Fic: Battlefield (9/11)
Title: Battlefield
Chapter: 9/11
Author: Jedi Princess Clarrisani
Beta: Stalker of Shadows
Additional Helpers: galuxkitty and puppytraining
Fandom: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Pairing(s): Nick/Greg, Grissom/Sara, Warrick/Tina, wishful Catherine/Warrick
Rating: NC-17
Total Word Count: 25, 184
Tag: The storm’s been brewing for some time now.
Summary: With a serial killer on the loose and Greg’s job on the line, Nick finds himself caught up on several battlefields - professional, personal, external and internal…
Disclaimer: Do not own. If I did, you would have found several shots of Nick and Greg in the background creeping out of the supply room after their long bouts of absence…
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Nick’s confusion remained as Grissom gestured for him to shut the door and take a seat, the confusion steadily growing as he sat squirming under Gil’s calculating gaze. Grissom took off his glasses, setting them on the desk in front of him and leaning forward, hands clasped before him.
“What happened before shift today?”
Nick shook his head. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“You, Warrick and Greg arrived together today, and you have been very cautious around them. And Warrick has been observing Greg.”
“Warrick’s having issues with Tina.” Everyone knew that.
“And Greg?”
Nick blinked. “Huh?”
“You and Warrick have been watching him very closely, today.” Grissom eyed him. “Be honest, Nicky. Greg had a hard shift yesterday. Did the three of you go out drinking?”
“Not exactly.”
“Nick…”
Nick sighed heavily. He had learnt long ago that, with Grissom, telling the truth was a lot less painful than being caught in a lie. He rubbed his eyes, knowing Greg was going to kill him over this. “Warrick got tossed from home so he called Greg to see how he was going. When Greg didn’t answer, Warrick called me cause I have a key and we both ended up spending the day there.”
“And why didn’t Greg answer his phone?”
Nick set his jaw. “He, eh… was passed out on the kitchen floor.”
“I see.” Grissom’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
Nick worried his lip. “He, eh… kinda mixed some meds with alcohol. Not intentionally, he just… was worked up.”
Grissom sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose, Nick knowing a migraine was coming on. Grissom’s blue eyes watched him, narrowing. “It’s as I feared. He’s on the verge of breaking, Nick.”
“C’mon, Griss, this means nothing.” Nick leaned back, shrugging. “I mean, it’s not like we haven’t all done it.”
“I haven’t,” Grissom eyed him. “Have you?”
Nick chose to keep his mouth shut. He had after Nigel Craine. Brass had found him when he’d called in to check on Nick, but kept things silent: no paramedics, no reports, no paper trail. Nick still owed Jim for that one.
“The other reason I called you in here is because I received a phone call from the Mayor wanting an update on your progress.” Grissom picked up his glasses, polishing them. “He wants the case solved prior to the triathlon. If it isn’t… he wants me to take over.”
Nick set his jaw, scoffing. “No pressure.”
“I declined, but I also told him that I’ll step in if you needed help.”
“No, we’re right. Just waiting for some DNA results so we can gain access to a possible crime scene. Need the evidence to gain a warrant.”
“And in the meantime you’re processing a car.”
“Pretty much done on that. Detailers.”
“Gifted at destroying evidence.” Grissom frowned at the sound of raised voices outside the office, the door opening, causing them to look up.
Catherine looked inside, gaze finding Grissom. “Gil, get to the garage. Conrad’s after Greg again.”
Nick was out of his chair in an instant, hurrying down the corridor beside the two supervisors. As he neared the garage he identified Warrick’s voice, the man on the verge of yelling. Ecklie’s replies were cool and calculated, while Greg’s were clipped and irritated. Nick’s step faltered when he saw them. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Warrick and Ecklie so ticked off, but the flash in Greg’s eyes and the set to his jaw was foreign to Nick. It was… scary, to be honest.
“Conrad.” Grissom led the way into the garage, placing himself between Ecklie and Greg. “What’s going on here?”
“I was just reminding Sanders of his commitments,” Ecklie said.
“What commitments?” Greg shot back. “My commitments are to Grissom and the field.”
“Your commitments are to this lab.” Ecklie levelled his gaze on him. “And your duties are to run the DNA on high profile cases when I ask you.”
“He’s a CSI, Conrad, not a lab technician.” Grissom set his jaw. “And he’s working a high profile case.”
“He’s the only one I trust with the O’Conner DNA.”
“Then I guess you have a problem.”
“My problem is that certain members of this department keep forgetting that I’m Assistant Director. It’s my job to make sure that the right people are doing the right job.”
Greg snorted. “And my ‘right job’ is in the lab, is it?”
“As it is, yes.” Ecklie shrugged. “You’re the best DNA technician in the country. I feel your talent is being wasted in the field.”
“It’s a talent that makes him so good in the field.” Grissom narrowed his eyes. “Everyone in this room knows what’s really going on, Conrad. Greg is staying in the field. He cannot afford to go back in the lab, especially not right now.”
“Then I guess it’s a shame I need him there.” Ecklie’s expression was set. “I told the Mayor I would have my best people on the O’Conner case.”
“I told the Mayor the same thing,” Grissom smirked. “And the Sheriff wants Greg in the field.”
Ecklie watched him for a moment, eyes narrowing as he glanced at Greg, then back to Grissom. “I see. So I was right to believe the inquiry was about Sanders.”
Grissom nodded. “Greg knows where he wants to be.”
“And it isn’t in the lab,” Greg said. “I’d sooner take the transfer to New York than go back in the lab.”
Ecklie scoffed. “What makes you think New York will be any better?”
“Detective and supervisor Mac Taylor guaranteed a field position on his team. And I already know a couple of the CSIs from conferences. Besides,” Greg smirked, “my sister is in New York.”
Ecklie’s eyebrow rose. “The same sister you were once held accountable for kidnapping when you were teenagers? Interesting how that bit of information was buried so deep in your file. What did Smythseton make you do to erase that bit of information?”
Greg’s eyes widened at the implications, fists clenching at his sides as he took a step forward. “You son of a bitch.”
Ecklie smirked. “Considering it wasn’t the only piece of information omitted. Let’s see. If I recall the real reason you transferred to Vegas was due to a dispute with a CSI. Assault, if I recall. And then there was the incident at Stanford, also missing from your file. I really had to dig deep to find that information. What professor handled that one?”
“You fucking bastard!”
Warrick caught Greg by the back of the jacket as Greg moved on Ecklie, Nick stepping forward to grab Greg’s forearms, placing himself between Greg and his target.
“Not the perfect CSI everyone thinks you are, are you Sanders?”
“That’s enough, Conrad.” Grissom looked back. “Nick, you said you couldn’t do anything until you had your DNA results?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah.”
“Good. Take Greg home. I’ll have Jim call you when he has the warrant.”
Nick nodded again, and caught Warrick’s eye, the two led Greg from the garage as Catherine moved to stand beside Grissom. Greg was tense beneath Nick’s tough, eyes never leaving Ecklie as he allowed them to lead him to the locker room to gather their things. Nick set his jaw as his gaze swept around them, spotting several heads duck down and making Nick wish that the lab wasn’t made of glass walls.
For the most part everyone looked stunned; they had never seen Greg lose it like this before. Some were sympathetic and worried - mostly Greg’s friends in Jacqui, Bobby, Archie and Hodges. Greg remained silent as they left the lab, Greg climbing into Nick’s SUV without a word.
“You call if you need anything,” Nick said to Warrick.
“You too, bro.” Warrick rapped knuckles with him, glancing quickly at Greg. “Take care of him.”
Nick nodded, climbing into the Denali. He watched Greg out the corner of his eye as he drove, Greg sitting gazing out the window, brooding. Nick sighed, looking ahead again and worrying his lower lip. He knew Greg wasn’t off the case - Grissom just wanted Greg as far away from Ecklie as possible. No doubt Gil (or Catherine, at the least) would be on the phone to Atwater, and Nick hoped it would all be sorted out soon. Greg really was breaking.
“Jennifer and I skipped town, I got busted for having ecstasy in college, and the CSI in San Francisco was harassing me and Sara.”
Nick looked at Greg sharply. “You knew Sara before Vegas?”
Greg nodded, rubbing his eyes. “We were friends.”
“I see.”
“And I never slept with anyone to keep all that from my records.”
“We know you didn’t, G.” Nick reached out, patting Greg’s knee. “He’s not worth losing your job over.”
Greg sighed, closing his eyes and resting his head back against the seat. “I never made myself out to be perfect, did I?”
“Not at all. You just have better control and less obvious flaws than the rest of us, that’s all.” Nick smiled as they pulled into a park outside Greg’s apartment complex. “I think you’re perfect.”
Greg laughed. “Your opinion is bias.”
“Yeah, it is.”
They left the Denali, Nick locking it as they headed into the building. Nick smiled as Greg’s hand found his in the elevator, Nick giving it a reassuring squeeze as they waited for the doors to open. They remained silent even when they entered Greg’s apartment, Greg dropping Nick’s hand and disappearing into the dark. Nick closed and locked the door, carefully making his way inside in hope of not walking into anything.
He found Greg in the bedroom, bedside lamp on next to where Greg lay facedown on the bed, head buried under a pillow. Nick smiled, removing his shoes and jacket, easing himself onto the bed and stretching out beside Greg. He rested his head on one arm and reached out with the other, smoothing small circles over Greg’s back and hearing him sigh heavily.
Greg shifted, bring his head to rest on Nick’s shoulder and wrapping his arms around him. “I almost lost it tonight.”
“No one blames you.” Nick kissed his forehead, smoothing Greg’s hair. “Ecklie went too far.”
“I still shouldn’t have lost it. I have more control than that.”
“You can’t be in control all the time, Greg.” Nick sighed. “You are allowed to show how you really feel sometimes.”
“Not in front of Ecklie I’m not.” Greg sighed, pushing himself up to look down at Nick. “Why is it that you know me so well as to know I’m holding back?”
“I’ve been watching you for years, G. I know a bit about you. Although…”
Greg raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
“Is ‘Greg’ your full name?”
Greg laughed. “No, Nicholas, it’s not. I was born ‘Gregory’, but no one but my father has ever called me that.”
“Yeah. I know how that works.” Nick slid his arms around Greg’s waist as the other straddled him, hands on either side of Nick’s head. “Why is it that I always end up underneath you?”
Greg smirked. “Because subconsciously you like it?”
Nick snorted. “I prefer being above you.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Greg brushed his lips against Nick’s, sliding a hand under Nick’s shirt to find and tease a nipple. “Only one way to find out.”
Nick let out a shuddering breath as Greg kissed him, Nick catching hold of the hem of Greg’s shirt and pulling it up, Greg breaking the kiss long enough to pull it off, reaching to tug Nick’s own shirt off thereafter. Nick slid his hands down Greg’s sides, circling them back up, faintly feeling the unevenness of the skin where he knew Greg was still scarred from the lab explosion so long ago.
Nick sighed heavily as Greg leaned down, Nick gasping as teeth grazed a nipple. Years of wanting spread through him, and the feel of Greg’s denim clad erection against his thigh sent a sharp, burning tingle though Nick that pooled in his abdomen and groin. At once Nick felt that he couldn’t get them naked soon enough but he forced it back.
He caught Greg’s chin with one hand and dragged him upward to kiss him hard, using the other hand to cup Greg’s rear, pulling him down while thrusting upward, griding their erections together. Greg broke the kiss with a yelp, falling against Nick and shooting him a hot glare, Nick smirking and tugging at Greg’s belt.
“Jeans. Off.”
“Yours too.” Greg replied, stealing another kiss before sliding from the bed. Nick quickly undid his own belt, fingers fumbling with the buttons and zipper as he trembled with lust and excitement. He was no virgin, with women or men, submissive or dominant, but this was Greg - the man he’d been wanting for almost eight years now. His mind was too foggy to work it out exactly, when Greg had come to Vegas.
Nick lifted his hips and slid his jeans and briefs off, unclipping his phone from his belt and placing it onto the bedside table before tossing his clothes aside. Feeling eyes on him, he looked up to find Greg watching him. Nick’s own gaze wandered to take in Greg’s naked form, reaching out to catch hold of Greg’s arm and draw him down onto the bed.
“Whatsa matter?”
“Nothing.” Greg smiled as Nick sat up. “Just never thought I’d ever see you naked in my bed.”
“Never thought I’d be naked in your bed.” Nick kissed him, bringing his lips around to find the pulse on Greg’s neck, sucking the place and feeling Greg shudder, hands sliding into his hair.
Greg turned his head, eyes closed. “Nicky?”
“Mm?”
“Would you let me…?”
Nick pulled back, Greg’s eyes opening to watch him. “I believe you had something to prove.” He saw Greg’s eyes narrow and smiled. “You can, G. But next time…”
“We’ll see.” Greg chuckled, reaching out to the bedside table and tugging open the drawer, retrieving lube and a condom.
Nick chuckled. “Always prepared.”
“Well you never know.” Greg kissed him. “Like you haven’t.”
“You’re right. I do.”
It fascinated Nick that they were talking in unfinished sentences and yet fully understanding each other. He ended the conversation by catching Greg’s lips in a firm, hot kiss, Nick sliding an arm around Greg’s shoulders and drawing him back down onto the bed. They shifted until Greg was nestled between Nick’s legs, bodies unconsciously rocking together as hands explored. Nick wasn’t sure when Greg had reached for the lube, he just knew he had when he felt a slick finger brush against his entrance before easing inside. Nick gasped against Greg’s mouth, arching against him, cherishing the slight burn.
He was caught up between kissing Greg and focussing on the gentle movements of that finger inside him that was soon joined by another, the burn intensifying. Nick moaned softly, gripping Greg’s shoulders tighter and focussing on the kiss so he could ignore the increased burn when that third finger slipped inside. He knew Greg was searching even before a sharp flash of pleasure shot through him, Nick breaking the kiss with a cry. Greg chuckled, kissing Nick’s throat and nipping at the skin.
“How you doing?”
“I’m fine.” Nick moaned, closing his eyes. “Want you in me, G. I can take it.”
“So I realise.” Greg kissed Nick gently, smiling. “I want to be in you.”
Nick reached to the side, plucking the condom up off the bed, trembling fingers tearing the packet open. He saw Greg watching him as Nick reached down, Greg hissing between his teeth as Nick rolled it on. Nick hooked a hand behind Greg’s head, burying his fingers in those untameable strands and pulling him down into a kiss.
“No excuses now.”
“Guess not.”
Greg withdrew his fingers, Nick moaning slightly as he drew his knees up, widening his legs to allow Greg better access. Greg shifted, lining himself up and resting the head against Nick’s opening. Their lips met in a fierce kiss, Nick fisting Greg’s hair and pulling away slightly.
“Come on, G.”
Nick gasped as he felt Greg pressed inside, Greg kissing him hard as he shifted, slowly working his way in until he was completely buried. Nick gripped the sheets with his free hand, waiting for the burning to ease, Greg breaking the kiss to rest his head on Nick’s shoulder. “Jesus you’re tight.”
Nick waited until the burning was bearable before rocking his hips, Greg raising himself slightly as Nick wrapped his legs around Greg’s. They peered into each other’s eyes as Greg began to move, slowly and cautiously at first until he found a rhythm. He quickened his movements, shifting the angle and sending a sharp burst of pleasure through Nick, causing him to throw back his head with a cry.
“There. Right there.”
Greg smirked, targeting and hitting Nick’s prostate with every thrust, Nick’s breaths now coming in harsh gasps as he arched off the bed. He groaned as he felt fingers encircled his weeping erection, pumping it jerkingly as Greg continued to thrust, Nick losing himself in the pleasure, his orgasm hitting him hard. He heard himself cry out as he rode the blinding wave, distantly hearing an echo before he passed out.
When he regained awareness he was still panting heavily, Greg collapsed above him, yet to pull out. Nick reached up to run his fingers through damp strands where Greg’s head lay on his shoulder, Nick pressing his lips to Greg’s forehead. “You okay, Greg?”
“Never been better.” Exhausted yet sated eyes fluttered open to look at him, a sheepish expression on Greg’s face. “Can’t move.”
“Then don’t.” Nick closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around the man above him. “I like you there.”
“Told you.” Greg sighed contently. “Love you, Nicky.”
“Love you too, G.”
TBC...
Nine chapters in, and finally the sex scene. Hope you enjoyed it.