Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize. I own Reggie, Betty Rogers, Fred the bear, Nathan, Oliver, O'Malley, Jacob Peterson, Betty Peterson, Jessica, Louis, James, Tim, Eric, Mark Evans, Tyler Stevens, Paul Waters, Allison Enders and Elizabeth Enders.

Welcome to the Family

Chapter 8

"Reg, what kind of clothes am I supposed to be wearing?" Greg yelled, despite the fact that all three of them were in their own, separate rooms.

"Something nice!" she yelled back distractedly.

"What do you mean by 'nice'?"

"Just wear anything!" Nate answered, stepping out of his room and into the hallway, dressed in tan slacks with a black belt and a plain black shirt.

"Don't tell him that!" Reggie wailed, "He'll end up wearing a neon pink Speedo!"

Nate laughed as Greg indignantly yelled, "I would not!" there was a pause before he laughingly added, "I'd wear my jungle-print loincloth!"

"Greg!" Reggie yelled warningly, though both men could hear the laughter in her voice.

"Oh, come on Reg, I've got more decency than that!" Greg yelled back with a grin.

Silence fell as the two continued to get ready before Greg yelled, "Reggie, what is it I'm supposed to be wearing again?"(Even though he was already almost dressed-it was just fun to rile her up!)

"Gregory Olaf Sanders, if you make me poke myself with my damn eyeliner one more time I'll…" she paused thoughtfully, "call Sara!"

"Sorry!" Greg yelled immediately, "I didn't mean it! I'll be good!"

Nate laughed even as Greg stepped out of his room. He was dressed in a pair of slightly baggy white khakis and a black button-up shirt with flames creeping up the hem overtop of a plain white T-shirt. To keep part of his wackiness, he'd done his crazy hairstyle and worn his black sneakers with duct tape on the toe.

"Shut up Nate," Greg grinned, "Sara's freaky when she's mad-and she knows how to kill me and leave no evidence behind."

Reggie snorted as she, too, stepped into the hall, "You'd know Greg-she probably has a notebook full of ways to kill you and make it look like an accident."

But Greg wasn't really listening anymore, too occupied with taking in Reggie's beautiful form. She was dressed in a white spaghetti-strap dress covered in silver stars and moons. It had a scoop-neck that revealed the top of her breasts and that ended just above her knees but held slits up both sides that showed a liberal amount of tan thigh. Her hair was pulled up in an artfully done messy bun and she wore only the slightest traces of make-up to enhance her eyes and lips. On her feet, she wore a pair of black, knee-high boots that zipped up on one side.

"You. Are. Gorgeous!" Greg breathed softly, forgetting about Nate as he stepped forward towards Reggie.

"Thanks," Reggie blushed slightly, fiddling with one of the straps on her dress as she nervously bit her lip.

Greg grinned mischievously, leaning forward as he huskily asked, "What-no thank you kiss?"

Reggie returned the grin, an impish gleam appearing in her eyes. She stepped forward, sliding into Greg's arms, pressing herself flush against him. Greg moaned slightly, his arms wrapping around her waist to bring her yet closer while Reggie's arms slid up his chest and around his neck.

Reggie went up on her tiptoes, leaning forward until their lips were only centimeters apart. Greg's eyes were half closed, his breathing erratic as Reggie's breath washed over his lips.

Reggie grinned, her eyes dancing as she answered softly, "You wish."

Greg groaned as Reggie pulled out of his arms, throwing him a devilish grin. Nate watched the pair, chuckling slightly at his sister's antics but watching Greg sharply for the other man's reaction to being teased like that.

But Greg just grinned, his won eyes dancing with amusement as he tugged Reggie gently back into his arms, kissing her forehead as he teasingly responded, "I don't have to wish for anything, Reggie baby. You know you want me!"

Reggie laughed softly, giggling back, "In your dreams, Sanders."

"Every night babe." Greg returned, flashing her a grin.

Nate made a loud, immature, gagging sound, causing the pair to remember his presence. The two turned to him to see a look of complete innocence on his face.

"Sorry to interrupt this oh-so tender moment," Nate teased, "But we're going to be late if we don't hurry."

Reggie's grin faded and she bit her lip nervously, asking, "Hey Nate? Do you think mom's going to be really mad that I hung up on her last week and then never called her back?"

"Yes." Nate smirked, "But at least this way she'll refrain from making snide comments towards me."

"Oh, thanks Nate." Reggie pouted grumpily.

"Aw, I'm just kidding Reg." He paused. "Er-well, maybe not, because it's true, but…Dad's going to be there!"

Reggie still looked uncertain so Greg slipped his arms down around her waist and, giving her a squeeze as he kissed the top of her head, he assured her, "Don't worry Reggie-baby, I'll protect you."

Reggie smiled softly, gazing adoringly up at Greg as she murmured, "Thanks Greg." She sighed, taking a deep breath before straightening herself, but not removing herself from Greg's arms as she said, "Alright guys, let's go."
XoXoXoXo

Sara sighed contentedly, fiddling lightly with the tag around Nick's neck. They'd arrived at work only to discover that it was a slow night so the pair had crashed on the break room couch. Nick had fallen asleep quickly, exhausted from the day's shopping and…other activities. He was stretched full-length on the couch, one arm under her head with the other wrapped around Sara's waist. Sara lay on top of him, her head and one hand resting on his chest while her other hand played with the tag around his neck.

Slowly, Sara's own eyelids drooped, her breathing evening out to match Nick's as she fell asleep, the tag still clutched in one hand. A few moments later, Catherine, Warrick and Grissom entered the room. "Oh," Catherine said in surprise, a gentle smile gracing her features as she took in the pair.

"Aw," Warrick laughed, "Look at the pair of love-birds!"

"Warrick!" Catherine hissed, smacking his arm, "Shut up before you wake them up!"

"Ow! Cath!" Warrick complained, rubbing at his now-sore arm.

"Okay children, settle down," Grissom said with a roll of his eyes, making himself a cup of coffee, "Anyone know where Greg stashed his Blue Hawaiian?"

"No," Catherine pouted, "But I wish I did!"

"No one knows where Greg stashes his stuff!" Warrick complained.

The 3 carried on some light conversation, their banter the easy kind they'd done all the time they'd spent together. While, on the couch, the pair slumbered away, oblivious to their friends, but completely aware of each other.
XoXoXoXo

"C'mon, baby, out of the car," Greg said, laughing slightly at his girlfriend's refusal to get out of the truck.

They'd pulled into the elder Peterson's driveway five minutes ago and Reggie was still in the truck. Both of the men had already exited the truck, but Reggie remained in the cab of the truck, staring nervously up at the house.

"I don't wanna. Can't we just go back to Vegas?" Reggie pouted at Greg.

"Regina, you're being ridiculous," Nate said with frustration, "And the longer you take, the longer mom's going to make us stay to make up for it.

Reggie continued to pout but Greg reached his hand into the cab and she reluctantly took it. Using Greg's hand for assistance, she slid across the seat and jumped down from the truck. After straightening out her dress, she settled gratefully against Greg's side as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"C'mon," she sighed, "Let's get this over with."

Nate laughed softly, leading the way up to the two-story, four-bedroom house. The trio stepped up onto the porch and Nate rang the doorbell, chuckling slightly at Reggie's wince as the door swung open.

The man who opened the door was almost identical to Nate-only a few years older. His ebony hair was longer, however, reaching to the nape of his neck, and pulled back in a low ponytail and his eye were a darker green. His grin, however, was the same as Nate's.

"It's about time! Mom's going nuts!" the man laughed upon sighting the trio.

"We're only 5 minutes late." Nate complained with a roll of his eyes.

"Shut up Nate," the man grinned back before turning to Reggie with a full blown smile, demanding, "How you doing' Reggie?"

"I'm good Jakie," she smiled, stepping away from Greg to hug her oldest brother, adding, "Jake, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Gregory Sanders. Greg, this is my oldest brother, Jacob Peterson."

"Nice to meet you," Greg smiled, holding out his hand for the other man to shake while his other reclaimed it's place around Reggie's waist as she stepped back to his side.

"He make you happy?" Jake asked Reggie, eyeing Greg up and down.

"Very," Reggie smiled brilliantly back.

"Then it's nice to meet you too," Jake grinned, shaking Greg's proffered hand before turning, "Come one guys, before mom has a fit."

Reggie sighed but obediently followed after her brothers. Greg, sensing her nervousness and uncertainty, leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, his arm securely holding her by his side.

Reggie smiled gratefully at him, taking a deep breath and then stepping into the living room where everyone was. Sitting on the L shaped couch were her parents and twin brothers along with their wives. On the small couch opposite them was Jake's wife and he quickly claimed his seat by her side and Nate beside him, leaving the pair alone in the doorway.

"Hey everyone," Reggie smiled, slightly nervous despite Greg's reassuring arm.

"Reggie!" the twins yelled in excitement, jumping from the couch to envelop their only sister in a sandwich-hug, Greg stepping quickly out of the way.

Reggie laughed delightedly, hugging both men back. They were both the same build as Jake and Nate, but with brown eyes and chestnut brown hair. The only difference was that one twin had chin-length hair while the other's was about the same length as Nate's. The next one up and hugging Reggie was Jake's wife, a slim, willowy green-eyed blonde. After her was the shorter-haired-twin's wife-a petite, blue-eyed redhead. Then, it was Reggie's father.

"Ginny!" he smiled, enveloping her tightly in his strong arms.

"Daddy!" she smiled back, hugging him back just as fiercely.

All four boys obviously got their builds from their father. Timothy Peterson, despite his 67 years, was still well over 6 feet tall. His chestnut brown hair was short and streaked through with grey, and his green eyes, surrounded by lines created by years of laughter and smiles, were still as sharp as ever.

"Regina," The other twin's wife-a slim, steely-grey eyed blonde- said coldly with an impersonal nod.

"Jessica," Reggie returned in the same tone of voice.

"It's good to have you home, Regina," Reggie's mother interrupted, "where you belong."

65-year-old Betty Peterson was a small woman, easily dwarfed by all her children. Her once-black hair was now mostly grey and her green eyes were slightly hard.

Reggie sighed tiredly, answering, "I'm moving to Vegas Mom. I already told you that."

Betty sighed over-exaggeratedly, "Regina, you're much too old for melodramatics!"

"I learned from the best," Reggie shot back.

"Regina Lauren Peterson, do not speak to me like that!" Betty snapped as the rest of the Peterson family flinched, knowing what was coming.

"Sidle. My last name is Sidle!" Reggie said, eyes flashing slightly.

"Why do you do this to me? Huh!" Betty yelled, throwing her arms up in the air dramatically, "I raised you and yet you treat me like dirt!"

"Because you treat me like dirt!" Reggie yelled back, her eyes flooded with hurt and anger, "Mom, look around you! I treat the rest of the family the same way I did before I decided to start searching for my biological family, because they treat me the same way! But you-every time I talk to you, you argue with me about it! I can't do anything right, according to you! I-"

"Reggie-baby, calm down," Greg stepped in, his heart constricting at the break in her voice and the tears in her eyes, slipping an arm around her shoulders.

Reggie turned into him immediately, burying her head in his neck. Greg's other arm went around her waist, hugging her to him while she tried to regain her composure.

"It's alright baby, it's alright," Greg soother in a murmur, kissing the top of her head gently as he stroked her hair in comfort.

"Who the hell are you?" Betty demanded rudely.

Reggie pulled back from Greg's arms, wiping impatiently at her face. She turned back to face the room full of her relatives, all gazing curiously at Reggie and Greg, making sure to keep Greg's arm around her waist.

"Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Greg Sanders," she said, calmer now, "Greg, that's Jake's wife, Melayna, my second oldest brother Louis" the longer haired twin, "and his wife, Jessica, his twin and my third eldest brother James and his wife Nicole. That's my mother, Beatrice, and my father, Timothy."

Greg nodded to the room at large, saying a gruff, "Nice to meet you."

Greg couldn't help but dislike Betty and Jessica immediately because of their treatment of his Reggie (he couldn't help but think of her as his). He didn't really have any feelings towards the others, as he didn't really know them-except for Nate, who he liked immensely, and Timothy, who he was extremely apprehensive about, as he always was with hid girlfriend's dads.

"What, you're already spreading your legs for someone new?" Betty sneered.

Reggie's eyes went wide and her face paled, like she'd been struck. She took a step back, right into Greg.

"Shut up!" Greg growled at the older woman, his eyes snapping with fury, "Your daughter is a wonderful, amazing woman who happens to love you-'though God only knows why, because I can't understand it! Reggie had every right to search for her biological family, and they had every right to meet her, but you have no right to talk to her like that!

"I met Reggie through her sister, Sara-who I've known for years. Sara and Reggie absolutely love each other, and you have no right to try and ruin that for them with your stupid attitude.

"And, although it's none of your goddamn business, Reggie and I aren't sleeping together. I came down to help her out because I didn't want her to pack everything and drive by herself," Greg said angrily.

"We're leaving," Nate added, rushing past his family and after Greg, who was gently leading the still-shocked Reggie out, and sarcastically adding, "It was nice to see you all again! We should do this again sometime."

Reggie willingly allowed the two men to bring her back to the truck. Almost as soon as the three were seated, she burst into tears.

"Sh, baby, it's okay." Greg soothed, slipping his arms around her.

"What's wrong with me?" She sobbed into his chest, "Why can't she just love me?"

"Nothing's wrong with you, sweetheart," Greg murmured hoarsely, fighting back his own tears at Reggie's heartbreaking sobs.

"It's okay Reg, we don't need her." Nate murmured, reaching out and picking up her hand.

By the time they'd pulled into Nate's driveway a half an hour later, Reggie had cried herself to sleep. Not wanting to wake her, Greg gently eased her onto the seat, stepping out of the truck before reaching back in and lifting her into his arms.

"Mm," Reggie mumbled as she woke slightly, raising her head a bit from Greg's chest.

"Sh, baby, go back to sleep." Greg murmured softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Reggie mumbled slightly again but he n fell back asleep, making Greg smile affectionately as he mounted the two-step porch. Nate grinned slightly at him as he unlocked the door, and Greg stepped in, carefully kicking his shoes off at the door. Yawning slightly, he turned and mounted the steps behind Nate.

"You got everything?" Nate asked softly as they reached the upstairs hallway.

"Yea, I got her," Greg smiled back, "'Night Nate."

"'Night Greg." Nate yawned, stepping into his own room after opening Reggie's door for Greg.

Greg gently eased Reggie onto the queen-sized bed. She was slightly awake now, but Greg still eased her boots off for her, placing them at the end of the bed. Gently, he stood her up again, letting her lean against him as he gently took of her dress.

Sitting her back down on the bed, where she almost fell asleep sitting up, he pulled a tank top and boxer pajama set from her duffel bag. Gently and carefully he redressed her, ignoring the amount of skin he'd just been exposed to. Instead, he gently eased her back onto the bed, pulling the covers up around her.

As he turned to go, her hand came out and grabbed onto his wrist, as she sleepily pleaded, "No, don't go."

Greg sighed, coming back to crouch beside the bed at her head as he said, "I have to go baby."

"No. Stay. Please?"

"Are you sure?" Greg asked, weakening at the sound of her pleading voice.

"Very sure." She whispered, her eyes opening to gaze into his, a lot more alert than she had been a few moments ago.

"Alright," Greg sighed with a gentle smile as he stood.

He undressed to his white T-shirt and black silk boxers and walked around to the other side of the bed, flipping off the bedside lamp and sliding in beside Reggie. Reggie moved into his arms instantly, resting her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist. One of Greg's hands rested on her hip, his other running softly through her hair while their legs tangled together.

Greg kissed the top of Reggie's head, softly whispering, "Sweet dreams, baby."

"Sweet dreams, Greg," she answered sleepily, even as her eyes drooped and she drifter back to sleep, safe in the arms of the man that she now loved.
XoXoXoXo

A/N A/N Hey guys, what's up? Sorry for the delay, but hey, I've got a life people! Anyway, updates are going to be only like once a week now, 'cause I have exams coming up. I will try and get more than that up, but I can't make any promises.

Lots of love and thanks to;

HPnCSILover

Icklebitodd: Lol, I know the feeling, hun.

Mma63: lol, who doesn't want to have him?

Anyway, gotta fly, my lovelies, so I'll see ya later.

My Love,

Red