AN: I own no one in this story, If I did.. I wouldn't live in Kansas.
He would never forget what happened. It was emotional and physical pain. Back of his mind at all times. No one would understand. He barely survived it. He was thankful. But Grissom finding out his hidden nickname was at the back of this mind at all times.
No one threw a party for him when he came back. He walked in, got an assignment with Warrick and they went to work, no idle chit-chat in the lab. No banter, no fun, it was all serious.
He saw Greg in the break room before change out. Reading a magazine, looking happy.
"Hey Greg."
Greg looked up and smiled. "Hey. How's first night back?"
Nick shrugged. "Could be worse. It will take me a while to go back to solo's, if ever again."
Greg nodded. "I know what you mean. After I came back from the explosion, I couldn't stay in the lab. I started things, and then went into A/V with Archie until things were finished, went back and did it again with the next piece of evidence. He understood. I understand."
Nick gave him a look. "I don't think you do."
"That's your opinion, Nick. I have mine; I say I understand, you say I don't. Not worth an argument," Greg said looking back down at his magazine. "I shouldn't have asked."
Nick stared at him. "What the hell happened to you while I was gone?"
"Things have changed since the split, Nick. I'm not happy-go-lucky Greggo the DNA lab rat anymore. I am CSI level one Greg now. No humor, no fun, no life. You never see me so you wouldn't know."
"I know the team split screwed things up."
"Yeah, so did you getting kidnapped."
"What does that have to do with anything!"
"To sound like a broken record," Greg slammed his magazine on the table. "Things have changed, Nick. Some things for the better, some for the worse. Now, if you'll excuse me, my shift is starting and I need to talk to Grissom." Greg stood and walked out the door.
Nick blinked and muttered 'Fuck you, Greg' under his breath as he turned and walked out of the break room. He didn't need the stress. He clocked out and headed home, hoping that tomorrow would be better than today: no dreams of coffins, ants or anything else, just a peaceful sleep.