Disclaimer…. Blah blah not mine blah blah (see capter1)
CSICSICSI
By the time the film had finished everyone was tired, Warrick and Gil had just got off shift when they had gone to collect Greg. Greg himself had fallen asleep in the chair, Gil looked at the slumbering figure and then at Warrick.
"I don't think I'm going to be able to wait," he confessed to his lover, both of them still watching him sleep.
"Having him this close but not as close as I want, it's painful in a real way," he said sadly. Warrick hugged him.
"I know, in the kitchen he was so close to me, if I just lent down I could have kissed him. I wanted to so much, and I think he would have let me. Gil, we aren't going to be able to wait much longer. We're going to have to tell him soon and just hope for the best," Warrick sighed. They got up and cleared the remains of the meal without waking Greg. Warrick gently lifted him into his arms, and carried him up the stairs to the guest room leaving Gil to get the lights. Warrick gently put Greg on the bed, he felt his breath constrict when he immediately curled up in a tight ball. He had never really thought about what Greg would be like asleep he never imagined that he would turn into the small insecure speck in front of him.
He pulled the covers over him and risked gently kissing his forehead. Gil appeared at the door, he smiled at the interaction before entering. He placed a bottle of water and the pain meds on the bedside table. They turned the light out and pulled the door too quietly.
Back in their own bedroom Gil sighed quietly as he caressed Warrick's cheek. Pain evident in his eyes Warrick moved so that he was close enough to Gil to feel his breath on his skin. Gil gently he lent in and closed the final distance between them sealing his lips over Rick's. The taller man moaned into the kiss, before rolling them over so he could pin Gil to the mattress.
CSICSICSI
scene removed due to ffn restrictions
CSICSICSI
Gil groaned softly and rolled off Warrick gently pulling out of his body. Warrick sighed from the loss but moving still required more energy then he had. After a few minutes Gil got up and padded out the bathroom. He paused at the door to smile at the contended heap of mush that was left on the bed.
He came back in with a damp cloth having already cleaned himself up. He gently washed his lover down laughing affectionately as Warrick purred happily at his ministration. Gil returned the cloth to the bathroom and on his way back he silently poked his head round the door to the guest room. He frowned discovering the room was empty. The bed had been made so it didn't look like he was planning to come back soon either. Puzzled as to where the young house guest could have got to he wondered back down the hall.
"Rick? Greg's got up, I'm just going to check he's okay," he whispered tugging on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
"M'kay…" came the sleepy response. Gil rolled his eyes at him and left.
Downstairs Gil could smell good coffee brewing and there was a light on in the study. He opened the door to find another empty room, but this time there were signs of life, the computer was on. He went across to find that there was a messenger box open. He scrolled back up o the top of the conversation. It was obviously between Greg and Arissa; he started reading from the beginning.
The Mute: Hey
Hopalong: Hi, shouldn't you be sleeping?
The Mute: Probably, couldn't though
Hopalong: Why not?
The Mute: I'm in the guest room.
Hopalong: … You didn't tell them did you?
The Mute: Haven't said anything in two days, mute remember, lol
Hopalong: Gecko, you know what I mean.
The Mute: Don't use that tone. I can't alright? I'm already being a pain in the ass.
Hopalong: No you're not. Where are the lovebirds anyway?
The Mute: Lovebirds?
Hopalong: Oh come on, you're telling me you didn't notice? Forget that of course you didn't you're love blind.
The Mute: (Shrugs) nothing to do with me. They're 'asleep' – they work nights
Hopalong: Yeah so's Nicky. Gecko you need to let them know – if you start becoming exhausted they are going to notice, and they will want to help.
The Mute: Not that easy
Hopalong: Fine I'm writing that leaflet then!
The Mute: Don't you dare!
Hopalong: 'How to care for your Greg'
The Mute: STOP!
Hopalong: You're Greg is a very shy creature, always believing he is in the way and will not bother you for anything.
The Mute: Ok, point made stop!
Hopalong: Chapter 1: - Basic requirements of your Greg:
Greg's require few things. The most important is the presenceof another person or strong drugs to sleep duringtimes ofturmoil, preferably both. Whilst awake a bag of Blue HawaiianCoffee (there's a bag under you're shirts) will keep your Greg a happy and content.
The Mute: Nothing I say is going to stop this is it? (I know it's brewing now, now and is the only reason I'm forgiving your littlefoibles).
Hopalong: (I know you love me, where was I? oh yes) Chapter 2; Greg body language – arms around chest or knees drawn to chin both mean the same thing – your Greg needs a hug!
The Mute: ARRRGH! STOP! Ok I'm going to get coffee and hope you'll be done when I get back!
Gil smiled it was the most relaxed he had heard Greg since this all started, but it seemed that he didn't have the first clue about how to help Greg recover. As his supervisor that was bad, but given his personal feelings towards the young man it was inexcusable. The conversation was still active giving Gil an idea he quickly typed a message.
The Mute: Arissa, it's Gil Grissom, it's become clear that we don't know Greg well enough to help him. I must confess that I have read your conversation and as shamed as I am to admit it I believe we would benefit from the leaflet that you were threatening Greg with.
There was a long pause before she replied.
Hopalong: I will write you a 'Greg for Dummies' guide, but I'm afraid that I have a question for you, one that will make me sound like an overbearing parent. I need you to be honest Gil – I know about you and Warrick, what do you guys want with Greg?
The Mute: Why do you assume that we want anything with Greg?
Hopalong: Nice try but 1. I SAW how you looked at him, 2. Warrick wouldn't leave him alone after Drake, 3. You both fawn over him (both of you) and while Greg can't see it everyone else knows he's beautiful both inside and out.
Gil laughed, apparently aspiring CSIs were genetic.
The Mute: I love him. We both do.
Gil's breath caught waiting for the reply.
Hopalong with a shovel: Hurt him and they will NEVER find either body, I don't care how good your team is.
The Mute: We won't, send it to my work email?
Hopalong with a shovel: Sure, close this box off and say bye for me!
With that she left the conversation. Gil closed the box with a small smile on his face. Family approval obtained, now all they needed to do was seduce Greg, well once he found him. A gasp behind him solved one problem, he turned round to see Greg making like a deer in headlights, clutching a cup of coffee. Greg hastily took a sip of the drink.
"Sorry, I just needed to talk," Greg's voice rough and started to fail but he kept going. Gil got up and took a step toward him. Greg backed up quickly enough spill the coffee over his hand. Gil stopped and held his hands up. He recognised the expression Greg was wearing from the lab.
"You're not in trouble Greg, take it easy. Ah, you're doing yourself more damage. Put the coffee down and use you hands," Gil pleaded cutting Greg off when he opened his mouth. Greg put the cup down and looked back at Grissom. The coffee he spilt still dripping off his hand. Gil looked down and winced.
"You just spilt half a mug of coffee over your hand. You okay?" he asked concerned that Greg had scalded himself on top of everything else.
:Yes, it's not hot I had to cool it down:
"Of course, you throat, can I come near you?" he asked noticing that Greg was wrapping his arms around himself. He wanted to hug the stuffing out of the younger man, but knew that Greg was still skittish. Greg nodded in preference to signing. Gil walked up to him slowly, still aware of the slightly panicked look in Greg's eyes. He stopped close enough that he could feel the heat coming off his body.
"Arissa said goodbye before she left" he said softly Greg winced.
:I'm sorry I'll pay for the bill but my phone battery died so I couldn't text her and I…: Gil had heard, or rather seen enough, he caught Greg's good wrist causing the lab tech to whimper, now he was touching him Gil could feel the tremors in the thin body. He couldn't help himself he pulled Greg against his chest and hugged him as hard as he could.
"Greg, don't be sorry and don't you dare think of paying for that bill, you're my guest and you are welcome to use anything you wish. Please calm down; Rick has already told you once, you are safe here in our home I promise," he whispered into Greg's ear.
"I'm such a freak," came the hoarse reply, Gil pulled back holding him at arms length, his expression stern.
"Never ever degrade yourself in front of me, Greg, I won't have it," he said firmly staring into the hazel eyes, Greg looked stunned at the ferocity of his tone and didn't responded.
"Okay, Greg?" Gil prompted; Greg continued to stare back at him. Gil was about to prompt him again when another voice interrupted.
"Gil, you're scaring him," a deep voice said. Gil's head snapped round, Warrick was leaning against the door frame, he was wearing shorts and a white t-shirt and clutching a mug of what Gil assumed was Greg's coffee. Greg also noticed him and seemed to melt with relief. Gil was taken back, he didn't realise that he caused this level of fear in Greg. He released his grasp on Greg's arms, turning his hands so he was rubbing slow circles on his shoulders. The lab tech took a stuttering breath and relaxed further. Warrick sauntered into the room and placed his cup next to Greg's half full one, listening to Gil's voice as he tried to repair the damage.
"Greggo, I'm sorry it was not my intention to scare you. I'm just… I see you as the fun, happy, young genius who can always be depended upon to not only do his job better then anyone else but to always lighten the atmosphere of the lab and keep both myself and my people sane. When I hear you talking like that – it hurts. It hurts to know that we can't do the same for you, that we have failed you so badly that you could even consider it. You're not a freak, Greg, and you're not dirty or tainted or a nuisance or trouble or any other of the many things I know you've been calling yourself. I just hope one day you will believe us," he said softly, actively trying not to fall in love with the blush that continued to creep over the young man's skin. Warrick stepped up behind Greg and wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Greg, why do you think you're a freak?" he asked pulling the smaller man against his chest. Greg opened his mouth but before he could utter a sound Gil place a palm over it.
"Hand's Greg" he warned.
:No one else is incapable of being left alone, I'm not one of the band, but I can't do my job, oh, and my boss and colleagues just had to rescue me from my father the psycho who wants me dead. My eldest sister wants me to call her 'mama' and her husband 'papa'. And just to round things off before you dig it out of another file my biological mother committed suicide the day Drake was convicted: Greg was both angry and upset by recapping what had happened and distraught that he couldn't get out of Warrick's embrace and hide no matter how hard he tried. The CSI had several inches and a lot of muscle on the lab tech that was also injured. No one said anything until Greg had worn himself out and hung limply, forcing Warrick to take his weight or dump him on the ground. Greg sighed and dropped his head, resolutely staring at the floor. Only then did Warrick speak.
"Okay, let's start at the top. No one thinks you're incapable of looking after yourself, past the fact that you can't talk. Your apartment's a crime scene man; you know you can't stay there. So you have to stay somewhere else, seeing as your twin sister seems to be hooking up with Nicky and you seem to have a problem with your brother-in-law; not that I blame you, staying with friends is you best option. As Gil can translate for you this is the obvious choice. As for work – your lab will still be there when you get back I already told you – you rescued yourself, we just stood around and watched. I can't comment on you mother or the situation with your family except to say that it is not your fault, never was and never will be. Finally if anyone should feel bad about what happened with Drake it's that dozy uniform that was supposed to be protecting you. Judging by the way Brass tore him a new one, I'm guessing he probably does," Warrick paused waiting for Greg to respond. When it became apparent he wasn't going to Gil approached him and nudged his head up using his chin.
"Greg what's upsetting you? Why are you so angry?" he whispered, his soft voice more insistence then any amount of shouting or aggressive demand. Greg blinked rapidly trying to dispel the tears gathered in his eyes. He signed a two word answer and then collapsed completely, wrapping his arms around him and trying to curl up until it was only a very worried Warrick holding him up.
"What did he say? Gil! What did he say?" he implored, Gil swallowed hard
"He said 'no choice'," he met Warrick's eye guiltily.
"He hasn't really had a choice since all this started Rick – Michael forced him out of Palms – he literally picked him up and walked out the room. Then Nick refuses to take him back to the lab, we bring him here but did you ask what he wanted? I know I didn't," Grissom had been stroking Greg's hair soothingly as he spoke; Warrick sighed and hugged him tighter.
"No I didn't. I'm so sorry Greg I can't imagine how out of control you feel," he said truthfully to the back of the lab techs head. Greg nodded, he had cried himself out.
:At least you understand: Gil could see the relief cascading down Greg's face he smiled.
"Yeah, I think we do, Greggo," he paused trying to think of the best way to bring this up. He sighed he wasn't a tactful person so he decided to try head on.
"I talked to Arissa – she said that you sleep better with someone else close by, is she right?" he asked the question gently, but Greg knew better then to lie. He nodded slightly causing Gil (and although he couldn't see it Warrick) to smile.
"Well then we better all head back upstairs, after all Rick and I have work this evening. You can come through to our room this is no need for you to struggle, Greg, okay?" he asked carefully, modulating his tone so that Greg knew it was a genuine offer. Greg nodded against Gil's hand and gave him a small but honest smile.
"Okay, why don't you guys come up when your ready, I'm sure that coffee is still in your systems," he said, running his hand through Greg's hair one last time before nodding at Warrick and leaving the room. Warrick ran his hand down Greg's arms and turned him around. He had felt the remaining tension leave Greg as the older man left.
"Greg, Gil likes you… a lot, I don't know how he manages to scare you this much but I promise – you have nothing to fear from him," he said honestly Greg nodded and pointed upward.
"Okay?" he asked, Warrick frowned trying to decode what Greg meant. Greg sighed and took a mouthful of stone cold coffee.
"Okay, if I stay in your room?" he eventually managed to elaborate; he smiled sheepishly at the exasperated look Warrick gave him.
"Of course it is, dummy. Before you leave here I am going to convince you that you are not in the way," Warrick vowed. Greg smiled and stepped forward as though to embrace the taller man but stopped halfway, not sure he would be welcome. Warrick rolled his eyes and closed the distances. Without pausing he dipped down and picked Greg off the ground. The younger man gasped at the suddenness of the move. Greg tried to pretend to be mad but ended up making himself laugh. Warrick grinned as the lab tech rubbed his face against a convenient shoulder.
"You're like a big cat, you are. Admit it, you like being carried," he gloated, Greg shrugged
"Not at work," he whispered hoarsely causing Warrick to laugh.
"No not at work, I promise," he agrees easily before carrying Greg upstairs.
CSICSICSI
Thanks again to my ever loyal beta, Missing Fairy
The missing scene is posted in Livejournal at CSI slash if anyone is interested or just email me and I'll send it to ya!
Nation