Kiss Me, Lab Rat

Greg had been spending almost all his free time at Nick's place or at least with Nick. So when the certified letter came at the end of the month he took full advantage of it. The notice gave him thirty days to move and a promise of full refund on any deposits plus one thousand dollars. There was an addition offer of three thousand dollars if he was out within ten days. The building was going to be converted into town homes. When Greg told Nick of the notice it was decided that the next "weekend" they would move Greg in. They had just started their week so that meant four more work nights.

The two of them had Gil still looking for the person that was leaving the dinners. They had put the next dinner in one of those thermo lunch bags and left it in the locker room. They had one delivered by messenger. Next they left one in the briefing room but Warrick found it. It was getting harder and harder to get into the lab and out so they had decided to end it with a big show. They made plates for the whole team and had them delivered to the briefing room. Unfortunately it turned out to be the busiest night in months. The only good thing about it was that they started with a good dinner and no time to look for the cook.

That night was a really tough one, not only in the number of calls but the kind of calls also. There had been so many calls that everyone was out by themselves. The cops and support people were there but only one CSI to a scene.

Nick had just left a robbery/murder at a little mom and pops store out on the edge of the city. The road was this old two lane thing, dark and dreary with few lights but at least it had good pavement. Nick had been the last one to go out as he still had been working on a major case from Tuesday. He was tired, frustrated and angry so he was keeping his speed down. He knew his mind wasn't totally on the road.

Out of the corner of his eyes he saw the dog run across the road, way in front of him. It went straight into the path of the car on the other side of the road. In the next fraction of a second the dog's body was flying straight for Nick's windshield. It was too late for Nick to do anything but stop. The body rolled to the ground in front of his vehicle.

Nick ran to were the dog lay. He could hear whimpers and feel its breathing. Going to the back of his car he spread out the blanket then picked up the dog and laid him on it. Nick remembered seeing a veterinary hospital on the way out so he headed for it. He drove as fast as was safe to do. Luck was with him as he saw that it was open. The doctor was standing outside on his break as Nick drove up. Nick jumped out and explained what had happened as he opened the back end. Nick carried the dog into the exam room that doctor lead him to.

After doing a quick but through exam the doctor looked up at Nick, "I'm sorry. There's just too much damage and blood loss. The only thing I can do is to stop the suffering."

Nick lowered his eyes to the dog that he was petting, "if you're sure."

"I'm sure," and the doctor left to get the shot.

A few moments after getting the shot the dog stopped whimpering then closed his eyes and at last his breathing stopped. Tears ran down Nick's face.

"Do you know who owns the dog?"

"No, I was driving back to CSI labs. I had just come from a crime scene, when it ran out." Nick wiped his face with the kleenex that doctor handed him. "You would think with all that I see this wouldn't affect me but it just is."

Nick reached over and removed the collar so that he could get a closer look at it. The tag had two phone numbers on one side and the name Teddy on the other.
On the inside of the collar Teddy Bear Wishes was written. Nick handed the collar to the doctor.

"Would you like me to take care of calling on the dog? I'm sure you need to get back to work and I'm use to dealing with animals." The doctor took the collar from Nick.

"How much do I owe you for this?"

"Nothing, it's just nice to see someone do the right thing for a change. Most of the time people just keep going never thinking twice of the animals. Like the person who hit him first. I don't see them here do you?"

Nick shook his head. "Could you please let me know if you find the family? I will also need a report on this, county vehicle" and he handed the doctor one of his cards.

"No problem, I'll send the report to this address?" after Nick nodded. "I'll be sure to let you know what happens with the calls, Mr. Stokes."

With that Nick walked out to the car and climbed in, heading out for the labs once more. Soon the tears were back as he drove on. Nick had stopped crying by the time he reached the lab. He used a couple of tissues and water to clean his face.

Gil was pulling into the next spot as Nick came around to the locked box on the other side of the vehicle. Gil was already looking over the windshield.

"What happen?"

"A dog hit me. Can I give you the details later, please?"

"Okay, but have you filmed it yet?"

Nick knew he was in trouble now, "no, I tried to save the dog."

"Go on. I'll take care of it." And Gil turned around to get his camera.

Nick took all the evidence bags to the labs leaving the DNA lab for last. After placing his stuff at the end of the line Nick headed for his lover.

Greg had his headphones on and his back was to Nick. As Nick got closer to him, Greg pulled off his headphones and turned around. One look at Nick and Greg's arms opened into an invitation for a hug. Nick walked right into the hug, turning into Greg's neck as a few more tears drop from his eyes. Greg held his lover tight, running his hands up and down Nick's back. Feeling that Nick was back in control he let loose of the tight hold then turned his head, their lips met in a light kiss. They moved a little more and kiss again. This one was deep and needy but full of love and understanding.

"Nick, we're in the lab" whispered Greg as they parted.

"Sorry, it's just I killed a dog. That old case is a mess and the one I just came from had a dead clerk. He was only twenty-one and a single father of a two year old. The cops found the two year old sitting by his dead father. And they only got food and maybe two hundred dollars. I just needed you."

"You better now?" Greg looked into Nick's eyes and waited for the nod. "Good because I think our secret is out?"

"Who all's watching us?" Nick's back was to the glass area.

"Just about all of them and I'm sure the rest will hear about it soon." Greg smiled as he answered Nick. "You okay with it?"

Nick nodded but his eyes held fear.

"I need you to believe it will be fine. They are all smiling and giving the thumbs up. Okay, you ready?" Greg leaned forward and kissed Nick lightly. "Love You."

Gil led the group in, "so how long has it been going on?"

Nick turned and faced Gil, "remember the Lab Rat sign?"

"Yes, you put it up?"

"I sure did and it stopped the jokes. A few nights later I kiss Greg. I kind of tricked him but you only get one chance for a first kiss."

Gil looked deep in thought as the rest moved around congratulating them. Some going on about it took long enough. And moving into the how serious is it? Why didn't you tell us? Catherine demanding details, details.

"Shut up everyone!" Gil looked straight at Nick as everyone else stared first at Gil then at Nick. "You made the dinner for Greg." It was more a statement then a question. "And the two of you have been having fun with me." Gil stepped closer to Nick.

Greg was pushing though the group to get to Nick's side. Once he was there Nick smiled down at him then looked back at Gil.

"We have been feeding you good healthy dinners. And we gave you a fun puzzle to work on also."

Catherine broke in with "Nick, when did you learn to cook like that?"

"Tina started teaching me when she moved in next door and I've been teaching Greg."

"You guys living together?" Gil had lost any thought of trying to continue with the angry act.

Nick and Greg looked at each other and in unison "sort of, but it will be official after our next 'weekend'."