One Year, Two Mismatched Men and Three Million Dollars 9/?

[gregisamazing.livejournal.com]

Title: One Year, Two Mismatched Men and Three Million Dollars

Chapter: 9/? (Previous chapters are found here)

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Alcohol is known to do some pretty dangerous things to men, but when Research Scientist, Greg Sanders and Professional Trainer, Nick Stokes meet one drunken night- neither of them knew that it’d change their lives forever. In this instalment Minister Adam Evenapple decides to go and visit the boys for the first time which causes some more tension between the pair.

A/N: Thanks for the great response on the last chapter! And I was thinking that perhaps, instead of doing numbered days, each month will have a few chapters to them. That way it won't evolve into 50 parts + and also will mean it should hit about 34 chapters or so.

JULY 2007 (Part 2 of 4)

“One week down, only another fifty-one to go!” Greg hummed to himself merrily as he waited patiently for Nick to open the door. Friday was Greg’s day to go out clubbing and unwind from the week of work; even if he was married he was still planning on doing it as it was his ritual. He was looking forward to it this week, knowing that after the week he’d had he was entitled to having some time to go and dance, drink and generally have fun. Nick said he wouldn’t mind, Greg could go out and do his own thing as long as he didn’t end up getting married to someone else this week. Greg had laughed at that idea, but then again he would have probably laughed at it last week if Archie had said it to him.

 

Greg banged on the door again, getting impatient as Nick still hadn’t opened up. He desperately needed his own set of keys, fed up of having to rely on Nick to open the door- the previous night he’d been stuck outside for twenty minutes whilst Nick had a shower, oblivious to Greg standing waiting. Today he had the feeling Nick had done the same, or was working out with some country music on that completely drowned him out.

 

“Nick! Open up Nick!”

 

“Already been thrown out? What a shame…”

 

The sleazy voice made Greg jump and whirl around to face the person; the slimy blonde mop unmistakably Minister Adam Evenapple’s- a person that Greg had already learnt to loath. His crooked smile had a sinister look to it, instead of the charming manner Greg supposed he was supposed to see in it. The Minister stood there on the landing, leaning against the banner, his black suit pressed and tidy for the special occasion. Greg wondered how it was he didn’t seem shocked that he was standing outside ‘his’ door waiting for entry, maybe he thought they had been tipped off and Greg had rushed to try and make it seem as though they were married.

 

“No! Of course I haven’t been thrown out.” Greg said hurriedly, trying to think of a reasonable excuse as to why he couldn’t get into his home. “Forgot my keys this morning.” He laughed forcibly, “Self locking door… Means we’re safer, but it also means I have to rely on Nick.”

 

“I see.” The Minister had a way of talking in a perfectly calm manner that had a creepy undertone to them; everything he said seemed to put Greg on the edge. “Well, for both our sakes I hope he hurries up and opens the door.”

 

Was that a threat?

 

Greg smiled weakly at the man, wondering if he could sense the nerves and was feeding himself off of them, although that was extremely like a predator and Greg doubted he was preying of him… Or was he? Greg had to suppress a shudder.

 

“Nick! Open up! Nick it’s me- Greg! And Minister Adam Evenapple is here to see us!”

 

Greg pounded against the wooden door, hoping that Nick would finally answer him because the Minister was becoming very sceptical, very quickly.

 

“He’s probably working out.” Greg said to buy them both time. “He normally puts his country music up so loud that he wouldn’t hear us… The other day he left Warrick standing out here for twenty minutes!” Greg feigned a laugh, but the Minister didn’t even look slightly amused at it.

 

Greg thumped at the door once more, almost smacking Nick straight in the chest. Greg squeaked when he realised, jumping backwards slightly as if he had been burnt, which again seemed to raise the Ministers suspicions that this couple weren’t as legitimate as they claimed to be.

 

“Sorry, I didn’t hear the door going.” Nick explained, mopping his face with the towel that hung about his neck. “Come on in.” He said, falsely cheerful for the sake of Evenapple.

 

The Minister strode into the apartment, analysing the scene slowly and painstakingly in the sake of finding some suspicious material that might prove the charade. Something didn’t seem right about the two men, there was something odd about the pair of them, something he didn’t like and he was determined not to allow them to win his money. He didn’t see couples like them stroll through his Chapel doors; that’s why he suspected something underhanded… Perhaps they were in cahoots with someone to win the sum of money and the Chapel! He wasn’t going to allow anyone to con him out of his livelihood.

 

Greg hung back, deciding it was best for Nick to handle the Minister because he probably wasn’t intimidated by his presence. On the other hand, he really did intimidate Greg- or at least give him a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach- something Greg didn’t like experiencing. If he was put under pressure by the Minister he’d probably say something that would completely ruin the charade they were crafting to win the money, he couldn’t be trusted around that guy.

 

“I’m glad I both caught you here together. I wanted to check how my favourite couple were coping with everything.” He said smoothly, his gaze settling upon Nick and Greg. “Marriage is a big commitment and some people don’t adjust well to it.”

 

“We’re adjusting just fine.”

 

Greg nodded, sensing it was his time to chip in and back up anything Nick was going to say. Evenapple looked surprised for a moment, but slowly smiled, his eyes narrowed slightly.

 

“I see.”

 

Greg immediately knew that he was suspicious of them, but Nick remained oblivious- assuming the Minister was just being friendly. He supposed it was because Nick didn’t really know how to read people’s expressions and their body language whereas Greg had become an expert at it. Nick wouldn’t know how to tactfully answer some of the questions to convince the Adam that they were genuine. Greg swallowed his fear, knowing that as long as Nick was here, Evenapple wouldn’t touch him.

 

“I suppose there haven’t been any fights then.”

 

“Of course n-”

 

“Of course there have been.” Greg cut over Nick, knowing that to say they hadn’t fought would definitely look suspicious. Nick stood glaring at Greg, wondering why he was trying to raise doubts in the Ministers mind- not realising that Greg was actually doing the opposite. “It’s been a stressful week: contacting parents, telling friends, splitting the utilities and changing life policies. There have been a few heated words, but nothing unexpected.”

 

“Understandable, many people find those fights most detrimental to their relationship.”

 

“As Greg said, they weren’t unexpected. We work around them.”

 

Nick smiled at his partner, proud he’d saved them both from making a fatal error. Greg smiled back, glad that his effort had been recognised, knowing that the Minister was beginning to doubt whether they were faking it. Of course, Greg knew, this was just going to be the first of many tests like this and he’d have to coach Nick on how to answer them with a tactical approach that would fluster the Minister. But as of now, he’d have to handle it despite the fact that Evenapple was making his hands shake.

 

“I’m glad to hear that.” He examined pictures on the units closely. “I notice that there are plenty pictures of your family,” He said, pointing to Nick. “But none of yours… Why is that?”

 

“Don’t have many.” Greg answered, “The only ones I do have are still in the boxes.”

 

“You haven’t unpacked?”

 

“Busy week.” Nick said instantly, an answer that was too quick for the Ministers liking.

 

“Yes, busy, so you keep saying.” Evenapple didn’t look convinced, pursing his lips in thought. Greg guessed he was trying to think of a good question to catch them out, or a way to separate the pair so he could get Nick alone which would be disastrous. “I’m feeling rather parched, could you fetch me a glass of water?” He directed it towards Greg- but Greg didn’t acknowledge it, instead waiting for Nick to spring to the order.

 

Nick, realising that Greg wasn’t going to respond, did exactly what Greg knew he’d do; he bounded towards the kitchen to fetch him a drink. Nick eyed Greg as he exited the room, wondering if it was wise to leave the pair alone, worried that if Greg was intimidated he would simply cave in- but he knew by standing here the Minister would not be impressed.

 

However the Minister frowned, making a move to follow Nick.

 

“There’s no need to do that, Nick will bring it in.”

 

“Very well.” He looked displeased that his idea had backfired on him, but didn’t make a move to correct his mistake. “I suppose that when you’ve unpacked this house will become much more you.”

 

“Not really.” Greg responded, knowing that Nick would be rummaging for a while trying to find the ice-cubes. “Nick’s décor is fine for me; I’m not intending to change a thing about it.”

 

“Well,” He turned to study Greg, his blue eyes travelling over him, wondering how he’d be able to catch him out. “I suppose the pair of you will be intending to renew your marriage once you’ve surpassed the year.”

 

“We’re intending to. Almost a redo, we didn’t do it right first time around, got to do it right the second time.”

 

“Are you suggesting that at my Chapel isn’t right?” He looked offended, and Greg nodded at him. “Very well then if that is your belief.”

 

“Of course, we wanted something with both families present, all our friends and a meal… Not a cheap, pink affair with only a few witnesses.”

 

There was silence between them, the only sound coming from Nick in the kitchen as he rummaged around the freezer. The Minister was glaring at Greg, probably to intimidate him and Greg glared back to show the point he wasn’t actually phased by it.

 

“I suppose I should be going.” The Minister finally said, starting towards the door- never breaking his stare.

 

“It was nice to see you again.” Greg said sweetly, too sweetly and Minister Adam Evenapple picked up that he was being sarcastic. “I guess we’ll be seeing you again soon.”

 

“Yes undoubtedly we will.”

 

“Good, wouldn’t want to miss that!”

 

The Minister stalked back towards the door, retreating whilst he still could. He’d taken casualties this evening and had little to show for his efforts. Undoubtedly his colleague would be pleased to prove him wrong and the two were either extremely clever or genuine… He still had the feeling that it was the first.

 

“Oh, whilst you’re here could you do me a favour? Nick and I would like a copy of the wedding proceedings for the beginning of our family videos.”

 

“Yes, of course. I’ll have it sent to you straight away.” He said curtly, “Goodbye and I will see you soon.”

 

Greg waited until the door had banged closed before releasing a breath he didn’t even realise he’d been holding. He’d won; he’d beaten the Minister for now. He’d be back, Greg had no doubt about that, but they’d be ready for him next time. Nick emerged from the kitchen as soon as he heard the door clatter shut; frowning when he found only Greg stood there.

 

“What did you do?” Nick yelled, surprising both himself and Greg. He hadn’t intended for it to come out so forcefully and so angry, he just really didn’t want to fail already… “You better not have screwed this up for us!”

 

“Screwed it up? Me? You do realise I saved it, you were the one that was going to screw it up.” Greg said, taken aback- wasn’t it a few moments ago that Nick was applauding his quick thinking and clever story? Now he was angry, and blaming him for everything!

 

“How do you figure that? He didn’t storm out when I was talking to him.”

 

Greg rolled his eyes at Nick’s stupidity; did he not see that he only remained there because Nick was confirming his suspicions?

 

“He left because I won! I outsmarted him Nick; you on the other hand were making us look like we were faking this.”

 

“He stayed because he wanted to check up on us. You gave us away, that’s why he left.”

 

“Yes, of course Nick. He was just being friendly, checking up on us. He doesn’t want us to succeed on getting his money so he’s keeping an eye on us to see if anything is slightly suspicious.”

 

“And us fighting is perfectly normal, isn’t it?”

 

“Yes! Couples fight when they’re put under stress. This week would have been highly stressful for any couple, but least of all us, that means that if we haven’t fought it’s weird.”

 

“You’re deluded Sanders.” Nick mumbled, heading back into his bedroom to finish his work out.

 

“It’s Sanders-Stokes to you!” Greg yelled at his back, suddenly cautious about whether the Minister had been outside and listening to the whole debacle. If he had, they’d be over already- and Greg intended to make it to at least week five.

 

He moved towards the door and opened it ever-so-slightly and was faced with an empty hallway. He sighed, thankful they’d got away with it this time. But he’d have to be more cautious now, knowing that the Minister was going to be keeping an excruciatingly close eye on the pair of them. They really had to get their act together if they wanted to get their three million dollars…

 

Greg had a bad feeling it wasn’t going to be as easy as they had first thought.

Comments

[wojo62.livejournal.com]

I love how Greg pulled it together and won this little battle.

[donnab810.livejournal.com]

Ah, a really good chapter. Duh! Silly Nick, if it wasn't for Greg he would've blown it..

Awww only one more chapter too goo. I'm loving this story....