Chapter 5: Flame to the Fire

Nick pulled a clean shirt over his head and ran a towel through his damp hair. He thought that coming home and sprucing up a bit might help with his nerves. But it didn't. He was more nervous than a criminal in the interrogation room with Brass breathing down his neck. He shook his head at his own nervous energy. Greg would be here any minute now and the only thing he could think of to calm himself was a shot of his bittersweet, aged whiskey.

He glanced absently at his clock. Any minute, he thought. He looked again at the clock restlessly, his mind buzzing. What if Greg didn't show? What if stood Nick up or chickened out? Nick sipped his whiskey, refusing to look at the clock anymore and just wait.

Nick had been rather forceful with Greg today at work. Pretty much demanding he come to his place tonight so they could finish what they started last night and now today. He sighed heavily, letting the warm amber liquid fill his stomach and burn his throat. It tasted harsh and bitter. He needed it though. He needed to calm down and get a hold of himself.

What happened to the confident Nick Stokes that had wooed countless women into his bed with a sure smile and twinkle in his eyes? Nick's gaze betrayed him and checked the clock. A minute had passed. He let out a grunt of frustration. He should be planning his little seduction or turning over the bed… something other than ideally waiting for Greg to knock on his door. Butterflies flapped anxiously in his stomach. He quickly took another sip.

He wasn't going to let himself get drunk or even buzzed. He wanted to experience every single moment of tonight with clarity and vividness so that when he remembered tonight, he would cherish it. Nick snorted out a small laugh. He sounded like some sappy romantic. Normally he just bedded them and left them. He had that kind of reputation. Mostly because whenever the woman stuck around long enough and realized that when Nick Stokes came home at the end of his shift, death lingered around him. Women were keen on picking up this aura, they could sense it. He couldn't explain it. All he knew was that none of the women he tried to have a stable, healthy relationship stayed long, because of this.

But this was different. Tonight felt different. It was Greg. A warmth came over him just by thinking about that pretty face and fool-hardy smile of Greg Sanders. Ever since they kissed, he couldn't get him out of his system, let alone out of his mind. Whenever they passed in the hallways, or saw each other in the lab, his heart did this funny flip, leaving him breathless and feeling kind of silly. He didn't understand it and couldn't figure it out. He just knew who caused it. Maybe that's why he couldn't help but be nervous about tonight. He was afraid that this feeling would slip through his grasp somehow or Greg wouldn't show up at all.

What happened between him and Greg at the lab was the tip of the iceberg. And Nick wanted to go deeper and explore what else Sanders had to offer him. He knew he felt the same sexual attraction as him. He caught the way Greg looked at him sometimes- even before their kiss. He knew of Greg's little crush before he probably did. Nick didn't mind at all, in fact he thought it was kind of cute. He was flattered at first, now he was downright ravenous to see those hungry glances for him across the room. He wanted Greg. And nothing would stop him now from taking him- not even Greg.

He ran a hand through his short dark hair then over his face. Wondering when this tormenting wait would end… Suddenly he heard a knock at the front door. He couldn't stop the smile that spread to his face as he finished off the remains of his drink and headed to the door. He didn't over dress or try to look fancy tonight. He wore a plain white t-shirt, loose jeans and walked barefoot down the hallway. He didn't plan on taking Greg anywhere but his bedroom, he thought smugly. His pace instantly quickened to answer.

He opened it to see his Greggo, with a helpless and slightly fearful expression over his young, handsome face. Nick smiled lazily at this. He'd be nervous if he was Greg, he thought hungrily as he sent him a smoldering gaze. Greg wore a nice pair of boots, expensive jeans and a button up black long-sleeved shirt that Nick had the absurd urge to tear off him. His hair was even done nicely.

"Are you going to let me in or just stare at me all day?" Greg asked sounding peeved.

Nick lifted his eyebrows then shrugged as he leaned casually into his door, "I dunno- I guess I was just enjoying the view."

Greg sighed, his face flushed as he suddenly pushed a bottle of wine into Nick's hands. "I didn't know what to bring… I thought I should bring something." He said nervously. Nick nodded, examining the wine. It was store bought but expensive.

"Thanks," Nick said as he finally stepped away from the doorway and with a dramatic gesture beckoned him inside. "Please come in," he said airily as he strode to the kitchen, not waiting for Greg to follow.

He heard the door close and the resounding lock of the dead bolt as Greg appeared moments later in his kitchen. Nick pulled out two glasses for the wine when he turned to see Greg staring at the open bottle of whiskey. "Getting started without me?"

"Somethin' like that," Nick replied candidly, not wanting to admit how he would've been burning a track in his carpet in frantic pacing had he not calmed himself earlier with a stiff drink.

Greg couldn't stop staring at the whiskey, and then unexpectedly, he snagged the bottle and poured a double into the glass Nick had used before and drank it down with one smooth swallow.

Nick set down the bottle of wine. "Should we just skip the wine?" he teased lightly.

Greg carefully placed the glass back down on the kitchen counter. His face somber as he gazed up to meet Nick's eyes. Nick reeled at the passion and sudden heat he saw in those hauntingly light brown eyes that seemed to flash a brilliant gold at him. He swallowed nervously, his stomach twisting anxiously and his body already warming in anticipation for Greg's touch.

"Let's skip the drinks and the small talk," Greg breathed out with a rush as he pushed away from the counter and into Nick's arms. Nick groaned the moment their lips collided.

It was as if Greg's lips were his flame and he caught fire from it. They kissed passionately, mindlessly, desperately. Nick opened his mouth, welcoming the tongue that speared inside and tangled with his. His hands frantically began touching and moving all over Greg, wanting him with unabashed desire. He ran his fingers through the short blond hair, gripping it tightly, forcing his face harder into his, sucking and biting at his lips aggressively. He heard Greg whimper and push restlessly against him, their bodies sliding and brushing into each other. Nick's other hand ran down the middle of Greg's back and wound itself into his shirt, wanting to rip it off his body and taste the flesh beneath. God how he wanted to taste all of him!

Nick felt the arousal hit him with such intensity it nearly made his knees buckle. He bit down hard on his lip, restraining himself and fighting the urge to come right there like some horny school boy that couldn't control himself. It was Greg's fault. He wanted him so badly that he stood on the brink of cumming in his jeans as they kissed wildly.

"Bedroom…" Nick muttered breathlessly as Greg simply nodded and continued to kiss him as they stumbled back into the hallway, stripping off each other's clothes, falling against the wall off balance, fumbling with buttons and stepping out of jeans.

His heart raced, pounding into his chest so loudly he thought Greg could hear it as he tore off his shirt than kicked his jeans away with an impatient flick. He stood, completely naked in front of Greg, his cock already towering against him. Greg was peeling off his shirt when they entered Nick's bedroom. His lean chest was natural built and bare, with a sexy hairline trailing down perilously to the opened clasped jeans. Nick reached for it, his erection already beginning to strain dangerously. Greg gasped at the feel of Nick's determined, firm hands on his body.

"Nick…" Greg moaned out, as he slid his hands over his waist and pulled his jeans down all the way to his ankles, getting on his knees. His hands never leaving his body as his fingers clasped his ankles. He didn't look up to ask permission or even give the slightest indication of what he was about to do. He was running on only one emotion- need, as he lowered his mouth over Greg's long, thick shaft.

Greg cried out his name, his erection hardening and swelling in his mouth. Nick dipped his head over the penis, savoring the musky, male taste of Greg's arousal. He'd never done anything like this before. He'd only been with women and yet, this was turning him on more than he could have possibly imagined. It could've been the breathy, raspy sounds Greg was making for him as he sucked on his cock. Or maybe it was because it was Greg he was sucking off… He didn't know or care, only that he wanted more. And he wanted Greg to want more.

Nick placed his hands over the base of Greg's erection and twisted the flesh with a gentle firmness. Greg's dick pulsated and surged forward into Nick's mouth. He tried not to gag from the sudden invasion. He did it again, this time prepared for Greg's mindless humping. He sucked harder, grazing his teeth over the sensitive flesh, feeling him quiver in his hands.

"Nick…" he whispered urgently now, on the verge of cumming. Nick's arousal had grown this whole time, feeling so hard and sensitive he wasn't sure he would last long himself if he actually bent Greg over and… The mental image nearly undid him. Nick released Greg's hard cock from his mouth, tonguing and viciously sucking on him. Greg's fingers dug into his scalp as he cried out when Nick mercilessly thumbed the tip of his dick, over the very sensitive slit. His finger tip wet with Greg's precum. Nick smiled and got to his feet.

Greg trembled and panted with dark passion shining brightly in his eyes. Nick went for his mouth then, needing to taste what that passion felt like inside of the man before him.

They tore at each other, fighting for power and dominance in their hot, frantic kisses. Their tastes mingled, their mouths opened wide for their dancing tongues. The warmth and heat Nick felt in this kiss was not making the tension surrounding his cock any less. He couldn't stand it any longer. He pushed himself into Greg's stomach, his throbbing cock needing release and now. He abruptly shoved Greg easily onto the bed as he reached over to his nightstand, grabbed the precautionary condom and lube.

Greg watched him with heated intensity as Nick palmed his thick manhood after slipping on the condom.

"I've wanted this for so long…" Greg breathed out in a husky voice. "I've wanted you for so long…" He admitted, his face was taunt with need, his legs sprawled out on the bed, his breathing eradicate and fast. Nick never felt so aroused in all his life as he kneeled over Greg Sanders.

"I think I always knew…" Nick replied, just as breathless. Greg looked up at him, surprised. Nick bent low and trailed a wet kiss over the younger man's raw, supple lips. "I knew that you wanted me…" he continued to kiss his along his freshly shaved chin and to bite tenderly into his neck. Greg's finger ran up his neck and held his head there as Nick sucked and kissed interchangeably, marking Sander's as his. He was his now. "I wanted you too, Greg…" Nick whispered his admission as he tongued the shell of his ear.

Greg moaned loudly, his hips rising off the bed to rub and grind into Nick's body. Nick bit roughly into his neck, loving the frantic sounds and gasping noises. Greg liked it rough. Nick planned on giving him what he wanted.

Nick lowered himself between Greg's legs and lifted his butt, sliding his hands beneath, touching his finely shaped ass with both hands. Greg titled his head into the pillow, eyes closing and mouth opened as he gasped when Nick fingered his butthole. The younger man bucked as Nick slipped his finger inside, widening him for the soon to be immense intrusion of Nick's demanding erection. He felt Greg's arousal push upwards, his muscles tense in his stomach and legs.

Nick shifted his weight and with one hard, sure thrust, he entered. Greg let out a strangled cry of mixed pleasure and pain. Nick nearly came. He stilled his movements, gathering his strength and calming himself. Greg clung on to him, writhing and spasming on the bed, his body ready for more. Nick surged forward, thrusting deeper and harder. His cock swelled achingly, ready to burst. But he didn't want to climax- not yet… he had to keep going.

Desperate now, he quickened his pace until he mindlessly pushed into him, over and over. Greg suddenly jerked beneath him and gasped as he climaxed, his body tensing, his hips bucking upwards in his release. Nick pushed forward one last time, hearing only the sounds of Greg, the feel of him under his touch, the warmth of him pressed into him, the heartbeat pounding in his chest… Nick erupted instantly. The orgasm felt brutal as it ripped through his entire body and flooding out him. He flattened his palm into Greg's open hand and held on to him, his body trembling as he weakened. He slid out from beneath him, feeling weak limbed and thoroughly exhausted, yet unmistakably euphoric.

Burying his face into Greg's hair and neck, he laid on top of him for a minute, knowing that he would eventually have to move because he was heavy. Greg however wrapped his arms and legs around him and let out a long, sigh, still trying to catch his breath after their intense love making.

Finally after a minute, Nick rolled to his side and realized their hands were still clasped. He brought their clasped hands to his mouth and kissed Greg's knuckle. Greg watched him with an unnerving gaze. Then Greg reached out with his free hand and stroked the side of Nick's face affectionately. Both content to just lie there. Nick felt his eyes slowly drift down, feeling heavy and tried.

Greg continued to stroke the side of his face and then massage his scalp, his fingers were heavenly.

"I guess this changes our work relationship," Greg mumbled lightly.

Nick peaked open his eyes to see Greg smiling. Nick couldn't resist the urge to smile back, "what? You think so?" he teased.

Greg snuggled closer, their naked bodies brushing. Nick sighed, liking this… maybe even loving it. He was too tired to think. All he knew for sure was that he wanted Greg to stay with him until he fell asleep, wrapped closely by his side.

"I don't know if I could just casually walk by you in the hallways anymore," Greg said. "Well, not without thinking of what you just did to me…"

Nick chuckled lazily. The continued sensation of his fingers was beginning to lull him into sleep. "Stay here," Nick heard himself whisper. "Stay here until I fall asleep." He opened his eyes to make sure he saw Greg's reply.

His warm brown eyes softened, "Yeah, I'll stay here."

Nick let out a relieved sigh, and buried his face into the pillow. It smelled of them. He drifted easily off into a deep, peaceful sleep. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this good before falling asleep. And Greg had done this for him. He smiled lightly and let sleep pull him under.

Nick was awakened by the absence of body heat besides him. He groggily reached out to pull Greg closer, face still planted deeply in the pillow. But when he came up empty, his eyes shot open and discovered his bed was empty. Startled, he glanced at his bedside digital clock. It was well into the afternoon. He had a few hours before he had to get to work. Yet Greg was gone. His eyes roamed over to the indented pillow of where Greg had slept and the tangled sheets of the bed.

Then he noticed the small post-it note in the tangled sheets. Nick grabbed it, thinking he must have knocked it aside sometime while he slept.

I didn't have the heart to wake you. I'll see you at work. G.

Nick stared at the note, reading it twice before sighing heavily and falling back down on his pillow. Normally Nick was the one who left the note in the morning. The one to sneak out of the bed, collecting his discarded clothes and tip-toeing out the room. But not this time. This time, Greg left him. And he didn't like the feeling very much. He felt cheated out of a kiss and maybe another roll in the sack before they headed off to work.

Why didn't he stay? Nick tried not to over think this as he sat up and tossed the sheets aside, letting his legs fall over the side of the bed. He sat there for a moment and realized how good he actually felt aside from the slight depression at the absence of Greg. His body felt rested and his mind re-energized. He must have really slept well last night, he thought surprisingly.

Well, that made sense he thought laughingly, he did thoroughly exhaust himself with vigorous activity with a certain youthful friend. Deciding that not all was lost, Nick strolled to the bathroom and took a shower. He planned on giving Greggo a firm talking to though. Sneaking out like some dirty mistress was not okay. So that when they did do this again, which Nick firmly believed that they would, Greg would know better.

Greg was his now, he claimed him last night. And Nick planned on letting him know exactly what that meant the next time he saw him.

TBC

**Please comment & review! I falling totally in love with this pairing & I can't stop writing them. Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. Hope ur enjoying the boys cuz it's only going to start heating up for them now! ^_-