Buried Alive

Chapter 10

Sara paced the room silently, occasionally looking at her slumbering friend. What did Greg mean Nick hurt him? Physically? Mentally? Nick would never do anything to harm the man who was like a little brother to him…right? Of course not; Nick loved Greg and would protect him like there was no tomorrow. So what the hell was the kid talking about? She had no idea, but she knew that she did not want to tell this to the Texan; it'd break his heart. But the guy would find out eventually when Greg didn't want to talk to Nick or even see him. Maybe Greg was just confused and wasn't sure on what really happened; god, she hoped that was the case. Dr. Moorhead walked into the room with a smile on her face; Sara had gotten a nurse to page her now that Greg had woken up for a brief moment.

"Could you wait out in the hall Sara? It'll only be a moment while I check his vitals."

"Of course." Biting her lip, she looked once more at the young CSI before leaving the room, trying to figure out what to do when Nick returned. And when she saw him walking down the hall, their eyes met and his smile vanished. He shoved his bagel into Warrick's hand and ran to her.

"What's going on?" He said, genuinely petrified, worried that something bad happened to Greg once again and he wasn't there to do anything about it. Once again it'd be his fault. "Why aren't you in there with him?"

"Dr. Moorhead's checking him over…he…he woke up."

A huge smile formed on Texan's- one that she hadn't seen in days. Too bad she might have to see it disappear again. "He did? That's great." Then he chuckled. "Little shit, the second I leave he wakes up."

Sara looked down at floor, stuck on whether she should ask the Texan the horrible question. He must've caught on, because when she looked up, he was frowning in confusion.

"Sara…what is it? Did Greg say something to you?"

Was he praying Greg didn't mention him hurting the kid? Dammit Sara, stop thinking like that. Like you said, Nick loved Greg, he wouldn't do anything bad to him.

"Sara."

"No…he didn't say anything." But she was a terrible liar.

Nick looked at her with pleading eyes. "Sara…please, what's going on?"

The brunette sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment. "I may be over thinking this and you might hate me for asking but…did you…did you hurt Greg?"

The Texan seemed taken aback at the brunt on the question. His face had gone pale and there was nothing but surprise and distress in his eyes. "What? What are you talking about? You-You know damn well I'd never lay a finger on that kid unless it was saving him."

"I know that Nick, but…when he woke up he said…he said that you hurt him. I don't think he feels safe around you Nick."

Nick let out a breath like he'd been punched in the gut. He swallowed the thick lump in his throat. Greg didn't want to be near him for some odd reason; sure he might've said some hurtful things to Greg before the kid was kidnapped, but other than that he didn't actually injure him.

"Oh god."

Warrick put a hand on Nick's shoulder and squeezed it. "Maybe he's just mixing things up. The drugs and fever are probably just messing with his head."

"God, I hope so," Nick said breathlessly while running his fingers through his hair.

"It'll be okay, Nick," Sara assured. "Once he starts to get better you can tell him what really happened."

"Yeah…yeah, okay."

"You want to sit man?" Warrick said. His friend was really upset; the news of Greg thinking Nick would actually physically hurt him must've wounded the guy.

"No…no, I want to see Greg."

"But he's sleeping, you can't talk to him right now," Sara replied.

"I don't care; I still need to be with him for when he does wake up."

Sighing because there was no arguing with the Texan, Sara nodded. "Alright; we just have to wait until the doctor is finished."

Nodding, Nick took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart as well as his swirling mind. He wanted to let his kid brother know he'd never lay a hand on him and would do anything to protect him. They waited for at least five more minutes before Dr. Moorhead emerged with a small smile on her face.

"Well? Is he okay?"

"He's doing great; healing much faster than I thought he would, especially after yesterday. He still has a disconcerting high fever and when he's awake, there's a few things you should be aware of."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well, there's a possibility of nausea and confusion along with violent shivering, headaches, drowsiness and dizzy spells. So just have him take it easy, we don't need any repeat occurrences. He may also have some trouble breathing and if he does, just give him the oxygen mask until he feels better. Do you have any other questions or concerns?"

Nick shook his head, just wanting to see his little brother.

"Alright, you're welcome to go sit with him again, however I insist you let him rest; his body is still exhausted."

The three nodded and Dr. Moorhead let them enter the room before leaving them alone with the patient. Nick was about to go sit next to Greg when he decided against it, knowing Greg would never wake up again if he knew Nick was right there.

"Um…I'm gonna go sit over there instead," he said pointing to the recliner in the corner. "You guys can sit with him this time."

"You sure man?" Warrick frowned.

Nick swallowed and nodded jerkily. "Yeah."

"Okay," Sara replied sadly yet understanding. Nick had just gotten a huge shock and she knew when the time was right, the Texan would make amends with the younger CSI. She went to go sit with Warrick by Greg's bedside, slipping her hand underneath his sweaty one and sighing. She prayed that everything would be back to normal soon. Warrick occasionally glanced at his best friend who was staring into space, rubbing his chin. He knew Nick desperately wanted to be by Greg's side, but was too worried Greg wouldn't wake up until he knew he was 'safe.' Man, this sucked out loud. They sat there for at least an hour before Warrick was called back to the lab. Catherine took the man's place and Sara filled her in on what was going on. Another hour went by and Greg remained still; his breathing was uneven and a thin layer of sweat would form on his creased forehead ever now and then. Catherine, being the mother that she was, would get up, wet a cloth and dab his face to cool it off. Nick watched as the woman did this; and though he knew Greg would love that Catherine was doing this for him, Nick- being the big brother and all- wanted to be the one making his little brother feel better. But he couldn't because he was scared the kid might freak and hurt himself. He didn't want to be the cause of Greg's pain anymore. Wiping his eyes tiredly, he was about to leave and get some air when they all heard a small groan come from the bed. Catherine stood up, discarding the cloth and hovered her hands over Greg's bruised face, unsure of whether to touch him, speak to him or just let him wake up on his own.

"Sara, go get some water; he's gonna need it.
As the brunette did so, Catherine cupped Greg's face gently, coaxing him to wake while Nick stood back, hesitant of his place at the moment.

"Greggy, sweetheart? It's me, Catherine. It's okay Hun, you're safe now; we got you home."

Finally, the younger man's eyes opened and it was the most beautiful sight for the older woman. She smiled warmly, missing those big brown orbs she was so used to seeing even if they were barely lucid. She stroked his face and up through his hair, whispering words of comfort as she felt his body start to shiver. Greg opened his mouth to speak, however nothing but a small squeak came out.

"Here," Sara said, coming from the bathroom and pouring Greg a cup of water. She helped him sip it as he was too weak. It almost made the brunette choke in emotion; she never thought Greg would be so frail that he would barely be able to lift his own glass of water. "Drink slowly; we can't have you getting sick."

When he finished, Greg gently collapsed back onto the pillows.

"Greg, can you talk, Hun?" Catherine whispered, still running her fingers through his curls. Sara had told her that Dr. Moorhead said Greg might have headaches and she didn't want to make them worse.

Greg coughed weakly before speaking, his voice extremely dry. "C-Catherine?"

"Right here, kiddo."

Greg looked around cautiously like he was afraid of something. Sara assumed it was of Nick. She glanced at the Texan who was still standing back. "S-Safe?"

Catherine was confused, but Sara and Nick were not.

"Yeah, it's safe," Sara replied

"Good." Greg smacked his lips and shifted on the bed, quivering a little.

"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Catherine smiled.

"Tired...confused...my head hurts a little."

"I'll go get Dr. Moorhead; I'm sure she'll want to run some tests."

When Catherine left, Nick was in Greg's view. Sara saw the blonde's eyes go wide as his whole body tensed.

"Hey buddy," Nick said with a lopsided smile.

Greg grasped Sara's arm, wanting some protection.

"Greg, it's alright, it's just Nick," Sara assured.

"Nick?"

"Yeah man."

Before Greg could say anything else, Dr. Moorhead, followed by Catherine, stepped into the room. The doctor gently moved Sara to the side and shone a penlight into Greg's eyes.

"Greg, my name is Dr. Moorhead; I've been treating you for the past couple weeks. Could you tell me the last thing you remember?"

Sniffing and tearing cautious eyes from Nick, he cleared his throat. "Umm...I think I was at a crime scene or something. I'm not really sure."

"Hmm." She turned to the three others in the room. "Could you all wait in the hallway for a few minutes? I just have a few short exams for him now that he's completely awake."

Reluctantly, the CSI's left, shutting the door behind them. Nick breathed out heavily, closing his eyes.

"Nicky?" Catherine said. "What's going on with you and Greg?"

"I don't...I don't know, Cath. He thinks I...god."

"What?"

"He thinks I hurt him and now he's scared of me."

"Why would he think that? Did you-"

"No! Why the hell would you even ask?" Nick shouted angrily.

"Well, there's gotta be a reason."

Nick sighed. "I did...I did say a few hurtful things to him a couple minutes before he was kidnapped."

Catherine raised an eyebrow and Nick continued quickly. "But I never actually physically hurt him. You know me better than that!"

Catherine sighed in defeat. "I know Nick; I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I guess we're all under a lot of stress right now."

Catherine smiled tiredly. "Come here, Nicky." The two got together and hugged each other tightly. It had been a long couple of weeks...very exhausting actually and it was pitting them against each other.

"Ahem."

They pulled away and turned towards the voice. It was Dr. Moorhead. "Sorry to interrupt, but Greg's ready to have visitors if you'd like to go in."

The three glanced at each other and decided Nick should talk alone with Greg.

"Are you sure?"

"Nick, he needs to know the truth," Sara whispered. "Go talk."

Nodding, the Texan took a deep breath and stepped inside the dimly lit room. Greg was resting against the heap of pillows, eyes closed and snoring lightly. Nick smirked. The kid looked so peaceful but he knew on the inside that he was slowly falling apart. Hating himself for disturbing the kid, Nick spoke up. "Greg?"

Immediately, Greg's eyes snapped open and he tensed up again. The kid's gaze never moved away from the Texan; like he was too scared to look, yet too scared to look away. The silence was very unnerving for the both of them-especially Nick- and he looked away for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.

"Umm, hey Greggo. It's just me, alright? Nothing to be worried about. How're you feeling?"

Greg remained speechless, still tense and still afraid to do anything, so much as move. Nick took a couple steps forward, but stopped when Greg flinched. The older man sighed, looking at the floor and then around the room awkwardly. Things should never have to be this way between them. Greg was his little brother and he shouldn't be afraid of his big brother. Then the Texan couldn't take it anymore.

"Come on buddy, say something. If...if you think I hurt you in some way, please...please tell me. I want- I need to know so I can fix things with you...please Greggo."

Greg swallowed thickly before opening his mouth. "I'm just," Greg began, his voice hoarse from lack of use. "Really confused Nick. I'm getting things mixed up; so just tell me one thing."

Nick moved closer, eager to fulfill Greg's request. "Anything, man. I'll do anything."

"Are you...I kept hearing your voice while I was in that...that place. And then when I was kidnapped. Did you...did you do this to me?"

"God, G. You really think..." Nick rubbed his face as he collapsed onto the chair next to Greg's bed. "Greggo, I...I admit I said some pretty hurtful things to you before you were taken, but I would never, never have done this to you. Ever. Do you remember Paul Millander and his adopted son, Craig? Well, Craig's the one who did this to you; that sick bastard buried you alive and then killed himself so we couldn't find you. But we did, buddy. We got you out and you're safe now. And when you heard my voice, it was because he put in a microphone so we could talk. But I promise you that I would never...could never hurt you, G." Nick remained silent, waiting for his little brother's reaction. The kid seemed in deep thought, trying to process everything that had been said. The blonde broke his gaze away from Nick, looking at his shaking hands.

"That really happened?"

"Damn straight, kiddo."

"You didn't hurt me?"

Nick pursed his lips. "Well, 'member when I told you how I said some things to you before this mess?"

"You said I'd never become a CSI, yeah."

Nick frowned. "You remember that?"

Greg nodded weakly.

"Shit, G. You know I didn't mean it, right? I was just...I was so scared that something bad happened to you and when I'm scared I lash out, but I swear to you, what I said...I never meant it. I'm so, so sorry Greggo."

Greg licked his chapped lips and glanced at the Texan, trying to figure him all out. After a couple of minutes, Greg sighed heavily, picking at the sheets. "I forgive you," he said quietly.

To someone else, they probably wouldn't have heard the kid's small voice, but it was loud enough for Nick. Greg's voice had always been embedded in his mind ever since he felt the need to protect the kid. "You do?" Nick whispered. "Cause you really don't have to, G. I'd understand completely."

"No...I want to; I don't wanna have this awkwardness between us when I...when I go back to work."

"You're gonna go back to work, too?"

"Yeah; I'm not gonna let this stop me from doing what I love. I mean, I just started being a CSI; I'm not quitting."

Nick smiled, feeling so proud of his brave little brother for overcoming this so quickly...well, he knew that the kid might have nightmares and flashbacks but Greg was strong. Maybe stronger than him. Before Greg could say anything else, Nick leaned forward and engulfed him in a gentle yet tight hug.

"God, I'm so proud of you, bud. And I'm so sorry for everything."

Greg was unsure for a second on what do do, but after a moment or so, Greg wrapped his uninjured arm around nick, returning the gesture without jarring any of his other injuries.

"I'll be alright, Nick. We'll be okay; you'll see."

"I know, kiddo. It's you and me against the world; don't ever forget that."

"I won't...thanks, Nick."

The Texan's heart almost broke when he heard the sincerity in the kid's voice. He choked back a sob, closing his eyes in sheer relief. "I love you man," he whispered, trying not to cry. He heard Greg sniff and he squeezed him a little tighter.

"I love you too, Nick." A couple tears made their way out of Greg's eyes and he blinked them away. As minutes passed, Greg passed out in Nick's arm from physical and emotional exhaustion and Nick followed not long after. But both minds were finally starting to be at rest. And even though they had a long road to recovery ahead of them, they both knew things would get better eventually if they just stuck together. Big brother and little brother.

TBC

Ahhh! So much brotherly love! Next chapter may or may not be the last chapter; we'll have to see how it goes. And next chapter will show Greg getting the full hit that he was buried alive. Stay tuned! REVIEWS!