"I like Chinese," Greg announced; dropping the empty containers into the bin. Nick nodded in agreement, his eyes already sliding closed. Greg smiled at the picture. He let his eyes roam over the older man; stopping when he realised Nick still had his boots on. Crossing back to Nick, Greg settled himself on the coffee table before pulling one of Nick's feet into his lap. Nick's eyes opened lazily and he looked quizzically at Greg. The younger man remained silent; unlacing Nick's shoe and slipping it off his foot. His eyes remained focussed on his task, and Nick couldn't bring himself to call out the blonde's name. Disposing of Nick's sock, Greg began a slow, methodical rub along the sole of the older man's foot. Nick closed his eyes; letting his head fall back and forcing his mind not to wander to how many people Greg may have done this for. The skilled hands slid up Nick's calf, massaging the muscle until Nick couldn't suppress a soft sigh of approval. Smiling to himself at the unspoken praise; Greg gently put Nick's foot down and started the process again on the opposite foot.

By the time Greg was done, Nick was almost asleep. Moving carefully, Greg pulled softly on Nick's arm; rousing the older man slowly.

"Bed," Greg stated simply, and Nick couldn't argue. With Greg's help, he pulled himself to his feet and wandered towards the bedroom; Greg not far behind.

In the bedroom Nick wasn't given a chance to move. Greg guided him towards the bed, removing his shirt as they went. Nick knew he should feel uncomfortable, but it had been a long day, and it felt nice to be taken care of. Greg smiled at Nick when he felt the brunette stop his internal fight, and he deftly undid Nick's jeans. Nick kicked them off lethargically, before sliding into bed. Greg quickly disposed of his own clothes before getting into bed next to Nick; immediately laying his head on the CSI's chest. Nick's arm instinctively curled around Greg's shoulder, and they fell into a contented sleep.

Nick woke steadily, the feel of something moving next to him slowly becoming apparent. Soft kisses were being dropped along his neck and Nick, still half asleep, couldn't stop the uncensored sounds coming from his lips.
Greg's stomach flipped at the approving moan Nick released; his eyes still closed. He'd never initiated kissing before, and he wasn't sure what had made him this time, but now he was glad he did. Growing in confidence, Greg moved over Nick. Half covering the older man's body with his, Greg placed a slow, inviting kiss on Nick's lips. Another moan sounded, but Nick made no move to take control as he began to kiss Greg back. Thrilling a little at the apparent submission, Greg let his hands wander; one moving down Nick's neck and across his chest as the other laced with one of Nick's. Greg felt Nick's hand squeeze his, and it made him smile widely into the kiss. He felt the returning smile, and pulled back to look at Nick.

"Mornin'," Greg grinned. Nick laughed.

"Good morning." Nick made a move to get up, but Greg pressed closer; shaking his head with a look of mischief in his eyes. Greg would have to blame the take-out; he'd never pushed boundaries like this before. Nick's brilliant smile surfaced again, and he relaxed back into the pillow. Bolstered by the move, Greg slid further down Nick's body; placing butterfly kisses all over Nick's chest. Both hands were now intertwined with Nick's; pulling their arms out slightly to the side. Nick's head rolled back at the attention, but his mind slowly started to wake up.

"Greg," Nick called softly. Greg looked up at Nick through his lashes, but he didn't stop his actions. The look caused Nick's breath to hitch, but his brain was now up and shouting at him.
"Greg." This time he was firmer, and it was enough to stop Greg in his tracks. He looked up carefully; worry clouding his expression. "Come up here," Nick said softly, smiling to reassure Greg. The younger man moved slowly up Nick's body, not letting go of the brunette's hands. Nick kept Greg's gaze; letting the blonde know everything was ok.

"What is it?" Greg eventually asked.

"I wanted to talk to you," Nick replied, turning slightly on his side to fully face Greg. "I read your file and I saw your medical records." Greg looked panicked for a moment; but Nick pulled their hands into his chest, kissing Greg's knuckles lightly.
"Relax," Nick whispered. Greg's body obeyed in stages, until he was leaning into Nick's chest. "I want you to know something." Greg looked up at Nick as he spoke. "What they did to you was wrong. It's not supposed to be that way." Nick spoke with conviction, and Greg squeezed his hands unconsciously. "You're a person, and they had no right to treat you that way. Nobody does, and if anyone ever tries to hurt you like that again, I want you to promise me you'll defend yourself. Can you do that?" Greg nodded slowly, staring into Nick's deep brown eyes. Nick smiled widely, relaxing back onto the bed. Greg moved over Nick again; lying on his chest and kissing it lightly. They were quiet for a while, before Greg got up. Nick was pulled with Greg until they were both standing next to the bed.

"Shower," Greg spoke simply before taking Nick's hand and leading him in that direction. Nick stopped them short; looking at Greg hesitantly.

"Greg," He sighed as the shorter man turned to look at him. "I don't think… I mean, I don't want you to think… Because of what I said…"

"You told me to think for myself, right?" Greg asked; a hint of exasperation in his tone. Nick nodded. "Well that's what I'm doing. So get your Texan ass in that shower, and let me take care of you." Nick laughed softly as he was herded towards the bathroom by Greg.

(~*~*~)

"Y'know," Nick smirked as he stepped into the crime scene. "It doesn't count as a week off if you keep calling me in." Catherine looked up from her camera, smiling apologetically.

"If people would just stop killing each other, you could have a week off." Nick set his kit down and put his gloves on as Catherine moved around the scene with her yellow markers.

"I had to leave Greg at the lab again," Nick spoke conversationally as they worked. "Archie suggested we make his working there official." Nick said it as if it couldn't happen, but Catherine stopped and looked at him.

"There's no reason why we couldn't," She offered. "He's got the necessary degree. Hodges said he was good, and he seems to get along with everyone. Of course any money he makes would revert to you, to pay his debt." Nick looked a little shocked.

"We could do that?" He asked. "Him being indentured doesn't affect anything?"

"The cuffs could've caused a problem," Catherine answered, a small smirk forming. "But you took care of that." Nick blushed a little.

"I was sick of the way people kept looking at him."

"And the necklace?" Nick shrugged.

"Greg liked it."

"Nicky, that chain is worth almost as much as Greg's whole debt." Catherine was smiling despite her words. "This seems like a little more than taking care of him until he can live by himself." Nick's blush deepened, and Catherine couldn't hold back a smile.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," She sighed. "How you met isn't important." Nick smiled a little; hiding his face as they got back to work.