“A Post-Modern Love Affair”

Rating: Pg-13 for this chapter, though I’m still planning on smut. Don’t give up!

Summary: Nick’s attempts at reassurance fall flat

A Post- Modern Love Affair

Chapter two

It seemed to Nick that the hands on his watch were running backwards. It was the only explanation he had, since the night seemed never to end. Working with the nearly silent Greg should have been a blessing, considering his headache, but Nick would have given about anything to hear him make some noise.

By the time Nick locked their door behind them he was getting desperate for some response. “If I tell you why I love you, will you forgive me, and let this go?” That was either going to amuse and engage Greg, or completely piss him off, leading to Nick sleeping in the guest room. Nick held his breath.

“Sure.” Not exactly the smile he’s hoped for. Nick walked towards his still-scowling love and pulled him close.

“I love the way we fit together. Like we were made for each other. Don’t you think so?” Nick flashed his most charming smile. No answer. The smile began to feel plastic. “Greg?”

“Let me see if I have this right. You love me because I’m thin and fit up against you in a way that pleases you.” Not a smile in sight. “That’s it?” Nick felt his smile cracking.

“No. Of course that’s not all. I love you for lot’s of reasons!” God, he felt like he was in junior high defending his first crush! “That’s just one of the reasons.” Dork, Nick cursed himself. Dork…he wants something. You’d better figure it out fast!

“Keep naming them. ‘Cause that one, so not doing it for me.” Greg crossed to the bedroom they had been sharing for only a few months. He turned back at the door. “I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.” Nick couldn’t help but feel a little burn of lustful hope. “I’m tired.” Ah, bitter ashes. Nick was left staring at the door long after Greg had closed it behind him.

“How did this get so screwed up?” Nick flopped down on the couch. He didn’t figure he would be getting to sleep any time soon.

Nick didn’t remember falling asleep on the couch. He woke with a start, trying to orient himself in the dim room. He could hear noises from the kitchen, so Greg was up. Time to go see if sleep had settled the other man down.

Greg faced the stove, moving some thing around in one of his beloved skillets. Nick’s stomach growled in anticipation. He slid his arms around Greg’s waist, being careful not to disrupt his work.

“I love that you can cook.” Yeah, appeal to one of his prideful points…couldn’t hurt! “You’re a great cook!” That was true. Greg liked to experiment, and those experiments were almost always delicious.

“I’m a chemist, Nick.” Greg didn’t seem particularly flattered. “Cooking is just chemistry that tastes good.” He didn’t pull away. Nick tightened his hold just a bit. Greg leaned his head against Nick’s just for a moment. “Go sit down. This is done.” Reluctantly, Nick released Greg and sat at the bar. Greg handed him an omelet and hash browns that would have made his mother envious. “You really are a great cook, G.” He wasn’t trying to flatter now, he was just telling the truth.

“Thanks.” Nick sighed. Things were a little better, but nowhere near where he wanted them to be.

Going in to work on Greg’s day off was always a little disorienting for Nick. He was so accustomed to seeing Greg pretty much twenty-four/seven that when he wasn’t there it left a palpable hole. It didn’t help that the majority of his shift was spent with Cavalier and Sara, trying to mop up the loose ends of last nights case.

“Nick, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn’t mean to go off on Sanders. I like Sanders,” Chris looked surprised at that confession. “It’s just, well…my kids look older than he does. I find I either want to slap his smart mouth, or send him home where it’s safe. You know?”

Did he ever. It was easy to forgive Cavalier. The detective hadn’t meant any harm, and Nick admired his willingness to be the first to apologize. He extended his hand for a shake.

Detective Cavalier grasped Nick’s hand in relief. He didn’t need more issues with the CSI’s he worked with daily. “So, we’re good?”

“Yeah. We’re good.” Nick smiled. The release of pressure was helping his headache fade. “He’s got really great legs, too.”

Sara and Chris gaped at Nick’s comment. He looked at their confused faces and replayed what he’d just said. He could feel the heat of his embarrassment on his face. “Well, he does.” That helped.

The other two just laughed. “Let’s just finish up here, Stud.” Sara so had to die. “We’d better try to get you home, it’s pretty clear where your mind is!” Yeah, she needed to die. Nick could have made some Grissom related comment, but held back. He had enough trouble at home. He didn’t need more at work.

Mercifully, Nick had managed not to blurt out any other details of Greg’s anatomy through the remainder of his shift. Safe home again, he went in search of the one so occupying his mind.

“Greg?” he called. The house was quiet. Too quiet. “You home?”

Nick felt a building panic. “Greg? Where are you?”

The silent house didn’t have an answer for him.