Daddy-O

Greg sat in his lab reading a magazine. Really he kept reading the same page over and over again. He was really nervous to show Nick the test results. He had no idea how Nick would react. Greg glanced at the clock again. Where the hell was he? Well over an hour had passed since Nick left the lab.

Just as Greg went back to reading Nick rushed into the lab. He looked around and closed the door again.

"Where were you?" asked Greg.

"Sorry, man," Nick explained, "I got called into a meeting with Warrick and Grissom. Well, is it finished?"

Greg didn't say a word. He handed Nick a file and went back to reading. For once Greg was staying out of his co-workers business. Nick opened the folder and studied the results. He just keeps staring at the paper, taking it in. A slow smile grew on his face.

"Wow...wow, I can't believe this. I have a daughter," he said with a mixture of shock and excitement.

Greg stared at his co-worker. "So this is a good thing?" Greg was so afraid Nick wouldn't want a positive result. Greg knew he wouldn't. He liked his lifestyle just the way it was. Besides, he was too young to have a kid. But Nick, he was ready.

"Yeah, I mean, it's not the way I imagined things....but yeah, I'm happy about it."

"Well thank God! I was afraid you would kill the messenger," exclaimed a very relieved Greg.

Nick looked at Greg appreciatively. "No, I am very grateful to the messenger. Thanks Greg, for doing this...and continuing to keep it under wraps."

Greg understood what Nick was implying.

"Don't sweat it...Daddy," teased Greg.

Just then Grissom walked through the door. He gave Nick and Greg a weird look. Nick's euphoria was replaced by panic. Greg struggled to cover-up his faux pas.

"Oh...Daddy-o...um...I like jazz!"

Grissom just shook his head. He didn't have time for Greg's goofiness. He liked Greg. So much so that he had taken him under his wing to become a CSI. But he had a lot on his mind right now. He had to meet with the Sheriff and the Mayor tomorrow and needed to get his notes together. God, he hated those meetings.

"Nick," Grissom said gruffly, "we just got in a call about a woman assaulted in a parking lot...doesn't look like she'll make it. I need you on this now. Sara and Warrick are busy and Catherine is prepping for court. You're on your own."

Nick tried to seem enthusiastic, but really he just wanted to get a hold of Katie.

"Sure Gris, I'll be right there, I just gotta make a call first..."

Grissom shook his head. "Always the ladies man," he thought. Really Grissom wished he could be more like Nick in some ways. Women were a mystery to him. First Terri, then Sara, Grissom just could never give them what they needed, himself.

"Nicky, you can call your girlfriends later, the scene needs you now. This crime just happened 30 minutes ago. Brass will meet you there."

Nick started to protest, but instead he nodded, grabbed the ticket from Grissom, and rushed out.

Grissom looked at Greg. Maybe he could clue Grissom in on Nick's attitude. He seemed so distracted.

"What's with him?" Grissom quizzed Greg. "Usually he's thrilled to get a case by himself."

Greg was pretty good at covering.

He shrugged and replied, "Got me, he's moody...like a girl."

Grissom chuckled and nodded. Nick could be sensitive at times, and his emotions definitely sat near the surface. Still, he was a tough guy, and a quick learner. Grissom decided to let it go. He had notes to finish.