"What did Ryan say?" Sara asked, on her knees and surrounded by papers and folders spread out on the carpeted floor.

"About what?" Greg turned to her after putting a folder on the desk. He knew where she wanted to go with this. And if she didn't stop…

"About your hair."

"Oh." Or maybe he didn't know. "He didn't say what I already didn't know. He still thinks it's going to fall off."

"Which it will."

"But he was surprised when I actually looked him in the eyes…I told him I was still growing. Just a late bloomer." Because in truth, Greg was…A late bloomer, that is. "I'm going to pass you, too."

"Probably, but as long as you keep that bleached wonder…"

"Knock it off, Sara." Greg didn't necessarily mind when she joked about his hair. Or at least he thought she was joking. Either way, she was probably jealous because she couldn't pull it off.

"You know he's almost twenty, right?"

"Yeah, yeah." It was only a matter of time before she brought him up, again. Sometimes he wondered if she lived vicariously through him. It actually would explain a lot.

"You just turned sixteen last month."

"What's the harm in being friends?"

"Apparently a lot. He's my age and you call me old."

"And you are older than me." Greg knew wrinkles were right around the corner. Especially when she frowned so much. No, that wasn't good for her skin. "But it's not like Griss is going to care."

"No…But he would say something like," Sara coughed, lowering her voice to imitate Grissom. "If it compromises the case and our reputation…"

"I know." Greg imitated a mouth with his hand, his fingers periodically making contact with his thumb. "He can go on and on."

Sara continued in the voice, adding Grissom's facial movements to heighten the effect. Raising and lowering her brows and scrunching her forehead. "And if my nephew is sleeping with a client, then-"

"Sara!"

"What?" She turned to him innocently, a teasing smile forming from her lips.

"I know you're doing this on purpose….So stop." He used the folder in his hand to point at her. "We're supposed to be organising these case files." He looked at her with feigned disdain as he indicated to the stack of papers by her right leg. "Hand me that one right there."

"I didn't do anything."

Greg was upset that she didn't back down when he gave her his best smouldering look. Which he hoped was actually some kind of smouldering. But knowing his luck, it probably wasn't.

"Here you go." Her smile developed into a grin as she threw the folder at his feet. Not at all deterred by his attempt to intimidate her. Because it wasn't working.

"No one said anything about…" He looked around, making sure no one in sight. Still whispering after he decided the coast was clear. "Sex." He was not talking about sex with Sara Sidle. Even if her name did make for a cool alliteration. Sex with Sara Sidle.

No.

"Of course not, Greg."

"I'd think you were jealous if I didn't know you were so set on being my aunt."

"Your aunt?"

"So young, too." Greg was happy when Sara didn't quite catch on. Either she was pretending not to understand or she really didn't. She was probably pretending, though. Because as awkward as she was, he had to admit she was somewhat intelligent. "Anyway, I just think he's interesting. There's nothing wrong with having an older friend."

"I'll tell your mom." Sara said as if it was truly a threat, which it really wasn't because Greg did take after his mom. But it's the thought that counts. "She doesn't like her baby hanging out with older guys." Or older people in general…For some strange reason Sara had yet to figure out.

"I hang out with you."

Sara would have sputtered out her soda if Greg hadn't opened it before her. It was a perfectly cold soda. It was in the refrigerator for the past eight days and on her desk for only five minutes. Perfect until Greg opened it, took a sip, and thanked her with that goofy smile on his face.

But she wasn't going to drink after him. That was unsanitary.

"You know what? That's okay. I'm not going to play your little games."

"You always stop when I get the edge." Greg remarked, putting another folder on the desk. Stacking it neatly as to prevent another mess. "Doesn't matter about my mom. She's back in San Gabriel. No way she would take me from San Francisco…And you wouldn't tell her." He added in a daring voice. That kind of voice that dared someone to do it because he knew she wouldn't even though he still wasn't sure.

But he was taking a chance anyway.

"Oh, yes I will."

"Then I'll tell Grissom why you really love me."

"He already knows why…I think." Sara paused, an open folder in her hands. She wasn't really sure how much Grissom knew. Or even picked up on an emotional level. Not that she was much better, but still. He should know something by now.

It wasn't like she was exactly subtle or anything.

"Trust me, if I didn't play my music so loud, I think he'd forget I was in the same house."

"He's not that-"

"Breakfast, this morning. Archie sent me new spankables, I put them on the table, and my favourite familiar authority figure ignored it."

"I thought Archie was grounded because his mom caught him with that stuff."

"Yeah, he still is." Greg sighed contently in remembrance. The voice of Archie's mom over the phone when she was cleaning up his room. Only to find naked people in magazines. Greg picked up so many Chinese curses that day. "But you're missing the point."

"Okay…" Sara didn't exactly want to make the point in the first place. "New topic."

"You must have it bad, then. There's still hope for my paternal half-uncle." Greg smiled with his new teeth of victory. A retainer and braces were so worth it.

Greg: three.

Sara: twenty-seven.

But he still had a long way to go.

Sara coughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "So how'd your research go?"

"Nick-"

"First name basis already?"

"Don't go there, Sara." Greg narrowed his eyes. Satisfied when she made a zipping motion over her lips. She was being smug, again and crossing over into adversary territory. "Anyway, Nick wants to go into the police academy in Dallas. He's a junior in-"

"And you said I had it bad."

Greg didn't bother to dignify her with a response. No, he wasn't going to stoop to her level. One day, he was going to be too tall for that. "As I was saying, Nick-"

"What about Ryan?"

"I thought I was actually supposed to be working?" Really, he was trying today. But his mouth was moving faster than his hands.

"Well, it's never actually stopped you before."

"For the last time, we're just friends. Best friends since six. Besides, even if I did like Ryan like that – which I don't – he doesn't like me like that."

"I've been told Egypt's nice this time of year."

"Way lame. I am not in denial, Sara Grissom."

There was a short silence, in which Greg and Sara had identical expressions of disgust on their faces. The ticking of the clock counting down the moments until either of them chose to speak.

"Greg."

"I'm sorry."

"So keeping my last name."

"Don't know how that came up."

"But, um…Yeah."

"Yeah."

"Stop trying to change the subject. You…" She pointed at him. "Are having your first crush."

"First of all, I don't have a crush on Nick Stokes"

"I didn't say his name. I could have been talking about Ryan."

"Second, even if it was a crush – which it's not – it's not my first. And even if it is both of these things, which it's not, it's just a crush and I'm a kid."

"Nothing's wrong with a crush." As long as it doesn't turn into something else, Sara thought as she gave him a reassuring smile. "I was beginning to think all the flirting was for nothing."

"I don't flirt."

"So you claim…I don't think you do it on purpose, though. Poor Ryan."

"I'm starting to think you like Ryan or something."

"When Ryan is so hung up on you?"

"Hung and Ryan are two words that don't belong in the same sentence. Unless we're talking about drapes."

"Obscure reference?"

"Yep."

"Then I won't ask. Are you on the H files, yet?" She pointed to the folder in his hand.

Almost done with G…Talk me through a couple more minutes."

"Keep going about your nonexistent crush."

"Okay, so if this is my first crush, which it isn't."

"I hear you."

"Does that mean I'm…"

"Gay?" She provided while Greg nodded his head. "I guess you're technically bisexual – you unconsciously follow anything with two legs. But with the way you're leaning..."

"Am I that obvious…Do you think my mom knows?"

Sara laughed at his concerned tone. "This isn't permanent, it's just a crush. Besides, she already does."

"Huh?"

"She knows everything…Why do you think she lets you come here?"

"This job would look good on my résumé and she wanted me to spend time with her favourite brother-in-law?"

"Uh…No. Because I'm here." Sara blinked, her mind drifting to Grissom and what Greg had said earlier about his porn on the table during breakfast. It definitely wasn't because of Greg's uncle.

"What about my dad?"

"Probably suspects, but your mom hasn't confirmed it."

"Don't you think it's really freaky that you know my parents that well?" He gave her a pile of papers in his hand.

"Not really. How long have I known you?"

"A long time."

"And weren't you the inquisitive twelve year old."

"It's still freaky."

"I'm not the one pining after a guy I could put in jail." Sara combated.

"No, you're pining after my uncle."

She watched as his eyes moved from the papers in his hand and then to her. And then to the papers, again. "Okay, stop it. What are you doing?"

His eyes kept darting back and forth as his head remained still.

"If you're trying to scare me, just stop it." He continued but she knew how to get his attention. "Back on topic…I think your crush is cute."

"Don't use that word around me, Sara. I know you're teasing me."

"But seriously, though. Don't get too caught up. It's just a crush. Never mind his sexual preference, he's only visiting and more importantly, you're a minor."

"It's not like I was expecting it to be serious or anything."

"Just don't want you to get your heart broken."

"So you say." He dodged a paperclip she threw at him. Returning the gesture with an eraser and a smile.

"Are we working hard or hardly working?" Grissom asked as he walked in on Sara and Greg throwing things at each other.

"How about something in between?"

"Nice try, Greg."

Sara straightened the folders in front of her, lifting her head to Grissom. "How's working with the police department going?"

"Surprisingly well. You guys remember Jim Brass?"

"He's working with you?" Sara asked.

"Requested me, actually. Greg, have you looked over those statements, yet?"

"Sara's been working me – and not in the good way."

"Greg." Grissom tilted his head in response.

Greg had to hold in laughter as he was reminded of what Sara was doing earlier. "Since two in the afternoon Grissom."

"It's only twelve, Greg."

"It's a conspiracy against me, but I started yesterday."

"Already?" Grissom was pleasantly surprised.

"Yep. Used the typewriter and everything. I also cross-referenced any activity not tied in with Mr. Stokes. We spoke earlier today on the phone."

"No wonder why you didn't want to talk about it." Sara mused aloud, her voice turning almost reproving. "You didn't tell me you spoke with him."

"It wasn't important." Greg tried to shrug her off, his face beginning to flush. The pink reaching his ears.

"Not at this time…" Grissom spoke before Sara had a chance. "Are you set for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we're scheduled for one."

"Wait, what's going on tomorrow?" Sara turned to Grissom, her face puzzled.

"Catherine's going, too." Grissom added.

"Catherine…The one from Vegas that Greg talks about it?"

"Yeah, I haven't seen her in a while. Mom wouldn't let me near her when she found out she was stripper."

"Greg and a stripper?"

"Former stripper." Greg added, as if it made all the difference in the world.

"Whatever…It still doesn't sound like something Greg should be in."

"That's why you're going, too. Nice opportunity for you to get out. Although, I thought my errant nephew would have told you sooner." Grissom gave Greg a side glance.

"But let's not dwell on the past." Greg intervened, sensing Sara's twitching eye. Even if he didn't see it, he could practically feel it. "Warrick's coming, too."

"Really?" Sara's attention was caught as she remembered his short mention in her conversation with Nick, yesterday.

"Haven't seen him in two years, but he still calls, sometimes. He just bought a summer place here, you know? It's his home away from Vegas. I can't wait for him to teach me poker so I can beat you Griss."

"You know a former stripper and a gambler?" Sara turned to Greg, knowing it was pointless to look to Grissom for concise answers.

Greg answered excitedly. "Wait 'til you find out what they're here for."

"Hey man." Nick turned to the opening of the door. Placing his drink on the side table. He watched as Warrick put his suitcases by the stairwell.

"Hey."

"Thanks for letting me stay here." Nick turned down the television as Warrick took a seat beside him.

"No problem…Not like I've been using it. I'm just sorry I couldn't catch a flight yesterday. Otherwise, I would have come here sooner."

"I still got the key, and I found the place all right."

"So, what'd you think?"

"About the place?" Nick looked around at the spacious living room. The simple decorations and more than comfortable furniture. It felt like home. But in a smaller apartment. "It's really nice. I liked my bed."

"No, man…I know you like my pad. But I meant Grissom's place." Because it didn't have an official name. It was just a small office where you would go to ask for Grissom.

"Oh…Um…"

"Yeah, I know it first seems-"

"Weird?"

"That's one way to put it." Warrick laughed, hitting Nick on the shoulder. "Who'd you meet?"

"Sara Sidle."

"She just doesn't get out much, about your age, but she interns for Grissom, now. Did you meet him, too?"

"He called me last night. Told me he could help me and wouldn't mind not getting the cops involved. Because then my parents…"

"I don't get why you wouldn't want to tell them."

"I guess I want to handle this on my own, you know? I don't want them having to do everything for me, again. I'm graduating next year…"

"Yeah. Know the feeling. That's what happened to me with my car."

"Are sure this place is legit? I know it's a private business, but…They have a kid working there."

"Greg didn't tell me he was working there."

"You know him?" Nick didn't know what to think about the surprise in Warrick's voice.

"Yeah, he's a kid but helped them find my car. He's the one I told you about."

"How old is he?" Nick tried to ask offhandedly. But he didn't quite make it to inconspicuously.

"He just turned sixteen. I sent him a birthday gift last month." Warrick wondered why Nick showed the sudden interest in Greg. He turned from the television, looking at Nick warily. "Why are you asking?"

"Umm…No reason. Just curious why they would let him work there…If he's a kid, you know?"

"Don't let his looks fool you. He's pretty smart. Takes after his uncle. And he – No, Nick."

"What?" Nick asked hesitantly, afraid his friend was coming on to him.

"Is this going to be like that time with Kristy Hopkins? You remember her, right?"

"Not really." Except Nick did. She was hot, he was hot. It was a good combination. A match that could only be made Vegas. Where those types of things stayed…In Vegas. But Warrick didn't count because he was from Vegas. So technically, it was okay if Nick talked about it with him.

"You called it, and I quote: The best night of your life. You were this close," Warrick put his thumb and index finger close together. "To eloping with her and taking her back to Dallas."

"What are you talking about?" Nick made a scoffing sound. Leaning further into the soft chair as he motioned Warrick off with his hand. "That was ages ago, man."

"It was two months ago over spring break."

"I was in the moment."

"Keep telling yourself that. I don't think Sara is right for you…I mean, she-" Is still waiting on Grissom. Warrick could tell the first time he stepped into the Grissom's then not quite functioning office a couple of years ago. It was the obvious how alert Sara was to everything Grissom did. How she was almost to the point of being desperate for his attention. But Warrick wasn't the only one who knew about it. It seemed like everyone who knew her could tell.

Everyone except for Grissom, of course

"She has her eye on someone else."

"No I…" Nick paused, realising that his friend thought he was talking about Sara and not Greg. He didn't understand how Warrick made the leap, but Nick wasn't going to overlook a good thing. Because he didn't want Warrick to know he was thinking about a sixteen year old the way he once thought about Kristy Hopkins. Especially since the uncle of said sixteen year-old was supposed to be helping him. "Oh, you're right man. I don't know what I was thinking. She works there and wouldn't even be interested in me…So how was your flight?"

Warrick knew Nick. He knew Nick like the back of his hand. Which wasn't exactly true, because Warrick really didn't pay much attention to the back of his hand.

But that wasn't what changed Warrick's mind about Nick liking Sara. Besides the fact that Nick didn't really respond to Warrick's reasoning. It was how quick Nick was to change the subject. The last time he tried convince Nick of something – one of the few times he actually succeeded – Warrick had to drug him. And get David to help drag Nick on a plane back to Dallas.

And to this day – two months later – David Hodges still holds Warrick in his debt.

Good friends were hard to find.

Lucky for Nick, Warrick was one.

"I met Greggo when he was fourteen." Warrick shook his head. Now, he truly did wish Nick liked Sara. "Two years isn't a long time."

"What?" Nick looked around the room anxiously. Nervousness radiating from his frame. "What are you talking about, man? We're talking about Sara. What does Greg's age have to do with hers?" Nick tried to feign ignorance, but apparently he wasn't very doing very well. "I mean…She looks like she's my age."

"Okay, I'll play dumb with you…Let's say you did have one of your moments with Greg." And Warrick honestly hoped Nick didn't. Nick's moments were frequent and not far in between. Usually extending for about a day or two. One week tops.

Because Nick was picky.

"But I-"

"Wait for it." Warrick held his hand up. "Let me finish, all right?" Putting it down when Nick looked like he wasn't going to speak. "Hypothetically speaking, let's say you had one of your moments with Greg. How old are you?"

"…"

"It's not rhetorical."

"Oh…You said that-"

"How old are you, Nicky?"

"Twenty in two months."

"Right…How old is Greg?"

"…Sixteen?" Nick asked meekly, knowing exactly where Warrick was going with this.

Warrick leaned back against the chair, his hands resting on thighs. "I rest my case."

"Come on, Warrick. I can't believe you think I like some kid with bleached hair." Nick shook his head in protest, trying to prove his friend wrong. "Even if it looks soft and you want to run your hands through it."

"Oh, no." Despite Warrick's hopes and much to his dismay, Nick was going through one of his moments. And it didn't matter that it was over a guy. Nick was picky, but only because he broadened his possibilities. No, it was because Nick was having a moment about Greg.

Sixteen year old Greg.

"Even if he has that adorable smile that makes his whole face light up. And makes you want to smile back at him."

"Nick."

"Or even if he has the cutest voice that's not too high and not too low."

"Nick…Nick."

"And when he whispers just right in your ear. His breath tickling your skin."

"Nick!"

"Huh…You said something Warrick?" Nick only received raised eyebrows in response. "I was doing it again, wasn't I?"

"Yeah…Yeah, you were."

"Oh…I think I'm in deep this time." Not that Nick thought that his phone conversation with Greg had anything to do with it. Listening to that voice this morning had nothing to do with it. Nope, it was just any normal conversation a nineteen year old guy would have with a sixteen year old guy.

About Nick's account and credit card statements.

Among other things.

"Really?" Warrick wanted to believe Nick. And he would have if this wasn't the seventy-eighth time Nick had said he was in deep. Yes, Warrick had been counting. But it was a lot considering Warrick had only known Nick for five years.

A lot, indeed.

"It's just…He's so…"

"Greg?" Warrick asked, since Nick apparently couldn't get the right words out.

"Greg…I like that."

"It's his name, Nick."

"Yeah, and it's perfect."

I don't have anything to add as of now...For once. But thank you for reading and Missing Whisper and silverrayne666 for reviewing.