Secrets
Summary: Nick keeps secrets. NickGreg.
Post: Overload (2x03).
A.N.: Heavy on spoilers for 'Overload' (2x03). Please don't read this if you haven't seen the episode.
NICK: (he takes a deep breath) Okay. There are some people you're supposed to be able to trust, you know? I was nine. And she was a last-minute baby-sitter. (CATHERINE's stunned.) All I can remember doing afterwards is sitting in my room in the dark, staring at the door waiting for my mom to get home. But I've never told anyone before.
Overload (2x03).
Post-ep
"Hey Greg," Cath greets as she walks in the locker room.
"Hey Cath. How'd the case turn out?" Greg asks, interested.
"Mother was having therapy with the kid. She and the therapist decided to try 're-birthing'," Greg looks at her, confused, so she elaborates, "They wrapped Dylan in a blanket and he's supposed to wriggle out, kinda like at birth. Anyway, he suffocated in the blanket. Therapist stands by her methods." Cath rubs her eyes. "Sometimes I wonder why I do this job."
The door opens and Nick walks in, head down and face blank.
"Hi Nick," Greg greets.
"Hey," Nick replies, voice flat and heavy.
"You okay?"
"Yup, perfect. See you at home. See you later Cath." Nick kisses the side of Greg's head before leaving.
"Cath, I don't believe him." Greg sits on the bench, Cath doing the same.
"He said you're supposed to trust people. Then he told me about his babysitter."
Greg looks confused again, prompting Cath to realise that Nick hasn't told him.
"He hasn't told you?"
Greg shakes his head. "Told me what?"
"You'll…er…have to ask him. I have to get home," Cath evades Greg, quickly picking up her jacket and is halfway out the door when Greg grabs her arm.
"Cath, if it's about Nick, tell me."
She sighs and pushes him to the back of the locker room behind a couple of shelves. "He was abused by a babysitter when he was nine."
Greg gasps quietly.
"I honestly thought you knew. Don't tell him I told you." Cath leaves the locker room not long after.
Greg sits on the bench for a while, jumping when his cell phone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hi, where are you?" It's Nick.
"I'm still at the lab. I got talking to Cath."
"Oh. What you talk about?" Nick sounds hesitant. Greg knows it's because Nick scared Cath's told him.
"Lindsey…work. I'm on my way home. Do you want me to stop at Denny's for take-out breakfast?"
"No. Just come home. I need to talk to you. I'll see you in a bit."
-.-
Greg pulls up in front of the house where Nick's waiting in the doorway. As he gets closer to Nick, he sees Nick reach up and wipe his eyes. Greg pretends he's looking at the path.
"Hey honey," Greg greets, kissing Nick 'hello'.
"Hmm…," Nick smiles weakly at Greg. "I needed that."
Greg kisses Nick again, letting Nick drag him into the house and kiss him more deeply.
"So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Greg asks when they get to the couch.
Nick clears his throat awkwardly and Greg puts his hand on Nick's knee.
Greg attempts to calm him down a little, "You know you can tell me anything right?"
A look fleets across Nick's face. "She told you."
"Yeah."
Nick stands up and walks into the kitchen, leaving Greg slightly worried that he's ruined things. Greg follows him in.
"Don't get mad at Cath. She thought I knew. Why didn't you tell me?" Greg stands behind Nick and rests his cheek on Nick's back as he feeds his arms around Nick's waist.
"It's not something I wanted to advertise. I didn't want anyone to know. But this case…" he sighs and Greg understands. "I didn't mean to keep it from you."
"It's okay baby. I understand. You know, you can talk to me though. You can tell me anything and I'll stay quiet. I love you," Greg whispers in Nick's ear.
"I know. I love you too." Nick turns around in Greg's arms and kisses him soundly. "I love you."
END