1

On their way to his house, they stopped for dinner at a diner near the CSI lab. Entering the familiar surroundings, Nick noticed he was much more at ease. Perhaps it was that his scars had faded and people no longer stared. Perhaps it was the slight weight lifted from seeing Kelly. A full-blown smile broke out when he heard his name.

"Nicky!" Warrick, Grissom and Sara were sitting at their usual corner booth, about halfway through their meal. They stood to meet him in the middle of the restaurant, each taking their turns embracing him. They hadn't seen him outside of his house since the incident, and there was an overwhelming sense of familiarity and normalcy. Grissom greeted Kayla with a hug as well, and Warrick and Sara nodded their hellos. Neither knew the whole story as to how Kayla came to be living with Nick. Neither questioned it, silently accepting what they picked up on during their visits to Nick. She had become part of his life and she seemed to be helping him get through this, so they weren't about to complain.

"How are you, man?" Warrick asked, sliding across the booth to make room. A waitress came over and offered Nick and Kayla menus and set down fresh water glasses. "We've missed you."

"Yeah, you too. I'm doing good. Feeling strong." He smiled. He had missed this. "I'm thinking about coming back, actually."

Kayla and Grissom both looked up sharply. Nick stared across the table and didn't glance in either direction. "I think it might be time. I mean, start small, lab work, consulting, that sort of thing. Until you think I'm ready to be back in the field." He directed this last statement at Grissom.

Sara had filled him in on the changes at the lab. Catherine had continued on as swing shift supervisor, but Greg and Sophia were transferred to her watch. Warrick, Sara and Gil held down the graveyard shift, keeping a spot open for Nick's return. That's the way Grissom wanted it, and the only arrangement he would accept from Ecklie. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted his guys back.

"Nick," Grissom hesitated, stealing a glance at Kayla's worried expression. "Have you talked to your PEAP counselor about this? Are you even cleared to go back?"

"I was cleared two weeks ago," Nick nodded. "I just wasn't sure until now that I was ready." He took in everyone's expressions of worry, concern and hesitation. No one was forcing him to make this decision. "Look, guys, physically, I'm fine. My injuries are healed, I'm off the meds. Sure its been a while since I've seen the inside of a gym, but Kayla doesn't let me eat junk." He poked her playfully in the ribs, earning a wobbly smile. "Mentally, I'm doing good. I have a lot of support. I've been cooped up in my house for months. I need to get back in the saddle. One step at a time."

Warrick and Sara looked at Grissom, waiting to see what their boss would say. They were both anxious for Nick to return, knowing that being back on the job and helping to put bad guys away would be more therapeutic for Nick than sitting at home talking about his feelings. Grissom shrugged and smiled. "If you really think you're ready, Nicky, then we'd be glad to have you back."

The table cheered and clinked glasses in a alcohol-free toast. Sara and Warrick were giddy, already anticipating seeing his face at the lab every night. Kayla stayed quiet. She knew this was coming at some point, but had wished that Nick talked to her first about his decision. Not that she would prevent him from returning to work, but she wanted the chance to talk about how things might change for them.