CSI Fic: Blind Date
Nov. 29th, 2007 01:32 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
awritinglilypeaFandom: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The disclaimer can be found in my profile. To put it simply don't own, don't sue.
Summary: AU Nick typically knew better than to agree to one of Catherine's blind dates, the only problem was when it came to his close friend and confidant he didn't have much of a backbone. And man was he glad.
Disclaimer: I don’t own the boys of CSI. Further disclaiming can be found in my user info.
Author’s Note: This is written for Vinnie as he is fantastic, wonderful and one of the best writers I know as well as one of the best icon artists. I hope you enjoy it Vinnie.
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Nick couldn’t believe the nerve of Catherine Willows, not only did she try to control his work life almost every time they had a case together but now she was trying to meddle in his personal life. Apparently after seeing him go through a string of women and men, who he deemed unacceptable to be with him, or his friends deemed unacceptable she had decided to take matters into her own hands and set him up on a blind date. And to top it all off Nick didn’t seem to have a backbone when it came to anything that Catherine wanted him to do, so here he was dressed in dress pants and a button up shirt and waiting outside the restaurant for his date, who was apparently quite the catch from what Catherine had told him. A scientist, which filled him with dread and had him, picturing someone like David Hodges from the lab, too much ego and book smarts but not enough sense to get by in the real world. Unfortunately for him Catherine hadn’t actually told him if his date was male or female just that “they” were a scientist and one of the most intelligent people she knew with a funky personality, something not normally seen in people who were book smart. She’d advised him to wear his linen dress pants and a deep blue button up shirt, as she had told his date precisely what he would be wearing.
Sighing Nick looked at his watch, whoever his date was he or she was late by at least ten minutes. If there was anything he hated about people it was their ability to have a complete lack of consideration for others and show up late despite who could be waiting for them, well that and the fact that every day he saw new and gruesome ways the human race had found for killing each other and causing ultimate suffering in the process.
“Excuse me, but are you Nick Stokes?” A voice asked from behind him, a male voice which caused him to sigh in relief, maybe they would have more in common.
Nick swung around and his mouth hung open for a moment before he managed to pull himself together, “Sorry, yes I’m Nick Stokes.” And the hazel eyed punkish looking angel in front of him was…
“Greg Sanders,” He extended his hand, and when Nick took it his handshake was firm. It was something he could respect, a firm handshake like that. “I hope you’re not too disappointed to see me here instead of some leggy blond.” Greg smirked, the look almost dangerous on him for some reason, it was like he could see all of Nick’s secrets just by looking at him, or that he had a few of his own.
Smiling Nick squeezed his hand slightly then pulled away, opening the door for the scientist, getting a better look at him in the lighting of the restaurant. He definitely wasn’t the kind of guy Nick would normally date, dirty blond hair done up in messy spikes, shaved on the sides to allow more volume. He wasn’t even technically dressed up; wearing a pair of obviously expensive, most likely design black jeans, a tight black Dandy Warhols t-shirt and a corduroy button up jacket. To put it simply, he worse his clothes well, and looked gorgeous in them. He would definitely have to thank Catherine for this.
“Uhm…Nick…what name are the reservations under?” Greg poked him in the side, looking at him expectantly. Was this guy interested in him at all? Greg couldn’t tell, but he seemed to be getting lots of lingering looks.
Nick turned to the host, “Stokes for two.” He responded, glancing back at Greg he smiled warmly gesturing for him to go first. It wasn’t like he wouldn’t enjoy the view. When they got to the table he pulled out Greg’s chair for him, sheepishly ducking his head at the astonished look he received. “Sorry,” He muttered.
Greg rested his hand on Nick’s arm for a second, his skin seared by the heat emanating from the darker haired man, “Its okay. I guess I’m just not used to being treated so well by my dates, it’s nice.” He sat down slowly, rubbing his palms on his jeans.
Nick sat down as well, pouring them both a glass of wine immediately, “So Greg what is it precisely that you do?” He asked, arching an eyebrow. “Catherine didn’t really give me any details; she didn’t even give me your name actually.” He couldn’t blame her; there was no way he would be able to describe the man sitting across from him either.
“I’m the director of molecular and cell biology at the Nevada Tech State Lab, what I do basically is figure out the molecular basis of certain diseases and try to find a cure. I also have a degree that would allow me to work in any DNA forensics lab in the country should I want to, which is how I met Catherine,” Greg explained, gesturing as he spoke.
Nodding Nick tried to comprehend how frustrating that job would be, trying to figure out a cure for a disease when people were dying of it every day. At least in his job he could find some kind of justice for those who had been killed, “Did you apply for a job at our lab?” He could imagine Greg in that environment; he would most likely drive Grissom insane.
Greg shook his head. “No actually, your lab came to me the day I graduated from Stanford University. I didn’t want that kind of career right out of college, didn’t really know how to deal with the thought that people who’s DNA I would be processing could’ve butchered another human being, or had been butchered. I know it doesn’t make much sense, it’s not like I wanted to become a CSI.”
Nick tapped his fingers on the table softly and smiled, “I understand perfectly. There are some days when I hang up my vest in my locker that I don’t even want to think about coming back in the next day, but there’s always someone, dead or alive who needs someone like me or like the rest of my team to speak up for them because they no longer can themselves.”
Looking into Nick’s eyes Greg saw nothing but honesty there, “You really are some kind of hero aren’t you Nick Stokes?” He asked his voice almost coy as he did so. He knew how to flirt and could tell Nick was falling directly into his hands, only problem was, when Nick fell Greg wasn’t sure he would want to let him go. A guy this nice and this honest was hard to find, and Greg had been looking for awhile.
Feeling his cheeks flush Nick shook his head, “Nah, just doing my job,” He responded modestly, picking up his menu he finally opened it. “So do you have any idea what you want to eat? My treat I promise.” He told him.
“Well, since this is a steak house, I’ll probably go with a steak,” Greg grinned wickedly before taking a sip of his wine. It wasn’t something he was used to as most of his dates consisted of darkened clubs, and messy screws back at his loft apartment. He’d gotten sick of it, and was glad that he’d agreed to Catherine’s scheme.
Nick grinned back at him, trying not to notice how pouty Greg’s lips appeared to be when he’d finished taking a drink. “Smart man, do you want an appetizer?” He asked, taking a sip from his own glass he licked his lips afterward, the wine allowing him to relax a little more. It had been awhile since he’d felt this at ease with another person, maybe this would work out after all.
“I’ll have a Caesar salad, and a glass of water,” Greg fiddled with the bottom of his t-shirt, twisting the fabric slightly. “So what do you like to do in your spare time?” He asked after the waiter had come and taken their orders, offering him an easy smile before turning his attention immediately back to Nick. With this cute Texan sitting across from him he had no use for little twinks who would probably be riddled with various diseases because they were so busy finding the newest wonder drug and being “free” with their “love.” He knew all too well how it worked and no longer wanted it.
Biting his bottom lip Nick gnawed on it for a moment, noticing the dirty look Greg shot the waiter when he wasn’t looking, trying to hide a smile. “I try to relax as much as possible, sometimes I go bird watching. Every so often I try to go camping, or go back home and go riding, spend some time with my family.” He responded. “I like a good movie, a good football game even. How about you?”
Greg smiled, glad that he at least seemed interested. “Well as you can imagine, when I first moved here I was young and stupid. I spent a lot of time on the club circuit, trying to get with as many people as possible. I went to a lot of concerts, made some mistakes and one day I woke up and realized it just needed to stop, so I got out of that. Now my days off, however few I get are spent watching movies, reading books, brushing up on the newest scientific methods and playing video games. Although if a good band comes to town I still go to the concert, I just don’t hook up with anyone after that.”
Nick studied him, his mannerisms and his facial expressions. He certainly wasn’t lying and seemed to regret the years he’d wasted in the club scene. “I think that happens to everyone when they first come to Vegas, I managed to do it for two months and then Catherine told me I had to snap out of it or I would risk losing my job.”
Laughing softly Greg shook his head, “She said the same thing to me. How long do you think she’s been planning on setting us up together anyway?” He asked, leaning back in his chair he got a good look at Nick. And Nick certainly was good looking, well dressed, with deep dark eyes and a chiselled jaw line. Yeah Greg could definitely get used to this.
“Knowing Catherine probably since she met you, and she was scheming to set me up with the proper person long before you,” Nick responded, thanking the water softly when his salad was placed in front of him. “I’m glad I didn’t take her up on it until now though,” He added, not wanting Greg to feel he wasn’t interested.
Greg raised his glass, gesturing for a toast, “To a good evening, hopefully the first of many,” He tapped it against Nick’s lightly, taking a sip.
“First of many,” Nick echoed, shooting him a warm smile. “So Greg, tell me, are you one of those people who kisses on the first date?” His cheeks flushed, he couldn’t believe those words had even left his mouth. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, that wasn’t something I should’ve asked,” He looked down at his plate, fumbling with his salad fork.
“When a guy looks like you, and is as nice as you I’ve been known to kiss on a first date, and I’ve also been known to try and get a second date as soon as possible. So what do you say Nick?” Greg smiled at him, not offended at all. In fact Nick had voice his thoughts completely; he couldn’t imagine finishing out the night without kissing the other man.
Nick looked up, surprised, “What day do you have off?” He asked in reply, feeling much better about his blunder. If only Catherine and the rest of the team could see him now, the normally confident man made shy at the gaze of a scientist. He would never live it down if they heard about it, but Greg didn’t seem like the type to tell.
“I have the whole weekend off coming up, how about you?” Greg took a bite of his salad, happy to be in such a good atmosphere, despite the fact that initially he felt underdressed, but that was something he was used to having been to many restaurants in Vegas dressed in much the same way.
“I have this weekend off too, I wonder if Catherine had something to do with that,” Nick pondered aloud, not putting it past his oldest friend in Vegas. He couldn’t really be mad at her, he was having fun and her intentions were good.
Greg nodded, “She definitely did, she’s known I have this weekend off for awhile now,” He laughed softly. “So this weekend we could do something, we can work out the details later.”
“Oh we definitely will,” Nick agreed, quickly going back to his salad as comfortable silence rained down on them.
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Date: 2007-11-29 10:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-29 04:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-29 02:14 pm (UTC)Must have MOREEEEEEEEEEEE
That's already so sweet i love a nervous Nick yay
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Date: 2007-11-29 04:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-29 03:06 pm (UTC)I am looking forward to more. :)
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Date: 2007-11-29 04:50 pm (UTC)