#raylangston/reader

[mrscmobsession]

Two Months Later

Life at the Vegas Crime Lab was beginning to feel more settled again. Warrick’s absence was still felt, but the team was adapting. Ray Langston, the newest addition to the group, had quickly proven himself as a competent and thoughtful CSI. He was still finding his footing but had earned the respect of his colleagues, including Nick and Clair.

Nick and Clair, meanwhile, had been quietly navigating their relationship. After months of playful flirtation, their bond had grown into something more serious. But outside of stolen glances and the occasional subtle touch, they were careful to keep their relationship private, not wanting it to interfere with work.

Ray’s Confession

Ray and Nick stood side by side in the break room, each nursing a cup of coffee. The hum of the vending machine filled the silence as Ray hesitated before speaking.

“So, uh... Nick,” Ray began, glancing at him. “What’s the deal with Clair? She seeing anyone?”

Nick nearly choked on his coffee, managing to cover it with a cough. “Clair? Uh, why do you ask?”

Ray shrugged, trying to play it cool. “I was just thinking about asking her out. She’s smart, funny, beautiful... seems like the whole package, you know?”

Nick’s face froze for a moment before he forced a neutral smile. “Yeah, she is,” he said slowly, carefully. “But, uh, you might want to talk to her about that.”

Ray raised an eyebrow, sensing something unspoken but deciding not to push.

Nick and Clair’s Conversation

That evening, Nick found Clair in the locker room, packing up her bag for the day.

“Hey,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

She looked up and smiled. “Hey, you.”

Nick walked closer, lowering his voice. “So, uh, Ray’s thinking about asking you out.”

Clair blinked, surprised. “Really? What did you say?”

“I told him to talk to you.” Nick paused, studying her reaction. “But it got me thinking... How would you feel about that?”

Clair leaned against the locker, considering. “You know I’ve always been open to exploring things,” she said carefully. “But I’d want to make sure you’re okay with it.”

Nick nodded. “I am. I mean, I’d want to talk about boundaries and make sure it’s something we’re both comfortable with. But if you’re interested in Ray, I wouldn’t want to hold you back.”

She stepped closer, her voice soft. “And you? How would you feel about the three of us spending time together?”

Nick’s lips curved into a small smile. “I think I’d like that.”

Clair and Ray’s First Date

A few days later, Clair and Ray went out for coffee after their shift. Ray was charming and attentive, and Clair found herself enjoying his company more than she expected.

Halfway through their conversation, Clair decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.

“Ray,” she began, setting down her cup. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Ray leaned forward, his expression curious.

“Nick and I are in a relationship,” she said simply.

Ray blinked, startled. “Oh... I didn’t realize. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to—”

Clair held up a hand, smiling gently. “It’s okay. Nick and I talked about this. We’re... open to exploring other connections. But I wanted to be upfront with you about it before things went any further.”

Ray studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. “So... you’re saying this is something he’s okay with? Something you both want?”

She nodded. “Exactly. But if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, I understand.”

Ray sat back, considering. After a moment, he smiled. “You know what? I think I’d like to see where this goes.”

The Trio’s First Date

A week later, the three of them decided to go out together—a mix of curiosity and mutual affection driving them to see how things felt as a group. They started at a trendy downtown bar, where the drinks flowed freely and the laughter came easily.

Nick and Ray quickly bonded over shared interests, and Clair found herself enjoying the playful banter between the two men.

By the time they left the bar, the three of them were giddy and warm with alcohol, the night taking on a dreamlike quality.

A Spicy Night

Back at Nick’s apartment, the atmosphere shifted. What had started as lighthearted fun became charged with unspoken tension. Nick, Clair, and Ray exchanged uncertain glances before Clair broke the silence with a soft laugh.

“Well,” she said, her cheeks flushed, “this is new.”

Nick grinned, stepping closer to her. “Yeah, but I think I like it.”

Ray, watching them both, hesitated before nodding. “Same here.”

What followed was an evening of exploration and connection, each of them discovering new depths to their relationships. It was uncharted territory, but for the first time in a long while, they all felt alive, free, and truly understood.