Disclaimer: I don't own CSI and Greg Sanders but I wish I did.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, I appreciate it. And don't worry the story is not over yet. It gets even better. More angst and drama. I am glad that you guys like it. I am inspired to write more fan fics. I didn't realize I had mistakes. I use a spell checker. Oh, well nobody is perfect.

I woke up afraid that I was still in that dark place. But feeling relief that I was in a hospital. I could hear voices outside softly talking. And I could see Sara on the chair sleeping with her head on my hospital bed. I moved my hand to wake her.

"Sara." I said in a soft voice.

"Greg." She said looking at me. "Hey, guys Greg's awake." She told the others.

They all went to me as they heard her.

"Greg, hon how are you feeling?" Catherine asked in a motherly voice.

"Better." I replied.

"Well, that's good to hear." Said Grissom.

"Well, guess who decided to finally join the living." Nick said as I laughed.

"My joking is starting to rub off." I said with a smile.

"How long have I been asleep?" I asked.

"Only for about three straight days." Said Warrick.

"Really? That long." I asked.

"Yup." Warrick replied.

"No wonder, I feel so hungry." I said.

"I will get you something to eat, Greg." Said Warrick as he stood up to leave.

I nodded and smiled as Warrick left.

"You know, it's funny. I think my father wanted me to be tough and brave. He probably thought that beating me up would do just that. But I became the opposite. I became a total coward and a wimp." I said.

"I am so afraid." I continued.

"Don't be afraid. I promise that we will protect you." Nick said.

"Yes. Your father won't be able to hurt you anymore." Agreed Grissom.

"And you are not a wimp, Greg. And you definitely are not a coward." Said Sara.

I smiled at Sara. It was nice to hear that from Sara. I knew she believed in me.

"And besides, if you were a coward and a wimp, you would not be a CSI." She added.

Sometime later Warrick returned with some food. I happily wolf it down in an instant. They laughed and I smiled. After a while, Nick, Warrick and Catherine had to leave since their shift was about to start. I decided to get some more rest.

After a few days, I was out of the hospital. I couldn't go back to my apartment so I stayed with Nick. He had a spare room that I could use. Besides, they had told me that I needed protection. Warrick also stayed with us. He slept on the couch. And in addition to that there were two armed officers guarding the door to Nick's apartment.

I was happy staying. We boys had a lot of fun together. In fact, Nick and Warrick went to my apartment and got some of my things. The only downside is that when I got back to work I was never alone. And Nick or Warrick were usually with me and Sara even if their shift is different. I felt like I was being babysat or something. I knew they were just trying to protect me. I was grateful but I felt like a little kid. But I knew I was safe with them.

A month passed and nothing happened to me. My father tried to get me a lot of times but failed. He stopped when he realized that I was being protected by my friends. Still, I was never alone. I didn't want to risk it. Not until, my father was in jail.

One night, Sara, Grissom, Sophia and I were working along with Catherine, Nick and Warrick. Our cases were linked by some quotes from the bible. It was a possible hate crime done by some religious cult. So, we were all in the lab processing the evidence trying to search for any possible leads.

I was with Nick. Warrick was with Sara while Catherine, Grissom and Sophia were together. I was working in the DNA lab helping Mia process the evidence. Nick was watching over me. Mia left to grab a cup of coffee. And I was alone with Nick by the door.

Suddenly, I hear a loud boom. The place were I was working exploded from the outside. And it was followed by another one this time from the inside. There was fire all around me and I couldn't see Nick at all. The second blast caused me to topple outside the building. Actually, I got flung outside and I hit my head on the pavement. When I came around I could the see the building burn. And then someone came in from behind me and cupped a hand over my mouth. I could feel that person pull me to my feet and drag me towards a car. I couldn't see who took me because I could feel drowsiness talking over me. And there I was falling into oblivion.