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Dating Advice	By : RikuRocks Category: CSI > Slash - Male/Male Views: 5865 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to CSI, nor am I making any money from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Author�s Notes: I have a head cold, so I expect the editing on this one will leave something to be desired. My apologies. cindyls1969 has mentioned that some are rather looking forward to an update, so here it is.

See previous chapters for author�s notes and the disclaimer.

Norwegian translations: Minutts = Minutes

Medisin = Medicine

Dag = Day

German Translation: Meine Schö
n = My Beautiful.

Nick awoke slowly the next morning. He was reluctant to leave the warm and comfortable bed for awhile, but eventually nature called him out. He was surprised upon seeing the clock beside the bed when he finally did rise. The Texan had not sleep in so late for years�not since he had stayed with Greg previously, in fact. Deciding it was still too soon after waking to try to figure out why that was, the sable-eyed man made his way to the bathroom.
A note had been taped over the center of the mirror over the sink. Nick smiled at the familiar handwriting and combination of English and Norwegian that most people mistook for poor spelling.

Nick,

If you�re reading this fifteen minutts after I left, go back to bed. You�re supposed to sleep in on your day off.

When you do get up though, there�s a new toothbrush in the medisin cabinet and you know where the towels and everything else are. Make yourself at home. I made fresh coffee before I left and breakfast is in the oven. Have a good dag off.

~Greg.

The sable-eyed man helped himself to the mentioned toothbrush and took a shower. He had left some clothing behind when he stayed there before, and was now pleased that he had procrastinated in taking them anytime he visited Greg before. He wondered if the younger man would mind if he kept a spare set of clothes in the guestroom permanently; he doubted Greg would. He decided he would also have to leave some mousse, since Greg still only had texture paste and a tube of something called spike glue, and Nick wasn�t about to touch either of those.
When he was clean and dressed, Nick headed to the kitchen and saw a fresh pot of coffee waiting beside a tray that bore a mug, a small ewer of creamer, a jar of sugar, some flatware and a napkin. In the oven, he found a covered dish of scrambled eggs, toasted French bread, and bacon. The Texan grinned and set his plate on the tray before taking it to living room.
The CSI turned on the television and found it set onto the History Channel; the programming guide informed him that a special on pre-depression era coins aired earlier that morning and he assumed his numismatist friend had watched it. The Texan shook his head and wore a fond smile as he switched to Animal Planet and started eating his breakfast, intending to clean up and go home after he finished.
Twenty minutes later, he had finished eating but had not moved from the sofa. A special on ratite birds had started and Nick was too interested to leave�moreover, he was very contented where he was. Therefore, he groaned loudly when his cell rang out; he really did not want to be called into work today.
�Stokes.�
�Wow, nice tone there little brother;� replied a familiar, sarcastic voice. �You might as well just bark out �what the hell do you want?� -the message would be about the same.�
Nick rolled his eyes. �Hi Ronnie. How are you?�
�Better than you, it sounds like.� The woman�s voice suddenly turned teasing, �I�ve heard you�re having a little trouble in the love department for once. Finally found someone who doesn�t fall for your southern gentleman act, or is he just making you work for it?�
�Neither really, but closer to the second,� the CSI replied before adding smugly, �And no one can resist the southern gentleman act. How do you think I get so many witnesses to talk to me?�
�Uh-huh,� Ronnie sounded less than convinced. �That explains why you got shot down. I�m actually glad the kid is giving you a hard time. It�ll help ensure you don�t take him for granted.�
Nick furrowed his brows in resentment. �I wouldn�t take him for granted either way. Why does everyone assume I�m the one with the problem, anyway? You don�t even know Greg.�
�We know you;� Ronnie answered simply. �Even if the kid has issues of his own -and who doesn�t really?- you�re the one who�s gonna worry about your image. You didn�t even let your family, who you love and adore, know that you like guys until you fell in love and had to tell us.�
�You too? RJ was bugging me about keeping this to myself and-� The Texan stopped and sat straight up. �Wait a minute, who said I�m in love?�
�See, darling, this is why I said it�s good he�s making you work for it. Otherwise, you�d never own up to it and the relationship would die before it saw the light of day.� Ronnie answered, sounding a little exasperated. �And RJ bugged you about keeping it a secret too because great minds think alike. Besides, it�s fun to tease you and someone has to keep you a little humble.�
�Uh-huh;� Nick answered flatly. �I think it�s just one of your creepy twin things.�
�And now you�re trying to avoid the subject;� Ronnie sounded irritatingly victorious and Nick pursed his lips and released a quick huff of air through his nose. �You�ve never called home specifically about a girl. Even when you�ve seen one long enough to call it dating. you don�t call to tell us about her, you just mention her in passing and then you answer the usual questions. This is different. You-�
The sound of a screeching cat suddenly traveled through a vent in the wall, followed by a loud voice cursing and the sound of something crashing in the apartment next door. Nick shot up immediately, ignoring his sister as she asked about the sounds, and headed toward the vent. He and Greg had called into the thing several times during his stay there, and had heard an aged voice call through in response. That had seemed to odd to Nick at first, but it seemed to be how the eccentric youth and his elderly neighbor preferred to communicate.
Nick crouched down to shout into the vent; �Mr. Steinhoff, are you alright?�
�Yea,� the man Nick had yet to actually see answered. As usual, the Texan could not quite place the man�s accent. He thought it might be Russian or German, but was not certain. �Just moving some furniture�damn cat is always underfoot. Is that Nicolas?�
�Yes Mr. Stinhoff.� Nick grinned; the old man insisted on calling he and Greg by their full names. He quickly pulled the phone to ear and lowered his voice. �Just hang on a minute, sis,� he mumbled before calling out again, �Do you need a hand over there?�
�I could use one with my Steinway�or perhaps more than one. Is Greger there?�
�He�s at work.� Thinking quickly, Nick decided two things. One, he could not move a piano on his own and he didn�t think the owner of the decrepit voice would be able to either; and two, Greg would not mind helping out his neighbor for a couple hours after work. It wouldn�t surprise him to learn that Greg had already offered and Mr. Steinhoff had either turned him down or simply started without him. �Can it wait �till he�s off? We can both go over there in the morning and help you.�
�I hate to put you boys out-�
The CSI interrupted, throwing on the southern charm he had discussed with his sister earlier. �It�s no problem, Mr. Steinhoff. Just wait on the heavy stuff until Greg comes home. He�s already peaked on overtime this week and we don�t have any huge cases that I know of, so he shouldn�t be late.�
�Ya�alright then. Thank you, Nicolas.�
�No problem, Mr. Steinhoff. Have a nice day, sir.� Nick stood and picked up the tray of dirty dishes to take in to the kitchen, holding the tray in one hand and his phone in the other. �Hey, sis. I�m back. Sorry about that.�
�No problem.� Ronnie sounded a little confused, and greatly amused. �Who was that anyway? I thought your house was further from your neighbors than that.�
�It is; I�m at Greg�s apartment. He and his neighbor share a vent and tend to talk through it.� The sable-eyed man cradled the phone between his shoulder and ear as he loaded the dishwasher. �I guess he�s moving stuff over there, and I offered to come by when Greg gets off work so we can help him with his piano and anything else he shouldn�t be movin� by himself.�
�You�re at Greg�s place?� Ronnie paused for a moment after Nick made a sound of confirmation. ��And he�s at work?�
�Yeah,� The CSI frowned at the dishwasher when he realized it did not work the same as his own. He wondered how he had stayed with Greg for over a week without ever learning how to operate it. �I was here late, so he invited me to stay�in his guestroom, before you get any ideas.�
The brief pause that followed, along with his sister�s tone when she replied, told Nick he had been correct in his assumption. �He just left you in his home�and you didn�t leave when he did?�
�No,� Nick frowned in irritation, �He left before I even woke up. He�s too nice to wake me up and kick me out. He even left a note telling me to make myself at home.�
�Still, instead of leavin� as soon as you got up, you just decided to hang out at his place?� The sable-eyed man had barely opened his mouth to deny the idea when Ronnie hastened to add; �I heard the TV on one of your damn bird specials when you picked up, so don�t deny it.�
Nick rolled his eyes again. �That doesn�t mean anything-�
�Oh, yes it does.� Ronnie interrupted contentiously, and Nick wondered how anyone managed to challenge her in a courtroom. �It means you�re comfortable there and he�s comfortable having you there, and he trusts you to be there without him. I don�t leave just anyone in my house unsupervised; do you?�
�Uh, no.� The sable-eyed man glanced around the apartment, grasping for the first time that he was just as comfortable there as he was in his own house�if not more so. He also had to admit that he would not have stayed to shower, eat, and watch TV had it been Warrick or Sara�s apartment.
�You also volunteered to help Greg�s neighbor later�when he gets home.� Ronnie added, �So, either you were planning to return there tonight, or else just never leave.�
�I�m going to leave,� Nick stated firmly, feeling slightly defensive and exasperated. �I have things to do today; picking up my dry-cleaning, fixing my toilet, buying groceries, and all that kind of crap.� The Texan shook himself mentally when he realized that sounded as though he would not leave if he did not have to at some point. His mouth fell open when he comprehended that the concept might just be true�
He wondered if it was a Stokes trait to make smiles audible when he heard his sister reply. �Home is where the heart is, darling. If you�re that comfy in his, you might want to ask yourself why.�
The CSI took in his surroundings once more. He considered how well he had slept and how comfortable he had been as he went through his day-off morning routine in Greg�s home. Friendly as he tried to be, Nick could not remember having a single conversation with one of his own neighbors, yet he had not hesitated to do so with Mr. Steinhoff because Greg was fond of the man. �Shit�I think you�re right.�
�Gee, what a flattering reaction for Greg,� Ronnie stated facetiously. �The poor dear. Do try to sound a little less shocked when you decide to fill him in on this development.�
�I can�t tell him that!� Nick slapped the countertop hard and took a few deep breaths before explaining with a lot more control and a little more desolation. �I told him I wasn�t going to pressure him into anything; and to be honest, I think he�s having an even harder time in turning me down than I�m having in trying to prove he doesn�t have to. Besides, that�s- I wasn�t really thinking about where this was all going before.�
Ronnie sighed, �Well you�d better start thinking about that now, shouldn�t you?� Nick was not sure what to say to that, and after a moment of silence his sister spoke again. This time, she sounded understanding and reassuring. �Look, darling; this can be a really good thing. I can�t promise it�ll work out, but you two sound good for each other and I think it�s about time you left your flings behind you. You deserve more.�
�So does he,� Nick murmured as he looked about the inviting apartment. �What if I can�t do this? I don�t want to hurt him��
�That�s easy; then don�t.� Ronnie continued sternly before the sable-eyed man could respond; �It is that easy, believe it or not. Just be honest with him�and yourself. You�re both reasonable men. Yes, you may still hurt his feelings at times, but he�ll understand and forgive you in the long run if you just communicate with him. That�s how relationships work, darling. Do you think Bryan and I never fight or hurt each other? We do, but we move past it and it�s all worth it.�
The CSI nodded slowly, despite the fact that his sister could not see his reaction. Once again, he looked about the apartment, trying to imagine a life where he and Greg had the relationship he had hastily tried to attain. He suddenly understood Greg�s point of view and was glad that the younger man had forced him to slow down and think.
His sister�s voice suddenly broke past his musings; ��And the make up sex is always fantastic, too.�
Nick blinked as the comment settled, flushed at the image that flashed across his mind, and then chuckled. Ronnie quickly joined his laughter and then added, �Hey, just because a relationship isn�t based on sex doesn�t mean the sex isn�t good. Considering that RJ, Jennie, Will, and Julie each described Greg as a sweet and uninhibited energizer bunny, I think he�ll keep you plenty happy in that department.�
Nick laughed even harder at that description, until his eyes watered up and he was doubled over. When he finally contained himself, the Texan replied. �Oh, I don�t doubt it. Thanks, sis; I needed that.�
�Anytime darling,� Ronnie sounded strangely relieved, but she quickly continued, not giving her little brother any time to ponder that. �Well I have to go stop the corporate assholes from doing anything too terrible. Be sure to keep us all updated on your progress with Greg. Love you. Bye.�
�I will�within reason.� Nick added with a grin as he heard the expected disappointed groan. �I love you too. Talk to you later.�
The Texan hung up the phone and called Greg to let him know that he had been volunteered to help his neighbor right after work. He caught himself smiling at the sound of the younger man�s voice when he got his voicemail, and shook his head before leaving a message. He never thought he would be the sort of guy who relished in hearing someone�s voice, let alone Greg�s, but he had to admit that he liked the way it affected him.
After checking to make sure he was not leaving his friend�s apartment too messy, Nick finally dragged himself out to run a few errands. Once he had put away his dry-cleaning and figured out how to replace the needed part on his toilet, he packed a few things to leave at Greg�s. Nick had only gained drawer status at a couple girlfriend�s houses before, and he hand never thought much of what he left there; it was just the minimum he needed to get ready for work without returning home, which was not much�after all, he did have a locker a work. The one thing he paid mind to was that he did not leave anything of sentimental value, despite the fact that he had been sure to pick up his things when they broke up.
Nick was not sure if it was Greg, their friendship, or just something about himself that had changed over time, but he found himself actually thinking about what he was doing this time. He packed a relaxed set of clothes for hanging out, a pair of gym shorts and sneakers, and a nicer set of clothes for work or a casual date, as well as some toiletries. He added one of his favorite sweatshirts and a baseball cap after a moment�s thought. Nick tossed the bag into his truck when he headed for the grocery store, and tried to ignore the strange sense of anticipation he felt whenever he saw it in the rearview mirror.
Usually, grocery shopping was a very quick and uninteresting experience for Nick. He ate out ninety percent of the time, and when he did eat at home, he usually kept it simple: a sandwich, a snack, or something he could pop in the microwave and enjoy a few minutes later. While the additional foods he bought this time did not require that much more work, it was obvious to even the checker that he had been inspired. He could not but think of Greg as he watched the woman scan a box of pancake mix, a slab of bacon, and a dozen eggs.
The Texan returned home, put away his groceries, checked his answering machine, watched a game he had recorded, and cleaned up his house a little before getting ready to return to Greg�s apartment. He did not even notice that he was preparing as though aware he might not be returning to his own home that evening. He was halfway to Greg�s when his cell rang again. �Stokes.�
�Hey Nick,� Greg answered, sounding cheerful but a little drained; Nick glanced at the clock in his truck and noted that the willowy youth should have already been on his way home, yet he could hear the distinct sounds of the lab in the background. �Catherine just dropped a couple samples on my table and threatened me with bodily harm if I don�t get her results before I leave tonight.�
�That sounds a little unnecessary,� the sable-eyed man frowned. �Is it a big case?�
�No,� the doe-eyed man dropped his voice conspiratorially. �I suspect man trouble on top of a male suspect being a jerk. Not a good time to be serving her if you happen to have a penis.�
Nick chuckled lightly, �Just keep smiling and use those puppy dog eyes of yours�her mothering instincts will take over and she�ll apply her protectiveness to you instead of at you.�
�You think that�ll work?� Greg sounded sincerely curious.
�For you, yeah�the rest of us aren�t young enough to be her offspring, so it doesn�t work.� the Texan smirked, knowing the younger man would not be pleased with his next comment. �Hell, half the time you could pass as a teenager, especially when you get excited.�
Nick heard a puff of air hit the speaker, as though Greg had huffed, before the muddle-haired chemist asked, �Remind me why I�m risking my manhood to talk to you right now?�
�Uh, because you missed me today?� Nick hoped he sounded facetious instead of hopeful. Since he was pretty sure he fell into the later category, he quickly added, �Or it might have had something to do with the message I left you earlier and the fact that you should actually be arriving home now instead of processing Catherine�s samples.�
�See, I knew you�d know.� Greg answered brightly, and Nick wondered if the younger man realized that could be taken as a confirmation for either of his suggestions�or even both. �I�m taking off as soon as I finish these. It�s sounds like your driving, so I�m guessing you�re going to get there before me. Do you still have my key with yours?�
�Yeah.� Nick fingered Greg�s spare key as it hung from his truck�s ignition, along with his own house key. Greg had never asked for it back after the CSI returned to his own house, and it had never occurred to Nick to offer to return it.
�Cool, then just let yourself in;� the younger man replied easily, clearly unbothered by the fact that Nick had a key to his home. �I�ll see you in a little while.� There was a strange sound, as though Greg had begun to say something else but cut himself short before the first syllable could fully form�either that or he had choked.
The Texan frowned in concern. �Greggo, you okay?�
�Yeah. Why wouldn�t I be?� Nick was not sure whether he was more bemused or amused by his friend�s tone. Greg sounded like a guilty kid who was unsure if he had been caught or desperately wanted to confess, but was afraid to.
The sable-eyed man considered calling the slender youth on whatever was bothering him, but decided not to say anything just yet. Greg was working and they were going to be alone together soon enough; Nick figured it would be better to try to pry it out of him in the privacy of his own home. �Alright, you just sounded funny there for a second. I�ll see you when you get home.�
�Yeah, I�ll see you there. Bye.� There was a second�s hesitation in Greg�s response that made Nick wonder if his wording had struck the doe-eyed man the same as they did him. The CSI said goodbye as well and hung up his phone as he parked in front of Greg�s building. A middle-aged woman was checking her mail and she smiled to Nick as he passed her; a couple of men moving a futon did not spare him a glance; a young couple in the elevator exchanged polite nods with him and asked for his floor number.
It seemed that Nick was the only one who thought there was anything noteworthy about him letting himself into Greg�s home. That thought brought a smile to his face as he entered the apartment. It was exactly as he had left it several hours before, and he found that oddly pleasing. It felt a little like coming home.
Shaking off the sappy feeling, Nick helped himself to a soda and some popcorn, then turned on the TV and got comfortable while he waited for Greg to arrive.
Forty minutes later, Nick heard the lock turn and shut off the television just as the door opened. He stretched and returned the greeting Greg offered as he entered. �Sorry it took so long,� the younger man began as he got himself a soda and silently offered Nick another. �Catherine�s case tied into an old one, and whoever worked the DNA filed it wrong�� He shrugged and offered the older man a �what can you do?� look before smiling brightly. �How was your day off?�
�Alright;� Nick shrugged an smiled in return. �I got all my errands handled and talked to another one of my sisters. Ronnie; I think I�ve mentioned her, she�s the corporate lawyer who lives in Austin with her family�?�
The muddle-haired youth nodded languidly. �Yeah, she�s one of the twins, right? Her husband�s a bailiff, and they have two kids and Australian shepherd that drives her nuts.�
Nick nodded; �Yeah, that�s her. I�m surprised you remember all that.�
�Why wouldn�t I? Besides, I like to be able to know who you�re talking about when you mention your family.� Greg took a drink of his soda and checked to see if there were any messages on his machine. His casual response made Nick feel a little guilty, as he was sure he did not remember as much about the doe-eyed youth�s family.
Greg suddenly chuckled lightly when he turned back to the CSI. �Don�t worry, Nick; I don�t expect you to remember all of the crazy details I�ve told you about my family. My grandfathers especially are nearly impossible to keep track of for anyone who doesn�t know at least one of them personally.�
The Texan grinned and shook his head; �How do you do that? You always seem to know when I need reassurance or something��
�I�m observant, and I have plenty of opportunity to observe you in the lab-� Greg might have just finished his sentence, but the abrupt end in his speech, along with the marginal widening of his eyes and the flush of his skin, told Nick that he had just realized what he was saying and cut himself short before he could say something else. Before Nick could decide whether to tease him or not, Greg recovered. �Did you ever call Jennie back like you said you would?�
The sable-eyed man frowned in confusion at the change of subject before he caught on. Then, he closed his eyes and swore. �Damn it; no. I completely forgot. I�ll call her when we�re done; she�s probably leaving for work now anyway. Thanks for reminding me.�
The chemist nodded and made a genial sound before glancing at the clock. �Are you ready to help Mr. Steinhoff? He�s probably getting a little impatient to finish his living room.� Nick nodded and moved to put his popcorn bowl in the dishwasher -which he had finally figured out hot to operate- while Greg headed to the living room vent and called; �Hey, Mr. Steinhoff! Is now a good time for Nick and I to head over?�
There was a faint shuffling sound before the elderly voice called back. �Good morning, Greger. Now would be a delightful time. I�ll put Meine Schö
n in the other room.�
The Texan arched an eyebrow and Greg mouthed �his cat�. Nick sniggered while Greg replied, and then the two headed to Mr. Steinhoff�s door. The same voice they heard through the vent called for them to let themselves in, and they stepped into what would have been a mirror image of Greg�s apartment, had it not been for the fact that it felt like stepping back in time fifty years.
To Nick, the place looked nice, but slightly ornate and a little too dark. Moreover, the Texan had never had an eye for antiques�some looked nice, most looked old, and all of it seemed overpriced to him. He liked his modern furniture and his cable package, video game systems, and microwave. In addition, the scent of cheap cigar smoke permeated the air, and was just a little too sweet for his tastes.
�This is awesome,� Greg whispered. Nick had to fight back another snigger as he looked at his friend with raised eyebrows. Despite his Chuck�s, Levi�s, artfully muddled hair, and distressed t-shirt, the younger man was taking in the apartment with all the wonder of an antiquity enthusiast. The Texan smiled fondly at the younger man before the sound of a clearing throat alerted them both to arrival of their host.
Mr. Steinhoff appeared to be in his eighties, but had aged gracefully. His white hair was combed back like a nineteen forties movie star, his green eyes looked clear and bright, and his clothes were pressed and clean, if a little eccentric looking. He wore dress slacks with a white blouse and a satin dressing gown with a matching handkerchief pocking out of the breast pocket. A mahogany walking stick completed the ensemble.
�Welcome, gentlemen. I thank you for offering your assistance. I seem to keep forgetting that I�m not as strong as I once was.� The green-eyed man lead them into his living room. �I am having my walls redone, and the furniture needs to be moved away from the them so the young ladies I have hired can work.�
�Of course,� Nick replied with a polite smile while Greg nodded. Both men looked around the living room. Aside from the expected piano and couch, there was a large antique cabinet and matching bar, a huge wingback chair, a couple bookshelves that had been emptied, and a large old painting of a handsome family hanging on the wall. The items looked heavy and expensive and Nick suddenly cursed his manners that he had offered to help without having ever seen the place. He knew he would feel horrible if he damaged any of the elder man�s possessions�even the hardwood floor looked high-end and well cared for.
�Just move everything to the middle of the room.� The elderly man had clearly moved a few of the lighter furnishings already; a coffee table, an ottoman that matched the wingback chair, several floor lamps, some bric-a-brac, and a few wall hangings were already sitting in the center of the large living room. The homeowner had also thought to lay out some moving blankets, so Nick felt a little better about the floor at least.
�The young ladies said they have some plastic to spread over it all while they work, so nothing will be damaged.� Mr. Steinhoff smiled appreciatively at the two young men. �Thank you again for the help. I will go into the kitchen and get some refreshments for when you finish.� He chuckled lightly, �And to stay out of the way.�
The two friends exchanged worrisome glances as the elderly man made his way into the kitchen. �Wow,� the younger man whispered, �I wasn�t this concerned about potential damages when I started working in the lab. Probable sentimental value notwithstanding, I still doubt I could afford to replace any this.�
�Yeah,� Nick huffed, �And remember, you make a lot more money than I do.�
�So�slow and steady then?� Greg raised both eyebrows and Nick nodded resolutely. They started with the sofa, which had a solid wood frame, backing and clawed feet, and weighed more than Nick�s king-sized bed, he was certain. Fortunately, the willowy chemist was stronger than he looked and hand tremors did not seem to be an issue that morning.
Slowly but surely, they managed to move all of the furniture to the center of the room without much incident. Mr. Steinhoff looked in through the open kitchen from time to time and would tell them about the different pieces they moved; how the painting was of his family and had been made as a parting gift when they moved to the US; the bookshelves had been his father�s; and the piano, his grandmother�s. Greg nearly dropped his end of the bar when the old man suddenly started speaking the first time, and had only managed to prevent it from falling by bringing up his knee to catch it. Nick was certain the younger man�s lower thigh and knee would be bruised for a week at the least.
They did not talk much, but Greg seemed to leave all of the responses to Mr. Steinhoff�s comments to Nick, which the sable-eyed man found odd. He chose not to comment on it until they came to the last piece of furniture, when the owner of the apartment disappeared back into the kitchen once more. �Something wrong, man? You�re being awfully quiet�that�s not like you. You�re usually so friendly.�
�I�m alright, just-� Greg paused for breath but Nick signaled that he did not need to explain further. The Texan had always noticed how winded the younger man became whenever he was particularly excited or overworked, but he had never heard him so breathy before.
Taking another, more observant look around the apartment, Nick saw that like most homes, it was only cleaned superficially for the most part. Moving all the furniture had exposed all the hard to reach places that dust usually migrated to�and he was moving said furniture with an asthmatic. Nick could have slapped himself.
�Ah, you�ve finished! Thank you so much.� Mr. Steinhoff entered the room with a smile. �I have some coffee and shortbread in the kitchen. I thought you might like a little snack before you were off.�
The Texan opened his mouth to point out that he really wanted to get Greg home, but notice the slightest shake of the younger man�s head. Nick was not sure if Greg simply did not want to concern his neighbor or if speaking was just too much trouble. Frowning inwardly, he offered the elderly man his most charming -albeit fake- smile. �Thank you, sir, but we�d hate to put you to any trouble. Besides, we already have plans for tonight. Some other time, maybe?�
Mr. Steinhoff nodded and smiled brightly. �Of course, young man! You two can come after I have finished renovating. We�ll have dinner and you can let me know what you think of the place�it�s my first time renovating since my wife passed, you know. I can only hope to do it justice.�
Greg smiled and nodded while Nick gripped one of his slender arms and offered a strained smile himself. �I�m sure you will. Just let Greggo know when you�re ready for us. Thanks. No need to show us out; I�m sure you have preparations and we�ll lock the door behind us.�
Mr. Steinhoff thanked them again and was murmuring something about how refreshing it was to meet such considerate young people while Nick all but dragged Greg out the door.
The sable-eyed man did not let up as they made their way to the doe-eyed youth�s apartment. �Greg, are you okay?�
The willowy man nodded; his voice still sounded too breathless for Nick�s liking, but the CSI could not hear any wheezing, which he took as a good sign. �I think it was the cigar smoke, since I usually handle physical activity just fine. There was a lot of dust too��
�I noticed, but not until after�� Nick unlocked Greg�s door and ushered him into his apartment. �Are you going to be alright? You took your medication today, right? Where�s your inhaler?�
�Nick, calm down.� While he did not sound any better, Greg looked calm -even a tad amused- as he allowed the older man to lead him to his sofa. �I�ll be fine in a little while. I took my pills before I went to work, and my inhaler�s in my nightstand if I need it. But I just need to sit down and breath for a minute�I�ll be fine.�
�Okay, but I�m getting your inhaler just in case.� The brawny man received no argument as he headed up the stairs to the younger man�s loft-turned-bedroom. He did not pause to look around the open room as he crossed to the nightstand. A magazine on coins and an issue of the forensic journal were lying on top, but Nick only paid them half a mind as he opened the drawer and found Greg�s inhaler�along with a flashlight, a pen, a can of mace, chapstick, a vial of glitter, and a small cedar wood box that the CSI knew he probably should not open, even as habit dictated that he did.
Inside was a few condoms, a dildo, and a tube of anal lubricant. Nick groaned quietly as he squeezed his eyes shut and closed the box quickly. He slowly closed the drawer, opened his eyes, took a deep breath, then released it and turned around.
The CSI knew he would spend some time fantasizing over the items in that box later, but for now he was too concerned with Greg�s health to be properly aroused. He returned to the living room just in time to see Greg returning from the kitchen with two bottles of water.
�You should have told me you wanted some water.� The Texan made the willowy youth sit down and handed him his inhaler before he took a proffered water bottle in return. �Thanks.�
�Nick, I�m okay.� While Greg was still winded, Nick had to admit the younger man sounded marginally better already. �I�m not even having a full-on attack, just a little trouble breathing. Relax. I�ll be fine in a few minutes.�
The sable-eyed man pursed his lips and shot his friend a �you have to be kidding me� look. �You say you�re having a little trouble breathing and I�m supposed to relax? Use your damn inhaler before you do have an attack.�
�I don�t think-� The doe-eyed man turned to face his friend and saw the stern expression on the CSI�s face. �Fine.�
Nick grinned, the put out tone the younger man tried for would have been more effective if he had been able to get in a full breath of air. Nick�s grin faded into a look of bafflement when Greg seemed to fumble before turning slightly and taking a few puffs from his inhaler, as though he was hesitant to do so in front of the Texan.
Wondering at yet another complexity of the muddle-haired youth, Nick turned on the TV. Greg settled down beside him and seemed to be breathing steadier already. Neither remarked on the fact that Nick was staying without invitation.
After watching an hour of Steve Irwin, Greg stood and spoke over his shoulder as he headed into the kitchen. �I�m going to make dinner. How does shrimp alfredo sound?�
�Sounds great to me,� Nick watched the willowy man closely, but he seemed to have recovered from his non-asthma-attack-that-was-still-way-too-close-for-Nick incident. �If it isn�t too much trouble.�
The chemist was already pulling ingredients out of his refrigerator. �It�s no trouble. I suggested it because it�s easy to make.�
The Texan released a silent laugh at that, which became a full chuckle when he realized that he and Greg had very different definitions of the term �easy to make�, seeing as the younger man was making the sauce from scratch. Nick actually had no idea how alfredo sauce was made before he watched Greg prepare it.
They ate dinner at the kitchen bar that night and talked about their respective days; Nick filled Greg in on his talk with his sister and home repair project, and Greg informed the CSI that Warrick had closed their case after reviewing the information Nick had gathered from the suspect and witness� computers. Afterwards, Nick left Jennie a voicemail while Greg loaded the dishwasher, and then they returned to the living room. The two friends played a few video games while they talked about trivial things and merely enjoyed each other�s company.
The Texan failed to notice how late it had gotten until he felt something warm and soft press against his shoulder and turned to find Greg leaning on him, fast asleep. Nick slipped an arm around the younger man�s shoulders and shifted until he was stretched across the sofa, using the armrest as a pillow while Greg used him as one. He planned to wake the younger man up after he reached a couple more save points in Final Fantasy X, but between the soft light of Greg�s aquarium, the comfortable sofa, the soothing fragrance of the apartment, and the warmth of Greg cradled against him, he soon fell asleep as well.
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