A/N: Alright, I guess I've been in more of a romantic, sweet Nick mood the last few days, and have been neglecting my chapter stories. I'll update soon! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this piece. I'm not sure whether to just leave this how it is, or maybe turn it into a two shot, or even a mini-epic (4 or 5 chaps, maybe?). So, I need your help deciding. Thanks for reading!

I couldn't believe how careless and stupid I had been. I mean, one minute, I was investigating a crime scene, and the next, I felt a huge, sharp pain down my side. There was blood…blood everywhere. I got blood all over the evidence, dammit!

The suspect had returned to the crime scene. He snuck through a side window and saw me poking around, and I guess he panicked. Warrick had been with me, but he was in another room. The scumbag gashed me down the side with a knife, from my waist, almost down to the edge of my bottom. Warrick heard the commotion and found me, called an ambulance, but by the time he'd tended to me, the suspect got away.

But I know the team will catch him. When one of their own is injured, you'd be amazed at how quick, fast, and determined they are. Not that they don't give their all when it's a stranger, but they go above and beyond. I saw it when I was called in after Holly Gribbs' attack. And though I was ordered by Grissom to take a week off, and now I was stuck at home, bored out of my mind, I knew the team was hard at work back at the fort.

Ellen DeGeneres had just finished, so I was flipping through the channels, because I hate Days of Their Lives. Overdramatic fluffy crap! I heard a knock at the door, and I groaned because that meant I had to get up. I winced and grabbed at my right side, all bandaged up under the old t-shirt I was wearing, and hobbled over to the door.

Nick stood at my door, smiling, holding a beautiful vase filled with daffodils, and two huge chocolate bars. God love him. He must have come straight from work, dressed in his business-casual black trousers and a gray long-sleeved shirt.

"Hey, handicapped one." He joked, giving me a kiss on the cheek as he walked in. I smiled as I closed and locked the door once again, and he put the flowers down on the coffee table. As I walked over, I leaned down to smell the flowers, and a sharp pain jolted through my side.

"Ow!"

"Are you okay, Sar?" He asked quickly, ever concerned with my well-being. Truthfully, it still hurt like hell, even with the pain killers, but I always try to put on my tough girl persona. But Nick sees through my brave face, and gently grips my upper arm, leading me to sit back down on the couch.

"There you go. Just take it easy."

Nick watched me for a few moments, and my face relaxed again as the pain subsided. When he saw I was actually okay, he reached again for the chocolate bars, unwrapping one for me.

"I brought something to make you feel better." He smirked as he handed it to me. Cadbury's Dairy Milk, my favorite. Nick knows these little things about me that no one else knows, because he's the only one that takes the time to ask. He knows my favorite chocolate, beverages (alcoholic and non), movie (Return to Me), and actor (George Eads is HOT!). Nick has always been a great friend to me, and the only colleague that has come to visit me during my time off.

I smiled widely through my tired, aching body, and took the chocolate appreciatively. After eating two pieces myself, I broke off a piece and Nick gladly let me feed it to him.

"So, what have you been up to during your vacation." He emphasized the last word, knowing it was the farthest thing from quality time off I had ever experienced.

"Hardly a vacation. I don't know, just reading, surfing the Internet, playing Solitaire on my computer." I admitted. Hardly the way I would like to spend a week off.

"I hope they weren't forensics books and websites." He raised his eyebrows questioningly, knowing my workaholic tendencies well. I smiled sheepishly, affirming my guilt.

"Sar, you've gotta regroup. Get away from work this whole week. You've still got five more days left."

"I know, but…" I moved to put the chocolate back on the table, and the sharp pain returned. I grabbed my side and couldn't help but let a sharp intake of breath escape me. It was so intense, that I felt tears stinging at my eyes. But I wasn't about to cry in front of Nick Stokes.

"Hey, hey." He gently grabbed my shoulders and pulled me to sit back. "Sar, you need to relax. Do you have anyone taking care of you?"

I couldn't blame him for being concerned. I'd hurt myself twice now since he'd been here, and he'd only arrived five minutes ago. But I'm a big girl, and I can take care of myself.

"Nick, I'm fine. I just hit it a little funny, that's all." I brushed it off, but the pounding pain was still subsiding.

Nick was silent for a few moments, as if he were contemplating whether to do or say something. He had to buy my story, because that's what I do. I explain my pain away to anyone who dare asks.

"When was the last time you took pain medication?"

I rolled my eyes and let out an annoyed sigh, as if I were offended he asked. I don't like the way the medication makes me feel. It makes my whole body feel numb, and I can't think straight. It makes me forget too much. I'd rather be in pain than not feel like I was there at all.

"Sar…"

"It…It's been a little while, becau…"

"How long?" He asked me seriously.

I stopped all my protesting and decided to give in. He thinks he's saving me or something, but I'd rather just be left alone to handle myself.

"Not since the hospital." I admitted. Nick let out a disappointed cough and his eyes were studying me. I feel strangely uncomfortable, but safe, when he does that. It's kind of cute that he's concerned about me, but no one has ever looked at me like that before, and it scares me.

"How about your bandages?"

Changing my bandages is difficult to do with one person. My gash is mostly on my side, but travels a little ways towards my back. It's hard to tape it down, and so therefore, it doesn't get changed as much as it should. I know I should be dressing it often, but asking someone else for help is just beyond me. Friends, you ask? Haven't really made any good ones since I moved here, because I'm always working. The last few days has been a rude awakening for me, as I have realized there's no one in this town I can call for help, or just to talk. The closest thing I have to a friend would be…well, Nick.

"I…It's hard to get to, so…"

"Let me see." Nick requested, moving a little closer. I was slightly worried, and maybe offended, that he just expected me to show him my wound, even with the bandage covered. I mean, it is kind of in an intimate spot. Not one that has been readily viewable at work. Sure, maybe he's caught a glimpse of my back and side and lower torso in general, when I change in the unisex locker room. But he's in my living room, and isn't that a little…inappropriate?

"What? No!" I squirmed a little bit away from him, and the sharp pain came back, and I winced once again. Nick gave me an amused look, as I tried to think of a good excuse for this not to happen.

"Sar, you need to take care of yourself. And can you honestly say you have been?"

"Nick."

"Let me just check it. I can help you change your bandage. I'm sure it must be…awkward to change it yourself."

"I'm fine. I can do it myself."

Nick surprisingly put his hand on top of my head, and took my hand in his other. I was a little puzzled by this move and I looked at him a little funny, I'm sure.

"Sara, you don't always have to be tough as nails. You've been through an ordeal, here, and I'm just trying to help. Besides, do you want to have to take more time off because you're not healed? Because you know we won't let you work if you're not well enough." Nick explained patiently, watching my face become a bundle of emotions.

I hadn't thought of it that way. It felt strangely good to have someone this concerned about me. But it was hard to let him in. I know he means well, but I can't get hurt, especially by someone at work. I mean, sadly, my work is my life, and I can't have my one escape get all weird and uncomfortable. What if I let him in, and he let me down like so many others have? I'd have to see him every day at work, and that would be torture. But as he looked lovingly and protectively into my eyes, I somehow doubt he would do that to me.

"I…I guess it would be a good idea to change my bandage." I managed to get out, hoping that he wasn't seeing how vulnerable I felt right now. I hadn't shown any part of my body to anyone in a long time, and it was unnerving. Everyone knows Nick's reputation as a ladies' man. He's probably seen dozens of naked women, and he'd probably compare me to them. I'm tall and lanky, and…unattractive, really.

"Okay. Good. I'm glad you're letting me help you, Sar. I know it's hard." He stood up off the couch, and gave my hand a squeeze. "Why don't you lie down on your left side, sweetheart." Nick instructed me. I felt a combination of nervousness and the feeling of knowing I was in safe, good hands. I started to move, and then I paused. I know Nick is a perfect gentleman, but I want to make sure he's not getting the wrong idea.

"Nick, ummm..I just…uh…"

Nick, as if reading my mind, placed a comforting kiss on the top of my head.

"Don't worry, Sar, I'm just here to help."

I smiled slightly, feeling a little better, but still nervous. I decided to lie on my left side facing the back of the couch, so I wouldn't have to look into his eyes, and he couldn't see mine. I want some dignity and self-preservation when this is all over with. Not that Nick would ever purposely make me feel uncomfortable, but I do.

Strangely, I felt my heart rate skyrocket as I found a comfortable position on the couch. Suddenly, I realized that he would have to see my underwear in order to fully remove and recover the bandage. Dammit! I should have worn some more exciting panties, rather than the pale yellow Victoria's Secret pair I remember I have on.

I told Nick where to find the new dressings and the medical tape, and he quickly retrieved them as I tried to control my breathing. Was I excited? I

couldn't be. No, I must be mortified. But what better person to change your bandages than Nick? He has proven himself to be so caring and gentle, and I'm not blind. He looks an awful lot like that hottie, George Eads.

Nick returned and knelt down next to the couch, as he put the bandages on the floor next to him. He let out one of those strangely sexy breaths, clearing his throat a little as he did so.

"Okay, you ready? I promise I'll be as gentle as possible." Nick reassured me, leaning over me so he could see my face. I just nodded, wanting this over with as soon as possible. My skin tingled a little as he moved my old, cozy t-shirt up a little, until the hem settled just above my belly button. I took a deep breath in, waiting for I don't know what. Him to let out a disgusted groan? I don't know…to say something.

His hands spent the next few moments gently moving his fingers over parts of the bandage, feeling where it lay and determining how to get it off without hurting me. His thumb brushed at my back a little, where the top corner was. I realized that I had forgotten to breathe for about twenty seconds, and hoped that Nick didn't notice.

"Ouch, Sara. That clown really did get you good, didn't he?" He tried to lighten the mood.

"Yeah." Was all I could think to say at that moment, and I inwardly cursed myself for not sounding more intelligent.

"Kay." He breathed in. "Sar, I'm gonna have to push your shorts down a little, okay? But remember, I won't look at anything on purpose. I'm just helping, right?" He reminded me. I just nodded again and stared at a spot on the back of the couch. He was being so gentle and caring, but I still felt uneasy. Not in several years had anyone touched me so intimately, and it wasn't even that intimate. I felt sad that I had forgotten what it was like to have another person's hands on my body.

Nick carefully hooked his thumb in the waistband of my pajama shorts, a sensible purple striped pair. He pulled them down only as far as he had to, like he promised, and I felt the air hit my skin. His delicate fingers traced the bottom edge and worked their way under the medical tape.

"Alright, I'm gonna try to take this off as gently as I can. You can punch me afterwards if it hurts too much."

I managed a giggle and then closed my eyes in preparation of the pain that would most likely follow. Nick pulled the tape off quickly and non-torturously. I was surprised that it didn't really hurt that much. Him and his talented hands. My breath hitched as he let one of his hands sit right on my hip as he reached down on the floor for something.

"That is an ugly cut, Sar. No wonder you don't want to look at it." Nick commented as I heard him open a pack of wet wipes. "But looks like the doctor did a really good job stitching it up. You'll be fine."

I felt his fingers squeeze my hip gently. I know he meant it to be a comforting gesture, but my felt like it had been set on fire, the energy his body gave to me. How come no one could ever touch me like that? And Nick wasn't even my boyfriend; he wasn't even dating me, and he could get away with squeezing my hip. Granted, he was performing medical aid, but it felt damn good.

"I'm just gonna clean some of that tape residue off a little." Nick told me. I felt the cool wipe on my skin seconds later, as he carefully dabbed the area clean. His hand traveled up my side, and to the front edge of my abdomen, down to my hip and below my panty line, and then back up the top of my back. I let out an involuntary whimper, and hope he didn't hear me.

"You still doing okay? You're being quiet." He asked softly. Nick was always frowned upon for getting too personal with victims, but right now I could see how any victim would want Nick at their crime scene. He was so tender, and gentle. Not just the way he was touching me, but how he was explaining everything he was doing in such a soothing voice.

"I'm fine." I managed. Moments later, a towel dabbed the area dry.

Like a wounded dog or something, I just couldn't resist the temptation of reaching over and running a finger over some of the edges of my wound. It didn't hurt anymore to touch it on the outside. Still a little tender, but nothing I couldn't handle. My finger followed the wound down to where it stopped on my hip, just barely creeping on to my bottom. My pajama bottoms had since crept up a little bit, and covered the edge of my ugly scar. Nick surprised me when his hand covered mine, and gently squeezed.

"Don't worry, Sar, it will heal. And it won't look as bad as you think." He told me in a soothing tone, trying to get a look at my face. Then, he picked up my hand and gently kissed the palm, setting it back on the couch. His hand went back to my hip and he again hooked his thumb under my panties and pj shorts. "I'm gonna need to push these down a little farther to put the bandage on decent enough, okay? But don't worry, I've seen plenty of butts, so yours won't faze me." He joked a little. Somehow, I sensed that he was slightly uneasy about this too. He didn't want to cross any lines with me, especially since I was wounded and not feeling up to par.

"It's okay." I whispered. Strange that I didn't want this to happen at all a few minutes before, but now it was strangely exciting, and dare I say, erotic. Nick was going to look at my tush! Well, part of it anyway.

Nick's hand tentatively tugged at my bottoms, exposing more and more of my skin. Again, I felt the air kiss my skin, further convincing me that this was in fact real, and it felt strangely right. Even though he was helping me bandage myself, I still wouldn't allow just anyone to do this, and I think he knows that too.

His hand left me as he found the cloth gauze-like bandage that would soon cover my skin. He gently set it into place, making sure it covered all of the wound. Carefully, he cut a piece of the medical tape and applied it to where it sat on my hip. His fingers worked skillfully, applying the tape all around the cloth, until I was all taped up. He traced the edges again a little, inspecting his work. After a few seconds, he decided it was good to go.

"Alright. All done." He announced, as his hand found my drawers again and gently tugged them up where they had been before. He patted my clothed hip and looked down at my face again. I finally turned my head to look at him for the first time since he'd started, and I actually felt comfortable. This man had seen my butt now, and I didn't feel weird. He kissed my cheek, and lingered a little longer than he had at the door. I smiled at him and turned to lay on my back.

"Thank you." I told him truthfully. It felt good to have a fresh bandage on, and knew it was best to keep my wound clean.

"And remember, I can help you out again if you need me to." Nick told me, hovering over my face. I self-consciously tugged my shirt down, not having any more excuses to expose any flesh to him, but strangely I didn't mind. In fact, I think I may have enjoyed that. And…he offered to do it again.

"I might have to take you up on that offer." I admitted, smiling. His hand gently stroked my hair as he gazed down at me.

"Well, now it would make my day even more if you took your medication and laid down for a nap." He raised his eyebrows at me, preparing for a rebuttal, gazing at me knowingly. Nick didn't think he'd be lucky enough three times in one day.

I sighed theatrically and slowly sat up. Nick's hands were out, ready to help me if needed, but knew I didn't like to be thought of as broken or weak. He respected me, and sometimes I didn't feel that from the other people I work with.

I traipsed tiredly into my kitchen and got two glasses from the cupboard. My medication was sitting right there on the counter, so Nick picked it up and started reading it.

"Take two pills three times a day." Nick read, then looked at me suspiciously. "It's still full, Sar."

"I told you I haven't taken any since the hospital."

Nick cleared his throat in disappointment again, and opened the child-proof cap, spilling two pills into his hand. He placed them on the counter, as if ordering me to take them, and screwed the cap back on. I had since filled both cups with ice water, and handed a glass to him. I took a big swig and then set my glass down again, looking at the counter – anywhere but at him.

He paused in his drinking and looked at the pills. Then, he walked over to me, putting his hand at the small of my back, and kissed my head tenderly.

"Sweetheart, I know the pills make you feel funny. I was on the same meds after that stalker incident. And, believe me, the pain doesn't get any easier. It's better if you just take the medication now before it gets worse."

"I'm not myself on those pills." I spilled out.

"I know they make you feel weird, but it'll only be for a week. Then you can be good old spunky, mouthy, determined, wonderful Sara again." He rattled off. Nick brushed the small of my back with his fingers in comfort, trying to push me along and convince me. "Come on. Take those pills, and I'll put you to bed."

"What am I, eight?" I asked him.

"Of course not, but you need to have a good rest, and you can't do that if you're in pain."

"I…"

"I'll stay with you until you fall asleep. How's that sound?" Nick gently stroked me hair, and his gaze was again making me melt. How could he be so incredibly sweet, and me not notice until now? How could I resist doing anything but exactly what he tells me?

"Okay." I finally gave in. I popped the two pills into my mouth, and drank the rest of my water, placing it in the sink when I was done. Nick did the same, and then gently turned me to my bedroom.

"Way to go, Sar." He congratulated me, somehow not sounding corny. "Bed."

Nick walked ahead of me into my bedroom, which I had thankfully kept somewhat neat. It hurt too much to make my bed, so it was a little messy, but he didn't seem to care. Nick pulled the covers back and waited for me to get in, and then tucked me under, placing a sweet kiss on my forehead. Then, he walked around to the other side and settled himself above the covers.

We were both facing each other on our sides, my left hand tucked under my pillow, and my right resting on the mattress. Nick stroked some fallen hair behind my ear and then kind of bopped my nose with his finger, causing me to smile. His hand covered mine, and I felt so safe and loved in that moment.

"You just go to sleep, sweetheart."

I closed my eyes, and that was the last thing I heard before slipping into the best, most recuperative sleep I had experienced in a long time. Sleeping right next to Nick Stokes.