Disclaimer: Not mine, never has been and most likely never will be.


Reunion

Grissom POV

Slowly I sit down. Lost in thoughts just like I did this morning when I still believed in second chances, in fairy tales with happy endings. I'm getting ready to leave the deception this award ceremony turned out to be when I'm pushed back in my chair, gently, but firmly. No need to look up into the friendly eyes which I'm sure are looking down on me as he is still standing straight. Nicholas Stokes. The human element of my team. Warrick was my favorite, Catherine my confidant, Sara my love and Nick was just there, dependable and empathic. He once told me he wasn't me. How I wish I was him at this moment.

He doesn't wait for me to acknowledge his presence. He sits down opposite of me and starts talking, but his words never reach my ears. I know it all. The story of betrayal has come together in my brain, every gory detail included. I wonder if they have come here to get rid off the cloud of deceit hovering over their so-called sacred marriage. I wonder if they want my blessing. A silence falls and hope arises he will go away. Instead a last statement is made:

"You've got to stop hurting her."

The intensity of the words causes my head to jerk upwards, facing him fully now I dare him to continue. He doesn't. A mixture of sadness and sympathy, maybe empathy is gracing his still friendly face. When he is long gone I'm still there in the same position. Realization hits me.

I have lost more than I needed to.