Nick leaned back in the chair he'd procured in the break room. The case was finally wrapped up, and now he just needed to finish some paperwork. He looked up when Catherine came into the room.
"Hey," Nick greeted as Catherine sat next to him; dropping her paperwork on the table alongside Nick's.
"I'm so glad this case is over," Catherine sighed. Nick hummed his agreement. Both CSIs looked over when Hodges knocked the door.
"Hey Nick. Greg asked me to tell you he's running some errands with Archie, and he'll meet you at home." Nick looked worried for a second, but quickly hid it.
"Alright, thanks Hodges." The lab tech smiled before leaving them alone. Nick tried to ignore the look he could feel Catherine giving him. He stared intently at the case file for a few moments, before giving up with a sigh and looking at his boss.
"Something wrong Cath?" He asked a smirking Catherine.
"Just wondering who gave Greg permission to take off," She replied offhandedly, but Nick could clearly hear the challenge.
"He doesn't need permission," Nick spoke softly. "I told him to make his own decisions."
"And just what do you think those decisions are turning out to be?" Catherine was staring Nick straight in the eye; daring him to be honest with himself. With another sigh, Nick ran a hand over his face.
"I don't know," He replied. "I mean, this morning in the shower, it seemed like…"
"Hold on," Catherine was smiling as she cut across Nick. "In the shower?" Nick nodded sheepishly.
"He herded me in; said he wanted to take care of me," A small smile was playing on Nick's lips as he spoke. "He gave me this scalp massage… I swear my legs almost gave out."
"But it didn't go any further?" Catherine asked carefully.
"I didn't let it," Nick spoke firmly now. "I don't want Greg to feel obligated to me, and I won't let something happen that he could regret." Sighing softly, Catherine sat forward in her seat.
"Nick," She spoke softly; sympathetically. "Did you think to ask Greg what he wants? Or have you just been assuming you know what's best for him?" Nick paled a little at the question. He'd told Greg to think for himself, but he hadn't let the younger man make a decision regarding their budding relationship. With a timid smile, Nick stood up quickly.
"Thanks Catherine," He said hurriedly. "Can you finish up here?" With a laugh, Catherine nodded. Nick smiled widely in return before hurrying out the door.
(~*~*~)
Nick came home to a quiet house. He could tell Greg was home. The lights were dimmed and there was a soft smell of the body wash he'd picked for the younger man floating through the house. Nick was about to call out when Greg came to the doorway. The blonde was wearing nothing but a pair of jeans slung low on his hips, and the necklace Nick had bought for him. Nick's eyes immediately gravitated towards the only other covering; a square piece of white gauze on his left hip. Nick looked up at Greg's face. He looked nervous, but had a soft inviting smile playing on his lips. Nick moved forward slowly, and Greg stayed perfectly still. His throat suddenly dry; Nick pointed vaguely at the gauze, and Greg obligingly removed it. Nick's eyes widened as Greg revealed a small blue 'N' accented with wisps of white. Nick became short of breath. Greg was branded. Greg was his. The silence was interpreted differently by Greg, and the younger man began to panic.
"Don't you like it?" He asked meekly. Nick's eyes didn't move from the tattoo as he stepped closer to Greg.
"I'm sorry. I should have checked it with you. I'm sorry." Greg fell silent when Nick placed a hand on his hip; rubbing at the tattoo lightly with his thumb. Greg couldn't hold in a soft gasp at the contact; his freshly inked skin tingling from the touch. Nick pulled Greg closer, and the blonde came willingly. It was now that Nick looked up, and Greg saw all the emotions in the CSI's eyes. All the doubt and worry that had been warring for so long there slowly and finally melted away. All Greg saw was pure want when he looked at Nick. That one look made Greg weak at the knees, and Nick easily held him up as he laid a soft, teasing kiss on Greg's lips. Nick's thumb continued to swipe over the tattoo as he kissed Greg deeply. Greg responded as best he could, going easily as Nick backed him towards the bedroom. Greg was too overwhelmed by Nick's acceptance to realise where he was leading them, and the next thing he knew he was pressed up against the bedroom wall; Nick still kissing the breath from him.
"Tell me you want this," Nick whispered, pulling back slightly to look at Greg, who had to force his eyes open at the question. Nick almost laughed at the picture he presented; styled hair now mussed, and lips reddened from kisses. Slowly, Greg nodded. Nick shook his head; unsatisfied.
"Say it," His voice was soft, and almost pleading. "I need to know."
"I never…" Greg tried to compose himself. To give Nick the answer he deserved. "Never wanted anything before. Didn't know how to want something for myself." Greg was swallowing convulsively as he spoke; nerves flaring up now he actually had to voice these feelings. "Wanted this since the moment I met you. The first night I watched you sleep. Please, Nicky," Nick smiled at the way Greg said his name. "I need you."
That was good enough for Nick, and he pressed forward again; kissing Greg with a renewed fervour. Greg wrapped his arms around Nick's neck; holding on for all he was worth as Nick pulled them away from the wall and walked Greg back towards the bed. They tumbled down together, Greg refusing to let go of Nick. Nick couldn't say he minded, and he pulled Greg on top of him as they kissed. Greg pulled back reluctantly, smiling softly down at Nick. He ran his hands through the Texan's hair, stroking his face at the edges. Nick let him take his time; understanding his need to affirm what they were doing in his mind. With a wry twist of his lips, Greg rolled back; turning them over and settling Nick on top of him. The CSI smiled down at him, before letting his eyes wander back to the tattoo adorning Greg's hip. Eyes were soon followed by lips, and Greg's breath hitched as Nick placed a tender kiss on the mark.
"Mine now," Nick mumbled absently. Greg touched Nick's face, making the older man look up at him.
"I always was," He whispered back with a soft smile. Nick's face split into a wide grin as he crawled back up Greg's body.