Nick woke slowly to the feel of a warm weight down his one side. He opened his eyes and looked down to see Greg, sleeping deeply with an arm slung across Nick's stomach. Nick was confused. He didn't remember Greg getting into bed with him; no matter how much he'd wanted to ask. While Nick was debating waking Greg up, the younger man woke on his own. He looked up at Nick with a sleepy gaze; quickly sobering at the confused look Nick was giving him.

"Sorry," Greg spoke, but didn't move. Nick found himself glad for that fact. "Did I oversleep?"

"No," Nick almost whispered; reluctant to ask the next question. "When did you…" Nick trailed off and Greg looked a little panicked.

"You told me…" Greg's hand unconsciously tightened on Nick's side. "Last night; I didn't know if you were asleep."

"But you obeyed anyway." Nick was a little shocked at the subservience Greg showed.

"I am beholden to you," Greg said quietly. "If you want me to leave…" That scared look was back in Greg's eyes, and Nick couldn't stop himself from hugging the younger man closer.

"It's ok," He said softly. "Did you sleep well?" Greg nodded against Nick's chest.
"Me too," Nick agreed; speaking slowly. "Maybe we should look into making this permanent."

"Thank you," Greg mumbled. Nick breathed silently in relief; basking in the feel of Greg plastered to his side. After a few moments of silent companionship, Nick shifted a little.

"We should get up," Nick spoke quietly. "I have to be in work soon." Greg nodded, immediately sliding out of bed. Nick forced himself not to look at Greg's half-naked body as he padded around the room.

"I'll make some breakfast," He said. Nick sat up in the bed, watching Greg as he made the fold up bed he'd been in for half the night. Without looking back at the bed, Greg left the bedroom. A moment later, Nick heard the unmistakable sound of his coffee machine. Running his hands shortly over his face, Nick made himself get up. He was just pulling the bed sheets off himself when Greg appeared at the door.
"Would you like your breakfast in here?" Greg asked; his voice strangely soft. Nick looked up at Greg; quickly realising the younger man hadn't put on any clothes. Slowly, Nick shook his head.

"I'll be right out," He mumbled. Greg smiled sweetly and nodded before leaving Nick in peace. Nick rolled a few thoughts around his head. He wasn't sure if Greg was ready to be left alone, but he couldn't take him into work; Nick would be out for most of the day. As he stood up, it hit him that Greg hadn't brought any belongings with him. The young man didn't have any spare clothes, a toothbrush or even a change of underwear. Slipping on a pair of jeans and grabbing the shirt he'd laid out the day before, Nick made his way through to the living room.

Nick smiled a little when he saw the cup of coffee waiting for him on the coffee table. He had just sat down when Greg came in with a plate full of egg on toast.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted," Greg excused as he put the plate on the table. "I hope this is ok." Nick smiled up at Greg.

"This is great, Greg. Don't forget to take some for yourself." Greg looked a little uncertain.

"I…" Nick gave him a patient look, and Greg nodded. He went back to the kitchen and returned with a breakfast for himself.

"I need you to do something for me," Nick told Greg once they were done. Greg nodded silently. "While I'm in work, I want you to make a list of everything you need. Clothes, Toothbrush, if there's any special shampoo you like to use." Greg looked a little confused. "I noticed you didn't bring anything with you."

"It's up to you how I am dressed," Greg explained quietly. His voice was still as submissive as ever, but Nick was happy to notice that he no longer bowed his head. "I wasn't allowed to keep my old clothes."

"Alright," Nick smiled reassuringly. "Well, you get me that list, and we'll go shopping tomorrow. I'm sure we can find something we both like." Greg smiled a little as Nick finished his coffee. Nick stood up, and Greg followed.
"I gotta go to work. Just make yourself at home, and I'll call when I'm on my way back, ok?"

"Alright," Greg smiled; it was small but genuine. "Have a good day." Nick could only smile as he turned to leave.

(~*~*~)

Nick knocked the door to Catherine's office; smiling when she looked up at him.

"Hey, Cath. Did you get anywhere with Greg's history?" Catherine nodded, her face uncharacteristically serious. Nick swallowed a little and walked into the office.
"What is it?"

"I got the background back on him and his family." Nick sat down heavily, preparing himself.

"And?"

"Greg was given away by his father when he was six years old. He was a single father who got into debt and decided gambling was the best way to get himself out of it. He wasn't worth enough to give himself up; bad joints from years of working, so he gave Greg to the Millers in payment." Nick nodded solemnly.

"Anything else."

"Yeah. It looks like Greg has been sent to school his whole life. He passed high school in the top five of his class, and he got degrees from WLVU last year."

"In what?" Nick was curious now. Catherine had to look down at her notes.

"Chemistry and English." She read off. Nick couldn't stop the smile that flitted across his face. He looked back at Catherine, who was still very serious.

"That's not all, is it?" Nick asked resignedly. It was too much to ask that Greg had been given a normal, stable life.

"I have multiple trips to the hospital here – everything ranging from broken bones to damaged vocal chords." Nick couldn't hold back the angered sigh. "They may have given him an education, but they certainly didn't treat him like a son."

"Why wasn't something done?"

"There was nothing to be done," Catherine sighed in disappointment. "Greg wouldn't have been believed, even if he'd wanted to get away."

"What do you mean 'even if' Cath?" Nick asked, frustrated. "Who would want to live like that?"

"Someone who doesn't know any better," Catherine explained patiently. "Greg's been with them his whole life. This kept happening, and nobody came forward to help him. He doesn't know this isn't how it's supposed to be. He saw their treatment of him as their right, and he accepted it." Nick didn't try to hide his frustration as he stood up.

"I have to get back," He mumbled. Catherine stood too.

"That's a good idea. In fact, I think you should take the week. Get Greg situated properly." Nick nodded gratefully and turned to leave.
"There's one more thing." Nick stopped when Catherine spoke. He turned back to look at her. "I looked into it, and there is a way for you to cancel out his debt."

"There is?"

"Yeah. You can formally forgive the debt; it'll be wiped completely clean." Nick didn't miss the concerned look Catherine was giving him.

"Something wrong?"

"I don't think you should do it. At least, not yet. Greg's too vulnerable right now." Nick nodded shortly.

"Archie said the same thing." Nick smiled comfortingly at Catherine. "I'm not stupid, Cath. I know he needs me to take care of him. But as soon as I know he can stand on his own; I will be clearing this debt." Catherine smiled endearingly.

"I never expected anything less of you, Nicky."