Disclaimer: see chapter one
A/N: This story was meant purely as fiction—as is everything that I write and post here. That's why it's called fanfiction.
As such, writers like me, take certain liberties with story lines and characters.
If you're looking for something that (1) sticks to the characters as they are personified on the show, (2) doesn't stray from the storylines provided by the show, or (3) is strictly rooted in science and forensics, you should find someone else's stories to read.
You'll find some of that in each of my stories, but never all of it.
"Once again, Nick. Does it matter if she is gay?" Sofia was like a dog with a bone when it came to things like this.
"I dunno. I'd like to think it wouldn't matter. But let's be real here, Sofia. It does matter. We're supposed to be able to trust one another. How can I trust someone who doesn't bother telling us about something so important? Most people think it's important. That's why gays can't marry. That's why gays can't adopt kids in some places. That's why gays can't serve openly in the military. You mean to tell me it wouldn't bother you to find out that she's gay?" Nick was under the misguided impression that he had just turned the tables on Sofia.
"It wouldn't bother me one damn bit if she is gay. It wouldn't bother me if you were—or anyone else was. What she does in her bedroom—and who she does it with—is none of my business—none of your business—and definitely none of the government's business." Sofia walked away and then turned around after a few steps as if to say something. She opened her mouth and closed it—not sure that she wanted to verbalize what was right there, waiting to be said. She walked a few feet further down the hall and turned back around. Nick was still standing there, waiting for her to say whatever else was on her mind.
He stood there and watched her turn around a corner before turning to head back to the labmumbling to himself, "What the fuck is her problem?"
An hour later…back at the lab…
Nick walked into DNA only to be greeted by a cold Greg. "What's up, Greggo? Got my results?"
Greg glared at him before turning his back to Nick. "I'm sorry. Your stuff is at the bottom of my pile. I've been processing stuff for Gil, Catherine, Rick, Sara and some leftover samples from days. I'll get to yours as soon as I can."
Nick knew that Greg was pissed about something. "Something up, Greg? You're processing stuff for days ahead of my stuff?"
Greg kept his back to Nick and never turned around to face him. "No, nothing's up. I just heard that you didn't need your results today. So I just assumed that your case wasn't that important. Did I draw the wrong conclusion?"
"Greg, what the hell is this all about?"
Greg quickly turned on his heel and got in Nick's face. "This is about you talking about shit you have no clue about. Leave Sara alone. Got it?"
"Look, man, I know you have that whole puppy dog thing going on for Sara, but you're not her knight in shining armor. She's a big girl. If she has a problem, she can take care of herself. In the meantime, run my damn samples or I go to Ecklie."
Greg looked down at his watch and back at Nick. "Well, whadya know? My lunch break just started. I guess I'll just have to get to those when I get back." Greg purposefully bumped into Nick as he walked past him and out of the lab.
He stood there and watched him turn around a corner before turning to going to the break roommumbling to himself, "What the fuck is his problem?"
"Who has a problem?" the strawberry blonde asked as Nick plopped down on the worn and tattered couch.
"Every damn body does," Nick answered flatly.
Catherine raised an eyebrow as she looked at Nick over the magazine she was glancing through. He looked up and decided it was in his best interest to elaborate. "Sofia chewed my ass out over at PD. Greg has pushed all my samples to the bottom of the pile and is even running stuff for Days ahead of mine. And all because I…" He was cut off by Catherine interrupting him.
"…because you started running your mouth about something that didn't really concern you?"
Nick threw his file angrily on the floor and said, "Fuck! You too?
"Whoa there cowboy! I'm not the enemy. I heard about the conversation you were having with Warrick this morning. I have to admit though, Nick, I never figured you to be so small-minded."
"How does wondering whether or not Sara is gay make me small-minded? And why is everyone suddenly so protective of Sara? Like I told Greg, she's a big girl. Surely she can take care of herself."
Nick grabbed his file from the floor and practically ran out of the break room and headed toward Grissom's office. The door was ajar and he heard voices inside, but that didn't stop him from pushing the door open and walking in. The site before him startled him. There stood Grissom and Sara—embracing one another. He cleared his throat, causing them to immediately separate.
"I'll, uh, see ya later, Griss," Sara said as she walked out of his office. Nick could only smile at the apparent realization that he had interrupted a moment between Sara and Grissom. He thought to himself, maybe she isn't gay.