Disclaimers: Not mine

Spoilers: Nope

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SACRIFICES

(Chapter 8 - Human Sacrifices)

"Hey man, what's up with you?" Nick slapped Warrick on the back as he headed for the coffee pot.

"Yeah, you've been so quiet since we came back from our case." Sara noted, "Something happen with Grissom while we were out?"

Before Warrick could answer, Catherine entered, flashing a tired but honest smile to everyone, "Hey, you guys maxing out your overtime hours again?"

"Yeah, no choice. Several big cases came in tonight." Nick yawned and took a big gulp of his coffee. "But overtime's not that bad if it means we get to see you."

"Always the sweet-talker, aren't you, Nicky?" Catherine nudged the younger CSI with her arm playfully, "But I have to admit, it's nice getting to see you guys." She paused, "You know what's not nice though? Coming in and hearing from people that my former team members are sparring with their supervisor." She looked pointedly at Warrick.

Nick and Sara exchanged confused looks before they both followed Catherine's gaze to Warrick.

Hanging his head low, Warrick washed out his cup of coffee and shook his head, "I don't know what you heard, Cath..."

"You know exactly what I heard, Warrick. What I don't get it is if you were smart enough to hold Nick back, why did you go and do the same thing?"

Sara's eyes grew as the pieces started falling together, "Is that what happened? You went to talk to Grissom about..." She trailed off, "Warrick! I thought you said we should wait until he cooled off!"

"That is exactly what I said and I meant it. I just..." Warrick shook his head again, obviously frustrated, "The man may be smart when it comes to solving crimes but when it's about simple human relationships, he's completely clueless!"

"So what? You just thought you'd waltz in there and clue him in?" Sara asked incredulously.

"Look, I know what I did was stupid, ok? It was worth a try though."

"Warrick..." Catherine walked over to him, immediately softening her voice, "I know you meant well but I don't want your professional relationship with Grissom to be hurt in any way." She turned to the others, "That goes for you two too, ok? No more protests, no more picking fights with him, no more sudden outbursts. I don't want you guys playing human sacrifices anymore. Yes, he's partly the reason I left but it was ultimately my decision to make and I chose to leave. And I don't want my choice to be the reason this team falls apart. You guys need Grissom as much as he needs you. Don't give up on him like this. He doesn't deserve it."

"And he doesn't deserve you." Nick said softly. A moment passed in silence as the truth of the situation began to finally sink in for all of them. Finally, Nick sighed loudly, breaking the silence. "I'm beat. I'm gonna head home." He walked over to Catherine and wrapped an arm around her to give her a quick half-hug, "Bye Catherine."

"Warrick, can you give me a ride?" Sara asked, following Nick towards the door. When Warrick nodded, Sara walked past Catherine with a slight smile, "Bye."

When Sara and Nick were out in the hallway, Warrick began making his way there too. "Catherine, I'm sorry." He gave her a hug and a kiss on the forehead before heading out.

Leaning tiredly against the counter, Catherine closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, "Me too, Warrick." She muttered before opening her eyes to the sound of footsteps.

*To be continued*