Alright-y then. New story time.
I must warn you now, in case you missed it in the summary, this has very dark themes. If you're looking for fluff, you've taken a wrong turn.
Also, as always with my stories, future chapters will be longer; this is just the warm up.
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI or it's characters ... etc, etc
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"Ah damn it." Nick huffed, slamming his hand onto the counter. "I can't get my head around this case."
"Alright, don't get your panties in a bunch." Warrick said dryly. "We still haven't gotten the results from Tox yet." As Nick continued to shake his head at the baffling evidence, Warrick slyly pulled out a small orange tube and shook out a sugar-coated pill. Nick glanced up just in time to see him pop it into his mouth and swallow it dry.
"You're still taking those things?" He questioned, attempting to sound blasé.
"These are different." Warrick sniffed. "I haven't been sleeping well so they're to help me stay awake." Nick scrutinised him closely.
"So, you're taking uppers and downers now?" He clarified. Warrick finally met his gaze, fixing the Texan with a cold stare.
"What's this got to do with you?" He asked coolly.
"Because I'm your friend." Nick blurted out, startled. "I care about you." Staring into Warrick's eyes he could see that they were not entirely focussed. "You need help."
"I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me." Warrick bristled, going back to his work in a failed effort to end the conversation.
"You're fine?" Nick repeated. "Look at yourself Warrick! You're eyes are dilated, you haven't slept. You haven't showered, you're in the same clothes you were wearing yesterday!" He rattled off, becoming more and more irate as he went. "You're a mess!"
"What the hell gives you the right to tell me how to live?" Warrick snapped, slamming his hand on the bench.
"I'm not telling you how to live, man. I'm just telling you that you need help."
"I don't need help." Warrick denied. "And I don't need you or anyone else telling me what I should be doing!"
"You're playing with fire here, man." Nick warned, taking a step closer. "You don't sort yourself out soon, you're gonna lose your job."
"Fuck you Nick." Warrick spat, storming past him. When Nick, in a moment of bravery, stepped in front of him Warrick grabbed the Texan's arm and roughly threw him asside, never stopping in his motion towards the door.
Nick fell back against the wall, stunned by his best friend's actions.
"Hey Rick!" He hollered after the taller CSI, but Warrick never stopped and never looked back.
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Thoughts?