Authors Note: I don't own anything. Would be cool if I did! Warning...Slight Slash involved.
Thanks: To all who reviewed, your words were appreciated. To TMR for introducing me to CSI and for putting up with me.
Chapter 1--The Body
It was their usual fight. Happened damned near everytime they were together. In the car.
"G, I've got that button set to that very station, because I happen to like that station! Matter of fact, I listen to that VERY station many a time."
Greg Sanders sat in the passenger seat, shaking his head. He wore a grin which which could best be described as develish.
"Yeah, Yeah...I know you listen to 'that station,' that music. Well, this just explains so much, Nicky...so much."
"Oh, shut up. And leave my buttons alone!"
Nick Stokes couldn't get very angry with his friend. He tried to sound furious, but instead, his sentences ended with a squeak. Nick was more angry that Greg had that sort of effect on him. Made him feel a little less in control of everything around him. Although, as much as it made him angry, Nick found himself almost looking forward to those moments.
The grin on Greg's face was absolute devlish now. Nick felt a flush creep into his cheeks and he heard his own voice blurting out "Why do you have to do that? Huh? Why do you have to take the words that I say and..."
"Hey Nick, were here."
Suddenly, both men quieted and put on a serious face. Time for work. No time for fun and frivolity...and flirting.
Nick often felt that's what happened when he and Greg were alone together. It felt like that, but he wasn't quite sure. He wished he was. He wished he was certain of a lot of things.
Nick's mind snapped back to work when their supervisor, Gil Grissom, began handing out assignments to each of the CSIs.
They were answering the call on a hit and run. Adult male, mid-30's struck by the side of a road and left for dead.
Nick and Greg adjusted their eyes to the many spotlights and patrol vehicle lights that were glaring at the site. Both of them jumped to work as everything came into sharp focus. They walked side by side to the crumpled body that lay on the gravel shoulder of the road.
"Hey David." Nick and Greg greeted the man who was crouched down, reading a liver thermometer. The coroner looked up and with a serious face spoke.
"Body's been dead two hours. Call came in 30 minutes ago..."
"That's what Gris told us..." Nick interrupted.
"He's all yours then." David nodded his head and rose up to leave. The face of the body was now in full view. "I'll see you at the morgue."
"Sure." Greg replied.
Nick noted that Greg's voice sounded all wrong. He looked to his friend. Something was wrong.
"Greggo?" Nick put a hand upon Greg's shoulder. "G...what is it? You okay?"
Greg stared at the body, Nick was sure he saw tears welling in his eyes. "Greg...?"
"I've gotta talk to Grissom." Greg spoke in a whisper and quickly turned away.
"I'll um...start without you, I guess..." Nick mumbled into the night air. He wanted to follow Greg, to put his arm about him and find out what was bothering him so much. Nick also knew he had to focus on the tasks at hand.
Moments later, Gil Grissom walked up. "Can you handle this one on your own?"
Nick quickly jumped up. Something had to be wrong with Greg. "Yes, sure. What's...is there...is Sanders ok?"
"He knows the victim." Grissom said as he himself looked down to the body. His head to the side, he spoke again. "I think it's best he not process the body. He'll help Sara with vehicle evidence in the lab."
Nick could see Grissom's eyes were taking in everything around them, and as he looked at the body of the young man on the ground, he seemed to take in so much more. Nick wanted to ask, but figured it was best to just get back to work.