Title: Always Will Be
By: it-glitters
Pairing: Greg/Nick
Fandom: CSI: Vegas
Rating: PG-13
Series: 1) Bewilderment, 2) Take Me Home, 3) Cynics, 4) Blood Spatters, 5) Hello Mr. Sanders, 6) Hitting The Wall, 7) Capable Of Murder, 8) The Good Boy, 9) Crying Shame, 10) As I Lay Me Down, 11) Stoic, 12) You Tell Me, 13) Mother, Mother, 14) A Simple Smile, 15) Good Enough, 16) Smack, 17) Let Me Be The One, 18) There Isn't A Manual, 19) Call Me Magic Mama, 20) The Bus Stops in Suburbia, 21) He Needs You, 22) You're Not Really OK, 23) It's Not Always About Me, 24) Wasted, 25) Chemical Reaction, 26) Your Hand In Mine
Summary: The end.

***

Nick expected to wake up with Greg curled up in his arms, but Greg was already awake and sitting in an upright position – apparently greatly involved in a staring contest with the opposing wall. Nick managed to open his eyes and pull his head into Greg's lap. "What are you thinking about, baby?"

Greg remained silent for a moment, but moved his hands down to Nick's hair to message his scalp. "I was just thinking about everything – and I've come to a conclusion."

Nick tried to pull himself up to sit with Greg, but Greg's hands held him down. Nick resigned himself to peacefully remaining in his lover's lap. "So, what's your conclusion, G?"

"I'm going to be ok. One day – it'll all be in the past and I'll be all right. Some really bad shit happened to me... but I lived through it – and not only did I live through it, I've had some amazing people to help me through. I have a man who loves me, and for the first time in a long time, I have a real family again."

Despite Greg's protesting hands, Nick forced himself up to Greg's level to embrace his boyfriend. "That's exactly it, baby. I love you – and we'll be together and we'll make it through together. We can do family stuff at the ranch in Texas and you can meet my whole family. They're gonna love you as much I do, G, I know it."

Greg allowed himself to sink into Nick's arms as they rested against the headboard of his bed. "I think I'll be ready to go back to work in the next week or so. I want to complete my certification to carry a gun – but I want to make sure I'm prepared for carrying it – and ready to use it if I have to."

"Of course, and I can be there every step of the way, if you want." He held Greg's hand up to his own heart.

"I want. You don't think it'll be too soon do you?"

"No, I think you need to move at your pace, and only you know what that pace will be. You just let me know what you want and I'll help you get there."

"And you'll do the same for me right? If you need anything?"

Nick nodded and pulled Greg in for a kiss. They were interrupted by the gentle knocking of Jillian Stokes at their bedroom door. "Boys, I hate to interrupt you..."

"Come in, Mama," Nick called out.

Jillian came in fully dressed for her flight. "I was wondering if you wanted to take me to the airport, or if I should call a cab."

"We'll take you," Greg said as he tried to jump out of bed, to quickly realize that for the first time in a long time – he was naked. Jillian shielded her eyes and nearly walked into the doorframe trying to leave the room. Nick just laughed as his mother stumbled out the door and Greg continued to pull the sheet tightly around his body.

"Baby, she's gone. And honestly – the way you're pulling that sheet... It's just giving me the wrong ideas."

"Nick, how can you just be so nonchalant about all of this. Last night she hears us... you know, and now she sees me naked in your lap – and you're naked too!"

"Yep. It's not like she's never had sex, you know. She knows what it's all about."

"I hate you, and I'm taking a shower."

"You love me, and I'm joining you."

"You join me and we'll never get your mother to the airport in time. And then I'll never be able to look your mother in the eyes again. And I like your mom."

"I'll play nice – and leave your modesty intact. I just want to wash your back, I swear," Nick said as he put his hands up. Then he tackled Greg and led the sheet-encased man to the bathroom, giggling the whole way.

....

Nick and Greg had walked Jillian all the way to the security check – which was as far as they could go without tickets of their own. Nick hugged his mother and wished her well.

"Nicky, do you think me and your mom could have a minute?" Greg asked with a little hesitation in his voice.

"Course, G. I'll go grab the car and meet you outside?" Greg nodded his response and Nick pulled him in for a chaste kiss. Nick waved again to his mom as he walked through the lobby towards the parking area.

"Mama, I don't even know how to say goodbye to you. I mean, you've been more a mother to me than anyone." He felt tears stinging his eyes and could see that Jillian was choked up as well.

"Greg, I have to confess... I called your mother. And she's... God, she's awful. You're an amazing young man, and my son is blessed beyond all words to have you in his life. You're strong and beautiful and you will do amazing things with your life – and it doesn't matter what anyone else says, as long as you know that truth." Tears were falling down her face now. Greg felt the tears that were stinging his eyes finally break free.

"I can't believe that you all have been so accepting of me... and I can't wait to come out to the ranch and meet everyone – to see where Nick grew up. And I want you to know – that I don't think that I could have made it through all of this without you here. I know now, that with the love of everyone around me – that it doesn't matter what he did to me, because I have you guys – and that makes me strong. No one can take that away."

Jillian pulled her newfound son into the tightest embrace she could muster through the tears, the crowd, and her baggage. Her flight was being called again, and if she wanted to make it, she had to begin to clear security right away. She pulled a tissue from her pocket and began to clean Greg's face. "You call me, day or night." Greg nodded and she joined the line for her flight.

Greg turned away and walked out to the road, where Nick was waiting – like he always would be.

***