Title: To Hell with Love
Rating: Most likely T
Author's Note: This is my first attempt at a csi fan fic. Got the idea while studying for my psychology exam. Please be nice. Don't tear me apart.
Chapter One
"The hardest thing in this world, is living in it"
He made a mental note to himself as he sat in the crack-stained chair of his car, taking in the pride of having the absolute control of his sanity. He was a dark-haired, pale skinned man of about thirty, with piercing eyes and a five-o'clock shadow. Nobody could look into his eyes for long and he knew it. They were deep-set, dark pools that were able to suck the life out of anyone, draining their will. And now, they carried thoughts of atrocity and wrong that even the angels could not bear.
He rolled down the window and threw his cigarette out. The final puff of smoke made a desperate escape for the outside, while the unfortunate ones dissolved into the air within the car, joining the others before them.
"It won't be long now". He mumbled as he took the chance to see himself in one of the mirrors…. as well as the tiny reflection of a body in the alley before driving off.
He's getting better at it…and now, he has his sights on bigger things and better experiments.
"Morning"
Sara looked up from the newspapers that lay scattered all around the table before her.
"Slow day?"
"Now, why would you say that Nick?" She replied with a smile
"You're actually sitting here, early in the day…"
Nick pointed around before continuing, "in the break room, reading the local newspaper…need I say more?"
"I'm having my break now"
"That never stopped you before, shouldn't you be listening to that police scanner of yours?"
Sara glared at that smirk on Nick's face. It's true that she listens to her police scanner whenever she had the time. Nick and Warrick tend to tease her about this nature of hers, not that she minds. She has learned to take it easy, ever since Grissom suggested she find a hobby. The case where a woman, who stays home, work online, orders takeout and shops online was killed was enough for her to return home and clean out her apartment of catalogs. From then on, she vowed to never become like that. She wanted to learn how to trust, to care, to love…
She was now moving on to being a more stable CSI, and more importantly, a person.
"I found a new hobby," Sara bluntly stated. It was getting a little hard to stay mad at that smirk. "I read newspapers now, can't you tell?"
"Whoa," Nick raised both his hands "I was just kidding" He went to the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee. He thought of pouring Sara one, but looking at the cup that was at arms length to where she was, he could tell…that wasn't her first cup.
"So…any news that captured your attention?" Nick took a seat on the chair that was opposite Sara, taking a sip of coffee as well as a glance at the invented words of the mess that laid before him. He looked at the slim CSI as she went from a troubled look to a defeated one. She tucked her dark brown hair behind her ear, paused a while before speaking,
"Homicide," Sara pointed at the headlines, " Somehow, I feel like as if I handled this case before. Do you get that?" She handed him the article. "That odd feeling?"
Nick looked at the headlines.
Woman Found Dead in Alley Way
"Don't we see this everyday?" Nick cleared his throat, " We're CSI's Sara, this is considered normal of us and our line of work. One way or the other, we're bound to see cases that seem similar. If you ask me, I beginning to think that these people…. have no sense of originality."
Sara smiled, "I guess you're right. The case just seems so familiar some how..."
"I know how emotionally you get with cases like these" Nick interrupted, "but if it'll make you feel better, I'll read the article and see if it rings any bells. For all we know, maybe we worked on it before."
"Thanks Nick, I'll appreciate that." Sara felt annoyed that Nick didn't let her finish her sentence, but she did feel thankful that he was taking her thoughts seriously. That's what she liked about Nick. He may not always be there, but he is willing to go out of his way for anyone. Whether it's her, Warrick or even Greg, Nick has the ability to make someone feel like they mattered.
"I got to go now, breaks over," Sara said, as she pointed to the back of her wrist, " Talk to you later, okay?" She got up from her chair and headed towards the door.
"Sure, anytime." Nick replied as he watched Sara leave. As much as he enjoys their close sibling-like relationship, he always wondered what it would be like to have her as "more than a friend". He tries to look out for her as and when he can, making sure she's alright. He hated Hank for using her. After they split up, he tried to set her up on dates, which she refused, to help her get out of her doldrums. He dislikes the occasional arguments they have during cases. Once, when she made a remark about his habit of getting too involved with some of the people in a case, he refrained from pointing out her own obsessive nature with her work. They almost always work well together and enjoy each other's company, but she has shown no inclination towards him. So, he'll let it slide, telling himself, if its meant to be, its meant to be.
Nick's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He turned to see Warrick walking towards him. The tall, dark man placed both his hand on the table.
"We gotta go --" he began, "got a case...body dump in the desert---are you reading the paper?!"
"So what if I am?" Nick joked. "Besides, it'll make an interesting hobby. I would really like to read this article though, can it wait?"
Warrick thought for a second, "We're heading towards Death Valley...its about a 2hour ride. I'll tell you what...I'll drive, you can read it in the car."
"Death Valley?!? Did you lose out to Catherine again? Or did you do owe Grissom something?"
"Whatever man..." Warrick raised his hand to hit Nick on the back, "We're not going all the way there, just towards it" He turned to leave. "You coming? You better not get sick when you read that article. Hold it in or walk the rest of the way."
"Yeah, yeah..." Nick replied with a grin, "I'll clean the car if I do."
"People have no sense of empathy...dumping a body in the middle of the desert. That's just plain rude!" Greg complained as he and Sara walked down the corridor towards the carpark. Sara looked at the 5'10-tall man in disbelief. Both of them were assigned to a 911 call, stating that a hit-and-run just took place outside a supermarket. They were sent to process the scene.
"Were they rude to victim or to Nick and Warrick? Besides, we're not the ones heading to the desert." Sara didn't really envy Nick and Warrick's position. It was the end of May. The temperature was reaching the mid-90s. The stiff breeze and low humidity would make the day pleasant where they're heading, but it wasn't the case for the two guys. They were heading towards the desert, a far cry from air-condition places and bodies of water.
Greg turned to face Sara, walking backward as they continued journey, "I'm complaining for the both of them. Anyway, has anyone ever told you that you look funny when you're annoyed?" Greg turned back without waiting for a reply, making Sara face his brown hair and blond highlights. Sara sighed. Just leave it to the juvenile CSI to make a walk to the carpark amusing. Grissom has been giving the easy cases to Greg since he recovered from his injuries. He had to beg Gil for this case, which he strongly objected as it involves a hit-and-run. He was worried that it may remind the young CSI about his split-second decision of running over one of the teenagers threatening the tourist. He only agreed when Sara offered to accompany Sanders with the case, but not without a stern warning.
"You know...the place has been alot noisier since you came back," Staring at the back of his head, Sara gave Greg her best impression of the evil eye, trying to burn an imaginary hole on his head. "You were quiet, bloody---"
"Don't forget rugged, tough, manly...So you like the tall", he slowed down to walk beside her, "strong," Greg flexed his arms and puffed his chest, "silent types?" He struck one pose after the other.
"Especially the silent types", she joked, as she got into the car, leaving Greg and his "fed-up" look outside. Maybe today will be a good day after all.
TBC
p.s: I apologise for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Hoped you guys enjoyed the first chapter. I'm just warming up alittle, trying to get characteristics of the CSIs right. In the next chapter, I'm going to write about the cases. Your comments are more than welcome.