Hey all! So this is my first CSI fic as I'm currently binge watching the series I will also be making a companion piece to this story from Catherine's side. Hope you enjoy!

Boom, 1.13

Catherine let out a sigh as she closed up the last evidence box, taping the box shut and initialing it.

More like a breath of relief.

Catherine always tried her hardest to not get personally involved in cases, but when they involve her friends it's almost inevitable that her emotions will become tied up with the truth laying in the evidence.

While she was relieved that Nick had been cleared of all charges, Catherine couldn't help but wonder if the ordeal had left him as shaken up as it had her.

The sound of Catherine's heels were the only noise echoing through the halls of the now empty lab as she made her way towards the locker room. After the long day she had had, rushing to process evidence and clear Nick's name, all she wanted was a glass of wine and a long soak in the tub. As she neared the entrance of the locker room, a faint crying noise entered the once silent hallways, alerting Catherine to the fact that she was no longer alone.

Peeking around the corner, Catherine saw Nick hunched over, head resting in his hands and his bare back slowly heaving as small sobs escaped his mouth. With a soft sigh, she knocked lightly on the doorframe. Nicks head shot up as he tried to wipe the tears trailing down his face.

"Cath...", Nicks voice was hoarse as he stared at the red head in front of him. If he was being truthful, he didn't think he could say anymore.

"You wanna talk about it Nicky?", Nick shook his head and Catherine sat next to him on the wooden bench. She placed her hand onto his back, the heat radiating from him almost burning through her skin. "There's nothing you could've done Nick," at Catherine's words, Nick exhaled loudly as tears began to well up in his eyes once again. "It's okay to be upset, but you're not to blame here."

Nick's sobs grew louder as Catherine pulled his head into her lap, his tears quickly falling onto her dress slacks as she ran a hand through his hair.

"It's gonna be alright, Nicky. It's gonna be alright."