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Title: Fathers First
Rating: Chapter 8:pg
Author: kieksterbanjo
Warnings: None
Summary: Fathers before anything else...Nick and Greg take on the challenge of raising children
Disclaimer: Would I like to own them? YES. But do I? Alas No. I would also like to make money from this and marry Benji Schwimmer from So You Think You Can Dance but one must live in the real world. *sigh*

A/N: Sorry it’s been a week since the last update! I would like to say that my crazy school schedule is the only culprit but alas I actually spent a lot of time on this chapter over the week. I just couldn’t get it exactly how I wanted it. I must have re written it like 12 times. LOL.

I would also like to say thank you for making my ‘Purple Monkey Dishwasher’ experiment a resounding success. :D It was informative and also made me giggle =P No fun random words required this time (though if you feel like putting in fun random words that’s fine too LOL) but I would, as always, appreciate feedback

Chapter 8

“I don’t understand why people Shop-Vac the trunks of their cars, thinking it will mess us up.” Nick said as he pulled his head out of the Corvette’s trunk parked in the lab garage, “No matter what, we’re gonna find the blood.” He sighed, sitting on the trunks edge and holding up the circular white pad with bright pink colouring on it for Catherine to see.

Catherine chuckled and nodded, “Humans are creatures of habit.” She reasoned, “But at least now we know we may have our transport vehicle. Let’s check the odometer to see how far this baby went.”

Nick nodded and hopped up from his seated position to follow Catherine to the hood of the car. Nick popped the green hood while Catherine pulled out the computer and cables, “Hook me up Nicky.” She said and Nick chuckled grabbing the cables from her and starting to hook them up, “So is Charlie excited about starting school?”

Nick chuckled, “He hasn’t slept in three days. He can’t wait to be at the same school as his big brother.”

“And I’m sure Aidan is just thrilled about that.” Catherine commented as she clicked on the computer.

“Well he’s not been in the best of moods for the last couple of days but I think that’s more to do with going back to school in general and not because Charlie’s gonna be joining him.” Nick shrugged as he leaned against the hood and watched Catherine type.

“I know that ‘back to school’ pout very well. Still get it to this day.” Catherine smiled and Nick nodded knowing he probably would be getting it for many years to come, “So Charlie’s not in kindergarten yet right?”

“Not yet. It’s a preschool program that takes place at an elementary school. Helps the kids adjust easier when they actually start kindergarten. It’s a half year prep program of sorts.” Nick explained even though the concept was alien to him. He didn’t think kids experienced adverse affects to simply starting kindergarten at the age of four, but he was willing to try it.

“And he starts tomorrow?” She asked as results popped up on her screen.

“Yeah he does. Which means Greg and I aren’t going to get any sleep, he’ll get us up at the crack of dawn to get ready.” Nick chuckled, “Hey isn’t that the same distance to where we found the body?” He asked pointing at the number that had popped up on the screen.

Catherine nodded, “Another piece of the puzzle.” She commented, “Let’s finish processes so we can get this guy behind bars.” Nick nodded and the two went about their work.

-- -- --

Greg’s eyes fluttered opened when he could no longer ignore the incessant giggling coming from his side of the bed. When his eyes focused slightly he wasn’t sure why he was surprised to see the Spongebob pajama clad three year old giggling at his bed side. Maybe it was because after a quick glance at the clock it was determined he’d gotten 20 minutes of sleep, or maybe it was because Charlie had woken him up THREE HOURS before they had to be ready.

“Charlie-man why are you up so early?” He rasped far too tired to make his voice sound right.

“It’s school!!!” Charlie screamed and Greg heard a snort from next to him as Nick was jerked awake.

Greg sighed, “Charlie it’s to early to scream like that. Why don’t you come lie between Dad and me and get some more sleep?”

Charlie giggled and shook his head, “No. School!” He screamed again and Greg felt another jerk and Nick was once again woken up, obviously having gone right back to sleep after the first time.

“All right. All right.” Greg said pushing himself up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed, pulling Charlie to stand between them, “Here’s what we’re gonna do. School doesn’t start for a while Charlie so we’re going to go downstairs and watch some Spongebob until it’s time to get ready. Okay?” Greg reasoned, hoping the toddler would agree.

Charlie seemed to think about it but soon nodded his little head and giggled some more. Greg nodded as well and steeled himself to the idea of getting through the day on twenty minutes of sleep before he got up leading Charlie out of the room by his shoulder, “Need a hand babe?” He heard Nick ask and turned to see him trying to pull himself into a sitting position.

He chuckled, “No it’s all right. Go back to sleep.” And that seemed to be enough for Nick who flopped back down and was asleep in seconds.

-- -- --

Nick woke with the alarm two hours later and was confused for a second when he felt the lack of a warm body next to his until he remembered the hazy events of that morning. He sighed and laid his head back on the warm pillow, suddenly understanding the advice someone had once given him; if you don’t have the time to sleep at least 6 hours, don’t try to sleep at all.

He felt more tired then he did when he fell asleep and would have loved nothing more then to just go back to sleep, but he a court date to get too not to mention two kids to get off to school and he couldn’t let Greg do that on his own. He pushed himself up and made his way to the shower.

-- -- --

After his shower, Nick dressed quickly and on his way downstairs he popped his head into Aidan’s room to find the seven year old still nestled under his blanket. Nick chuckled and left his tie tying for a moment and made his way further into the room. He bent over Aidan’s bed and pulled the blankets from his face, “Hey Aidan.” He said softly brushing the tousled hair form Aidan’s forehead.

Aidan’s eyes fluttered open at the touch and he squinted up at his father, “Come on buddy. Time to get up.” Nick smiled as Aidan brought his hands up to rub his eyes.

“Do I have to?” Aidan asked softly.

Nick chuckled, “Yeah unfortunately you do. But if it makes you feel any better when you’re in school I’ll be in court.” Nick reasoned with a shrug.

“But I have to do math!” Aidan protested as if that explained why his obligation was worse then Nick’s.

“Well what about this? There is no math in your breakfast cereal so why don’t you drag yourself downstairs.”

Aidan giggled, “I could do that.”

“Good man.” Nick smiled patting Aidan’s shoulder before leaving his room.

Nick made his way downstairs expecting to find Greg and Charlie sitting down to breakfast. What he saw instead though made his heart swell.

In the family room sat Greg, Charlie and Angelica (who Greg had obviously collected when she woke up) watching Spongebob Squarepants. Watching was a relative term however because as it were Greg sat snoring with his head against the back of the couch, Charlie was nestled under Greg’s arm fast asleep and Angelica sat on Greg’s lap poking at his chest with a look of concentration on her face.

Nick once again abandoned his tie tying and picked up the remote control, turning off the TV. At the sudden lack of sound Greg came awake and Nick smirked in his direction as Greg looked around confused.

“Spongebob put you to sleep babe. Now will you believe me when I say it’s boring?” Nick chuckled lifting Angelica into his arms.

“You’re just jealous that the kids like to watch the shows I like and not the ones you like.” Greg quipped and Nick had to mentally applaud his husband’s ability to be so quick so soon after waking up.

“I do believe you have it backwards, my love. And I don’t believe I’m jealous that YOU like to watch the shows the KIDS like.” Nick laughed starting to make his way to the kitchen.

Greg scoffed, “Semantics.” He said with a laugh turning to wake Charlie up.

-- -- --

“Greg we’ve gotta go now!” Nick called up the stairs as he finished putting on Angelica’s shoes.

“We’ll be down in a minute!” Was the reply and Nick sighed and threw Aidan a look, who giggled from his perched position on the stairs.

Finally Nick heard a door close on the second floor and foot steps make their way down the hall, “We’re going to be late you know.” Nick said as Greg carried Charlie down the stairs.

“No we won’t. I promise.” Greg smiled sitting Charlie on a stair in order to put his shoes on.

“Yeah you promise.” Nick said under his breath, “What took so long anyway?” He asked gesturing to Aidan who jumped down from the stairs and out the front door as Nick grabbed Angelica’s carrier.

Greg picked up Charlie into his arms and said matter-of-factly as he passed Nick, “I couldn’t get his hair right.”

Nick let out a whoop of laughter as he followed, “Yeah because you know preschool is just full of fashion critics.”

-- -- --

“Bye Dad and Daddy!” Aidan yelled as he made a mad dash for his friends on the playground when Nick stopped the car in front of the school.

“He was so against this all morning.” Nick comment with a chuckle as he got out of the car and opened Charlie’s door. Having been intending to get Charlie out of his car seat himself, Nick was surprised when Charlie jumped out of the car and into his arms as soon as the door opened.

Greg laughed as Nick’s tried to keep Charlie from falling to the ground. He opened Angelica’s door and pulled the baby out of her car seat to rest on his hip, “Ready for school Charlie?”

“Yup!” Charlie said with a toothy grin as he slung his arms around Nick’s neck. The four made their way up to the small fenced off playground that held the kindergarten and preschool rooms.

“Mr. Sanders. Mr. Stokes.” Both men turned at the sounds of their names and both smiled at the sight of Ellen Carter, Aidan’s kindergarten teacher turned Charlie’s preschool teacher.

“Mrs. Carter.” Greg said sweetly and untangled his hand from Angelica to shake Ellen’s.

“I’m so excited that Charlie is going to be joining his brother in school this year. He was just a baby when Aidan was in my class and now he’s all grown up! I’m so glad I get another chance to teach a Sanders-Stokes.” She said with a happy sigh, “If he’s anything like his brother this is going to be good year.”

Nick chuckled, “Well I can’t guarantee that. Charlie’s a bit of a fire cracker.”

“Which has nothing to do with the fact that he’s my son.” Greg clarified.

“Sure it doesn’t.” Nick said with mock seriousness and rolled his eyes in Ellen’s direction who laughed.

“All right well why don’t we get this school year under way? Feel free to stay as long as you want gentlemen, observe the dynamics.” She smiled as Nick put Charlie on the ground, “Charlie why don’t you come with me and we’ll meet the rest of the kids.” She asked excitedly holding her hand out. Charlie looked at it curiously as if unsure what to do with it. He looked back at his fathers and then back at the hand and the person attached to it. Finally he shrugged, obviously deciding that the woman he was about to follow was friend and not foe, and grabbed her hand.

“Do you want us to stay Charlie?” Greg asked hopefully and Nick knew he was dieing to remain but would never admit it. He’d only stay if Charlie wanted him to.

Charlie seemed to think about it for a second then shook his head, “I’m good.” He said matter-of-factly and Greg looked crestfallen as Charlie ran ahead pulling Ellen with him.

Nick sighed and put his hand on the back of Greg’s neck to direct him away from the playground as the door shut behind the class, “He’s just excited.” He said as they walked.

Greg sighed, “I know. I just…didn’t think I would feel like this.” He shrugged, “It’s weird. I want him to grow up, but I just didn’t think it would happen this fast.”

Nick nodded as they reached the car, “It’s just preschool baby. There will be many more first days of school. Hell there will be many more firsts in general. He’s not done needing us by a long shot.”

“I remember Aidan’s first day of kindergarten. He wouldn’t let go of your leg.” Greg chuckled sadly, “But still, after the fact, I don’t remember feeling like this.”

“They’re VERY different kids. They’re going to react differently to different situation. Aidan was nervous but made friends quickly, Charlie’s just skipping the first step. We should be proud that he’s that comfortable.” Nick commented and Greg nodded, “And after the fact for Aidan? I remember feeling like I lost something. I was nervous and scared and wanted nothing more then to keep him at home forever. Do you remember that?” Greg nodded again, “As parents we instinctively want to protect our offspring. We would be there in a second if any one of our kids needed us. But Aidan’s my biological son and Charlie’s yours, it only makes sense that that feeling is stronger for you with Charlie then it is with Aidan.”

“Yeah I guess.” Greg said softly looking at the school and squinting in the early morning light.

“Come on. He’s going to be fine. This is one of those few times we can be thankful he’s your son; he can make friends with anyone. And besides, he’s got Aidan to make sure he’s okay.” Nick chuckled and watched as Greg smiled, before turning to put Angelica back into her car seat.

-- -- --

Greg sat nervously in the car outside the courthouse as he waited for Nick to get out of his court date that afternoon. Despite their talk earlier Greg had been pacing all day wondering if everything was going okay with Charlie and now it was 20 minutes before they had to pick Charlie up and Nick was running later then he had anticipated.

“Come on Nick.” Greg whispered to himself as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. Angelica gurgled from the back seat and Greg looked in the rear view mirror. He smiled as she bounced her legs and hit the table of her car seat with her hands, entertaining herself, “Promise me when you get to be old enough to go to school you’ll want Dad and me to stay for the day.” He said and chuckled when she stopped all her movement and looked over at the sound of his voice. He knew she couldn’t understand him but the look on her face made it look like she was trying.

Greg jumped when the passenger side door opened and let out a nervous chuckle as Nick hopped in, slightly out of breath, “Hey sorry I got stopped by like eight people on my way out.”

“It’s okay.” Greg said softly and as Nick buckled his seat belt he leaned over and gave Greg a quick kiss.

“You’ve been pacing all day haven’t you?” He asked when they pulled back and Greg blushed.

“You know me to well.” Greg mumbled putting the car into drive and pulling out into traffic.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Nick smiled loosing his tie as Greg drove.

-- -- --

The bell rang out around the playground; signaling lunch recess for most of the school. It also signaled the end of Charlie’s school day and Greg and Nick stood at the car, waiting for the door to the preschool class to open.

When they did, a flood of miniature people with small backpacks came running out, followed by a tired looking Ellen Carter who had obviously been trying to keep them inside until the bell rang.

Greg and Nick scanned the masses for Charlie but couldn’t find him and as each student was paired off with their parents they got nervous, wondering where he was. Nick hit Greg in the shoulder and pointed in the direction of the door obviously having spotted their son.

Greg turned and what met his eyes confused him. Walking out of the door was Charlie with Aidan by his side; one of Aidan’s arms wrapped protectively around his little brother’s shoulders. Nick and Greg looked at each other before walking towards the playground and up to Ellen.

She smiled as they approached with confused looks on their faces, “Charlie was struck with a little shyness after you left and then during play time he fell and scraped his knee on the pavement. I figured he could use a little comfort so I asked if Aidan wouldn’t mind eating lunch with his brother. He was more then willing.” She explained before they could even ask and they were soon joined by both Aidan and Charlie.

Charlie immediately gestured to be picked up and Greg lifted him into his arms, “I hurt my leg.” Charlie whined.

Greg stroked the back of his head, “Oh no. Are you okay now?” He asked.

Charlie nodded, “Aidan came and we had lunch.” He said with a smile. Greg looked over at Aidan who stood quietly to the side.

Nick sidled up next to Aidan and patted his shoulder, “You did a good thing Aidan.”

Aidan shrugged, “Yeah well…” He said softly looking down with an embarrassed smile, “I’m going to go play now.” He said and waved at the group before heading over to the main playground to find his friends.

Ellen smiled at Nick and Greg before biding them a good afternoon and going off to see if every child was with a parent or guardian, “So did you have a good day other then hurting your knee, buddy?” Nick asked as they walked back to the car.

“It was good.” Charlie shrugged, “Can you and Daddy stay tomorrow?” He asked and Nick watched as Greg’s face lit up.

“Sure thing, buddy. We’ll stay as long as you need us to.” Nick smiled.

“Just tomorrow.” Charlie said with a nod and laid his head on Greg’s shoulder as they continued to walk to the car.

TBC