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nickngregTitle: One Year, Two Mismatched Men and Three Million Dollars
Chapter: 10/? (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 to convince the Minister the pair have to undertake family photos… In public.
A/N: I’ve been awesomely busy over the last week or so, including a lovely vacation to longleat and a lot of work -_- Sorry.
July 2007 (Part 3 of 4)
“We need photos.” Greg mused whilst surveying the frames on the walls. “We’re supposed to be married, but there’s not even one shot of me and you together.”
Nick grunted from the sofa, too busy focusing on the football game to even process what Greg was saying. He wasn’t all that happy though, Warrick had cancelled their Sports Afternoon because Catherine had decided they were going to spend a day at
“In fact, there aren’t any of you recently either.” He pointed towards the seemingly most recent photograph that was dated 3 years ago. “How come?” He asked, flopping down into the seat next to him, careful not to invade Nick’s personal space.
“Don’t do photos.” Nick responded sharply, groaning when the opposition (the team Warrick had backed) received another penalty… If it continued this way he was going to have to fork out $20 to Warrick.
“Oh.” He paused for a few moments. “We’re going to have to get photographs done though.”
“No we’re not.”
Greg frowned at Nick, who was giving Greg a glare in return and they were both focusing so much that Nick didn’t notice his team conceding another touchdown.
“Married couples have photos of them plastered everywhere.”
“My parents don’t.” Nick said, unblinking and frowning further. “So that means we don’t have to.”
“Your parents have the rest of the clan to take up their walls; with your extended family they don’t have space for photographs of them. My parents’ walls are littered with photographs of the three of us.”
“Just three?” Nick’s frown softened as he found more out about his ‘life-partner’. “Your family is that small?”
“Mum, Dad and I made tre.”
“You mean three.” Nick said, happy to deflect the conversation away from couple photographs.
“That’s what tre means, three.” He leant for the nachos that were supposed to be shared between Nick and Warrick- but had remained untouched... And Greg had decided to take advantage of the platter just sat there. “It’s Norwegian.” He said through a mouthful.
Nick sighed, no matter how many times he’d pointed out Greg’s eating habits, Greg actually hadn’t even attempted to stop talking with his mouth full. Nick was beginning to find food chunks everywhere and starting to get the feeling what it’d be like to look after a toddler.
“Anyway, that’s not the point. We need photographs.”
“No.”
“Yeah, I’ve got us an appointment with a professional.” Greg said, bringing out the card he’d acquired by chance and throwing it in Nick’s direction. “We turn up, she does some shots, we pay him for them and then we take them home and make this look authentic.”
“Can’t we do that without photographs?” Nick asked hopefully, hating the idea of having evidence of what was supposed to be going on between them. A photograph would capture the moment forever, whereas without a photograph he could completely deny the existence of the year.
“We can,” Greg paused and Nick looked hopeful. “But, it’d be harder to convince people and I, for one, want to make this as easy as possible.”
Nick held his head in his hands, wishing that he hadn’t agreed to any of this… Especially now he owed Warrick twenty dollars for his teams defeat as well as having to have reminders of this nightmare-ish year.
-----
When Greg had said professional, Nick hadn’t quite envisioned one of the best photographers perched on one of the busiest streets in Vegas. In fact, Nick had envisioned some college freshman with a little booth in his parents’ house. It seemed that Greg was pulling out all the stops when it came to these shots; and it was making him feel a little edgy. The pair sat in the waiting area, opposite many other people that had gathered to have their photographs taken. The rest of them were probably there to preserve the memories; whereas Nick and Greg were just there to make their marriage look authentic.
Or in Greg’s case; to preserve the memories of the zaniest year of his life.
“How on earth did you get us an appointment in here?” Nick whispered, looking at the couple who were trying to straighten their young sons tie. “It looks very, very exclusive.”
“I pulled a favour.” Greg said, grinning as the boy started trying to strangle himself with the tie- much to the horror of his parents. “Coda owes me a few.”
The glass doors at the other side of the room flew open before Nick had chance to say anything more; a young brunette stepped out, with a camera hanging pride of place around her neck- her blue eyes bright. She attracted almost all the male attention in the room; but she didn't seem interested- instead focusing her attention upon Greg.
“Greggie!” She cried happily, striding towards them with an air of grace and she swept Greg up into a tight embrace.
“Hey Coda,” Greg wheezed, as he tried to alter his position so he wasn’t having an elbow wedged into his ribs. "How are you?"
"Same old, same old." She mumbled, making Nick wonder what personal issues she was dealing with- almost everyone Greg knew had some issue. "Anyway, you're here for my business." She said, brightening up instantly.
“You sure you’re willing to do this?” Greg asked, struggling to catch his breath.
“Of course.” She smiled, releasing him from her grip when she realised he was uncomfortable. “I owe you, right?” She added cheekily.
Nick laughed slightly, realising those words had been the exact words Greg had said a few moments ago and had obviously been the words Greg had used to get Coda to do this in the first place.
“And who is this?” Coda asked, almost shoving Greg to one side to peer at Nick (who felt rather uncomfortable under her gaze). Greg didn’t seem at all phased by her actions; he’d probably been on the receiving end of this many-a-time before and knew this was her normal behaviour. Nick on the other hand, didn't like anyone trying to analyse him with their eyes- even if they were good looking.
“Nick Stokes ma’am.” He said, his accent turning thicker as it always did when he was trying to impress someone. Okay, so technically he was married but it wouldn't stop him flirting.
“A Texan!” She clapped her hands in glee. “Where did you get him so I can go out and get one?”
“They sell them at all good Wal-Marts,” Greg quipped lightly before Nick had chance to say he wasn’t actually Greg’s and ruin the whole chirade just for a quick date. “But seriously, are you sure you’re okay to do this?”
“Of course I’m fine; it’s not everyday I get one of my drinking buddies asking if I can do shots of him and his partner after they’ve gotten married without telling me.” She said without a breath, her face turning rather pink in the process. “And before you say am I okay with the whole gay thing- I’ve had some more flamboyant men through here and I was fine.”
Greg closed his mouth and nodded, deciding it was best not to argue with the professional. Nick would admit he wouldn't like to argue with her either; women these days were getting more vicious.
Without another word she sauntered off into her domain; and Nick and Greg followed close behind.
“So, do you want them to look professional or candid?” She asked, setting up her camera in the centre of the wide oak panelled room, where numerous examples of her work hung pride of place. The centre of the room was occupied with a complicated set-up of lights, cameras and numerous background. She pointed them forward to the canvass, waiting for them to arrange themselves in the pose they wanted to take.
But neither did.
“Either?” Greg suggested, unsure as to what the real difference was. All he wanted was some shots that could convince the Minister that they were a perfectly functioning couple- which was proving harder and harder considering Nick was currently checking out Coda.
“Hey,” Greg hissed, shoving Nick to get his attention. “Supposed to be married here, not ogling my friend.”
------
“Do you guys have a PDA rule or something?” She asked looking up from behind her lens towards the couple that were currently over a metre away from one another. “I really don’t actually care if you two touch each other. I've seen a lot weirder things...”
Nick shook his head, refusing to move from the spot he’d planted himself on, a good distance away from Greg who was currently sulking. There was no way he was getting any nearer to the other man; there was no force in heaven or on earth that would make him even touch Greg in an overly familiar way.
He didn’t want to have to disinfect himself later.
“Seriously guys, these shots do not say happily married, they say divorce in a month.” She said, trying to coax the pair together without resorting to violence.
“Thanks,” Greg said sighing. “I don’t think we’re really into this photo thing after all.”
“Excuse me?” Coda snapped, “I’m sorry, I do not take time out from paying customers to take photos of my friend and end up producing a roll of duds!”
“Well it’s not my fault.”
“It’s the pair of you. Come on, I want proper shots of two guys that are in love. That’s what you need hanging on your wall when times get tough and that’s what I want to see!” She left her position from behind the camera to drag Greg over to where Nick was stood, shoving him forcefully into the Texans side. “Don’t make me bang your heads together.” She threatened, glaring at the pair of bewildered men, even though she was a head shorter, she still managed to intimidate them
“We’re going to have to do this.” Greg mumbled, “Otherwise she seriously will bang our heads together.”
“But that means, touching each other.” Nick whined, shuddering violently.
“Don’t worry, I won’t give you cooties.”
“Is there a problem over there?” Coda asked, realising the pair still were hovering around each other, too awkward to touch the other. “Seriously, you guys are worse than the teenagers I get through here. Some of them are not at all shy, I've had some very frisky kids I can tell you."
Nick closed his eyes, trying to ignore the headache that was currently making his head feel as if it was about to implode. It had done that a lot since he’d met Greg, and he was beginning to wonder if he was actually allergic to him.
“Let’s get this over with.”
“So you’ve finally decided to try and be photographed huh?” Coda smirked, leaning against her tripod. “Seriously, it’s the 21st century; displays of affection are accepted these days. Especially between married couples.”
“Funny.” He rolled his eyes at his friend, aware that this whole situation was making Nick rather edgy and it wasn’t exactly doing wonders for him either. “You take charge.” Greg hissed, “That way you’re not going to be too uncomfortable, okay?”
Nick nodded, speech failing him at that particular moment as he felt as if he was going to pass out at any moment. In his mind, this whole marriage ordeal had been a lot simpler than it was turning out to be… Actually in his mind he never even imagined having to touch Greg.
Cautiously he put a hand on Greg’s shoulder, expecting some violent reaction because he was touching his husband, but it never came. In fact, if Nick was pressed to explain, he’d say it felt completely normal as if he were touching anyone and not Greg. He could feel that the younger had tensed underneath the touch, probably just as terrified as he was being touched by Nick. They were a right pair.
“That’s better!” Coda beamed, taking her position behind the camera watching as the two finally displayed some affection towards one another. Up until this moment she was actually considering telling Greg to escape the marriage as fast as he could, because they were obviously not made for one another- but now… She wasn’t so sure.
Greg sighed, relaxing and leaning into the touch instinctively. Nick, instead of jumping and pushing Greg away, accepted the fact that this was going to make the photographs look authentic (even if it was giving him the creeps).
“You know,” Greg whispered into his ear, something that made him bristle instantly because that was a little too intimate for him. “I might go into acting after this.”
“No chance.” Nick said, laughing at the stupid idea, “Stick to the day job.”
Only after Coda clapped her hands together did they both realise that she’d finished her work and they’d somehow managed to survive the time. Nick wondered how it was that something that should have been so painful was made a lot less painful just by having Greg there... Was he actually enjoying Greg's company?
“Finally I’ve got some good shots.” She said, “And they look perfect! Your parents are going to love them.”
Nick jerked his hand suddenly away from Greg; remembering that he was only meant to be posing for the photographs not forgetting (even for a split-second) that this was all a charade. He looked over at Greg, who didn’t look at all phased by the mention of his parents.
In fact, they hadn’t mentioned what they were going to do about them.
“Thanks.” Nick mumbled, the sick feeling returning to his stomach, wondering what would happen if his parents ever did see the photographs that were taken today.
“You’re going to have to wait about twenty minutes before you’re able to get hold of the tasters from reception. That isn’t a problem is it?”
They both shook their heads.
“Good, now skedaddle, I have other clients waiting for me.” She snapped, but the grin on her face gave her away. "I'll see you soon."
“That wasn’t so bad was it?” Greg said as the glass doors shut behind the next family that were off to get their portraits done. Nick shrugged in response, not actually sure whether it was okay or terrible depending on how he looked at it.
----
When Catherine Willows had booked an appointment at Coda K’s Photography she’d never expected to have seen anyone she worked with there; let alone photo-phobic Nick Stokes with someone (probably his wife from yoga class). Maybe the marriage was benificial for Nick, especially if she was managing to get him to do things he'd refused outright to everyone else.
“Nick!” Catherine said as she entered the reception area, noticing that Nick froze in place immediately looking completely horrified. “What are you doing here?”
She knew that was a stupid question really, anyone that came here was obviously there for photographs, but it was a way of making small talk as Lindsey had decided to quickly stop at the store across the street. Plus, drop the idea of a double date to his wife (because if she went through Nick and Warrick they'd refuse).
“Cath, what a surprise.” He was grimacing, no doubt about that in Catherine’s mind. “Didn’t think I’d bump into you here.”
“Neither did I,” She laughed slightly, trying desperately to see if it was the brunette from her class that was currently hiding behind Nick. It didn't occur to her that his wife wouldn't hide away from her. “But it’s time for Lindsey’s yearly portrait.”
Someone snorted from behind Nick; yeah that sounded like the woman from her yoga class, she had a habit of snorting at everything Catherine said.
“Who have you got back there?” She asked innocently, leaning slightly to one side to catch a glimpse of whoever it was hiding. “Someone you shouldn’t?”
“No.” He said, a little too hastily for Catherine’s liking just helping her to to come to the conclusion that Nick could actually be cheating on his wife already... After all, Mandy was a persistent woman. “I was just getting some photographs done for my folks.”
She didn’t buy it.
“Mommy, why is that man hiding behind that other man?” A child said rather loudly, pointing towards Nick. And Nick swore underneath his breath; wishing children learnt manners from an early age.
Another man?
“Hmm, sure.” Catherine rolled her eyes at his pathetic attempt at lying; he really needed pointers- because his honesty kept him from spinning a convincing tale. “So, that guy you’re hiding is really a cousin?”
“We’re busted.” Nick said and his friend emerged from behind him- mumbling something like an apology towards Nick.
“Oh Nicky, I thought you were better than that.” She shook her head solemnly. “I never knew you’d cheat on your wife.”
The younger man started to giggle, and then outright burst into laughter in Catherine’s face, finding something about cheating highly hilarious. Nick seemed to also, as he was biting the inside of his cheek to stop his laughter. Catherine glared disapprovingly at her friend.
“There’s nothing funny about it. Just wait until I tell her.” She threatened.
“Tell Sara?” The other man snorted. “She wouldn’t care.”
Of course she’d care! What woman wouldn’t actually care?!
“I never thought you’d be capable of something so… Devious.” She shook her head, glad that she had Warrick now and was no longer subjected to men that seemed to be perfect and yet were all so damaged. “If you didn’t feel for her, there was no need to get married to her.”
Nick looked at the younger man, who was clutching his sides and his eyes were watering. He couldn't look at Catherine without bursting into another bout of laughter; and she wasn't amused.
“Catherine, you’ve got this all mixed up. I’m not married to that woman you met.”
“Oh.” She looked from the other man to Nick and back again, the pieces slowly falling into place. “You two?”
“Yeah.” Nick admitted quietly, looking down at the floor.
“Awwww…” Catherine crooned, her voice three pitches higher than it had ever reached before. “Our Nicky’s gay and married.”
That’s just plain weird. How come I never knew that? I have a good gaydar.
“Uhh, thanks?” He replied, quickly turning beetroot as the little boy started asking his parents questions about what gay meant- there went his whole 'never subject young children to homosexuality' rule.
“So aren’t you going to introduce me?” Catherine prompted, looking at the younger man curiously.
“Sorry, Catherine this is Greg. Greg, Catherine.”
“Hey,” Greg offered weakly, looking just as uncomfortable as Nick was. Possibly because they were stood in the middle of a waiting area proclaiming they were in a gay marriage- but as Catherine said you had to be out and proud. “I better go see if our tasters are ready.” He said, skittering off before she had chance to say anything else.
“Why didn’t you tell any of us? You know we would have supported you.” Catherine said softly, taking her mothering tact. “Warrick will want to know.”
“Yeah, guess so.” Nick said, avoiding looking at Catherine (or anyone for that matter.) When Catherine found out that Nick had told Warrick and he'd sworn not to tell Catherine- they were both going to be in a lot of touble.
“We’re going to have to arrange a double date sometime.” Catherine said smiling, which caused Nick to blush even further. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your partner. I have to go find Lindsey.” And try and figure out how come I was so wrong about you.
-----
“I don’t know, do you think it would be better here,” He pointed to a spot on the wall beside the newly organised photos of both their families. “Or there?”
Since the Ministers last visit they'd taken into account everything that look suspicious, rearranging the trophies to have some of Greg's awards in there, brought out some of Greg's photographs to put onto the mantle and merged their CD's together (although Nick refused to let Greg play them).
“I don’t know, it’s a photo, you just put it somewhere and it’ll be good enough for me.”
“This is supposed to be a joint decision.”
“How is hanging a photo a joint decision?”
“I don’t know.” Greg shrugged. “I was trying to get you involved here.”
“I am involved; I’m the one with the hammer and the nail. You point out where to hang it and I’ll do it. Teamwork eh?”
“Still can’t believe we saw Catherine there. What are the odds on that?” Greg said, finally choosing his spot on the wall- and marking it with a pencil X.
“She hasn’t left me alone since, she wants us to double date with her and Warrick.” Nick said, frowning at the picture that actually made them both look madly in love and actually truthful. “I want to know how Coda managed to make it look like we weren’t arguing.”
“She works her miracles.” Greg said, stepping back to look at the photograph, grinning to himself at his good idea. They did look happy, Nick laughing whilst he whispered something into his ear with a smirk on his face. “But I think that’s good enough for everyone.”
“My hand still hasn’t recovered though.” Neither has my mind, I think I'm going to be scarred for life.
“Shut up.”
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Date: 2007-08-29 07:14 pm (UTC)Because as much as he is the empathetic/sympathetic, good guy, he's still a bit conservative and not as receptive as the others on the team. He's still a tolerant person, but he has his guard up around concepts he isn't too familiar with.
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Date: 2007-08-29 08:26 pm (UTC)Secondly, sorry if I lost you somewhere along the line, or if the update was soo long ago you had no clue. I'm trying to keep this confusionless without having to do 365 days. But I'm finding that difficult... Any suggestions?
I personally think Greg's a disease, he's infectious. *Bad humour* But I think it suits Nick because he's still a little freaked out, and touching Greg is wayy ahead of the game and something he hadn't planned to do.
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
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Date: 2007-08-30 01:50 am (UTC)No, I wasn't lost because of you. RL just took me away from fandom for a while. The whole job and school bit. But I didn't think it was hard to catch up since you have tags.
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Date: 2007-08-30 08:24 am (UTC)I see, well I know how that is, CSI took me away from HP and I still haven't gone back xD Ah well. Glad the tags work though- there was confusion with them before... *Glares at tags*
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Date: 2007-08-30 06:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-31 09:46 am (UTC)Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm really glad it came out authentic, at times I wasn't too sure. But eh.
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Date: 2007-10-07 08:10 pm (UTC)Shock horror can he actuarly be falling for Greg?....
Greg being a disease, yeah a love disease...