Title: Nick/Greg Advent Calendar 2023
Author: gothikmaus
Fandom: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Pairing: Nick/Greg
Rating: G - PG-13
Category: ficlet collection, fluff, romance, humour
Summary: A collection of 24 Nick/Greg ficlets written for the Advent Calendar 2023. Mostly humorous and fluffy, with a little bit of angst.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and all related characters are property of CBS. I own nothing. No copyright infringement intended.
1 - STORM
"Finally. What took you so long?" Greg asked as he opened the door.
"There's a fucking storm out there, in case you missed it. You should see the state of the streets," Nick replied, putting up no resistance as Greg pulled him inside and closed the door. "Not all of us were lucky enough to have the day off today."
Greg ignored the comment and pulled him closer.
"You still need to make it up to me. I was here all alone the whole day thinking of you."
"Really?" Nick asked, amused.
Greg nodded.
"I was so lonely," Greg added, putting his hands on Nick's hips.
Nick smiled and leaned in for a kiss, placing a hand on the nape of Greg's neck and gently massaging his scalp. His smile grew wider as he felt him shiver.
"Are you cold? You're shivering."
"You know perfectly well I'm not shivering from the cold."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Nick replied, sneaking his other hand under Greg's T-shirt. He pressed his fingertips against the center of Greg's back and slid them down, fingernails grazing him lightly. This time the shiver was followed by a gasp.
"Since when are you such a tease?"
Nick smirked.
"I had a good teacher."
2 - GLASSES
(Inspired by this picture.)
Greg looked up from his cell phone and smiled. Nick was standing just a few feet in front of him, apparently mesmerized by the lights of the Big Apple. He had started wearing glasses more often lately, and Greg had to admit he liked that look more than he initially thought he would.
He took a quick picture, thinking he wouldn't get caught, but he wasn't as sneaky as he had hoped. Nick turned towards him and smiled.
"Did you just take a picture of me?" he asked. "Again?"
Greg shrugged.
"I can't help it, you're just too attractive."
Nick shook his head.
"You know, I never thought you'd dig the glasses so much."
"I don't 'dig the glasses'. I dig you in the glasses."
Nick rolled his eyes and Greg gave him a shit-eating grin.
"Anyway, are you ready to continue the Sanders tour of New York City? One of my old haunts is just a couple of blocks away. I mean, I hope it still exists, it was such a long time ago."
As Greg went on rambling about his 'wild New York days', Nick gave him a look that was equally fond and exasperated.
"Just shut up and walk."
3 - EPIPHANY
"And they call this music?" Warrick shouted over the deafening beat coming from the speakers.
Nick grimaced. He could almost feel the pounding bass and distorted guitars drill a hole in his eardrums.
"Let's just have a chat with the owner and get the hell out of here," he shouted back as they made their way to the bar.
While Warrick was trying to convince the bartender to go fetch the owner, Nick took a look around. The dance floor was packed with people swaying in time to the throbbing rhythm and grinding against each other, and the bar area was just as crowded. As he was scanning the sea of nameless faces, he did a double-take: Greg Sanders was standing at the other end of the bar, trying to get someone's attention to order a drink. Nick grinned. Of course that would be the kind of club the DNA tech would like, if the music he blasted from his portable stereo at work was any indication. Nick was ready to walk up to him and tease him about spending his night off in a place like that, when he saw a guy bump into Greg and all but plaster himself against his back. Greg looked annoyed at first, but when he turned around, he smiled brightly. And then Nick's jaw fell to the floor as Greg wound his arms around the other man's shoulders and kissed him. Nick was rooted to the spot, unable to look away as the two kissed, completely oblivious of their surroundings, the stranger's hands running down Greg's back and grabbing his ass.
Nick felt his stomach clench painfully, a bitter taste rising in his mouth. It wasn't just shock at finding out his colleague was gay. It wasn't disgust either. It was something deeper, raw, something he had never felt before, at least not towards Greg: a mixture of anger, possessiveness, and pure, unadulterated want.
He realized with sudden, unmistakable clarity that he was jealous.
"Nick!"
He almost jumped out of his skin as Warrick shouted directly in his ear. He tore his eyes away from Greg and turned around.
"What?"
"The owner is finally ready to meet us," Warrick said, voice barely audible over the pounding music. He studied Nick's face for a moment, then looked over toward the end of the bar. "Did you see something?"
Nick felt his stomach drop.
"No, I just..." he turned around again, but Greg was nowhere to be seen. He shook his head. "Let's go," he added, and followed Warrick to the back of the club.
4 - CINDERELLA
"I'm so drunk," Greg slurred as they left the bar.
"I can see that," Nick commented. He stepped closer when he saw his friend starting to sway, ready to catch him if he lost his balance. "You really should have stopped at the third drink."
"It's my birthday, I get to do whatever I want."
"Even if it means you're gonna have one hell of a hangover tomorrow?"
"Pff, you're boring."
They stopped a few feet down the sidewalk and waited for their taxis.
"I wanna do something stupid," Greg said, shoving his hands into his pockets and throwing his head back.
"Like what?" Nick asked, a little worried. He didn't want Greg to get into any trouble while he was that intoxicated.
"Like kiss your stupid face."
Nick gaped at him.
"You what?"
"I wanna kiss you. You know, when people like each other, they press their lips together. And if they really like each other, there's even some tongue involved."
"I know what kissing is," Nick replied, flustered.
"So? You up for it?"
"What? No!"
Greg pouted.
"Why not? Don't you like me?"
"It's not that! I... I mean... You're drunk!"
"Well, duh! I told you just two minutes ago."
"I just think we shouldn't be doing this while you're drunk."
"Why not?" Greg repeated, sounding like a petulant child.
"Because you might regret it later."
Greg stepped closer and placed a hand on Nick's chest.
"I'd never regret kissing you, Nicky."
Nick shivered. Greg never called him Nicky. He was about to give in to temptation, when Greg's taxi arrived.
"That's your ride home, Cinderella," Nick said, taking a step back.
"And you're letting me go without my goodnight kiss?"
Before Nick could react, Greg leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth.
"Good night, Prince Charming. You know where to find me if you wanna return my glass slipper."
Nick stood there in silence as Greg got into the taxi and drove away.
5 - DOES HE KNOW?
(Missing scene from S07E04 "Fannysmackin'".)
Catherine found him sitting on the bench in the locker room, shoulders hunched and staring at an indefinite spot in front of him.
"Nick! I thought you'd left half an hour ago."
Nick started and looked at her, then checked his watch.
"Oh. I kinda... lost track of time."
Catherine entered the room and sat down next to him.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just... I was thinking about Greg."
A sympathetic expression dawned on her face and she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know, what happened to him is just awful."
She noticed him tighten his fists and gently rubbed her hand down his bicep.
"Hey, I'm going to the hospital to check on him, wanna come with me?"
Nick shook his head and she frowned.
"Why not?"
"I... I don't think I could look at him right now. I saw the pictures from the scene and..." he trailed off, unable to speak further.
She gave him a sad smile.
"He'd be happy to see you." She paused and carefully chose her next words. "Nick, I know you're a private person and this is none of my business, but I know that Greg is more than just a friend for you."
She felt him tense, but she didn't remove her hand from his arm.
"I only have one question: does he know?"
He shook his head again.
"Well, I think it's time you told him."
"Now's not the right time, Cath."
"It'll never be the right time, Nicky."
She stood up and walked to the door.
"Don't wait until it's too late," she added, giving him one last smile before she left.
6 - SURF
"This is what I call living the good life," Greg said, stretching out on his sun lounger. "Grissom should send all of us to Hawaii for our mandatory training. My last one was in Michigan: it rained the whole time."
Nick smiled at him.
"I'm glad you could join me for the weekend."
"Two days of lounging on the beach in Maui? I wouldn't miss it for the world," Greg replied, grinning and adjusting his sunglasses.
After a while, he sat up and clapped his hands together.
"It's time for your surf lesson!"
Nick groaned.
"Greg..."
"Stop whining, you're gonna love it," Greg interrupted him and started rambling about waves, pop-up techniques, wipeouts.
Nick had no idea what half of those words meant, but Greg's enthusiasm was impossible to resist. He could humor his boyfriend for a couple of hours if that made him so happy.
7 - UGLY
"All right, back to work. Those DNA tests won't run themselves," Greg said as he got up and walked to the door. "I'll let you know what I find."
"Thanks, man," Nick replied, following him with his eyes until he disappeared down the corridor.
Sara took a look at his expression and sighed.
"Just ask him out already."
Nick turned to her, a frown appearing on his face.
"What?"
"You two have been dancing around each other for months. It was cute at first, but it's starting to get old."
"We're not... I'm not gay."
She raised an eyebrow at him.
"If your heart-eyes were any bigger, you could see them from space."
Nick tensed up and looked away.
"Hey, no one's going to judge you," Sara added, her tone turning softer.
"Not you maybe, but we work in law enforcement. Things could get... ugly," he replied, still not looking at her.
"Is that why you left Texas?"
Nick pushed back his chair and stood up.
"My break is over. I'll see you around."
Sara looked at him in silence as he left the break room.
8 - PIZZA
"Aren't you eating the last slice?" Nick asked, nodding towards the pizza carton.
"Mmh? Oh, no, you can have it," Greg replied distractedly, half of his pizza lying abandoned and cold.
Nick frowned.
"Are you okay? I usually have to wrestle it out of your hand."
"Yeah, it's nothing," he said, biting his lip nervously.
"Greg."
Greg sighed.
"I talked with my parents earlier, and they mentioned they want to visit."
"So? They visited you before, what's the big deal this time?"
Greg opened his mouth and closed it again. It took him a few seconds to actually speak.
"I was just wondering if you... I mean, they know I'm seeing someone and I might've gushed a little about you, so, you know, they'd like to... But only if you want to, it's totally okay if you don't..."
Nick placed a hand on Greg's shoulder.
"G. Breathe. Of course I'd love to meet you parents."
"Really?"
Greg's smile was so big Nick couldn't help but smile back at him.
"Why wouldn't I? Your mom sounds like a lovely lady," Nick said, feeling the tension leave Greg's body. He leaned in and kissed him. "And I'm sure she has a ton of embarrassing stories from your teenage years she just can't wait to share."
"You jerk!" Greg retorted, playfully punching his arm.
Nick grinned at him and reached for the last pizza slice.
9 - BABY STEPS
"Nick! Hurry up, we're gonna be late," Greg exclaimed, grabbing Nick's hand and dragging him along as he crossed the road. When they reached the other side, he looked around, as if deciding which way to go.
"Uh, Greg? You can let go of my hand now," Nick pointed out, looking down at their joined hands, then back up at Greg's face.
"Yeah, I know. But I don't want to," Greg replied with a big grin.
"Greg..."
"Come on, it's San Francisco. No one cares if we're holding hands," Greg told him, still smiling. His expression faltered when he saw the worry on Nick's face. "Sorry, I just thought..." he trailed off, letting go of Nick's hand and looking away.
Nick immediately missed the warmth of Greg's palm pressed against his.
"Greg, it's not that I don't want to..."
"Yeah, I know," Greg said, turning away from him. "Let's go, the restaurant is this way," he added, and started walking.
Nick could see Greg was disappointed and hurt, and he hated himself for being the cause of it. He took a deep breath and reached out, twining their fingers together.
Greg stopped short.
"You don't have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable."
"I may not be ready to come out just yet, but I don't want you to think I'm ashamed of us. I just... need time," Nick said, tightening his hold on Greg's hand and stepping closer. "And you're right, no one gives a damn about two guys holding hands here."
Greg finally looked at him, and Nick was relieved to see him smiling again.
"Baby steps," he said, leaning in for a quick peck on Greg's lips. "Now lead the way, I'm starving."
10 - ICE CREAM
"This is amazing!" Greg mumbled around a mouthful of ice cream. "You should try it."
He scooped a generous amount from the tub and held out the spoon to Nick. The other man gave him an amused smile and leaned forward, letting Greg feed him.
"You're right, it does taste good," Nick said after he'd swallowed. "But I think there's something missing."
"Missing? You wanna add syrup or something?" Greg asked, before shoving another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
Nick's smile turned mischievous as he leaned even closer and pressed his lips against Greg's, taking advantage of his boyfriend's surprise to slide his tongue into his mouth. Greg moaned into the kiss, all thoughts of ice cream immediately forgotten.
When Nick eventually pulled back, he licked his lips and looked at Greg with a glint in his eye.
"Yeah, it definitely tastes better like this."
11 - A LITTLE TASTE
"Just a little taste," Nick murmured, cold lips barely touching the side of Greg's neck.
Greg shivered.
"N-Nick..."
"Come on, it's not gonna hurt. Well, not much," Nick added with a smile, the tip of one long, sharp tooth brushing Greg's throat and making him gasp.
"What if you... can't stop?" Greg asked.
"I will stop. You know I'd never hurt you."
Greg knew he should say no, knew he should push Nick away and run as fast as he could. Instead, he tilted his head to the side, giving him full access to his throat.
Nick took a shaky breath.
"Perfect," he whispered.
Greg closed his eyes and let himself fall as Nick's fangs pierced his skin.
12 - HOT
"Can I have a bite of your burrito?"
"You wouldn't like it, it's way too hot for your taste."
Greg narrowed his eyes
"Are you saying I'm not enough of a man to handle a burrito?"
Nick rolled his eyes.
"I did not say that. Just that I think you wouldn't like it."
"Well, we'll never know until I try it, will we?"
"Be my guest," Nick replied, holding out the burrito in question.
Greg gave him a triumphant smile and bit into it. As he started chewing, Nick could see Greg's face turn an alarming shade of red, his eyes watering.
"You okay?"
Greg grunted and nodded, still chewing. A single tear ran down his cheek, and Nick felt sorry for him. After he finally swallowed, he grabbed his glass of soda and took a long swig.
"So?"
"Not bad. Mine's better though," Greg answered, trying to sound nonchalant.
Nick shook his head and went back to eating his lunch.
13 - FLIRT
"Ugh, I really need a break. I'm seeing double," Greg said, rubbing his eyes.
"Want to get some coffee?" Nick asked, looking just as tired.
"As long as it's my brew," Greg replied, pushing back his chair and standing up.
He stretched his arms above his head and his T-shirt rode up his stomach, revealing a thin sliver of midriff. Nick's eyes followed the movement, zooming in on the skin suddenly on display. When he realized he was staring, he averted his gaze and looked up. Greg was smirking at him.
"See something you like?" the DNA tech asked. "If you're good, I might let you touch it later."
Nick glared at him, a light blush coloring his cheeks.
"Greg..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know: no flirting in the lab," Greg interrupted him. "But you should really try to be a little less obvious."
Nick sighed.
"Just make that damn coffee."
14 - COFFEE
(Inspired by "A Break while Working", an amazing fanart by Peanut_Booi)
Catherine walked down the corridor on autopilot. She was exhausted from a double shift that just didn't want to end and in desperate need of caffeine. She entered the break room, hoping to find some of Sanders' fancy coffee, and stopped dead in her track.
Nick was sitting on the sofa, eyes closed and arms crossed in front of his chest, his head tilted slightly to the side. Greg was sitting right next to him, his cheek resting on Nick's shoulder, eyelids fluttering as if he was dreaming. The two looked completely at ease, as if napping together in the break room was the most natural thing in the world.
Catherine smiled. They thought they were being subtle, but it was obvious to anyone who bothered to pay attention that there was something between them. She quietly walked back out of the room, careful not to disturb them. Coffee could wait.
15 - UGLY CHRISTMAS T-SHIRT
(Apparently the third Friday of December is "National Ugly Sweater Day". Greg is wearing a T-shirt with this design in this ficlet.)
"What the hell are you wearing?"
Greg raised his head from the magazine he was reading and looked at Nick.
"It's my Christmas T-shirt," he answered with a proud smile.
The T-shirt in question was bright red, with a white drawing of Santa Claus doing metal horns and "HAIL SANTA" written in bold letters underneath.
"Did Grissom see it?"
"Not yet," Greg chirped, still smiling.
Nick shook his head.
"I hope you have a change of clothes in your locker," he commented, walking away.
"I do!"
Greg's tone told Nick that the DNA tech's spare T-shirt wouldn't be much better than the one he was currently wearing.
16 - COLOGNE
"New cologne?" Greg asked, wrapping his arms around Nick from behind.
"Yeah, present from my mom."
"Well, thank her on my behalf: you smell delicious," Greg added, leaning forward and rubbing his cheek against Nick's.
Nick turned around and wound his arms around Greg's waist.
"I'll be sure to pass on the message," he replied.
Greg smiled and leaned forward for a kiss. What started as a quick peck soon turned into a long, languid series of kisses. They stood like that for a while, until Nick reluctantly pulled back.
"I'm gonna be late," he said, but didn't remove his arms from around Greg.
"You should go then," Greg answered, and kissed him again.
"Yeah, I should," Nick muttered against his lips.
Greg smiled and gave him one last kiss, then took a step back.
"Go do your thing, lab director Nick Stokes."
17 - MORNING AFTER
"Thanks for letting me borrow one of your T-shirts," Nick said, zipping up his jeans.
"Don't worry, it's no big deal," Greg answered, looking through his drawers in search of the plainest piece of clothing he owned, something that wouldn't raise any suspicion if worn by Nick. He found a gray T-shirt that was a little too big for him and handed it to Nick. As he was about to put it on, Greg reached out and stopped him.
"Wait. Don't get dressed yet, let me enjoy the view a little longer."
Nick smiled at him.
"You can enjoy the view some more at my place after work if you want."
Greg smiled back.
"Deal."
18 - I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING
Nick woke up to the feeling of warm lips pressed against the back of his neck.
"Morning, baby," he muttered, voice rough with sleep.
He didn't get an answer, but felt a hand slide over his hip and stop on his stomach. He smiled.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, turning onto his back and opening his eyes.
In the darkness of his room, he couldn't see the face of the person sharing his bed, only a black silhouette with short, messy hair sticking out in every direction.
The figure leaned closer and Nick felt his stomach drop.
"Greg?"
Greg smiled and pulled back the sheet, then started kissing his way down Nick's body.
"Wait. What..."
"Ssh. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Greg whispered. He looked up at him and smiled as he closed his fingers around the base of Nick's dick, making him gasp. Nick's eyes went huge as Greg leaned down and opened his mouth.
He woke up with a start, tangled up in the sheets and painfully hard. He threw a forearm over his eyes and swore. He had a huge problem.
19 - CHICKEN SOUP
(Inspired by S08E12, "Grissom's Divine Comedy". Because we all noticed when Nick and Greg got sick at the same time, right?)
"Do you think anyone noticed?" Greg asked, voice sounding raspy.
Nick sneezed.
"Noticed what?"
"That we got sick at the same time."
"No, they all think it's the flu going around. I mean, even Grissom's sick."
Greg didn't look convinced, but dropped the subject. He walked into the kitchen and returned shortly after holding a tray with two steaming bowls.
Nick smiled.
"Chicken soup?"
"Yeah, we both need it."
Nick was about to say something, but was cut off by two violent sneezes.
"Yeah, I think we do," he mumbled, before blowing his nose loudly.
Greg gave him a sympathetic smile and sat down to eat his soup.
20 - TOUGH DAY
(Coda to S01E06 "Who are you?")
Nick slammed his locker door shut, the metallic noise resonating loudly in the small room.
"Dude. Are you okay?" Greg asked.
Nick started. He was so out of it, he hadn't even noticed he wasn't alone.
"Yeah, no, it's just... I'm fine."
"You don't sound fine."
"I just had a tough day."
Sure, Mrs. Hendler had pointed a gun at his face, but he was a trained CSI, he knew how to handle situations like that. He was supposed to...
"Wanna talk about it?"
Nick gritted his teeth. He wasn't just going to admit he had almost broken down in tears at a crime scene. Especially not to Greg.
"Not really."
Greg hesitated a moment before continuing.
"Wanna grab something to eat or drink? I don't have any plans today, and it may help you take your mind off whatever's bothering you."
Nick studied him for a long moment. He was tempted to accept Greg's invite, but in the end he thought better of it. In his current state of mind, he was afraid he might end up doing something stupid he would definitely regret later.
"Thanks, G. Really. I'm just not in the mood right now."
Greg nodded.
"No problem. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me."
Nick smiled at him. One day, he might just take him up on that offer.
21 - PANTS
"I love these pants," Greg said, giving Nick a once-over.
"Do you?" Nick replied, sounding amused.
Greg nodded and moved closer, stopping only when he was standing directly in front of him, just a few inches between them.
"Your ass looks great in them," he went on, sliding both hands into the back pockets of Nick's pants.
Nick smiled.
"Does it?"
"Don't play innocent, you know perfectly well you make all heads turn when you wear them. But I'm the only one allowed to touch it," he added, giving the ass in question a firm squeeze.
"I never took you for the jealous type," Nick said, winding his arms around Greg's waist.
"I'm not jealous: I'm protective."
Nick chuckled.
"Of my behind?"
"It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it."
Nick shook his head.
"You're ridiculous, you know that, right?"
Greg grinned.
"And you love me for it."
Nick's expression softened.
"Yeah, I do," he said, and leaned forward for a kiss.
22 - SAPPY
(Inspired by the Six Sappy Sentences prompt list. Prompt # 1: "I missed you like I never missed anyone before.")
"Hey, G! Did you behave while I was gone?"
Greg's head shot up from the microscope.
"Nick! You're back!"
Sure enough, Nick was standing in the doorway, smiling brightly at him. Greg couldn't help smiling back. Nick had only gone to Texas to visit his family for a few days, but it had felt like an eternity to Greg. The DNA tech realized he was being ridiculous and glanced away.
"So, how was Texas?" he asked, looking back into his microscope and trying to sound nonchalant.
"Hot." Nick walked into the DNA lab and stopped next to Greg. "What are you working on?" he asked, leaning slightly over Greg's shoulder like he often did.
"Something for Grissom," Greg replied, doing his best to ignore the way Nick's closeness was making him feel.
Nick frowned at Greg's apparent disinterest.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. Why would anything be wrong?"
Nick took a step back.
"Listen, G, if you changed your mind..."
"What? No!" Greg exclaimed, looking up at him.
"Well, you seem so... cold. I thought you'd be a little happier to see me after I was away for a week."
"I am happy to see you. More than you can possibly imagine."
Nick didn't look convinced. Greg took a deep breath.
"Look, I didn't want to scare you away by being sappy and clingy, but the truth is... I missed you like I never missed anyone before."
Nick blinked at him.
"Really?"
Greg shrugged, looking away again. A few seconds later, Nick stepped closer, his chest almost touching Greg's back.
"I hate that this lab is a giant glass box. I want to kiss you so bad right now," he whispered in Greg's ear.
Greg shivered.
"Hold that thought. My place after work?"
"Can't wait."
23 - LONE STAR
Nick was brooding. He was supposed to be on a plane, headed to Texas, but his leave had been revoked at the last moment and now he was going to spend Christmas in Vegas and working. It just wasn't fair.
He heard someone walk into the break room but didn't look up. He wasn't in the mood to socialize.
"Dinner time!" Greg stated loudly, sitting down at the table and depositing a paper bag in front of Nick.
Nick frowned.
"Lone Star Grill?"
"Well, I know you had been looking forward to spending the Holidays with your family, and I thought maybe this would cheer you up a bit? A little taste of home."
Nick stared at him and Greg's expression faltered.
"Then again, this probably tastes nothing like real Texas food. Sorry, it was a stupid idea, feel free to throw it out," Greg said, pushing back his chair and beginning to stand up.
Nick reached out and put a hand on Greg's arm to stop him.
"No, it was actually a really nice gesture, I just wasn't expecting it. Thank you."
Greg sat back down.
"I'm sorry you can't go home for Christmas."
Nick shrugged.
"I knew this would happened when I decided to become a CSI," he said as he opened the paper bag. "Smells good. Wanna share?"
Greg smiled.
"Sure."
Nick tried to ignore the funny feeling he got in his stomach whenever Greg smiled at him that way, but it was becoming more and more difficult. Maybe someday he would do something about it...
24 - SECRET SANTA
"This one's for Greg," Sara said, handing him a box wrapped in glossy red paper covered in golden stars.
The DNA tech eagerly tore the paper apart and saw the package contained a pair of headphones.
"Dude, someone's trying to send you a message," Warrick commented with a snicker.
"People just don't appreciate my eclectic music tastes," Greg replied, briefly slipping the headphones on, then sliding them down and leaving them hanging around his neck.
"Who's next?"
"Nick," Sara said, picking up a small box from the table and handing it to him.
Nick meticulously removed the wrapping paper, ignoring the comments to just hurry up already. When he saw what was inside, his eyes widened and he felt warmth spread across his face. Warrick burst out laughing and Grissom raised an eyebrow, while Sara and Catherine were trying their best to cover their giggles.
"Gingerbread-flavored condoms. Well, looks like someone wants to spice up your Christmas," Greg commented, not even trying to hide his grin.
"I didn't even know those existed," Sara said.
"You can get anything in Vegas," Catherine answered with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, you can all stop laughing now," Nick said, mortified.
When they were done with their little Secret Santa gift-exchange, everyone left the break room and got back to work. Only Nick and Greg stayed behind.
"You're such a bastard," Nick muttered under his breath.
"Why do you assume it was me?" Greg replied, looking at him with an innocent expression. He grinned at Nick's pointed look and stepped closer to him. "I can't wait to try them. I love gingerbread," he whispered in Nick's ear before walking back to his lab.
Nick wasn't able to focus for the rest of the shift.
-----
December 2023
