"Most friendship is feigning, most loving is folly. That dost not bite so nigh as benefits forgot: Though thou waters warp, they sting is not so sharp as friend remember'd not."-Shakespeare
As the team sat gathered around a hospital bed, only the continuous beeping from the machines broke the silence. In the centre of their semi-circle, lay Warrick, deep in a coma.
All Nick heard was silence. The noise of the machines couldn't break the wall he had placed around himself. Some would find the beeping reassuring, as it would tell them the person was still living, still fighting. But it frightened him more than he already was.
When Greg asked if he would like coffee, he kept his eyesight towards the ground, and he spoke no words. He couldn't bear to look up. He knew that if he did, he would see his vulnerable friend fighting for his life and the sickening nightmare he seemed to be trapped in would become the terrifying reality that it was. He also couldn't bear to speak. If he opened his mouth, all that would come out were sobs. He was trying desperately to stay strong for his team, for Warrick. But with every minute of silence that passed, he felt himself nearing a breakdown.
Greg asked again if he wanted any coffee, but still Nick ignored him.
"Nick, Greg is speaking to you," said Grissom's voice, breaking Nick's deep thoughts.
Nick looked up slightly, just enough that Grissom could see his tearstained eyes. Nick opened his mouth to say he didn't want anything, but only a crackling noise escaped.
"It's okay." Catherine laid her hand on his shoulder, her eyes red and agitated from crying. Nick nodded and Catherine and Greg left together to get the rest some coffee.
Around fifteen minutes later, the team were still sitting around the hospital bed, there coffees sitting full and forgotten on the table.
"Excuse me, Mr. Grissom?" Warrick's doctor walked into the ward, a serious look on her face.
"Yes," Grissom stood nervously.
"May I have a word?" The doctor asked politely. Nick snapped out of his daydream and began to feel sick as the Grissom followed the grim looking doctor outside. He saw the doctor say something mirthlessly and Grissom's expression changed from nervous to shocked. He then looked down, and asked something, and the doctor replied solemnly, with a sympathetic nod.
Grissom then opened the door, the doctor at his heels and before he could address the team, Catherine broke into sobs on Greg's shoulder. She already knew what he was going to say.
"He's not going to make it." Grissom's voice was cracking as he slumped into the chair, as Catherine's sobs intensified.
"Don't." Nick stood, his hands balling into fists. "How is Warrick meant to get better if everyone is so full of doubt?" he shouted, tears falling thick and fast leaving tracks down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry Mr. Stokes. But there is nothing more we can do."
"So you want to turn off the ventilator?" Greg asked quietly, grimacing and not making eye contact.
"I'm afraid so. I'm so sorry."
"At what time?" Catherine managed to say.
"Whenever you're ready. I'll leave you all alone for a while." The doctor excused herself and shut the door, leaving the room full of crying friends to say goodbye to their fallen friend.
A/N: Worth continuing? If so review and let me know. Thanks!