A big thank you and shout-out to Dragonflys-Girl and her story Snapshot 121 – Anthropologically Speaking for granting me a look into the mind of our favourite ME. And for all those who reviewed the first chapter, you're the reason this got posted so quickly.
A/N: My first attempt at writing in first person, hope everything makes sense.
It's after midnight when I finally arrive home, even much later than a normal overtime shift. Though in all fairness, today has been anything but normal. Coming up the walk I notice the lights are still on in the kitchen with a mixture of remorse and gratitude. I know Marie will be waiting at the table with a cup of coffee for both of us, ready to hear about my day despite the late hour. For over twenty four years this has been our routine, and I'm sure I couldn't sleep without it. Going over the day's events and hearing her comment on them keeps me from dwelling on the things I cannot change, even when I desperately wish to. Which reminds me, our anniversary is next month. I make a mental note to seek Stella's advice on the matter. Over the years I have developed a certain instinct about this type of thing, but the twenty fifth anniversary is a milestone, and I intend to make it memorable.
With a start I realize I have been standing outside my own door for some minutes, lost in my thoughts. Stepping inside the familiar sounds of a chair scraping across the floor followed by the sound of liquid splashing reach my ears as I hang up my hat. Allowing them to lead me to the table, I offer a tired smile and kiss on the cheek to my wife, taking the offered mug while we are seated. For a moment we merely sit, basking in each other's company before I begin my tale of the past day. Everything prior to waiting on news of Danny and Adam at the hospital are second hand, based on the stories of the others. Sheldon and Stella's recount of defending the lab, and Danny's brief report of what happened at the warehouse, told by Lindsay. During all the action I was waiting outside with Dr. Driscoll, chatting about the weather and other small talk. I conclude with the trip to the hospital, and the prognosis for our injured friends.
Watching her process this information, I cannot help but notice the crease between her eyes appear, a sure sign something is off in my story. As if reading my mind she asks "What happened to Mac? You mentioned nothing about him being at the hospital with the others."
During these retellings of the lab's goings on, Marie has developed an extremely accurate ability to decode and predict a person's actions. She knows that Mac should have been there, and would be in the story, if doing nothing else than pacing until the news came. I am unable to hide a look of what I know is sadness and anger cross my face, and on some level I do not wish to. "Mac left with Dr. Driscoll for London, apparently she asked him earlier in the day and he accepted."
Understanding the meaning behind my words and look, she sighs "I take it then that he does not know about Adam and Danny. And you're upset at his hurried departure."
As usual, my beautiful wife has managed to hit the proverbial nail on the head. "I am happy that he has found someone new, especially someone as wonderful as Dr. Driscoll. But for him to leave now, after everything that happened, it just isn't like him. And what's more is the mess he's left for Stella to clean up…"
Before I can continue with my rant, her hand finds mine on the table top. "Sid, there's nothing you can do to change Mac's actions. For now all you can do is be there for Stella. I know she's a strong person, but even strong people need support. When he returns from his vacation, then you can lecture him." For a moment I wonder why she stopped me, usually I am allowed to fully vent before her comments are given voice. Then my eyes find the clock hanging above the stove, the hour hand now dangerously close to two a.m. I kiss the back of her hand in apology before taking our mugs to the sink. Our nighttime routine is quickly completed, and soon she succumbs to slumber's embrace. Sleep is elusive for myself however, as my rant continues in my head. The lab was partially destroyed by the bomb set by Mac, and now Danny is out of commission for at least a month. It will be longer before he can fully heal, perhaps another month. Poor Adam may never recover from his emotional wounds, and the ones on his hands will ban him from the lab for some time as well. A little over a year has passed since Stella's boyfriend attempted to kill her, and less than three weeks ago she discovered her HIV status. I still remember the look on her face as she informed me of not knowing, and her concern that I should get myself tested.
Though I do not know the feelings of those around me, my coworkers have become a second family. My position is somewhat vague, but I prefer to see myself as the eccentric uncle. Someone everyone goes to for advice, the one who will tell you things your parents won't. Mac and Stella are obviously the parents, with the younger CSI's as their children. I know there is nothing but deep trust and friendship between the senior investigators, but there are times when their actions and fights mimic an old married couple. Now however, I cannot help but think that Mac has abandoned his partner and children, in a mess that is partially his fault.
Soon my thoughts begin to slow as sleep over comes me. In the morning I will follow this train of thought further, but for now, my main concerns have been voiced and answered. This is enough for now, the sandman's pull is stronger than mine and I fall into a fitful sleep.
I took some liberties with giving Sid's wife a name and how many years they have been married. Originally Flack was going to be the second chapter, but Sid is such an amazing character that I decided to allow him first shot. Let me know what you think.
