Title: The Dance
Author: RealmofRed
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: PG-13
Warning: character death
Summary: Post-ep for "Play With Fire" -- Garth Brooks song fic.

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Nick parked his Tahoe at the edge of the cemetery and took a deep breath. It had been six months since the accident, six months since his world had shattered like the glass walls of the DNA lab. Six months since the love of his life had been cruelly ripped from his embrace. Six months since Greg had been laid to rest. Nick grabbed his iPod and got out of his vehicle. He walked several rows back to a spot where a granite stone rested underneath a tree. Like every visit, he laid a single red rose at the base of the headstone, and his long fingers traced the name of his beloved. Gregory Hojem Sanders. The letters felt like the saddest of Braille under his touch. He knelt down beside the grave, lost in thought and grief. Greg had only lived for 2 days after the lab explosion, his body too badly burned to survive. He only regained consciousness once, looking at Nick with pain-hazed eyes before slipping back into a drug induced sleep. Nick knew that Greg was aware of his presence, and he thanked God for that moment of lucidity.

He tried to visit the cemetery a few times a month, bringing along his iPod and listening to Greg's favorite songs, and songs that reminded him of their brief, but very loving, time together. Nick slipped his headphones on and searched for a certain song. He hit play and the music began. It was Garth Brooks' "The Dance".


Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye



Nick thought back to the night that he and Greg had driven far out into the desert, out past the bright lights of Vegas. They had brought champagne and had promised their love to one another while they danced under the starry sky. Nick could still feel the warmth of Greg's fingers intertwined with his, and the softness of Greg's lips on his mouth.


And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end, the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


Nick remembered the first time they had made love. It wasn't the usual awkwardness he was used to. Greg was a patient and attentive lover, and Nick fell asleep that night feeling cherished and loved. He held Greg afterwards, pressing kisses to his face, breathing in their mingled scents.


Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only know how the king would fall
Hey who's to say I might have changed it all


Nick closed his eyes and let the tears spill over his lashes. Oh Greg, he thought, it was over way too soon for us, but I would go through it all again if it meant being able to love you. Yes, life is better left to chance, and I'm glad I didn't have to miss the dance with you.

The song ended as Nick stood up. He placed his hand on the headstone once again and whispered, "I love you Greg".


And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end, the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance.




finis

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