drink!"

"Um..."

"Hey, come on man, open the door! If we didn't know better we would think you're watching your porno in there."

Greg could hear the two older CSI snicker...oh yeah, this was some porno alright. Some sick, demented one that he was unwilling to perform. He sniffed and closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen and then he felt Tyler whisper into his ear, causing him to flinch.

"If you tell anyone what happened, I will kill you...and then I'll kill your friends, got that?"

"Y-Yes," Greg choked.

"Glad we have an understanding." With that, Tyler jumped off of him and disappeared out the window. Greg just lay there in shock at what happened, before he remembered that Nick and Warrick were still waiting. Shakily, he pushed himself up, wiped his tears, put on a jacket to hide his bleeding arm and cleared his throat before opening the door. He squinted at the bright lights, it hurting his pounding head.

"Hey man." Nick said, swimming into his vision. "You alright? You look like death." Something was seriously wrong; Greg's eyes were red rimmed...like he had been crying and there was this strange cut on his neck that was bleeding.

"Y-Yeah," Greg smiled weakly. "Just tired."

"Where did you get that cut on your neck?" Warrick frowned.

Greg put his fingers to the wound and it came back with blood...obviously. "Uh...s-shaving."

"You're shaving?" Warrick chuckled. "Our baby Greg has finally become a man!"

Nick laughed along, but he thought it was weird that a thin cut was all the way down at the bottom of his neck. "Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you need a couple beers, loosen up a bit."

Greg ran a hand through his hair and swallowed thickly.. "A-Actually, I'm not feeling too well. I think I'm just gonna stay here and rest. You guys go on without me. Rain check, though?" He looked down at his feet, not wanting to see the confusion or maybe hatred in their eyes. But all Nick and Warrick had their eyes were major concern. Something was wrong with their CSI and they were determined to find out.

"Okay, buddy," Nick said, patting Greg on the arm, frowning harder when the kid winced. "What? What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing, just hit my arm pretty bad a couple minutes ago. Still kinda hurts."

Nick was extremely skeptical as was Warrick, but for now, they decided to let it go. "Just call us if you need anything or change your mind."

Greg nodded jerkily and before the two men had time to say anything else, the door was shut and locked in their faces.

"You notice anything off about G?" Nick asked the older man as they walked back down the stairs.

"Yeah, he's acting really strange, but I'm sure if he wants to talk about it, he'd come straight to us. Let's just give him some space."

Nick nodded, but he didn't want to give the kid space. He needed to see what was wrong with his little brother. He promised the man he'd always be there for him and he swore that if anything bad happened to the guy on his watch, he'd never forgive himself. "Yeah...I guess so."

As Greg heard his friends leave, he sagged against the wall, sliding to the floor. He had almost been...he didn't even want to think about it. He knew that Nick knew something wasn't right and that he didn't cut his skin shaving. He desperately wanted to tell them what had happened so they could keep him safe, but he couldn't because he'd put them in the line of fire. He could care less about himself-though he didn't want to die- he just didn't want to drag his friends into danger. Bringing his knees up to his chest, he started to sob violently, his body trembling with heaves. He felt so sick and he was now scared to leave his own apartment, because he knew that Tyler would be watching his every move. After a few minutes, Greg managed to pull himself together and he got up to lock every single door and window. He shut the shades and only turned on one light. Then, he slowly dragged himself to the couch, collapsing on it; he wanted to sleep, but every time he closed his eyes, all he could hear was Tyler's voice, his hands on his body and his lips on his own. It was disgusting and he knew he wasn't getting any sleep tonight.

~+CSI+~

The next day, Greg called out sick and the Texan knew he should be worried. He debated all day whether he should go over and check on the kid, but the case that they were still working on was keeping him busy. He didn't know why Greg called out, because he seemed fine the day before...well, not when they asked him to go get drinks; that's when he looked like death warmed over. He wanted to believe that it was just a 24-hour bug and that the kid would be better tomorrow, but there was something in his gut that was telling him that it was something else. That he might be in trouble. After shift, he decided to go over and see what was up; whatever it was, he wasn't gonna let the kid go through it alone.

"Greg!" He shouted, pounding on the door. After waiting a few seconds and got no response, he tried again. "Come on man, I know you're in there." Then again, Greg could be sleeping, because maybe he was really sick. Sighing heavily, he rested his forehead against the door. "G, if you can hear me, you know I'm here for you okay? Whatever you're going through we can work it out...you're not alone, man."

Silence. "Alright...if you want to talk, just call me, okay?" With that he stood up straight and walked back outside. When he got to his car, he looked up to Greg's window and saw that the shades were closed and no light was peeking out. "What's up with you kiddo?"

As Nick had been calling out for him, Greg was huddled in a ball on his couch, shivering and crying. He had managed to fall asleep for a couple hours before he started having nightmares and when he woke up, he became paranoid. He locked himself in the bathroom until the morning and then when first sign of light came, he finally felt safe...a little. He decided to call out of work, because one) he really did feel sick and two) he didn't want to risk being attacked by Tyler or let him find away into his apartment while he was gone. He wanted to talk to Nick. He really wanted to let him know that he was in danger, but he just couldn't. It wasn't safe...and he didn't want to drag him into his troubles. Greg wiped some tears from his face sniffed before turning on the TV, trying to get his mind on something else. Soon his eyes started drooping close and he slumped into the pillows, finally getting some much needed sleep. After twenty-four hours went by, Greg felt a little better; he had a feeling that Tyler was done with him and was going to leave him alone. So he made the decision to go in for his next shift and work his ass off for missing the other day.

"Hey G," Nick grinned, coming up to him in the lab. Ecklie needed someone to fill in for Wendy, because she had gotten sick, and Greg volunteered eagerly. It was way better than being out in the field where Tyler could always see him.

"Hey Nick," he smiled back before returning to his work.

"You look better, how're you feeling?"

"Good...it was just a little bug, nothing to worry about." He swallowed...it wasn't a bug and it was definitely something to worry about. He hadn't slept well and he hadn't eaten either because it would just make a second appearance.

Nick pat him on the back. "So how about that rain check tonight? Just us two."

"You mean on a date?" Greg teased. "Nick I'm flattered that you finally got the courage to ask me out."

Nick chuckled and rolled his eyes. The old Greg was back...or so he thought. "Whatever, just us two brothers. It looks like you need a break."

Greg looked up from the microscope and nodded his head. "I'll think about it."

"Great...I'll see you later, G." Nick left and Greg went back to his work. He wanted to go get drinks with Nick, it was just the fact that if he went back home, a visitor could be waiting for him. And if he was drunk he wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight. Twelve hours later, Greg was still working, determined to never go home. He was exhausted and hungry and felt like he was about to pass out, but his work came first. He rubbed his eyes for the hundredth time before placing more finished evidence in the pile. He swayed a little, but caught himself, hoping that no one had seen him; unfortunately Nick had and he left to go convince Grissom to force the kid to go home.

"Gris, we need to talk."

"Go ahead," the man looked up from some papers, taking off his glasses.

"It's Greg. He's been working around the clock and I just passed the lab and he almost fainted. He needs to go home."

Grissom pursed his lips. "Nick's it's his decision to go home-"

"Did you hear me? He's about to keel over. If it was his choice, he'd stay here for a week without going home. He needs to hear it from you and you need to force him to leave."

Grissom sighed. "Alright, I'll go talk to him."

Nick shoulders sagged in relief as he followed Grissom back to Greg's lab. He watched and waited out in the hall while the older man went inside. He could see Gris telling Greg to take a break and go home to rest, but it looked like Greg was insisting to stay. What the hell was wrong with that guy? Couldn't he see or feel how sick he was?

"Greg, you need to go home," Grissom said, taking things out of the blonde's hand and placing them on the table. "You're about to collapse and I'm sure you don't want to go to the hospital."

"N-No, but I'm fine, really Gris. I'll almost-"

"Greg, you don't want me to have to suspend you in order for you to take a break, do you?"

The younger man sighed. "Fine, I'll go." He really didn't want to go home, but he also didn't want to be suspended.

"Good. Nick will take you."

Greg looked out the window and saw Nick standing in the hallway, looking at him worriedly. Pursing his lips, Greg nodded to Grissom and hung up his lab coat before heading to the locker room to grab his things.

"Nick, why did you do that?" He said in frustration as he heard the Texan enter the room. "I'm perfectly capable of staying here a couple more hours."

"I'm sure you are, Greggo, but I don't want to see you pass out. I don't want to see you like that and if it happened and I could've done something about it, I'd never forgive myself."

Greg shut the locker and turned to the man with a small smile. "Thanks, but you shouldn't have to babysit or feel responsible for me."

What if I want to? "I'm not babysitting you; I'm merely watching out for you. That's what a big brother does for his little brother. Now come on, lets get you home." He wrapped an arm around his kid brother's shoulder and they walked towards the Texan's car together.

"Actually...do you think I could crash at your place for tonight?" I don't feel safe in my own fucking apartment, just great.

Nick frowned for a second, but felt this was better, because then he could keep an eye on the guy. "Of course, you don't even have to ask, buddy."

The whole ride to Nick's, Greg slept and the Texan was glad he made Grissom send the kid home. By the time they reached his apartment, Greg was still out cold and Nick was contemplating on whether he should just carry the kid or wake him up. But thankfully, he didn't have to do neither, because the blonde began to stir.

"Why aren't we moving?" He groaned, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

"We're at my apartment, I've been waiting for you to wake up."

Greg raised an eyebrow. "For how long?"

"Just a couple minutes."

"You've been watching me sleep?" Greg snorted weakly. "That's not creepy at all."

Nick chuckled and they both headed up into the building. Nick led Greg to his bedroom, insisting that he should sleep there and he'd just take the couch.

"Are you sure?"

"Greggo, you need more sleep than I do, take the bed."

"Alright...wait you didn't have sex in it lately, did you?"

Nick scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Of course not and even if I did, I'd clean the sheets."

Greg yawned, kicking off his shoes. "A little unlucky in the lady department are we?"

The Texan shook his head with a smirk. "Just go to bed, will ya? There's some shorts in the bottom draw. They probably won't fit you since you're a twig, but they'll be comfortable."

Greg smiled. "Thanks for the compliment," he said, getting under the covers after he quickly changed and settled in the pillows while closing his eyes.

Nick was starting to feel better now that Greg seemed to feel better. "If you need anything, bud, I'll be out in the living room okay?"

But he got no response, because the kid was already fast asleep. The Texan shook his head in disbelief. Wish I could fall asleep that quick. "Goodnight buddy." He shut the door halfway and then walked into the living room, plopping down on the couch and putting on an old football game. Greg was going to be alright; the kid was the strongest man he knew and he didn't doubt that for a moment. Little did either of the CSI's know that both of them forgot to lock the window and Tyler had followed them the entire way back. He had to make sure that dumb CSI wasn't gonna tell anyone what happened and he had a feeling that tonight might be the night he would. Parking his truck a couple blocks away, he ran over to the apartment and watched as the two disappeared in building number five. Going around the back, he found the right window and climbed up the emergency stairs. He knew Greg would've been too stupid to remember to lock the window and he grinned in satisfaction when it opened quietly. Slowly, he stepped into the room and watched him sleep. Too bad he wouldn't be for a while. Stealthily, he made his way over and stared down at his peaceful face; boy he'd kill to be with this kid...he just wanted to see what was underneath and if it was good, he found himself a keeper. In a swift movement, he took out his knife with one hand and placed his other hand over the kid's mouth. Greg's eyes snapped open and he gasped...looking up, he saw his worst nightmare.

"Shh, it's gonna be okay. It'll be quick and painless, I promise. And I hope you haven't said anything to your friend in the past hour or once I'm done with you," he brought the knife into Greg's view. "I'm gonna slit his throat."

A couple tears made their way onto Greg's cheeks as Tyler pulled down the sheets. He straddled Greg again like he had the last time and grinned. "How about we pick up where we left off, huh?"

Greg shook his head frantically, but knew there was no point. He was going to get raped and Nick was right down the hall; he'd never know. Please help me Nick. And then he felt Tyler's hand pulling at the waistband of the shorts. Nick!

The Texan awoke with a jerk and sat up in confusion. Something didn't feel right...he woke up, because he thought he heard something, but maybe it had been a dream. He turned down the volume and listened for anything weird...but there was nothing...until he heard a muffled whimper coming from his bedroom. Something in his gut told him to take his gun and he didn't know why, but it was better safe than sorry. Grabbing the weapon off the counter, he quietly made his way to the room. And what he saw made him sick and his heart break. Someone was sitting on top of Greg, a knife in his hand and...he was kissing the kid! Greg wasn't fighting back, why wasn't he fighting back? His hand suddenly made it's way down to Greg's pants and that was the last straw.

"Get the hell off him you sick pervert!" He growled, raising the gun to the man's face.

Greg's attacker stopped and turned around with a glare. Nick frowned for two reasons: one, because it was their suspect they couldn't convict, Tyler Malcolm, and two, there looked to be a dark wet substance soaking Greg's shirt...blood. Oh shit.

"Put the knife down and get the fuck off him before I blow your brains out!"

Greg was pale, a thick layer of sweat coating his face and his breathing ragged. He needed to get the kid to the hospital now. "Get up!"

"I don't think that's going to happen, not until I get what I want," Kyle sneered.

"I'm not gonna ask you again. Either you get up or I shoot. Your choice."

Tyler hesitated for a minute before grinning. Without warning, he rose the knife and started to bring it down on Greg. But he barely had a chance, because Nick pulled the trigger without blinking, the bullet going right through Tyler's forehead. His body shuddered, the knife falling on the bed before he collapsed to the ground. Nick called an ambulance before running over and checking for a pulse Dead, thank god. He put the gun on the nightstand and climbed next to Greg, patting his face.

"Greg? Greggo, can you hear me?"

Greg's eyes flickered open and shivered. "N-Nick?"

"Yeah man, you okay?"

"N-Not really. Everything hurts."

"Don't worry, I called for help. You're gonna be okay, buddy, just stay with me alright?"

Greg nodded and swallowed. "T-Tyler-"

"He's dead, kid, he can't hurt you anymore...did he...did he," he was dreading this question. "Did he do anything to you, G?"

"I don't...I don't know. Oh god." He began to cry and Nick brought him into his lap, resting his chin on Greg's head.

"It'll be okay, Greg. You're gonna be fine. I got you now and you're safe." Nick started crying silently as well. He could believe Greg almost...and under his nose too!

Greg continued to sob into Nick shirt until he began to feel exhausted and in pain. Darkness was dragging him away to safety and even though he felt safe in Nick's arms, he just wanted to disappear for a while.

"Greg?" He slapped the man's pale face. "Come on Greggo, stay awake. Stay with me okay?"

"C-Can't...tired," Greg muttered, his head leaning into Nick's body.

The Texan cradled it, wondering where the hell the damn medics were. "I know you're tired, but you have to wait until the paramedics come, okay?"

Silence.

"Greg? Greg!" He started crying harder, burying his face in Greg's hair while trying to staunch the bleeding. "Please, Greg." I can't lose my little brother.

~+CSI+~

The Texan paced in Greg's room nervously, willing the kid to wake up. Ever since he passed out six hours ago, he hasn't shown any signs of response. Nick wiped his face and looked at the unconscious blonde sadly. Pain and fear was present on the kid's pale face, his eyes red rimmed and tear marks on his cheeks.

"Jesus Greggo," he whispered, running his fingers through his hair. It had been close; though the stab wound hadn't been deep, it had nicked his spleen and that's why he bled out so much. Other than the blood loss, he was going to recover nicely. Now they were just waiting on the SAE kit...and Greg just needed to open his goddamn eyes.

"Nicky!"

He whirled around to see Catherine and Warrick rushing into the room.

"Cath, thank god."

The woman brought him into a hug, noticing that he hadn't even washed the dry blood from his hands. "What happened?"

"I'm not really sure; Greg asked to sleep at my place and the next thing I know, there's our suspect Tyler Malcolm s-sitting on top of him a-and..."

"You don't have to say it, man," Warrick said. "Did you get a SAE kit?"

"Y-Yeah," the Texan breathed. "They haven't gotten back to me about it yet. And he wa-was stabbed." He lifted up his hands shakily, showing the blood, tears in his eyes. He bled so much."

"But he's okay, Nicky," Catherine smiled. "He's alive."

Nick nodded and swallowed thickly before turning back to his little brother. "He just needs to wake up. I don't understand what happened and I need to know that he's really okay."

"He will be, man," Warrick said, patting him on the back. "He's tough."

Nick smiled weakly and then went to go sit by Greg, tightly gripping his limp hand. Catherine faced Warrick and cleared her throat.

"Stay with him, I'm gonna go check on the SAE exam."

"Alright." When she left, Warrick turned to Nick and looked at him sadly before scanning his little brother. The kid look like he went through hell. What the fuck happened?

Five Hours Later

The minute he felt a twitch in his palm, Nick awoke from his doze and shot up straight.

"Greg? Greggo, can you hear me?"

A weak moan slipped from Greg's pale lips before his eyes blinked open and he scanned the room fearfully.

"Easy, bud, it's just me. You're okay, Tyler can't hurt you anymore."

"N-Nick?"

The Texan smiled warmly, gripping Greg's hand tightly. "Yeah man."

"Where am I?"

"The hospital. You remember what happened?"

"Um..." Greg rubbed his eyes, wincing when he pulled on the I.V. "I-I think so." And then he remembered; it hit him full on. "Oh god, Nick...was I...was I r-raped?"

"No G, the tests came back negative, thankfully."

"What about Tyler?"

"I killed him."

Greg frowned. "R-Really?"

Nick tapped the middle of Greg's forehead with a smirk. "Right there."

"Thank god." The man couldn't hurt him or threaten his family anymore.

"What happened man?"

"I guess it's safe now that he's dead, but a couple days ago, you know when you asked me for drinks? I wasn't really sick...Tyler somehow got into my apartment and attacked me. He p-pinned me down and s-started ki-kissing me," he sniffed and he saw Nick clench his jaw in anger. "Just as he was about to...you know...you guys knocked on the door and scared him away."

"Son of a bitch. Why didn't you tell me man? I wouldn't beat the shit out of him." Nick's hands began shaking in complete rage.

"Because he threatened me...he said if told anyone he'd find out and kill me and you guys."

"He fucking threatened you? Jesus." No one got away with hurting his little brother.

"P-Plus, I didn't want to bother you."

"Greg," Nick chuckled humorously. "You could never bother any of us. We look out for each other and if you're in trouble we- I- want to know so I can kick their asses."

Greg laughed weakly, looking down at his hands.

"Promise me next time you'll let me- or anyone else on the team- know if you're in trouble, okay? No matter what. I wouldn't be able to handle it if something bad happened to you...the team will take care of our wittle baby Greg." He pinched the man's cheek teasingly. Greg swatted it away with a roll of his eyes. "But seriously man, you're my little brother and I'll always be there for you."

The young blonde gave him a lopsided smile. "Thanks Nick."

"No problem buddy."

And Greg realized that whenever danger came at him, his team would make sure he stayed safe...and Nick would make sure the people threatening him would be killed. Ha, good old Nick.

FIN
Ending was kinda sucky, but I hoped you liked it!

Next prompt is for: Lea55ndra

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