Previous part of Future Promises.

***

Nick walked around his house those long hours with nothing to do at all. When a knock came to the door, he answered it.

"Hey Nick. Let's go." Greg said, as he stepped to the side.

Nick saw his friends in a separate car, and Greg's friends in another one. Greg's bike sat inbetween the two cars, still running.

"C'mon." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"One sec. Mom! I'm going out!" Nick said, as his mom came to the door.

"Hello Greg. Where are you all going?" She asked, as Greg smiled at the woman.

"Nick's friends wanted to go to the arcade downtown, and then we're going to get something to eat. Not sure what we're going to do after that though." Greg said, as the woman nodded her head.

"Okay. I'll see you later then." She said, as Nick grinned.

They both walked out, Warrick and David getting out of their cars.

"Okay guys, I propose a race. Last one to the arcade has to buy the food." Greg said, the other two smiling.

"Okay. I'm totally going to kick ass though." David said, as Warrick snorted.

"Yeah right." Warrick said, as Greg just laughed at the two.

"Now let's be adults about this." Greg said, as the other two boys glared.

"Says the guy who can use alleys and tight spaces." Warrick commented, as David nodded.

"Yeah well, that's your own fault." Greg said, as Nick laughed at the looks on their faces.

"Whatever. Let's go." David said, as they each got went to their respective vehicles.

Nick got on with Greg, hugging him from behind.

"Let's win this." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"I'd love to." Greg said, as they all sped off.

Each vehicle had a horrid screech of rubber, as they all peeled a U-Turn. Greg turned down an alley speeding up, taking a huge shortcut through traffic.
Nick kissed the side of Greg's neck, making the other smile widely, as he turned a corner into another alley. Greg came to a full stop when he saw something blocking his way.

"What the fuck?" Greg said, as he got off, "This wasn't here five minutes ago, when I came through here."

Nick tilted his head.

"Maybe you accidentally knocked it over." Nick said, as Greg pushed it out of the way.

"Maybe. But I didn't hit anything, I would've known. My bike would've wobbled, or spun out a little." Greg said, as Nick frowned.

"Then maybe someone else came this way." Nick said, smiling at Greg's face.

The other boy's face was contorted in concentration. He didn't notice when Nick got infront of him, looking him in the eye. Greg jumped five feet in the air, before watching Nick laugh.

"C'mon, we still have a race to win." Greg said, as they both got back on.

Speeding down the road they stopped infront of the arcade, both smirking at their win.

"First ones here." Greg said, as they waited for five minutes. Their friends speeding down the street, stopping infront of them. David and Archie grinning victoriously.

"We're second!" Archie yelled as he and David high-fived eachother.

Greg rolled his eyes, putting an arm around Nick. They all walked into the arcade, each going to do their own thing. Nick and Greg found a secluded corner, and sat down.

"So how are you?" Greg asked, as Nick laughed.

"Still sore, but I'll be fine." Nick said, as Greg frowned.

"I love you a lot, you know that?" Greg said, as he stroked Nick's face again.

Nick smiled.

"I know that." Nick said, as he leaned into Greg's touch. A throat being cleared interrupted them.

"Um sorry to interrupt, but are you guys going to play games at all?" David asked, as Greg and Nick got up, walking towards the group of people.

"So Greg, what do you think of the new group of friends at school? You know the really cheerful one, with eleven people in it." Archie asked Greg, who stuck his tongue out.

"Oh, those little bitches. More like a friendship orgy than a group of friends. It's to evil to be that cheerful in the morning." Greg said, as Bobby and Archie laughed.

Nick frowned at Greg.

"You know Greg, that's not really nice." Nick said, as Greg tilted his head.

"Well it's not nice to be that cheerful on a Monday morning." Greg said, as Nick shook his head.

"That just means they like school." Nick said, as Greg snorted.

"No kid in their right mind likes school." Greg said, as Nick glared and stomped his foot.

"I do." Nick said, as Greg frowned at him.

"Well that's because you have shit like football to look forward to." Greg said, as Nick glared.

"That's not the point! Some people like school, some don't. It's a preference." Nick said, as Greg snorted.

"That's a stupid preference." Greg said, as David and Archie sat down on the ground, looking at the two fight.

"You know what, fuck you." Nick said, stomping his foot, and turning on his hell. He stomped over to his friends, who tilted their heads at him.

Greg stood there gaping like a fish, before turning on his heel and exiting the arcade.

David and Archie just sat there for a minute.

"You get Nick, I'll get Greg?" David suggested, as Archie nodded.

"Yeah, cause they'll both feel like asses in two minutes." Archie said, as they both went to get the boys.

David walked outside to see Greg turning into an alley. David rolled his eyes, walking to the same alley. His eyes widening briefly as he saw Greg walking towards Todd.

"Hey Greg." Todd said smoothly, as Greg rolled his eyes.

"So it was you the other night." Greg said, as Todd grinned.

"So you noticed." Todd said, as Greg snorted.

"Who wouldn't notice your tacky ass hair." Greg growled, as Todd glared.

"That's not nice." Todd said, as Greg smirked.

"Well I'm not a nice person. What the fuck do you want?" Greg asked, as David stopped walking towards them.

"Same old, same old." Todd said, as Greg laughed.

"Well you aren't getting it." Greg said, as he turned around walking towards David.

"I'll find a way. You know I will."

"The day you find a way, is the day Solstice is taken away from me." Greg said, as Todd glared, knowing that chance was slim to none.

Greg stopped when he reached David, before calling over his shoulder.

"That threat is still in effect Todd. Don't fuck with me and mine." Greg said, as he and David walked back towards the arcade.

"What the hell?! Why'd you follow him?" David asked.

"Because he was there last night." Greg said, as he walked infront of the arcade.

David grabbed his arm.

"Where last night?" David asked, as Greg shook his head.

"Greg I'm one of your best friends. You can tell me." David said, as Greg smiled at him.

"You know last night was mine and Nick's one year anniversary."

"Yeah. You asked me what you guys should do. I told you to get him flowers and chocolate then call it a night." David said, both laughing a little.

"Well...we....uh...." Greg couldn't find the right words, but David got it.

"You two fucked." He said adding, "Bumped uglies, had sex."

Greg punched his arm lightly.

"No..we made love. God, I'm turning into a sap. Will you listen to me." Greg said, as David laughed.

"Nick's rubbed off on you, and you've rubbed off on him. He doesn't take a lot of shit anymore, and you've been more understanding to more people. Not just Solstice, Archie, and me." David said, as Greg sighed, leaning up against the wall.

"Jeez. It seems like yesterday that I was racing and breaking all sorts of laws...now I've turned into something I don't like...well didn't like." Greg said, as David frowned.

"Well I'm happy you changed. You were an asshole before Nick." David said, "And if you weren't with him then you'd be with Todd, and don't say you wouldn't."

"I wasn't going to say anything. I'm happy I found Nick, I love him to fucking death. But damn, my old motto flew out the fucking window, and in came this new one." Greg said, as David tilted his head.

"What was your old motto?" David asked.

"It's every man and woman for himself, and if you can't take the heat, then get the fuck out of my way.*" Greg said, frowning at the sidewalk.

"And your new one."

"That not everything is as it seems." Greg said, as David smiled.

"That's not a bad motto." David said, as Greg looked up.

"But I've gone from hardcore bastard, to a sappy romantic. Ugh, polar opposites." Greg said, as David burst out laughing.

"You are still a hardcore bastard, you just have a soft side. And I'll be damned if you and Nick aren't polar opposites. But you guys get along great." David said, as Greg snorted.

"Except for that argument." Greg said, as David laughed.

"That was your first fight. And it was over something as stupid as the friendship orgy." David said, as they both started chuckling.

"I'm going to keep on calling them that, I don't care if Nick likes it or not. My rep is going down the toilet faster than a bullet leaves a gun." Greg said, as David shook his head.

"Your rep is FINE. Archie and I have made sure of that." David said, as Nick and Archie came outside.

"Hey you two." Archie said, as they walked up. Nick was watching the sidewalk with an odd fascination.

"Look you two are acting like idiots. Kiss and make up before something horrid happens." David said, as he and Archie went inside.

"Nick, I'm sorry I acted like an ass." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"I did too. I just don't like it when you make fun of people just because they are a bit different than you." Nick said, as Greg snickered.

"I know. I'm still calling them the friendship orgy*. They always sprout off about what you should do in a friendship." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"That's fine. Just don't make fun of them just because they're cheerful and like school...although I don't like you making fun of them because they're all good friends." Nick said.

"Well I'm still going to, so un." Greg said, sticking his tongue out.

Nick smiled as he kissed Greg lightly.

"Why can't I stay mad at you?"

"Because I'm to damn loveable." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"I love you." Nick said, as Greg smiled, hugging the boy.

"I love you too. Now c'mon, we need to get back before they flip." Greg said, as they went into the arcade again. A pair of eyes watching them as they went.

***

Greg and Nick laughed at their friends on the DDR machine. They watched as Grissom pulled a move that David couldn't keep up with, making him lose points.

"Hey I'll be right back." Nick said, as he went outside for some fresh air.

'It's way to hot in there. They need an air conditioner or something.' Nick thought to himself as he leaned against the wall. He took some deep breaths, before leaning his head up too. He kept on thinking about the night before, smiling.

"Hello." A smooth voice said, knocking Nick out of his thinking.

Nick looked over to see Todd.

"And what the fuck do you want?" Nick asked, as Todd laughed.

"Greg's rubbed off on you." Todd said, as Nick glared.

"Well why don't you fuck off." Nick said, as he went to move back inside, but Todd stepped in his way.

"I just want to talk."

"And I want to go inside. So move out of my way." Nick said, as Todd laughed.

"And who's going to make me? Certainly not you." Todd said, as Nick stepped back.

"I will if I have to." Nick said, as Todd moved a little closer.

"Then why back up?" Todd asked, as Nick glared.

"Because I don't have to be close to kick your ass." Nick said, as Todd smirked at him.

Nick took another step back before bumping into the corner of a wall.

"Well, you can't back up anymore." Todd sneered at Nick, who glared at him.

"You never answered my question." Nick said, as Todd stopped walking towards him.

"What question was that?"

"What the fuck do you want?" Nick asked, as Todd laughed.

"To fuck around with your head, Greg's head, and little Solstice's head." Todd said, as Nick glowered at him.

"Why do you have to bring Solstice in? She hasn't done anything." Nick said, as Todd started walking towards him again.

"Because, Greg said that he'd rather die than not have Solstice. He's always said it, always will say it." Todd said, as Nick smirked at him.

"Well, that just doesn't fly with me." Nick said, as Todd stood right infront of him.

"And what the fuck are you going to do about it." Todd asked, as Nick shrugged.

"This." Nick said, kneeing Todd in the stomach before kneeing him in the face.

Todd fell down, screaming out in pain.

"And now I can tell you to fuck off." Nick sneered, as he walked back over to the arcade. He was shaking slightly from the encounter, but smiled at Greg all the same when he came back to the DDR machine.

"What took you so long?" Greg asked, as he wrapped his arms around Nick, kissing his neck.

"I saw a friend from school." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"You guys hungry yet?" Greg asked, as the others nodded.

They all walked outside, as both Nick and Greg looked around. They didn't see Todd at all, both of the boys giving eachother a look that said, "You expecting someone?"

Greg got onto his bike, and smirked at Nick.

"C'mon." He said, as Nick got on.

"So the deli next to the school?" Archie asked, as Warrick and Nick shook their heads.

"And you guys are buying." Nick reminded Warrick and his friends.

"We remember." Warrick said, as the motley group of four got into one car, and David and Archie got into theirs.

Greg started his bike, taking off at a decent speed, turning into the first alley.

"Why are we going so slow?" Nick asked, as Greg shrugged.

"We have nothing to rush to." Greg said, watching everything infront of him.

"That's never stopped you before." Nick said, as Greg smiled at the other boy.

"Well maybe I want to spend some time alone with you." Greg said, as Nick smiled at him.

"Well then that's fine." Nick said, as Greg turned down another alley.

"So what do you want from the deli?" Greg asked, as he felt Nick kiss his neck.

"Probally what I usually get." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"You're not feeling adventurous?" Greg said, as Nick stuck his tongue out.

"The last time I was adventurous I got a really nasty sandwich." Nick said, as Greg chuckled.

Greg stopped the bike in the middle of the alley.

"Greg, why are we stopping?" Nick asked, as his boyfriend got off the bike.

Nick got off also, as Greg turned around and hugged him.

"What would I do without you?" Greg asked, as Nick looked slightly shocked.

"I don't know...what's wrong Greg?" Nick asked, as Greg looked at him.

"I-I saw Todd today..and last night...when we were walking away from the deli." Greg said, as Nick's eyes widened.

"I saw him today too....but...what was he doing last night?" Nick asked, as Greg hugged him tighter.

"What did he want? And I don't know...I'm not going to let him hurt you or Sols, I'll fucking murder him first." Greg said, as Nick sighed.

"He said he was going to fuck with our heads...I don't know what that's supposed to mean for us." Nick said, as Greg kissed Nick's neck.

"Stay the night with me again. I want to keep you and Solstice in my sight." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Nothing bad will happen if I'm with my family." Nick said, as Greg shook his head.

"I don't care. It'll make me feel better." Greg said, as Nick kissed Greg.

"What do I tell my mother then?" Nick asked, as Greg shrugged.

"Tomorrow's a school day. Say that we have a project that we forgot to do." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Okay. After we eat, I'll go to my house, get some clothes and tell her that." Nick said, as Greg nodded his head into Nick's neck.

"Alright. Come on, the others will think we died or something." Greg said, as he smiled at Nick.

"Okay." Nick said, as Greg kissed him one last time, before getting onto his bike.

"Let's go." Greg said, as Nick got on again. Greg started up his bike, and sped off down the alley.

***

Nick and Greg walked into the apartment. Nick dropping his things by the door, smiling at Greg.

"Solstice? You here?" Greg called, hearing nothing.

Nick looked at Greg worried, as Greg went into his sister's room. She was sleeping on her bed, Greg smiled at her as he walked over.

"Sols." Greg said softly, shaking her.

Solstice slapped the hand away before turning over.

"Solstice, you need to wake up." Greg said, as Solstice hid under the covers.

"Dun wanta." Solstice slurred.

"Well you need to. We have to go get paint for the rooms." Greg said, as Solstice sat up.

"We are?!" Solstice said, as she tilted her head.

"Yes. Bobby's going to pick us up in thirty minutes. Nick's staying here for a few days, so be good." Greg said, as Solstice jumped out of bed.

"Wait..how are we going to pay for it? Paint isn't cheap." Solstice asked, as she opened her closet.

"Bobby's paying for it. I'm going to pay him back when I can." Greg said, as Solstice took out a shirt that said, 'F_ck _ff, want to buy a vowel?', and a pair of denim pants.

"Well I guess that's okay." Solstice said, as she put her hand on her hip.

"When are we going to paint the rooms? We have school in the morning." She asked, as Greg laughed.

"We aren't going tomorrow. And that's when we're going to do it." Greg said, as Solstice's eyes widened.

"Really? I can skip? ..But what about Nick?" Solstice asked, as Greg laughed.

"It's been taken care of. Trust me. We asked his mom to call him in sick tomorrow, and she agreed to it. We told her we forgot to do a project, and that we would work on it tomorrow." Greg said, as Solstice glared.

"It's not nice to lie to her. She's a really nice woman."

"Yes, but another reason we aren't going is because I want to spend time with you." Greg said, as he left the room.

Solstice smiled to herself, as she started getting dressed.

Greg looked at Nick, who shook his head.

"You aren't going to tell her the truth?" Nick asked, as Greg shook his head.

"I don't want to scare her." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Alright, I'm ready." Solstice said, as she walked out of her room ten minutes later.

"So what colors do you want?" Greg asked her, as she grinned wickedly.

"You're just going to have to wait." Solstice said, as Greg smirked.

"I can already guess." Greg said, as Solstice glared.

"Well you won't." Solstice said, as they heard a horn honk outside.

The trio walked outside, getting into the car. Solstice rode shotgun, kissing Bobby on the cheek.

"Thanks Bobby." She smiled at him, as Bobby nodded his head at the girl.

"It's no big deal Solstice. So where to? Home Depot?" Bobby said, as Greg snorted.

"Anywhere." Greg said, as Bobby nodded.

He drove off, Nick and Greg smiling in the backseat.

They drove into a parking space, Solstice jumping out of the car.

"Whoa! Sols, slow down." Bobby said, as Greg and Nick got out.

"Solstice, how much sugar have you had?" Greg asked.

"None. Just excited." Solstice said, as the other three looked shocked.

"Oh fuck off." Solstice said, as they all walked inside.

They automatically went to the paint section, that mapped out half of the store.

Solstice ran off with Bobby, pointing out three colors.

Greg and Nick laughed lightly, before going to see some.

"What colors?" Greg asked, as Nick smiled at him.

"Blue, with some green in it." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"I could do some killer designs." Greg said, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"Hence the green." Nick said, as Solstice and Bobby came back over.

"I have my colors!" Solstice said, as Bobby was carrying a few cans of the colors.

"How many colors do you have?!" Greg asked, as Bobby laughed.

"She has black, crimson, and gold." Bobby said, as Solstice grinned.

"That's a bit dark." Nick said, as Solstice nodded.

"Dark rooms help me think." Solstice said, "As weird as that sounds. Plus they're my three favorite colors."

"Alright. I have mine, so let's go." Greg said, as Solstice tilted her head.

"What colors?"

"Blue and green." Greg said, as Solstice stuck her tongue out.

"Yuck." Solstice said, "I hate blue. It's so...boyish."

"And I know you don't hate green, because you have a lot of green shirts." Greg said, as Solstice nodded.

"I know that."

Nick and Bobby watched them fight a little more, getting some brushes and a few pans, before breaking them up.

"Let's go buy this, and then go back home." Nick said, as he took Greg, steering him with his cans to the checkout line.

When they bought the paint, and drove home. Greg and Solstice were still arguing.

"OKAY! Ya'll need to stop. It's giving me a headache." Nick said, as the other two quieted.

They went into the apartment, looking at the clock. It was only 5 p.m.

"I say we tackle your room Sols." Greg said, as Solstice grinned.

"Okay!" Solstice said, grinning.

"Go put on some raggedy clothes, and we'll do the same."

Greg and Nick went into Greg's room, looking through Greg's clothes.

"Okay, you can wear these shorts. Don't worry they're long. And I'll wear a pair of old jeans." Greg decided, as he pulled out two hoodies.

"Are you sure you can afford to get two of your hoodies dirty?" Nick teased, as Greg threw one of them at him.

"Oh bite my ass." Greg said, as Nick snickered.

"Love to." Nick said, as Greg rolled his eyes.

Both boys changed before going into Solstice's room.

Nick and Greg started painting the walls black, as Solstice started painting her vanity table and drawers crimson, along with her wall shelves. All of them giggling about stories about when they were younger.

They left the room for a while to let the paint dry. They finally went back into the room at 9 o'clock. Greg took the little gold can, and dipped his brush in it, before going to the walls.

"Are you sure these are the correct markings?" Greg asked, as Solstice nodded.

Greg sighed, rolling his eyes before starting to work.

"What is that?" Nick asked, as Solstice giggled.

"Nayarat's father is an Egyptologist, so I asked him if he could put a few things into hieroglyphics. I'm really interested in Ancient Egpyt...well...Ancient Civilizations, so I thought it should go into my room." Solstice explained, as Nick shook his head.

"You are to smart for your own good. Do you know that?" Nick said, as Solstice just smiled at him.

Thirty minutes later, Greg finished with a sigh of relief. The bright paint was hurting his eyes a little.

"What the hell does it say?" Nick asked, as Greg and Solstice grinned at eachother.
Nick looked at the wall. Half of it was filled with hieroglyphics, and it looked really weird.

"It's a little tale of our life." Greg said, as Nick shook his head.

"That's amazing...but...wait? I was going to ask this before, but do you guys have permission to paint these walls? I mean it is an apartment." Nick said, as Greg grinned.

"The landlord is a personal friend of Bobby's parents, so they're letting us do whatever we want to the place, just as long as we pay for it." Greg said, as Nick looked at Greg.

"Can you read it?" Nick asked, as Solstice snorted.

"Him? Read that! No he can't. I can read a few words of it, because Nayarat's father is teaching us. And the only reason he knows is because he's friends with an Egyptian family who still believes in the old ways, if you can believe that." Solstice said, as Nick shook his head again.

"That's just..amazing. It's a dead language and all...wow." Nick said, as Solstice grinned.

"It's nice that I can catch you two off guard."

"Hey Sols, what're you doing?" Greg asked, as Solstice took the gold paintbrush, and dipped it into the paint.

"Finishing off the room." Solstice said, as she went to the far corner of the wall.

She wrote in English, 'First you were given life, then you were given opportunities, make the most of this life, for you never know what will happen in the next. Live life by taking chances and making sure you don't get caught with the crossfire. Lastly you were given the chance to love. So love whoever you must, do not care about the gender.'*

"Sols...that's beautiful." Greg said adding, "Who said that?"

"I did." Solstice said, standing up.

"And why?"

"Because today some kids were making fun of some homosexual couples because they were married. And isn't marriage about love...not gender?"* Solstice asked, slightly confused at the turn of events.

Greg hugged her.

"Yes it is. And I love you Solstice." He said, as he opened he broke the hug, waving Nick over.

Nick stepped over to them, grabbing both in an embrace. They all broke it, walking out of the room and going to watch something on TV.

***

Nick woke up the next morning, hearing Solstice and Greg whispering.

"Breakfast is ready." Solstice whispered.

"We'll be in there in a second." Greg whispered back, before Nick heard the door close.

"Nick? C'mon, it's time to get up." Greg said softly, shaking him lightly.

Nick turned over, smiling at Greg.

"Morning." Nick said, as Greg grinned.

"Morning." Greg said, as he kissed Nick softly.

"I heard that breakfast was ready." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

They both walked out of the room, going into the kitchen, where Solstice had started eating.

"Good morning Solstice." Nick said, as Solstice swallowed before talking.

"Good morning Nick." Solstice said, as she looked at Greg.

"Greg, is it okay if I go to Aria's? We have a project to start on." Solstice asked, as Greg shared a look with Nick.

"Why can't she come here?" Greg asked, as Solstice laughed.

"Because we have all of our supplies over there, and the libraries closer to hers." Solstice said, as Greg nodded.

"That's fine. Are you going to try to spend the night?" Greg asked, as Solstice nodded.

"We'll probably work late. Why all the questions? You'd normally be fine with this, tell me to go have fun..." Solstice asked, looking at Nick and Greg.

"What's happened?" Solstice asked, as Greg sighed.

"Todd's come back...and he erm..threatened in you and Nick in a way.."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?" Solstice asked, knocking her chair down.

"Because it just happened yesterday, and I didn't want to worry you." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Solstice, we're going to be paranoid enough. We didn't want you to be." Nick said, as Solstice shook her head.

"You both know I can take care of myself. I've done it before." Solstice said, as Greg sighed.

"Yeah..but you know Todd's another story. Don't worry though..we're going to take care of him." Greg said, as Nick looked at Greg.

"Okay. Well I'll wait until after school. I guess I'm going to go watch some TV." Solstice said, leaving the kitchen.

"What do you mean we're going to take care of him?"

"We; meaning Bobby, David, Archie, and myself. You aren't going to do anything, you're going to make sure Sols is safe. You are the only person I trust her with, that isn't one of her friends families. And I'm not dragging them into this." Greg said, as Nick sighed.

"Why is he so pissed? Why doesn't he...you know...go die." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"Because then I'd be charged with murder. And I don't know why he's pissed." Greg said, as he picked up the plates, taking them to the sink.

They both went back into Greg's room, laying down on the bed.

"Why is our life seem so difficult?" Nick asked, as Greg laughed.

"Because we're both crazy." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

Greg rolled ontop of Nick, smirking down at him.

"Hello." Greg said, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"Hi." Nick replied, as Greg smiled at him.

"Hey guys, let's do Greg's room." Solstice called from the other room.

Greg sighed and rolled off of Nick.

"Okay!" Nick called, as they both got up to get dressed.

"Okay so walls are blue and then green drawings?" Solstice asked, coming in ten minutes later.

"Yep."

"And you're leaving everything else this nasty ass white." Solstice said, as Greg laughed.

"Yes." Greg said, as Solstice shrugged.

"Whatever, it's your room." Solstice said, as Greg rolled his eyes.

"Sorry not every room can be a gloomy sanctuary." Greg said, as Solstice narrowed her eyes at him.

"Sanctuary, yes. Gloomy, no." Solstice said, as Greg gave her a look.

"It is to gloomy. It's black and crimson, with gold hieroglyphics. Sorry that you are depressed." Greg said, as Solstice rolled her eyes.

"Whatever." Solstice said, as Nick poured the blue paint into the pan. Greg threw some white covers over everything, just in case some paint fell on it.

They all tackled a wall, painting the room thoroughly. When they finished with the walls it was 1 o'clock. They left the room for it to dry, playing a game of Life.

When 3 o'clock rolled around, Solstice went into her room and changed.

"Do I need to give you a ride?" Greg asked, as Solstice shook her head.

"Aria's parents are swinging by in a few." Solstice said, as they heard a knock on the door.

Solstice opened it getting tackled to the floor. A pale girl with silver hair was ontop of her.

"Sols! We missed you today!" the girl cried.

"Aria..get off..can't..breathe." Solstice said, as Nick gave Greg a look.

"C'mon. We have to go! Bye Greg!" Aria said, as she drug Solstice out.

"Bye guys!" She said, as Greg smiled.

"Was that Aria?" Nick asked, as Greg nodded.

"Yeah."

"Is she albino?"

"Huh? Oh NO! She's pale because she doesn't go outside much." Greg said, as Nick looked at him.

"What about her hair? It's silver." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"She's not albino, and that's her natural hair color..I know it's weird, but it's true."* Greg said, as Nick's mouth dropped.

"There's no way! Platinum blonde like your sister I can buy..but not that color. You have to bleach your hair in order to do that." Nick said, as Greg shrugged.

"She has a fucked up gene pool." Greg said, going back into the room.

"Maybe she did bleach it."

"No. Her parents said she was born with that hair. They thought her hair color would come in, apparently not." Greg said, "I think I'm going to draw that crap later."

Greg took off the white sheets, and fell on the bed. Nick walked over and got ontop of him.

"How are you feeling?" Nick asked, as Greg rolled them over.

"Horny." Greg teased, as Nick smiled at him.

Greg latched onto Nick's neck, nipping it.

Nick moaned and thrust up into Greg.

Greg kissed Nick harshly, as he thrust down. Nick opened his mouth to say something, when the phone rang.

"Leave it." Nick growled, as Greg nodded.

Three rings later and the phone stopped, and then started again.

"Whoever this is better have a damn good reason in calling." Greg said, as he answered the phone, "WHAT DO YOU WANT!?"

"Damn Greg, do you think you could've yelled that a bit louder?" David's voice came from the other line.

"What do you want David?" Greg asked, as David sighed.

"I don't want to bother you, trust me. The punks from Hampton Heights are over here, and they're looking for you." David said, as Greg snorted.

"And why should I care about those punks?" Greg asked.

"Because they said they're working for Todd at the moment of time." David said, as Greg's eyes widened.

"Okay. They aren't going to do sh—David?" Greg asked, as he heard shuffling, before another voice came to the phone.

"Sanders, you need to come here now." The voice said, it was familiar.

"Conrad Ecklie? You're in charge of the fucking Hampton Heights gang now?" Greg said, as he got off of the bed.

"You bet your ass. Now hurry down here before we get pissed, and decide to tell the information to someone else." Ecklie said, hanging up.

"Fucking bastard." Greg said, hanging up the phone.

"What's going on?" Nick asked, as he watched Greg change into leather pants, and a black hoodie.

"We're going downtown." Greg said, as Nick changed clothes too.

Thirty minutes later they found themselves outside the apartment that had a bar underneath the complex.

Greg grabbed Nick's hand before walking into the bar.

"Greg!" David said, as he and Archie ran up to them.

"Is Todd here with them?" Greg asked, as Archie shook his head.

"No." Archie said, as Greg nodded.

"Then it should be no problem. You two get going." Greg said, walking up to Ecklie.

"Conrad, why the fuck are you doing Todd's dirty work?" Greg asked the older man, who smirked.

"I'm playing both sides at the moment. I'm wondering if you can give me a bigger price than Todd." Ecklie said, as Greg snorted.

"Always thinking about yourself." Greg said, as Ecklie nodded.

"You know I do, and you also know that you and I go way back." Ecklie said, as Greg smirked.

"Then you should be siding with me. You hate Todd, and you can stand me. So why work for him?" Greg asked, as Ecklie looked at Nick warily.

"I'm not telling you while he's around."

"He's my boyfriend, he won't tell."

Ecklie's eyes widened.

"That's why he's pissed off ain't it?" Ecklie asked, as Greg nodded.

"He's mad that I'm not his lap dog and I have my own way of getting shit that I want." Greg said, as Ecklie nodded.

"He says he'll pay me about 3 grand to kidnap Solstice." Ecklie said, as Greg glared.

"And you took it!" Greg snarled, as Ecklie put his hands up.

"Yes, and I'm doing the job. I know the fucking rules though. You don't bring fucking family members into fights, or innocent bystanders. Hence why I'm here. The reason I took it, is cause you know she's safe with me. But if I fail, he's going to give the job to one of your enemies. He thinks we're enemies, but that's only because he thinks we had a falling out." Ecklie said, as Greg tilted his head.

"Which ones?"

"BP6, and GRVT" Ecklie said, as Greg hissed low.

"Shit. We have to take care of him Conrad. He's been out of control for years." Greg said, as Ecklie nodded.

"So what's your price for me?" Ecklie asked, as Greg sighed.

"Right now I don't know." Greg said, adding, "How much will it take to win you over?"

"4 grand at the very least, and that's me being generous." Ecklie said, as Greg groaned.

"Conrad, you are an expensive man. You know I don't have that cash." Greg said, as Ecklie grinned.

"I know. That's why I'm doing this for free. I like your sister, she's a nice girl. I ain't letting some asshole take her away from you. Be glad I like you Greg, I don't do this often, and you know that."

"I know that and you also know that I'm grateful." Greg said, as Ecklie nodded before leaving.

"I'll be in touch." Ecklie said, before he went through the door.

"What the fuck just happened?" Nick asked, confused by the whole conversation.

"Conrad took 3 grand to kidnap Solstice, so he can keep her safe. He's doing it for free, which he never does. If he fails then two rival gangs that hate me are going to get paid, and then try it... trust me it won't be pretty." Greg recapped, as Nick tilted his head.

"So wait...he took the money, and is kidnapping her for safe-keeping." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"He knows the rules of the streets. If two members of the same gang fall out, you aren't supposed to bring innocent bystanders, like yourself, in. You also aren't supposed to bring in family members like Solstice. He's making sure the rules don't get fucked up, as am I." Greg said, as Nick shook his head.

"Why couldn't he of told you that on the phone." Nick whined, as Greg laughed.

"Because the last time I saw him was two years ago, and we almost had a falling out. But thank god we didn't, or I wouldn't have just gotten this heads up." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Let's go back to the apartment. You can call Solstice and tell her." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"And then I'll fuck your brains out." Greg said, as they both left.

"Only if I let you!" Nick called, as he walked with Greg to the bike.

***

Nick and Greg walked back into the apartment, Greg going to the phone automatically.

Nick went into the bedroom, sitting on the bed, listening to Greg.

"Hello? May I speak with Solstice? Hey Solstice." Greg said, as he explained what was going on. Nick could tell by the way Greg's tone of voice changed that Solstice was freaking out.

"I love you too. Be good, and be safe." Greg said, as he hung up.

He walked into the room a few moments later, smiling at Nick.

"Things are so fucked up." Greg said, as he walked over to Nick.

"And you're smiling about it?" Nick asked, as Greg laughed.

"Yes I am. I smile about a lot of things. I smile because I have Solstice in my life, which has made sure that I haven't turned into a total jackass. I smile because I have you, because if I didn't...I don't want to know what I'd be doing." Greg said, as he kissed Nick, pushing him lightly onto the bed.

Nick kissed him back, as Greg's hands wandered under his shirt. Nick moaned at the touch, breaking the kiss.

"I love you." Greg said, "So much..that it hurts."

Nick smiled at Greg, who smiled back. Nick put his hands at the hem of Greg's shirt, lifting it over his head. He started giggling when Greg's fingers lightly ran down his sides, before he lifted Nick's shirt off his head.

Greg attacked the side of Nick's neck, kissing it and biting it.

Nick groaned and rolled his hips into Greg's who moaned deeply. Greg kissed Nick passionately, as Nick shook a little.

"What's wrong?" Greg asked, as Nick smiled shakily.

"I'm scared." Nick said, as Greg frowned.

"Of what?"

"Todd. He has the power the rip you and Solstice apart.." Nick said, as Greg stroked Nick's face.

"He doesn't have the kind of power. I have more friends than enemies, who know the rules. So don't worry about him." Greg whispered, as Nick shook his head.

"He obviously has people who don't care about the rules."

"It doesn't matter if those two gangs hate me. They uphold the rules as much as I do. They won't hurt Solstice, they might take her, but they won't hurt her." Greg said, as he placed light kisses all over Nick.

"I don't understand these rules obviously." Nick said, as Greg smiled.

"I'll tell you them later." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

Nick groaned loudly when Greg bit his pressure point.

Greg smirked down at Nick, as they repositioned themselves on the bed. Greg kissed Nick lightly, who was smiling up at him.

Nick unfastened Greg's pants, helping Greg take them off. Greg then went for Nick's pants, while kissing him soundly. Nick shimmied out of his pants, smiling at Greg as Greg ran his hands down Nick's side again. Nick laughed again, as Greg gave Nick a look.

"I'm so sorry you were pulled into this."

"If I was bothered by it, then I would've left." Nick said, as Greg grinned at him.

"I still feel bad about it though." Greg said, as Nick shook his head.

"Well don't." Nick said, pulling down Greg's boxers.

"Aren't you an impatient one tonight." Greg said, as Nick just laughed.

"Oh please." Nick said, as Greg pulled Nick's off in one sweep.

"Please what?" Greg asked, as Nick just glared at him.

Greg leaned over and tried to find the tube from the other night.

Nick shifted uncomfortably for a minute before Greg came back, with a triumphant grin on his face, making Nick snort.

"Oh shut up." Greg said, as Nick shifted again. Greg popped the cap, as Nick kissed Greg harshly.

Greg poured some onto his hand, before inserting a finger into Nick. Nick shifted a little at the discomfort, before nodding to Greg, who added another. Greg scissoring his fingers, Nick hissing at the burning feeling that returned. Greg kissed Nick lightly, as Nick nodded his head again, Greg inserted the third finger. He repeated the action as Nick tried to pull away a little. The burn increasing as Greg whispered sweet nothings in his ear.

Nick settled down, the burn turning into a dull throb as Greg rubbed the bundle of nerves making Nick moan in pleasure. Greg smiled at Nick before taking his fingers out of him. He poured more onto his hand, coating his arousal thoroughly.

"I love you." Greg said, positioning himself, as Nick smiled at him.

"I love you to." Nick said, as Greg thrust in.

Nick yelped at the sudden rush of pain, Greg halting his movements. Nick made himself relax, the pain becoming pleasure. Nick grinned at Greg, nodding his head. Greg pulled out a little, and thrust back in slowly. Nick moaned quietly, as Greg kissed him.

Greg pulled back out more and thrust in harder and faster, making Nick cry out. Greg nodded his head, as he kissed Nick again, setting a rhythm.

"Harder." Nick cried out, as Greg grunted.

"If I do it any harder I'll bust." Greg said, as Nick pushed up against Greg, making the latter groan.

Greg grabbed at Nick's arousal blindly, stroking it with his thrusts. Nick cried out again, Greg kissing him to quiet him down. Greg shuddered thrusting into Nick a few more times before releasing in Nick, who followed shortly.

They both took shaky breaths, Greg falling on top of Nick. Greg looked over at the clock to see that it was 1 o'clock in the morning.

'Must've talked to Ecklie longer than I thought...' Greg thought sleepily.

Greg pulled out, and rolled onto the right side of the bed. He then pulled Nick close to him, Nick's back facing his chest, as he spooned him.

"I love you." Greg said, as Nick sighed happily.

"I love you too." Nick said, as they both fell asleep.

A few hours later Greg woke to the phone ringing. He groaned at the sunlight in his eyes, before picking up the phone.

"What?" Greg said into the phone, as a woman's voice filled the phone.

"Greg? Are you and Nick okay?" Greg recognized it as Mrs. Stokes voice.

"We're fine...we just went to bed late." Greg said, as he looked at the clock. It was 9 o'clock.

"Well can you two get to school. Is Nick coming home?" She asked.

"He's staying for a few more days...he'll come home after Christmas...if that's alright." Greg said, as the woman laughed.

"Will you all come for dinner?" She asked.

"Of course. Well we need to get ready. Bye."

"Good-bye." She said, as they both hung up.

"Nicky? Nick.." Greg said, as he shook Nick awake.

"Fuck off. 'm tired." Nick slurred, as he rolled over.

"Your mom just called, we have to get to school." Greg said, as Nick shot up hitting Greg in the head.

"OW! Fucking hell." Greg yelped, as he grabbed his head.

"SHIT! C'mon." Nick said, jumping out of the bed.

They both changed quickly, grabbing their book bags.

Twenty minutes later they found themselves infront of the school. It was at least third hour now, Nick and Greg ran to the Attendance Office out of breath.

"Why are you late?" the student aide asked.

"We slept in late." Nick said, as the girl nodded.

"Do you have an excuse?" She asked, as Greg shook his head.

"Alright, names."

"Nick Stokes, and Greg Sanders." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him.

"Okay, here you go." She said, as they both ran to their class.

They had Science first, and ran into the room. They saw their friends in the back, giving them a look.

"Sorry we're late!" They both said, as the teacher gave them a look.

"Go to your seats." She said, as they gave her the excuse.

Nick and Greg went to the back of the room, sitting next to eachother.

"Anyways, since you all get out of school tomorrow for Christmas Break, I've decided to give you some homework to do." She said, as the class groaned.

"You have to do Chapter 9 and 10's Chapter Review, write the questions. You have questions 1 through 50." She said, smirking cruely.

"Do we have time to do it during class?" a girl in the front asked.

"Tomorrow yes. Today I'm giving you a lecture on the human body." The teacher said, as the other students groaned again.

Greg took out a piece of paper.

'What a bitch! Why does she always give us homework?' Greg wrote before handing it to Nick.

Nick read it and shook his head.

'She's not a bitch! She's just strict, and likes to torture us.' Nick wrote back.

This continued for the whole period, before they were let go.

By the time lunch came around, nothing major had happened. Nick walked into the lunchroom with Warrick and Grissom. The boys talking about football practice.

"Nick you have to start going, or you're going to be benched." Warrick said, as Nick shook his head.

"I can't right now. I have more important things to do." Nick said, as Warrick sighed.

"A boyfriend may seem important, but Nick the team needs you."

"Not as much as Greg and Solstice do. You don't understand what's going on." Nick said, as they walked over to their usual table. Warrick sat with Catherine, Nick with Greg, leaving Grissom to sit next to Sara.

"Well explain it to me."

"I can't so drop it." Nick said, as he leaned into Greg.

"Fine." Warrick said, as Greg looked at Nick.

"Don't ask." Nick said, as they all talked about Christmas break.

The rest of the day passed by uneventfully as the duo walked out of school.

"Thank God tomorrow's the last day." Greg said, as he stretched.

"I know. I'm so ready to get a break." Nick said, as they walked to Greg's bike.

Greg got on, before David ran over.

"What?" Greg asked, as David stopped infront of Greg.

"Ecklie says he has the date. He said it's the 27th." David said, as Greg nodded.

"Tell him that's fine, and to make sure he doesn't scare her, and to make sure she knows it's him." Greg said, as David nodded his head before running away.

Nick got onto the bike behind Greg, waving bye to his friends who had just come out of the school.

"Did you guys notice that ever since Nick got with Greg that he's been more...tough. I mean he doesn't let anyone walk on him." Grissom asked.

"You mean I wasn't the only one." Catherine said, as Warrick nodded.

"And Greg's been more nice. But have you also noticed that they're the first two to leave the school." Warrick said.

"I'm sure it's because they want to fuck like bunnies." Sara said, as she walked down the stairs, leaving three pairs of shocked eyes looking at her.

***

Nick and Greg walked into the school the next day, both dragging their feet.

"We have to go to school, because we have to see if we have any assignments." Greg said, mocking Nick.

"Well we do. Besides you miss way to much school anyways, so bite me." Nick said, as Greg bit his shoulder, "OW! Not literally!"

Greg just smirked before walking into the classroom.

"Okay students, I know it's the last day and you all wanted to not do any work." Mr. Cross started as the class groaned, "But the only work we're doing today is a crossword, and after that you can talk."

The class made a big whooping sound, as Mr. Cross handed them out.

"And you may work together on these." He said, as Nick and Greg smiled at eachother.

"Um..Mr. Cross...this looks like a Christmas crossword..not History." A boy in the front said.

"Exactly. It's almost Christmas, so we're doing something um..Christmassy." He said, as Greg snorted.

When they got theirs, they started it.

"Who is the man who brings you presents?" Nick asked, as Greg put on a stupid face.

"Oh damn... could it be your parents. But on here it'd probably be Santa Claus." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Yup." Nick said, as he filled it in.

"Oh here's one, What's the name of the things that drag his sleigh?" Greg asked, as Nick laughed again.

"Maybe it's reindeer." Nick said, as Greg shook his head.

This continued for about ten minutes before they turned their papers in. They returned to their seats, just as their friends finished.

"Okay that was a joke. That was a very nice joke." Warrick said, as he sat down."

"I know. Asking us who the hell brings us presents." David said, sitting infront of Greg.

"Oh I love how they think we still believe in Santa. I mean he's just a fucking pedophile in a red suit." Sara said, as she sat down.

"No he's not." Catherine said.

"Tell that to my brother." Sara said, as she saw Catherine's face contort in horror.

"That's horrible." Catherine said, as Sara just shrugged.

Nick laughed at the two bickering girls before the bell rang.

By the time lunch rolled around, the motley group of nine only had homework from their evil Science teacher, Mrs. Lianos.

"Does she get off on giving us homework?" Greg asked, as Nick laughed at him.

"You know she doesn't, she's just...a bitch. There's no other word for it." Nick said, as Warrick snorted.

"How about a mega-bitch."

"You guys shouldn't make fun of a teacher who is standing right behind you." Sara said, as she and Grissom laughed.

Warrick and Nick turned around sharply, seeing no one.

"Liars!" Nick and Warrick called together.

"Me? Liar? No! You must be thinking of my evil twin that's dead." Sara said, as Grissom tilted his head.

"What?"

"Gil, you are the only one who knows my secret identity so hush." Sara said, as Grissom snickered.

"What? You have a secret identity? Nick, they're getting weird on us again."

"What are you talking about? They're always weird." Nick said, as Sara rolled his eyes.

"Oh God. Michael Maddox is wearing pink." Sara said, as Nick snickered.

"Greg! What are you doing?!" Nick said, as Greg and Bobby walked over to Michael.

"You look sexy in pink, bitch-fiend." Greg said, as Nick choked on his milk.

"He did NOT just say that!" Sara said, laughing with Grissom.

It was a known fact that Michael Maddox was trying to de-throne Greg from the Rocker group.

"Your boyfriend looks sexy in nothing." Michael retorted.

"How the fuck do you know, you've never seen him in nothing." Greg sneered back, as Michael shrugged.

"I have my ways." Michael said, as Greg snorted.

"So now you're spying on me. I'm touched bitch-fiend that you think I'm so sexy that you have to spy on Nick and me." Greg said, as Bobby started laughing.

"Why is Greg calling him bitch-fiend*?" Grissom asked, as Nick started laughing.

"Michael and Greg used to be best friends, and Michael used to call Greg, Loki. So he started calling Michael, bitch-fiend." Nick explained.

"Well that's mean. Michael gave him a nice one, and he turns around and gives him that name.*"

"Well Loki, what can I say? I just love seeing boy on boy sex." Michael said, sarcastically.

Greg gave him a look, as Michael just rolled his eyes.

"So there are rumors that you are trying to de-throne me. I was wondering why." Greg said, as Michael's eyes widened.

"Who told you that? I mean.." Michael stopped, as Bobby glared.

"You know in order to de-throne me from our humble group you have to get Bobby, Archie, and David to agree." Greg said, as Bobby smirked.

"Yeah all three of us have to agree, and you ain't getting my vote." Bobby said, as Michael glared.

"Look Greg, I'm not trying to de-throne you, that's just a rumor." Michael lied.

"Oh it is? Well then I guess my ears were playing tricks on me when I heard you saying you were to David." Greg said, as Michael smiled at him sheepishly.

"Loki, I would never de-throne you. And if I did it'd only be because you've gotten to be to soft." Michael said, as Greg raised a brow.

"Soft? Only around Nick and Solstice. I'm still a hardass, who will kick yours if you don't stop talking about nonsense." Greg said, as Michael glared.

"Well I can understand your sister, but not Nick. He's the polar opposite of you. Nice, good grades, all around good guy. You're mean, bad grades, all around bad guy." Michael said.

"Correction: Me, mean on occasion to assholes, good grades, all around nice guy." Greg glared, as Michael snorted.

"Well then, I guess you need to get off that damn throne." Michael said, "And fuck your fag of a boyfriend."

Greg popped his neck, before lunging at Michael.

"OH FUCK!" Nick yelled, as people started a circle around the two.

Sara and Grissom stood up with Catherine and Warrick. All of them looking over at the fight.

Nick and David ran to the crowd, pushing people out of the way. When they got to the center, Greg was ontop beating Michael into a bloody pulp.

Nick grabbed Greg around the waist and hauled him off of Michael.

"YOU STUPID FUCKER! BITCH-FIEND I WON'T FORGET THAT!" Greg yelled, as David helped Michael up.

"FUCK YOU LOKI! THIS IS WHY TODD'S GOING TO KILL YOUR ASS!" Michael yelled.

"TEACHER!" a girl yelled as everyone scattered.

Mr. Cross looked at Greg, who had a few bruises and cuts, then at Michael who had two black eyes and a bloody nose.

"What happened here?!" Mr. Cross asked, as Greg sighed.

"He provoked me sir." Greg said, as Michael glared.

"How so?" He asked.

"He called Nick a fag." Greg said, as Mr. Cross glared at Michael.

"Michael, you should know better than to call people hate terms." Mr. Cross said, as Nick worried over Greg's bruises and cuts.

"Both of you apologize, and you won't have to go to the Principal. And Michael, if I hear that you have called Nick or Greg any other hate term...you'll be getting a whole lot worse than suspension." Mr. Cross threatened*.

"Sorry Loki." Michael said, as he tried to plug up his nose.

"I'm not sorry bitch-fiend. The next time you call either of us fag or queer, it'll be a whole lot more than a bloody nose and black eyes." Greg said, as Mr. Cross sighed.

"Greg...please apologize." Nick said, as Greg looked at him incredulous.

"It's not my FAULT!" Greg yelled, as he glared at Michael.

Nick gave him a look, as Greg sighed.

"Fine! I'm sorry that you are an ignorant jackass who just got put in his place. Still think you can have my throne?" Greg snarled, raising a brow.

"No." Michael said, as Greg smirked.

"That's what I thought." Greg said, as Mr. Cross just rolled his eyes.

"I'm keeping an eye on you two." He said, before leaving.

"C'mon Nick." Greg said, grabbing Nick's hand.

David and Bobby followed them back to the table.

"You're a dumb ass." Nick said, as the others sat down.

"Why am I a dumb ass?" Greg asked.

"Because you got into a fight the last day of school before break!" Nick said, as Greg glared.

"That actually makes me smart."

"IT'S STUPID TO GET INTO A FIGHT PERIOD!" Nick yelled, the lunch room stopped talking.

"NO IT'S NOT! HE CALLED YOU A FAG AND I WAS STANDING UP FOR YOU!"

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO STAND UP FOR ME!" Nick screamed in Greg's face, as Greg just glared.

"WELL YOU WON'T!" Greg said, as Nick punched him.

"Until you can grow up, don't talk to me." Nick snarled, as he left the lunch room.

Greg grabbed his jaw, moving it around. He smiled at the memory of him teaching Nick how to properly punch someone.

'When you hit, make contact with the knuckles of your index, and middle finger. Keep you wrist locked, and the knuckles in line with your arm, making the hit solid. Never lock you elbow, keep it slightly bent. Hit fast, hit hard, put your body behind it, rotate your hips, or step into the punch.*' He remembered saying that, and Nick did just that.

"NICK!" Greg yelled, running after him.

"WHAT!" Nick yelled, turning around. He glared at Greg who smiled at him.

"You punched me." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

"Yeah." Nick said, as Greg grabbed his wrist.

"You punched me correctly. Is your hand hurting?" Greg asked, as Nick's eyes widened.

"Holy shit!" Nick said, as he looked at Greg's jaw which was bruising.

"I'm sorry Greg!" Nick said, as he looked at Greg.

"I don't give a damn about the bruise. I've been trying to teach you how to punch for months!" Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"Told you I would learn how." He said, cocky.

"Yes you did, and I'm sorry for being an asshole." Greg said, as Nick kissed him.

"See was that so hard?"

"Hell Yes---No." Greg said, as Nick glared at him.

"Sorry I'll clean up my mouth." Greg said, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"You hopeless." Nick said, as they walked to their next class.

The end of school came quickly, as the two went with their friends to the deli. When they returned home the apartment smelled like cinnamon and evergreen. Greg noticed the tree was up, as groaned.

"Stupid fucking modern holidays." Greg said, as Solstice came out of the kitchen.

"Hey guys! I put up the tree and mistletoe, which you are under." Solstice said, as Greg looked up.

"Boo Hiss!" Greg said, as Solstice laughed.

"Well kiss, and I'm in the kitchen." Solstice said, going back into the kitchen.

Greg kissed Nick, as Nick pushed Greg up against the door.

"Hello." Nick said, as Greg's mouth dropped.

"Hi. Yeah not infront of the sibling." Greg said, as Nick shrugged.

They dropped their back packs, going into the kitchen.

"About time ya'll got home. Did you already eat?" Solstice asked, as Greg and Nick nodded.

"Okay, I have too. I made desert however. Yay for cake!" Solstice said, as they laughed.

Somehow today was a whole lot better than most days.

***

Nick stuck his tongue out, as Greg attempted to wrap Solstice's presents.

"Who taught you how to wrap things? Edward Scissorhands?" Nick asked, as he picked up one.

The present was wrapped so horridly you could see the corners and parts of what the actual present was.

"Like you can do better." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Yeah I can." Nick said, as he proved Greg wrong in the time space of five minutes.

"You...really..suck." Greg said, as Nick smirked.

"I've watched my mom wrap presents for my little cousins for years." Nick said, as Greg shook his head.

"Help me with the others?" Greg asked, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"How many presents does she have?" Nick asked, as Greg laughed.

"2 from Bobby, 2 from David, 2 from Archie, 2 from you, and 3 from me." Greg said, as Nick's mouth dropped.

"Damn. She gets spoiled on Christmas." Nick said, as Greg nodded.

"Yep, but she deserves it. Oh yeah, she gets her report card today. Hey Sols!" Greg called, when Nick wrapped the last present.

"Can I come in now?" She asked, as Greg rolled his eyes.

"Yes! Now come here." Greg said, as she walked in.

"What?" She asked, as Greg smirked at her.

"Where's your report card?" Greg asked, as Solstice grinned.

"You don't miss a thing do you?" Solstice asked, as Greg shook his head.

"No I don't. Let me have it." Greg said, as Solstice handed it over.

Greg opened it, eyes scanning it before smiling widely.

"This is awesome Solstice!" Greg said, as Solstice smiled at him.

"I told you I wasn't slacking." Solstice said, as Nick rose a brow.

"What'd she make?" Nick asked, as Greg handed it over.

"Straight A's. Now you can really go to that private school with Aria, Nayarat, and Kinara." Greg said, as Solstice grinned.

"Where's this private school?" Nick asked, as Solstice laughed.

"It's a block from the high school, although I'll get out at four." Solstice said, sticking her tongue out.

"Still, you'll get to stay with your friends." Greg said, as he hugged Solstice.

"Yeah I will. Now I just have to keep it up for the rest of the year." Solstice said, as Nick smiled at her.

"Where's your report card Greg?" Nick asked, as Greg glared.

"I made A's a B's thank you very much, mom." Greg said, sarcastically.

Solstice laughed as she broke out of the hug.

"Well since it's Christmas Eve, what do you guys want for dinner tonight? Oh and I have to go over to Aria's tonight for a bit." Solstice said, as Greg rose a brow.

"Why?" Greg asked, as Solstice smiled.

"Her birthday's coming up soon, and she needs my opinion on what to wear." Solstice said, as Greg rolled his eyes.

"That's fine, just don't go anywhere alone." Greg said, as Solstice grinned.

"I know. So what do you guys want?" Solstice asked, as Nick shrugged.

"Beef Stew!" Greg yelled, as Solstice groaned.

"You would want that." Solstice said, but agreed anyways.

"Right well its noon, so be back by at LEAST 5." Greg said, as Solstice rolled her eyes.

"You're just worried I won't cook dinner." Solstice said, as she heard a knock on the door.

"HEY SOLS! HURRY UP!" a girl yelled through the door.

"One minute!" She called back, as she opened the girl, dodging Aria.

"That wasn't nice." Aria said, getting off the ground.

"Well I don't like becoming friends with my carpet, sorry." Solstice said, as Aria rolled her eyes.

"Well come on! We already picked out your outfit." Aria said, as Solstice waved bye before being yanked out of the apartment.

"Her friends are really..erm...hyper." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

"Hyper is an understatement, they are more like hectic to spend time with her." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

Greg walked over to the stereo, putting in a mix CD. He turned it up as loud as the volume would allow, and smirked at Nick.

Nick yelped when Greg tackled him to the couch unexpectedly.

"Hello." Greg said at the top of his voice, as Nick rolled his eyes.

"Hi. Get off." Nick yelled, as Greg shook his head.

"No." Greg said loudly, as Nick smirked.

"Please?" Nick screamed.

"Nope. Nick, you know it's Christmas Eve." Greg whispered in his ear, as Nick laughed.

"No..really? I thought it was Independence Day." Nick said loudly.

Greg kissed Nick gently, nipping his bottom lip.

"Nick let's try something different." Greg murmured in his ear, as he pulled Nick off the couch.

"How so?" Nick asked loudly, as Greg smiled at him.

Nick noticed that Greg was pulling him towards the bedroom.

Nick smiled at Greg as they both fell on the bed.

Greg kissed Nick softly on the lips, as Nick rose a brow at him.

"Horny?" Nick asked, as Greg nodded.

"Very. Like I said, I want to try something a little different." Greg said, as he took Nick's shirt off.

"How so?" Nick asked, as Greg smiled at Nick.

"I'm bottom." Greg whispered, as Nick smiled faintly.

Nick kissed Greg lightly, as he took Greg's shirt off. Greg moaned deeply when Nick's hand ran over his arousal. Nick smiled at Greg slightly as Greg grinded up against Nick, who groaned.

"Shit." Nick breathed out, as Greg unbuttoned Nick's pants.

Greg tugged Nick's pants down; as Nick pulled them off the rest of the way. Greg pulled him up for another heated kiss, running his tongue on Nick's bottom tongue lightly. Nick opened his mouth, his tongue probing into Greg's mouth. Nick thought Greg's mouth tasted like cherries, as he unfastened Greg's pants.

"I love you." Greg said, as Nick pulled his pants off in one go.

"I love you too." Nick said, lightly kissing his way down Greg's jaw.

Greg turned his face to kiss Nick harshly. Nick attacked Greg's neck who whimpered loudly. Nick tugged Greg's boxers off, who rubbed up against Nick unexpectedly.

"Oh God.." Nick said breathlessly, as Greg kissed him lightly.

Nick smiled shakily as he succeeded in getting Greg's boxers off. Greg started to shiver a little, as Nick took his own boxers off.

"You okay?" Nick asked, as Greg nodded his head slightly.

"Just a little scared." Greg said, as Nick tilted his head.

"Why?" Nick asked, as Greg kissed him.

"I don't like pain, I can't control it...and I don't like that." Greg said, as Nick kissed him lightly.

"We don't have to do this, we can stop." Nick said, as Greg shook his head.

"No..I'll be fine." Greg said, as Nick looked at him thoughtfully.

"I'll try to make it as painless as possible." Nick said, as the song changed.

Greg almost laughed at the song that was playing. It was Closer, by Nine Inch Nails. That thought was forgotten however when Nick attacked his neck. Greg moaned loudly as Nick bit his pressure point.

Nick went to Greg's bedside table and felt around for some sort of lubricant. He found some a few moments later, returning to Greg. Greg looked at Nick timidly, watching Nick pop the cap.

Nick noticed the look, and kissed Greg. Greg accepted the kiss as Nick poured some onto his hand. He gently inserted a finger into Greg, who shifted uneasily.

Nick watched Greg's face, who nodded his head slightly. Nick added another finger and scissored his fingers like Greg had done. Greg tried to jerk away at the slight pain, but Nick held him in place. Greg whimpered painfully, making Nick tilt his head.

He'd never seen this side of Greg. This side was completely vulnerable to the one he knew. It tugged at his heart in a way, and in another way it made him remember that Greg was human to.
Nick's fingers curled up into that bundle of nerves, resulting in Greg moaning loudly.

Greg nodded his head once he'd gotten used to it. Nick added a third finger, making Greg jerk involuntarily. Nick scissored his fingers again as Greg's lip trembled. Nick pulled his fingers out and looked at Greg. Nick's fingers once again curled into the bundle of nerves making Greg groan.

"I love you Greggo." Nick said, as Greg smiled at him.

"I love you too Nicky." Greg said, as Nick put some of the lubricant onto his arousal. He was scared of hurting Greg, he looked at Greg lovingly.

Greg nodded his head, as Nick thrust in. Greg shrieked out in pain, then whimpering at the burn. Pain licked up his spine like liquid fire, as he trembled in Nick's arms.

Nick's eyes had widened when he'd plunged in, he held onto Greg to keep himself from just losing control over the situation. He could feel Greg shivering, and could hear his whimpers.

"I'm so sorry." Nick whispered into Greg's ear, as he kissed Greg's tears.

Nick had a weird feeling of déjà vu, remembering Greg doing the exact same thing to him.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry Greg." Nick said, as Greg shifted painfully. He pushed up into Nick, stopping as he felt pain shoot up again.

"Wait until it stops. Just be patient, it's all going to be okay." Nick told him, as Greg nodded.

Greg buried his face into Nick's shoulder, wrapping his legs around his waist. He felt the pain turn to a dull throb. Greg nodded to Nick, who pulled out a little and then pushed back in.

Nick moaned at the feeling. It was warm and tight. It felt so good, but he had to be gentle. He didn't want to cause Greg any more pain than he'd already been through. He remembered how much it hurt.

Nick pulled back out and thrust back in at an angle, hitting Greg's prostate hard. Greg screamed out in pleasure, kissing Nick.

"Harder." Greg begged, as Nick pulled back out and thrust back in.

"Nick...don't...hold...back." Greg said, out of breath.

Nick nodded his head and then thrust in harder and faster. Greg tightened his legs around Nick, who kept on thrusting. Both moaned out their pleasure, as Nick kissed Greg harshly. Greg probed his tongue into Nick's mouth, as they moved together in a fast rhythm.

Greg broke off from the kiss, panting roughly. Nick grabbed Greg's erection and stroked it. Greg thrust into Nick's hand, gasping out Nick's name. Nick kissed him as he released into Greg, who hissed as there was a little pain. Greg came, moaning Nick's name out.

Nick fell on top of Greg, both breathed heavily on eachother.

A few minutes later Nick pulled out of Greg.

"That was fantastic." Greg said, as Nick nodded.

Greg was almost asleep when he heard Nick gasp.

"What's wrong?" Greg asked, opening his eyes.

"We might need to clean up." Nick said, his eyes wide.

"Why?" Greg asked, as he just heard silence.

"You're bleeding." Nick said, as Greg looked down.

There was a blood spot on the bed, Greg looked at Nick.

"Only if you help me." Greg said, "I don't think I can move."
Nick nodded, hopping over Greg. He helped Greg up, who leaned on him. Nick helped Greg to the bathroom, sitting him down on the toilet.

"I'm going to change the sheets real fast." Nick said, as he ran to the bedroom. He ripped off the covers, throwing them in the hamper. He pulled out midnight blue ones, and made the bed quickly.

As soon as he was done, he went back into the bathroom. Greg was still sitting on the toilet.

"Remind me to never call you weak again." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"I can't call you weak either." Nick said, as he helped Greg into the shower.

Nick washed off Greg's body, and let Greg lean on him.

"Fuck. I hurt really bad." Greg said, as he tried to move.

"Now you know how I felt." Nick said, "Although you didn't make me bleed. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I told you not to hold back." Greg said, as Nick kissed his neck.

They both got out of the shower, as Nick dried them off. He then helped Greg back into the bedroom. Nick helped Greg into the bed, as they both laid down. Nick curled into Greg, who wrapped Nick in his arms.

"Merry Christmas, Nick." Greg said.

"Merry early Christmas, Greg." Nick said, as Greg laughed.

Greg fell asleep a few minutes later. Nick soon followed Greg into sleep.

***

Greg was woken suddenly when he hit something. He opened his eyes quickly, seeing himself on the floor. He heard laughing as he looked up, seeing Nick smiling at him.

"Did you push me out of the bed?" Greg asked, as Nick shook his head on the bed.

"Nope." Nick said, looking guilty.

"You are a bad liar." Greg said, as he rubbed his butt.

"I'M HOME!" Solstice yelled, as she shut the door.

"FUCK!" Greg said loudly, as they scrambled into their boxers. Greg hissing at his sore bottom.

"Sorry I'm a little late. Aria had a panic attack about make up." Solstice called to them, as she walked towards her brother's bedroom.

"Why?" Greg asked, as Nick tried to put on Greg's pants, "Those are mine."

"No they aren—Yes they are." Nick said, handing them over.

Nick found his pants, and quickly put them on. Nick scrambled onto the bed with a book, as Greg wrote down some random things in his notebook.

Solstice entered the room a few seconds later, looking at the scene.

"What the hell did you two do?" Solstice asked, as Greg looked at her oddly.

"Why do you ask?" Greg asked, as Solstice walked over.

"Nick's reading a book upside down, and you just wrote, 'I roam escalate to some the floor is.' Now try lying." Solstice asked, as Greg laughed uneasily.

"Well Nick's reading a book upside down because it has pictures."

"I'm not stupid. The Bible doesn't have pictures." Solstice said, as Greg looked at the book.

"It's a kid's Bible." Greg tried, as Solstice glared.

"Strike two. Now tell me."

"Sols, I was reading it upside down, because I wanted to see if I could read it upside down. Seems that I can't." Nick said.

"Then why did my brother write nonsense?" Solstice asked, smirking.

"He's writing a song. I roam escalate to some the floor is, trying to make sense of the some authority that's my biz." Nick said, as Solstice made a sour face.

"That's a really BAD excuse Nick." Solstice said adding, "But you don't have to tell me. In fact I don't even want to know."

Solstice left, as Greg gave Nick a look.

"A song. Why didn't you say I was freestyle writing or something." Greg said, as Nick smiled.

"I panicked." Nick said, as Greg snickered.

"Obviously." Greg said, as Nick glared.

"Like you could've come up with a better excuse in that short time period." Nick said, as Greg smirked.

"I have before." Greg said, as Nick flicked Greg off.

"Sit and spin." Nick said, as Greg's mouth dropped.

Nick smiled at him cockily before walking out of the room.

"Hold on! That was almost dirty Nicky." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Almost. That was dirty." Solstice said, as Greg looked at her.

"How would you know?" Greg asked.

"I heard you guys. You were talking real loud." Solstice said, as she put some beef into a pot.

"Eavesdropper." Greg said.

"Dumb Fucker." Solstice countered.

"Bitch!"

"Ass!" Solstice said, as Nick looked at them weird.

"Wench."

"Bastard." Solstice said.

"Asshole." Greg said, as Solstice laughed.

"HA! You lose at life! You owe me $200 now." Solstice said, as Greg laughed.

"Someone care to explain what that was about?" Nick asked.

"We er..usually insult eachother if the other says something offensive." Greg said, as Solstice laughed.

"I'm not an eavesdropper and he knows it." Solstice said, sticking her tongue out at Greg, "Oh and I invited someone to dinner."

Greg looked at her suspiciously.

"Aria?"

"Nope."

"Nayarat?"

"No, she wouldn't be able to anyways." Solstice said.

"Kinara?" Greg asked, as Solstice shook her head.

"Don't freak out Greg. It's a guy from school. He's really nice and sweet." Solstice said, as Greg's mouth dropped.

"No way! I'm not allowing it."

"But Greg, he's going to be here in about five minutes. I'd really appreciate it." Solstice pouted, sticking her lip out.

"Solstice Envy Sanders, don't you give me that look!" Greg said, as Solstice whined.

"I am the only girl in my grade that doesn't date. You'd be here! It's not like we'd be alone, it's just dinner." Solstice said, wincing at her full name.

"I hardly doubt that you are the only girl in your grade that doesn't date." Greg said, as Solstice glared.

"It's true. Even Aria has started dating and her parents are really uptight!" Solstice exclaimed.

"Fine. I'm keeping an eye on him. Just cook the dinner." Greg said, as Solstice grinned.

"Thank you!" Solstice said, hugging Greg.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cook the dinner." Greg said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Nick was snickering, but it turned into a cough at Greg's glare.

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door.

Solstice went to get it, as Greg stopped her.

"Uh uh. I'm answering the door." Greg said, as he left the room.

He opened the door, glaring at the boy. The boy in question was about 5'6, with sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing denim blue jeans, and a blue sweater under a denim jacket.

"I-Is this Solstice's apartment?" The boy asked, slightly unnerved by the glaring.

"Yes. Who are you?" Greg asked, as the boy smiled weakly.

"Romulus Wolfe." The boy answered, as Greg let him in.

"Listen here, you hurt my sister in any way at all, then your ass and my foot will become best friends. Better yet, you and my knife." Greg growled sadistically, as he pulled out his butterfly knife.

Nick walked into the room, glaring at Greg.

"Stop threatening him and put the knife away. Solstice is in the kitchen." Nick said to Romulus.

"My threats aren't empty." Greg hissed at the boy, as he walked or more so ran into the kitchen.

"In protective big brother mode?" Nick asked, as Greg's glare turned to Nick.

"Yes. I don't want Solstice to date evil fucking guys. Fuck, I just don't want her to date. That means she is growing up." Greg said, as Nick hugged him.

"Just give him a chance. It'll make Solstice really happy...and cut back on the threats." Nick said, "Because they are just plain creepy."

Greg laughed demonically, that was the only word Nick could think of.

"Never do that again, once again it's creepy." Nick said, as Greg put up his knife.

"I could show you something creepy." Greg said, as Nick laughed.

"Save it for after dinner." Nick said, as Greg grinned.

"Promise."

"Mm depends on if I feel up to it." Nick said, making Greg laugh.

Nick smiled at Greg slightly, then came up with an idea.

"Greg, I think I just had a brilliant idea."

"Did it hurt?" Greg asked, dodging a hit from his lover.

"No. But it's about Todd...I'll tell you after dinner." Nick said, as they walked into the kitchen.

Dinner was spent with Solstice laughing with Romulus and Nick. Greg was glaring at the boy heatedly. By the time dinner was over, it was almost seven.

Greg told Solstice to take a shower, and he'd show Romulus out. Nick shook his head, and walked with them. He took a seat on the back of the couch, smiling at Romulus.

"Thank you for having me over. Your sister is really cute." Romulus said, as Greg smirked evilly.

Nick smacked a hand to his head. The boy really was stupid.

"Run while your legs are still in full working order because, believe me, I have absolutely no qualms about snapping them in two."* Greg said, as something hit him in the head.

"Shut up Greg. I knew you'd pull something stupid." Solstice said, walking towards Romulus.

"Don't worry about my brother, he's a jackass to everyone." Solstice said, as Romulus nodded.

"Not to me." Nick muttered.

"No problem." Romulus said, as he kissed Solstice on the cheek before running out the door.

Solstice blushed, as Greg started yelling out every cuss word he knew.

Nick fell off the back of the couch, laughing like a maniac.

***

Next part of Future Promises.