One Step at a Time

A/N: Much thanks to all of you for your patience, your inquiries, and your faith as real life took over this past month, preventing me from writing. Thank you for hanging in there! Love, D


Chapter 16


When Nick arrived at the lab that night, he had every intention of pulling Greg and Warrick aside and having a little chat with them about Jack. He waited for the couple in the locker room, but then they showed up laughing with huge smiles on their faces. Seeing the two not walking beneath a cloud of misery had become so unusual, he was momentarily taken aback.

“Hey Nick,” Warrick said, squeezing his shoulder as he walked by.

“Hey yourself. You guys look happy.”

“Couldn’t be happier,” Greg grinned, opening his locker with a flourish. “We think Jack’s finally crossed a threshold and is working his way back to full health.”

“Really? That’s great! What changed?”

“We don’t know,” Warrick shrugged. “He came home this afternoon and he was just. . . just. . . I don’t know how to describe it.”

“He was happy,” Greg said, sitting down next to Warrick and resting his head on his lover’s shoulder. “He was smiling, he was playful, he actually interacted with us like we were people and not guards at an internment camp.”

“It was good to see the light in his eyes again,” Warrick agreed, kissing Greg’s temple.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Nick said, smiling with the warm feeling their open affection gave him, but at the same time, he felt a twinge of guilt that he was hiding something from them. They should know that everything wasn’t all right, that Jack was still upset with them, but somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to mention it. He didn’t want to risk ruining the first good mood they’d had in a long time, so he decided to keep quiet for now and see what the next day brought.

The next day brought a phone call that woke him out of a sound sleep.

“Stokes,” he muttered grumpily into his phone.

“If you don’t get your ass over here and do something, I’m warning you now, I will not be held responsible for my actions.”

“Jack?” he asked, turning blurry eyes to his alarm clock. It was ten o’clock? He’d only been asleep for an hour! He’d only been home for an hour and a half! They’d all only been home for an hour and a half! What the hell could Warrick and Greg have done in an hour and a half?!

“I thought you were going to talk to them!”

“I was--I am--but they were so happy about you, I didn’t want to bring them down.”

“They were happy because I was happy because you were going to talk to them!”

Aw, shit. This whole thing was a mess, and while he wanted to help, at the moment, he wanted even more to be sound asleep. But he didn’t want Jack running out on them during the day, so he had to do his best to placate the young man. “I know, I know, and I’m sorry. Look, I’ll talk to them tonight, I promise. Can you wait until then?”

“Nicholas, I know how difficult this must be for you, and I appreciate you wanting to help, but if something doesn’t change, I’m either going to leave or I’m going to kill them. The only reason we’re all three still here is because I haven’t decided which option to choose yet. If you’re not up to this, if you don’t think you can help, let me know, and I’ll find some other way.”

“I’m going to talk to them, Jack, and it’s going to be all right. Just tell me you won’t don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“I’ll think about it,” he grumbled.

“Jack, please.”

He sighed. “All right.”

“Thank you. That’s all I ask. Can I go back to sleep now?”

“I suppose. Talk to them, Nicky, please.”

“I will, Jack. It’s going to be okay, I promise.”


But he didn’t get a chance that night--the lab was too busy and he could never catch the two of them alone together. Not to mention, Greg and Rick were biting off heads again, and he decided it might be better to talk to them when there wasn’t a risk of decapitation. Still, he thought he should give Jack a warning and before he left work, Nick gave him a call.

“You know that promise I made to you?”

“Yes?” Jack answered, drawing the word out in a voice lathered with suspicion. Nick sighed, causing Jack to sigh. “You didn’t do it, did you? Nicholas--Nick, you just don’t--I mean, I can’t--”

The despair in the young man’s voice wrung his heart and he knew he had to do something fast. “Listen, why don’t I come over and kidnap you before they get home? Leave them a note letting them know you’re with a friend so they don’t worry, and then you can hang out at my place until they’re asleep. I’m already making a breakfast dinner for a friend, so it isn’t like you’d be putting me out or anything. And I’m talking about food here--real food, and you know how much you like real food.”

“Nicholas Stokes, are you trying to get on my good side by bribing my stomach?”

“Yes,” Nick grinned at the softening of the young man’s tone. “Is it working?”

“Maybe.”

“Come on, Jack, you know you want to.”

“I’m tempted, but Nick, I’m not going to intrude on your date.”

“It’s not a date,” Nick said feeling suddenly flustered. “I’m just having a friend over, and there’s nothing wrong with having two friends at the same time.”

“That kind of thinking’s what got me into this mess in the first place,” Jack grumbled, and Nick didn’t know whether to laugh or blush, “but I can’t go through another day with them.”

“Then come with me, and I won’t let you down again, I promise.”

“All right, I’ll go. Anything to escape.”

“Good. I’ve got about a twenty minute head start on them, so be ready.”

“I’ll be standing by the curb. Thank you, Nick.”

“Any time,” he said and hung up, hoping his original dinner guest wouldn’t mind the extra company.


“Nice place,” Jack said, looking around the sparsely occupied townhouse. “Lived here long?”

“A couple years,” Nick shrugged. “Want anything to drink.”

“A beer would be great, thanks,” Jack said with such an over-the-top casual air that Nick’s eyes narrowed.

“Want anything to drink that won’t get my ass kicked?”

Jack sighed. “Water will be fine. Spoilsport.”

The Texan chuckled as he pulled a couple bottles of water from the fridge. “Make yourself at home. I’m going to get dinner started.”

“Can I give you a hand?”

“Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I’m just gonna mix up a marinade and throw a few things on the grill. Hope you weren’t expecting anything fancy.”

“Anything that requires more than one step is fancy to me. We’re the kings of take-out at home. None of us have the time or energy to cook, though I admit, they’ve been making more of an effort now that I’m out of the hospital.”

“Not surprising. They care about you.”

“Yeah,” Jack said, a somewhat mystified expression on his face. “Hard to believe, isn’t it?”

“You tell me,” he answered, mixing up a marinade from a bottle he pulled out of the cupboard, adding a few of spices of his own choosing.

“Trust me, it’s extremely hard to believe.”

“Why’s that? Seems like Rick and Greg aren’t finding it too difficult.”

“That’s because they’re different. They’re special,” Jack said with in an adoring voice.

“No need to sell them to me,” Nick grinned as he began tenderizing the steaks. “And you’ve already purchased them.”

“Even threw away the receipt.”

“So you’re stuck with them.”

“No,” Jack said softly, “it’s the other way around.”

“I don’t think they consider themselves stuck. I think they’re quite happy with the arrangement. And you are, too, when they’re not being a couple of pains in your ass.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he said, rolling the water bottle back and forth in his hands.

“Hey,” Nick said, and Jack looked up. “It’s gonna get better, I promise. Until then, you’re more than welcome to hang out here any time you feel the need to escape.”

The young man’s face brightened as he met Nick’s eyes. “You mean that?”

“Absolutely. And if you want to do a little cleaning while you’re here, I’m not going to object.”

“Oh, I get it, you’re offering me sanctuary in exchange for free maid service?”

“I’ll even get you a little French maid’s outfit.”

“Already got one, but Rick’s stretched it out so it doesn’t really fit anymore.”

The sound of a metal pan hitting the floor echoed through the kitchen and Nick slowly turned around, a look of pure horror on his face.

Jack grinned. “Gotcha.”

“NOT. FUNNY.” Nick picked up the pan, glaring threateningly at the giggling young man. “Another word, and I might be tempted to poison your dinner.”

“I suppose that means you don’t want me to tell you about all the things he can do with a feather duster?”

“JACK!” Nick shouted, then took a deep breath. “Just. . . get that,” he said, referring to the doorbell. “I need to go find some arsenic.”

Still laughing, Jack walked through the house to the front door and opened it to find a rather nice looking older gentleman standing on the step holding a bottle of wine.

“Hello.”

“Hello,” the man frowned, staring past him into the house. “I’m in the right place, aren’t it?”

“Depends,” Jack shrugged, giving him a flirty smile. “Who are you looking for?”

“Nick Stokes?”

“Then you’re in the right place,” he said, stepping aside.

“That’s what I thought. I don’t believe we’ve met. Gil Grissom,” the man said, holding out his hand, which Jack gladly took.

“Jack Bradford.”

A graying eyebrow arched. “Really?” Gil looked him up and down, and smiled. “I was mistaken, we have met, though you were unconscious at the time. You seem to be recovering quite well.”

“Thank you,” Jack said, a little puzzled. “You know who I am?”

“I’m Nick’s, Warrick’s, and Greg’s boss.”

Enlightenment dawned. “Oh! That Gil!” Jack’s smile grew, then fell as he gave Gil a suspicious look. “Should I be afraid?”

“I don’t know why, though it does seem to be a natural reaction in most people.”

“Well, you don’t seem too scary, so I’ll just have to wait and see. Come on into the kitchen, Nick’s just getting dinner started. I take it you’re the one who’s joining us?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Gil said as they walked into the kitchen, where they were both greeting with Nick’s wide grin.

“Hey, Grissom, you made it! You know Jack, right?”

“We’ve met.”

“Hope you don’t mind the extra company. He needed to get away for a bit.”

Jack’s eyes widened as he looked between the two. “Oh no, I’m sorry! I didn’t know--Nick, you liar! I thought you said you didn’t have a date tonight!”

Nick blanched and the corners of Grissom’s lips quirked.

“We--we’re not. . . I mean. . . This isn’t a d-. . .” He gulped and Grissom took over.

“What Nicky’s trying to say is that we’re not on a date. We’re just two friends getting together for dinner.”

“Oh, okay. Whew,” Jack said, shoulders relaxing. “Just as I was about to feel like I was really in the way. So. . .” he gave the two men a sly look “. . . why isn’t this a date?”

To avoid answering, Nick grabbed the food and headed for the back door. “Gil, help yourself to something to drink. I’m going to go get the grill started.”

“Get the feeling he may not come back?” Jack smirked as the door banged shut behind the Texan, and Gil smiled.

“It’s a possibility,” he said, taking a seat at the kitchen table, Jack sitting across from him. “Nicky said you’re here because you felt the need to get away? From what, exactly?”

“Suffocating nursemaids. Why aren’t you here on a date with Nick?”

“Three’s a crowd,” Gil replied without hesitation. “And we’re not dating.”

Jack arched an eyebrow. “That’s both a yes and no answer. I’m impressed.”

“But it wasn’t a yes and no question,” Gil pointed out, and Jack smiled.

“Yes, it was.”

“I don’t suppose you could tell me what I was answering yes and no to?”

“Whether or not you’re dating Nick.”

“I see,” Gil said, falling into the give and take of this apparent interrogation. “Well, let me clarify an answer for you. We’re not dating.”

“Do you want to be?”

“I don’t believe that’s any of your business.”

“I never said it was.”

“But you’re asking anyway.”

“I’m curious.”

“As am I. What makes you think we’re even gay?”

“I don’t,” Jack smirked. “I just like to think about the two of you together.”

“You’ve only just met me.”

“I’ve got an extremely active imagination.”

“You must.”

“I can give you an example,” Jack said, eyes sparkling, and Gil smiled.

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Pity,” Jack said and Gil chuckled.

“Aren’t two enough for you?”

“No,” he answered with a fond smile. “Two is just right.”

“Then why are you hiding here?” Gil asked, finally getting a chance to turn the tables on the young man and start questioning him.

“My two seem to have lost their hearing, at least where I’m concerned.”

“They’ve lost their hearing?”

“They are completely deaf to anything I have to say.”

“Have you tried raising your voice?”

“Until my throat is sore.”

“Have you tried speaking to them individually?”

“They never give me a chance. Nick’s agreed to act as mediator, though as their friend, I’m not sure how successful he’ll be. Still,” Jack shrugged, “as someone who’s been in my situation before, he at least knows what I’m going through, so he’ll hopefully be able to give me a voice.”

“Communication is essential.”

Jack tilted his head thoughtfully at Gil, and the tables returned to their original position. “Do you believe that?”

“Yes.”

“Then why are you so bad at it?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I may be mute, but I can still listen, and I’ve heard stories.”

“About me?”

“Oh, yes, most definitely.”

Gil’s eyes narrowed. “I’m beginning to understand their sudden deafness.”

“What can I say?” he grinned. “I’ve spent several weeks now with only myself and my dog as company. Needling strangers has become my new favorite pastime, and you have the honor of being my first. So, how am I doing?”

“Splendidly.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Gil said, a slow smile crossing his face, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. “I’m starting to see why they like you.”

“I’m starting to see why they like you. Shall we go check on Nick?” Jack asked, moving to get up, then winced. Gil quickly stood up, placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder and pushing him back down into the chair.

“I think you’ve moved around enough for today. I’ll be back in a few minutes, with Nick in tow.”

Jack gave him a wan smile. “Thanks. I tend to forget until the pain reminds me.”

“How much longer will the pain be there?”

“I had a minor infection not too long ago which set me back a bit, but it’ll be gone soon, I hope.”

“An infection?” Gil frowned. “I didn’t hear about that.”

“If Greg and Rick seemed really distracted about a week and a half ago, that was when it happened.”

“They’ve been distracted in one way or another since you were hurt, though if I were to be honest, I’d say they’ve been distracted since they met you.”

“I think I’m flattered,” Jack said, beaming up at him.

“You should be,” Gil said with a gentle smile. “They’re both extremely dedicated men, and so long as they don’t let it affect their job, I think a little distraction is good for them.”

Jack’s smile turned mischievous. “Should I tell them you said that?”

Gil grinned. “What do you think?”

“Mum’s the word.”

“Fast learner. I’ll go tell Nick it’s safe to come in now.”

“Take your time,” Jack winked.

Gil pushed open the screen door and turned around just in time to see the exhaustion settle over Jack’s face. The young man was wearing himself out, though whether it was too much activity or the situation at home that was making things difficult, he didn’t know.

“Nick,” he said softly.

Seeing the concerned look on Gil’s face, the Texan nodded. “I know.”

“Are you sure you want to get involved?”

Nick shrugged. “They’re my friends.”

“Nick,” Gil said, placing a hand on his arm, “don’t you think you have enough on your mind without having to worry about them?”

“Gil,” he smiled, “I’m okay. Actually, I’m great. This couldn’t have happened at a better time. Well, I suppose Jack not getting shot at all would have been better, but mentally, for me, I’m in a good place and this isn’t going to have any negative effects on me. I’m okay. I mean it.”

“I trust you, Nicky,” Gil smiled, giving his arm a squeeze before removing his hand. “But if anything comes up. . .”

“I’ll see you first thing.”

“I was actually going to suggest you talk to your therapist,” he chuckled, “but I wouldn’t slam the door in your face.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” Nick said, flashing him a grin. “Thanks, Gil.”

“Any time, Nicky. Now, what’s for dinner?”

(Chapter completed August 5, 2005)