Over the Love
Catherine gets her old job back at the lab. Nick takes the job as undersheriff. As they try to understand their new roles in the lab, and the new department. They struggle to understand their feelings with each other. Post Immortality. Warning Character Death. CatNip.
A/N: I read a post immortality fix and got the inspiration for this. I also read an interview where George felt like his character was underutilized. I think that Nick Stokes is the best character ever created. He had a lot of depth that they left unexplored. Anyway enjoy the story, and be sure to review!
Climbing The Corporate Ladder
After her casino exploded many things in Catherine's world changed. While many others were put into perspective. As Catherine got a taste of working with her friends again, the idea of leaving again was insufferable. She could not. Catherine opted to stay at Vegas, her home, and applied for the envious lab director position. Initially it was awarded to Sara but she chose to see what path laid ahead for her and Gil, so she respectfully declined. Catherine then filled the position.
Greg decided to apply for a supervisor shift instead of the lab director. He called it baby steps before ruling the world. Greg was great as he led the new CSIs and the veteran ones.
Nick, on the other hand, had also decided to stay last minute. Ecklie matched his San Diego offer money, but Ecklie had different plans for the Texan. Nick was a champion among most of the officers, CSIs, and people. As someone who was helpful, dependable, and brave. Nick was the chief shop steward for their union for a long time only to vacate the position for his impending move. Ecklie decided to use the relationship that he had build as well as the symbol he became and asked Nick to become his undersheriff. Nick graciously accepted the offer and stayed in Vegas. Nick thrived in the position. The public loved Nick. Especially after a video of Nick and a prominent Hispanic lawmaker doing the salsa went viral on social media. The public and the media ate it up. Nick became the epitome of good in Vegas. However not everyone was a fan of Undersheriff Stokes.
Many of the senior officers were not a fan, and for various reasons. Some felt that Ecklie had skipped over some of them, while others thought Nick had no experience. Ecklie's motives were questioned, but without Nick failing there questions fell on deaf ears.
Tonight was a gathering in a more cheerful spirit. It was an annual policemen charity ball. Ecklie was accompanied by the beautiful Olivia Hodges. Nick brought his mother, Jill, who just smothered everyone with her southern pride for her boy. Catherine brought her new friend, Jacob Hilton. Jacob was a silver fox who she had met in the gym.
"Excuse me, undersheriff?" The reporter called out to Nick. "Time to answer a couple questions?" The blonde report asked as she smiled.
"Absolutely." Nick said smiling back.
"Tonight's a big night. I saw that you brought your mother with you."
"Yes. I told her about it and about the money the department was able to raise for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and she's just as excited about it as me. She wanted to come out, and be apart of it. She's a proud mama." Nick said excited with his accent poking through. Nick continued smiling.
"Recent polls show that crime continues to be in a downward trend. What are your thoughts?"
"I can't take the praise for that. The praise belongs to the officers making it happen. The officers out in the field solving crime, and doing the patrols and catching things before they become a problem. They come in day in and day out put their lives on the line and do the hard work. They make my job easier."
"Are we going to see any dancing tonight?" She said smiling at him.
"Maybe." Nick said meeting her smiling causing the reporter to blush.
"That's... Um, thats all the questions." She stuttered as Nick continues to smile.
"Okay, have a good night." Nick smiled as he walked away. Nick walked up to his mother was smiling shaking her head. "What?" He chuckled as they walked inside.
"Did you get her number?" Jill said as Nick looked at her with wide eyes.
"Mama..." Nick said surprised.
"Don't give me that. I'm still a believer that you will give me grandchildren one date. She was cute."
"Ma, I can't date a reporter."
"Who said anything about date?" She said as Nick took her coat. Nick gave her another surprised look. Nick walked his mother to their table next to the podium.
Nick made his rounds around the room.. Nick spoke with Ecklie briefly. Nick talked with the governor, senators, and the mayor. They spoke about the crime rate, and the still problems to be addressed. They also spoke about possible support for legislation that they were working on. Once Nick finished his drink he saw his opportunity to escape he took it.
Once Nick rested against the bar counter he smelt a perfume he'd recognize anywhere. He saw Catherine sitting next to him, beautiful as ever. Nick could feel an involuntary smile come across his lips as he looked at her. She worn a burgundy dress that made her eyes and hair pop.
"Hi..." Nick said awkwardly.
"Hey." Catherine said looking at him briefly.
There was some tension between the once dynamic duo. Nick was unsure what the cause for it was but there were many. Nick was unsure what the exact source of the uneasiness was as he searched his thoughts.
Maybe it was that he did not leave for San Diego? Maybe it was because he was her boss? Maybe it was because she was appointed the lab director position? Maybe it was the brief fling they shared when she first came back? The fling was incredibly brief, but did not end the way they would've liked, and costed them their friendship six months ago.
"I haven't seen Linds... How's she doing?" Nick said awkwardly as he sipped his drink.
"Stop. Don't do that. Don't act like you care."
"Act like I care? I was her mentor. I'm her godfather. I do care. I care about her, you, the girls. I can ask about y'all well being without asking to get in your skirt." Nick said quietly but harshly as his accent showed his passion.
"I just don't think that this is the appropriate place to do this."
"I'm making conversation. Can't wait just forget about all that? I miss my best friend." Nick said looking at her. Catherine looked up at him trying to find words to say something but felt speechless.
"Sorry about that, Catherine." Jacob said as he approached the pair.
"No problem. Jake, this is Nick... Erm... Undersheriff Stokes." Catherine said awkwardly.
"Nick is fine. Nice to meet you. Well, I should continue my rounds. I'll catch ya later." Nick said shaking hands with Jacob.
"We should go sit..." Catherine said but was quickly interrupted by Jill.
"Is that miss Catherine Willows?" She said excited as she walked up giving Catherine a hug.
"How are you?" Catherine asked. Jill's larger than life happy personality was incredibly infectious.
"I'm good. How are you? Poncho, tells me that Lindsay's an investigator now? Where'd the time go?"
"Tell me about it. She's doing great, and she really likes it. She makes me proud." Catherine said as Jill continued to smile.
"That's so good to hear... I should go sit before Nick freaks." Jill chuckled as she saw the salads being handed out.
Catherine and Nick were seated at the same table next to the podium, only separated by Nick's mother. Nick listened as the women made small talk and could not help his nerves as he became anxious. Luckily the main course was served taken up much of their attention. Nick forgot how much of a social butterfly his mother was, and her impressive ability to start a conversation with anyone.
"Nick..." Hodges mom, Olivia whispered, as she lightly tapped his arm.
"Yes, miss Olivia." Nick said covering his mouth.
"Listen, I don't mean to pry about your love life, but I overheard your mother talking. My niece is coming to town for a few days soon, and she just got over a bad divorce... So, she's very much single. She's may need someone to show her around town... Here, just take this, and do what you want with it." Olivia said handing Nick a napkin. Nick looked at her stopping mid chew just staring at Olivia.
This was like the light at the end of a dry spell, Nick thought. Nick's life was now engulfed with work. Much more than before which he did not think was possible, but Vegas proved him wrong. Nick was pulling 18 hour days which did not leave a lot of time for anything else.
Catherine runs into Nick's mom, and the ladies make small talk. Jill's happy personality was infectious.
The dinner begins, and Catherine continues talking with Jill. Nick talks with Hodges mom. Hodges mom begins asking questions about Nick's love life. She tells him that her niece is coming to town, she has a teenage son, and she is very much single if Nick would like her number. Nick chuckles, and hodges mom writes it down and puts it in his pocket.
"Hello, everyone." Ecklie said as he took the podium. "I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight and joining us tonight. Before I get started I would like to say thanks to a few people... I would like to event staff for providing such a great meal. To the people..." Ecklie said but was interrupted as a familiar but unsettling sound pierced their ears. Gunshots.
Gunshots. Glass breaking. Screaming. Caused absolute chaos in the banquet hall. Nick pushed his mother out of he chair, shielding her with his body. Catherine helped guide Jake to the floor as he sat there frozen.
Nick flipped the table over hoping to use it as a barricade as the gunshots continuesd. Nick looked up and saw Ecklie laying on the ground holding the top of his chest. Ecklie was writhing in pain. Nick was pulled Ecklie down behind the table. Olivia cried as she tried to make Ecklie more comfortable as he began to cough up blood. Catherine and Jill began tending to Ecklie. Nick drew his weapon and began to fire back at the heavily armed and guarded man shooting at his officers.
"Catherine, hand me that table cloth." Jill said surprisingly calmed as she held pressure on Ecklie's wound. Jill checked but did not see an exit wound. Catherine handed her the ripped sheet. Jill began packing Ecklie's wound with the tablecloth. "Catherine, help me tie my shawl around him." Jill said as Ecklie's color became increasingly gray.
"Like this." Olivia said as she helped.
"Just like that. How you doing, baby?" Jill said looking at Ecklie as she tied the shawl around. "You hang on, okay, baby?" She said as they laid him back down.
"God... Dang it!" Nick cried out as he fell on his butt dropping his weapon. "Son of a..." Nick said as his began pouring and spraying blood. The pain took over his entire body like a million little firecrackers. Nick tried to hold pressure on his arm but between the pain and blood he could not get a good grip on his slippery arm.
"I gotcha Nicky," Catherine said as she began taking off his bow tie. Catherine began making a tourniquet out of his bow tie. Nick groans but they realize that it's quiet. A sharp contrast to moments before.
"Is everyone alright?! Put it up!" Nick yelled putting up four bloody fingers. There were various callbacks matching Nick's. Nick stood up grabbing his weapon. "Stay down!" Nick said sternly as he left.
Nick walked away as he began making orders. The assailant was more than likely dead, and was being handcuffed by some other officers. Nick began to organize parties so that they could clear the building, as more officers arrived Nick had a perimeter set. Nick wanted no surprises as they prepared to move the wounded. As Nick made his way back to Ecklie and them he tried to fight his ever growing dizziness.
"He's still alive but he needs to get to the hospital now," Jill said.
When the paramedics arrived they triaged everyone and began transporting them to the hospital. Ecklie was in dire shape, as were several others. Nick waited until everyone left before he agreed to go to the hospital. That, and his mother nagging him. Arguing that he can't go home with a tourniquet.
Catherine walked outside eager to make a phonecall to Lindsay to reassure her and the girls that she was fine and on her way home. She saw Jacob on the phone. She shook her head at herself. She was a terrible date she thought. She did not want Jacob to feel like he bit off more than he could chew, these were cash circumstances.
"Jake..."
"I, uh, I called for a cab. I figured you were going to be busy for the rest of the night... Maybe week," he said putting his phone back in his pocket.
"I'm sorry about all that."
"Cath, no worries. Just not what I was expecting... But you were a rockstar. I just I don't know if..."
"Stop. I totally get it. I'll see you around." Catherine said slightly disappointed.
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