Summary: A serial killer comes to town on the boy's night to work. Things don't go calmly for Nick or Warrick when the killer decided to not play nice.

Disclaimer: This is all written in fun and trial for something new. Everything CSI is not mine and never will be. It belongs to the creative talent of the actors, the writers, the directors, and producers. I am not making any money off of this. Only meant to offer something new on something already so great. No reason to sue.

Author's Note: Well, I have found the way to make readers mad and disappointed, don't put the guys in a chapter. I promise, in the whole story, it was necessary. But I am here to make it up to all of you with an entire chapter of the guys and my favorite, Ken! Though, if I was into naming chapters and all, I would have called this Warrick's turn and Nick does something stupid/brave. Enough hints for ya! Enjoy and as always, thanks for letting me know how you feel about this and how it is going. Only four more chapters to go!

Breath for me

Written by: duffshel

#13

Breathing was suddenly much harder than Nick had ever remembered. The air made it into his lungs, but from there, nothing really happened. The pain in his hands never diminished. He could also sense the steady heat radiating off the other man from where he sat pressed up against Nick's torso.

"I must say, you are going to need a manicure after this one, Cowboy."

Warrick had given up yelling at the man to leave Nick alone. It was as if he had taken Nicky with him into a different world to rip up his fingers for those agonizing minutes that had ticked away. He could see the blood as it spread across pale flesh and white sheets. His own hands tingled with sympathy pains.

"Nicky? Nick, say something man!"

Laughing and standing, Ken turned to face the very pissed off black man kneeling on the floor, "Let the poor man rest for a minute. He needs a chance to relax and collect himself. The longest it ever took my brother was twenty minutes."

Ken looked down at his hands in disgust. Damn blood was such a pain. He really wished humans could be made without the crap. But deep down, he knew he liked it. Something about it was romantic to the man. It was an odd feeling. He always loved to see his brother, other men, bleed. It was a sickness that he embraced with open arms.

"Now, don't miss me while I am gone. Need to wash this off before it hardens."

Warrick only paid attention to Ken long enough to watch him walk into the bathroom and shut the door. Then, Nick was his main interest.

"Nick, I really need you to say something to me. Just one word is all I need."

Nick swallowed thickly and forced his tongue to move, "That hurt,"

It was slurred, but Warrick got the idea. He felt a little better now. The toilet flushed in the other room and water began to flow into the sink.

"Are you going to be alright? Can you do this?"

The other man's voice sounded off to Nick. He had heard Warrick concerned before, but this was a new tone. It was one that Nick really couldn't put words to. It was scary to hear.

"Yeah, I will be fine. Just going to need…a little help."

"You will get it. I will do anything you need me to, bro."

Ken walked out of the bathroom and smiled down at the two men. From the looks on their faces, he figured they had just had a bonding moment. It was touching, but just so god damn revolting at the same time. The bleeding from Nick's fingernails had slowed and it looked like it would be stopping soon on its own. Ken really didn't want him to bleed to death. He just wanted to inflict pain that he knew from first hand experience sucked.

"So, what should we do now? It really didn't take too long for Nick to give me the satisfaction of his screams. Do you think you could last longer, Warrick?"

He didn't wait for a response as he reached once again for his bag. There were all sorts of fun toys in it. Ken released a deep breath as his lips twisted up in thought. Nick hadn't been too difficult to make scream, but he was sure that Warrick would not be as easy. Something about the man just yelled stubborn and difficult. He pulled out the shiny pocket knife.

"Yep, I think I will try this out on you. I feel kind of in an artistic mood anyways."

Nick could see what Ken had grabbed first. His eyes went wide and he bucked against the cuffs still on his wrists. A knife in the guy's hands couldn't be a good thing. The only thing that was still lurking in the back of Nick's mind at the moment was how the man could be so interested in making him and Warrick bleed when none of the girl's had a drop on them.

When Warrick finally saw the knife, he couldn't stay quiet, "What the fuck do you think you are going to be able to do with that thing? Huh? Are you going to cut me into little pieces?"

"That was never anything that my bother and I tried, so no. I was simply going to try my hand on drawing on you skin. I have never cut into black skin before. Not trying to be racist, just a fact my friend."

"Well, I am still going to say fuck you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, do you want to be gagged like your…brother or are you going to be a man and take it?"

Warrick didn't respond. He merely glared at the man as he walked over to where Warrick was still kneeling. Ken smiled down at him and directed Warrick's attention to his face. The CSI was not prepared for the foot that connected with the side of his chest. It knocked him backwards, throwing his legs forward. Ken quickly sat himself down on top of them so the black man wouldn't be able to move them.

"Now, don't move too much. It might slip and go too deep."

The knife flipped out of its sheath with a flip of Ken's wrist. The blade was long and curved. There was crusted blood still clinging to the steel. Ken reached down and grabbed the edge of Warrick's shirt. The CSI tried to twist away, but with little luck. Ken placed the blade to the quivering flesh.

He leaned forward so his lips rested on the curved cartilage of Warrick's ear, "Now take a deep breath."

The knife sliced cleanly. Warrick gasped at the first cut. He had been cut by a knife before, but it was always easy to forget the feel of it beginning to slice through skin cells. The line was long, but not very deep. Blood only bubbled up, it didn't flow. The copper smell hit his nose strongly.

Ken sat back so his full weight was on the legs stretched underneath him. The other man's knees were digging slightly into his ass, but he paid it little mind. The first cut had been slightly crooked, he would have to try again. He started closer to the pant line this time.

Warrick tried to keep from gasping, but each time the knife started over, one escaped without his permission. The only control he had was keeping the cries in. He could hear Nick struggling on the bed to free himself. Warrick wanted Nick to stay where he was, it was safer at the moment.

But that was not the same idea that Nick was having at that moment. The bed was groaning under his movements and the frame was shaking. He knew enough about cheap hotels to know they used cheap frames that slipped together on each side with only about an inch of support. With enough movement, he might be able to make the pieces come apart.

"Come Warrick, I know you want to make some noise. No one here will hold it against you."

Warrick bucked his legs, but only managed to lift his knees a little. Under the other man's weight, the blood flow had been cut off and forced his limbs to fall asleep. They didn't obey his orders. His stomach felt like it was on fire though. He couldn't tell where the knife had touched and were it had not.

"Fuck you!"

"No, thank you. I have never been interested in cock unless it was mine. Though I would have to say, if I was gay, I would fuck your little friend on the bed into the next world and beyond," Ken leaned closer so his face was inches from Warrick's, "And I would make him love it."

Ken pulled himself back and looked at his handy work, "You are doing much better than my brother ever did. He cried immediately."

"You seem fascinated by this brother you keep talking about. Did you kill him too?"

Warrick's head snapped backwards when Ken's fist slammed into his right cheek. The guy did have a good punch. It would leave a bruise that might be darker than the one Nick would wear. Speaking of his partner, he could hear the bed was groaning in protest. Nick was going to get into trouble again.

"I didn't kill him! He killed himself, the fool. The blood was like nothing I had ever seen before and would never force myself to do with my own hands. That's why I took to the belt. Well, with women anyways. They seem to bleed much more than a man does. And it sticks more to things. I think it is a way for women to nag even in death."

"You are insane, you know that, right?"

Ken smiled and lowered the knife again, this time higher. He didn't hear Nick shifting the bed under his weight behind him. Nick knew he was getting farther with the frame because he could feel his body dip more as the frame came apart. He only wished he knew how much farther he had to go. With one great throw, his body went hard to the left taking the mattress with it. The frame came apart.

Nick didn't have to worry about containing his gasp as the gag did it for him. The floppy mattress hung down, not completely touching the floor since the one end was still on its track. He pushed himself towards the head with his feet. The angle hurt, but he managed to get his hands back and to the side. The chains on the cuffs jingled lose.

"I wonder, does it hurt to slice open a nipple? The piercing always look like they hurt," Ken was moving his knife closer to Warrick' naked chest. The t-shirt was bundled up around his neck.

Warrick concentrated only on his breathing. It was getting painful and he knew he wouldn't be able to keep in his cries for long. His eyes were focused on the floor just to the left of his foot. It helped to keep his mind clear and focused. It also allowed him to catch Nick getting to his feet.

Nick pushed himself to stand and moved up behind Ken. He pulled the gag from his mouth and smiled. The killer was so intent on his work with cutting up his partner that he heard nothing of Nick coming up behind him. Without thinking, Nick lowered the chain from his cuffs around the man's neck.

"What…" Ken managed before his throat was crushed between the links. His left hand flew up to his neck as he pulled his body forward.

The Texan pulled his arms backwards with all the strength he could muster. It hurt his wrists and he knew there would be terrible marks, but he didn't let up. Nick let out a shout of victory as he pulled harder.

"Nick, watch out!" Warrick tried to give a warning, but knew he would be too late as he looked into Ken's eyes right in front of his own.

The knife swung backwards and Ken twisted his arm the best he could. It stopped when it impacted with the flesh of Nick's thigh. Nick cried out and inadvertently loosened the chain. Ken was able to get his hand underneath it and pulled forward. It was enough to pull Nick off balance.

"Oh, you're going to die now!"

Ken got free from Nick and turned to glare at the man as he attempted to crawl backwards. The knife was buried to the hilt in the man's leg and jiggled with each movement. Warrick put his entire body into his movements and was able to reach Ken with his leg. It forced Ken to fall over and move to the left.

"Nick! Run, get the fuck out of here!"

Nick was on his feet, but not for long. The pain in his thigh was harsh and he lost his footing. He went down to his knees about ten feet from the door. Ken was on top of him that instance. He wrapped his hands around Nick's shoulders and pulled the man up against his chest.

"You are going to pay now, Cowboy."

The knife ripped out of his thigh with a rush of blood. Nick screamed out as his flesh was manipulated under the blade again. It was cut short when he felt it being held to his neck. The blade dug in just enough to cause a small cut to form and bleed.

"Back on the bed. Don't do anything stupid."

Warrick couldn't get the table to move. His wrists were beginning to bleed from all the tugging he was doing. The pain in his body was experiencing was nothing. His brother had a knife to his throat.

Nick forever seemed to be on his knees while being told to stand. It was getting old quickly. He pushed himself up trying to ignore the pain in his leg and turned carefully to face Ken. The knife dragged across his skin at the movement. Ken's face was red with fury when he finally looked at him. Nick didn't have any time to react when the knife was slashed across his face.

Ken watched in satisfaction as the blood welled up and poured from the new wound on Nick's face. The cut ran from his left eye down to his chin. It was straighter than anything on Warrick's chest. But his victory was cut short. Nick took advantage of his distraction.

The elbow was hard in Ken's ribs. His body fell forward while both his hands loosened their grips. The knife slipped from his hand. Nick stood and threw his fisted hands at Ken's face. It was enough to force Ken to take another step away from the CSI. When Ken tried to stand straight, Nick slammed his hands into his exposed stomach this time. Ken fell forward.

"Warrick!"

Warrick looked hard at the scene at front of him. At his name being called out, he watched as Nick jumped forward and grabbed Ken by the pants. One of his hands disappeared down a pocket. Warrick was going to question what his partner had in mind, but was stopped short when he saw Nick pull out the cuff keys.

"Catch man!"

The tiny, silver keys flew through the air, turning over themselves. They landed about a foot away from his left knee. Quickly, he moved his leg out from under him and pushed at them with the heel of his foot. The keys were moving, but not quickly enough for his taste. He could still hear Nick pounding on Ken trying to keep the other man from getting back to his feet.

"Aha!" Warrick shouted out to no one in particular. He had the keys. It was an awkward angle, but he managed to get the key into the lock. He used his teeth to turn it and smiled in pure satisfaction when the cuff popped open. Warrick wasted no time getting his arms loose and standing on his shaky legs.

"Nick! Get out of here!"

Nick stopped hitting the down man in front of him and looked up to see his partner free and on his feet. He didn't resist when Warrick grabbed his arm and pulled him away from Ken towards the door. The strong hands of his friend reassured him and he felt a wash of hope flow over him. It was only a few more steps from the door.

"I don't think so!"

Nick looked over his shoulder as he took his next step to see Ken on his feet, gun back in his hands. The two CSI's had forgotten about the damn gun. Ken didn't say anything more as two bullets flew from the barrel. Nick had no time to react as he felt a fire rip through his hip.

Warrick heard the gun go off, but was not going to stop moving if he didn't have to. The bullet that ripped into his lower leg said otherwise. He went down hard and felt Nick fall down next to him. Ken stomped up behind them.

"You two have to be complete idiots. I am sick of these games. You two are going to die now. Say your prayers and say good bye. It will be no time before you are worm food."

Ken walked over and pulled Warrick up by his hair first. The taller CSI had no choice, but to comply. His fibula was damaged from the impact from the bullet. Blood was filling up his sock and shoe. He tried to gain his footing, but the grip on his hair kept him from standing completely. His body was dragged back over to the table.

"You are going to sit and watch. I will get to you second."

Warrick laid his head on his arms once they were locked once again. His eyes were glued on Ken as he stomped back towards Nick. The Texan was on his side. A large red puddle was forming under his heaving body.

TBC…you wanted only the guys…