Greg's fingers ran over the metal around his neck. The disc in the centre was newly engraved; the word 'Stokes' shining out for anyone to see. Greg had caught Nick looking at it with something akin to pride in his eyes more than once since he'd bought it. Greg's attention was pulled by the sound of Nick's phone ringing. The call was short, and Nick looked a little put out when it was done.
"I gotta go to work," Nick sighed. Greg fought to keep the disappointment from his expression; it wasn't his place to expect anything from Nick.
"Do you mind hanging out at the lab?" Greg smiled amicably and nodded. Nick smiled back before leading Greg out of the mall.
(~*~*~)
Nick led Greg through the halls of the lab, mindful of the people watching them. He stopped at the door to Archie's lab, smiling when the tech looked up at him.
"Archie, this is Greg," He said, giving Greg a little nudge. "Greg, this is Archie. I'd love to stay and get you better acquainted, but I was supposed to be at the scene ten minutes ago." Without another word, Nick turned and left the lab in as much a rush as they'd entered. Greg stood awkwardly, waiting for Archie to speak.
"Hey Greg," Archie eventually spoke. "You can just sit down anywhere; I'm almost done with this tape." It was then that Greg noticed the concentrated expression and the way Archie's fingers periodically moved over the keyboard in front of him. Greg sat down behind Archie, waiting patiently for the other man to be done. Five short minutes later, and Archie turned to face Greg, who stood up immediately.
"Relax," Archie smiled. "We're not going anywhere for a while. We got three open cases right now." Greg looked a little uncertain, before venturing forward.
"You need some help?" He asked. It was Archie's turn to look uncertain, but after a quick look around, he nodded.
"That'd be great Greg, just grab some gloves." Greg's face lit up as he moved to the corner and put on a pair of gloves.
(~*~*~)
Nick slowed his hurried pace into the lab when he heard the sound of shouting. It took him a moment to realise it was Greg.
"What were you thinking?"
"I…"
"Not only did you almost destroy the sample, but you could've blown up the whole damn lab!"
"You don't…"
"How did you even get this job? God!" Greg almost ran into Nick as he left the lab. Nick managed to steady them both as he looked down at a frustrated Greg.
"What's going on?" He asked. Greg looked a little sheepish as he turned back to glare in the direction of Hodges.
"I gotta get back to Archie. He needs me to pick up some evidence." Nick was a little shocked at the confidence with which Greg spoke to him, but it warmed his heart to see.
"Alright," Nick was almost laughing. "Well, I'm gonna check on Hodges, and I'll come pick you up so we can go home." Greg smiled happily and nodded before turning shortly and heading in the direction of Archie's lab. Nick took a deep breath before walking into Hodges' lab.
"Hodges?" The lab tech in question whipped round when Nick called; a miserable look on his face. "Everything ok?"
"No," Hodges admitted quietly. "He was right. I just got corrected by someone who doesn't even work here."
"On what?"
"A sample," Hodges sighed heavily. "My head's just not here today, Nick. This is basic, college level chemistry."
"Maybe you should go home," Nick offered. "I'll clear it with Catherine. Take the day; get your head on straight." Hodges nodded slowly.
"Thanks Nick. And apologise to Greg for me again."
"About that," Nick started awkwardly. "What has Greg been doing all day?"
"Fetching evidence, helping run samples, coffee runs. Don't worry, it's nothing that won't hold up in court." Nick smiled a little before leaving to find Greg.
(~*~*~)
Nick dropped heavily onto the sofa, letting his eyes fall closed. He felt Greg sit next to him, and couldn't stop a smile when the younger man leaned into his side.
"Long day," Nick sighed. Greg hummed in agreement. "Take-out?" The question made Greg look up at Nick.
"Umm, I…" Nick couldn't stop the exhausted laugh that broke free.
"Are you telling me you've never eaten take-out?" Greg shook his head, a small frown creasing his face.
"Well then," Nick smirked; sitting forward to reach the phone. "I guess it's one of everything."