It had been three weeks since the attack on NI3 and the night shift were celebrating the final closure of the case. The Hampton's had in an act of reconciliation invited the entire night shift and their families over to their mansion. Gil sighed and found a quiet place to hide. He did like his co-workers and was quite relieved that the girls got on so well with Lindsey, it would make life easier seeing how Katy was trying to find neutral ground with Catherine. Gil sat in the library watching the out the window, he looked around at the books, the collection was extensive. It seemed to be separated into three main sections; music, law not surprising seeing as who lived here and an entire section of science texts. Unlike the rest of the library all the science books looked brand new and untouched. There was a chronological progression to them chemistry texts, leading to forensics and most recently criminal investigation. The door opened silently and Gil was so engrossed in the books he didn't hear the newcomer until he spoke

"Michael – trying to buy me I guess" Greg said smiling when Gil jumped, he didn't manage to sneak up on the older man often. Gil turned to Greg.

"What happened between you two? I'm sorry Greg but everything I've seen of him – up to and including warning Warrick and I that he'd buried us if we so much as made you cry is what I would expect in an overprotective father" Gil said slowly trying not to sound confrontational. Greg sighed

"He didn't – doesn't want me" Greg said seeming genuinely upset.

"Why do you think that?"

"I heard him – he told his friends that he loves Katy, adores Aris, I'm just the geek drawback to his perfect family.

"No. no Greg it wasn't true. I just didn't have the energy to explain to a bunch of jocks and frat boys how amazing you are" Michael was standing by the door. "please believe me, Christ Greg I was 24 for I wasn't old enough to understand what I got into." He tried to explain, not realising that he was convincing Greg more and more that he had made the right decision. Greg chocked back a laugh

"You were 24, Arissa was 11! She had to dead with being raped, beaten, pregnant and motherhood – and quite frankly she did a damn better job of it" Greg shot back, not realising that he had not mentioned a thing that had happened to him over that time.

"Yes she did, and you had to deal with being tortured, torn apart, the trail and Arissa's problems all at the same time as well. I know I was a jerk I have no excuse for it but where I could help Arissa I did, even if all I did was foot the bill for counselling. As trivial as that was it was still more then I could do for you" he admitted. Gil very much didn't want to be here for this conversation but Greg had taken hold of his hand as though it were a life line. Gil could feel him shaking and guessed Greg wouldn't have the courage for this confrontation if he wasn't there. He wrapped an arm around Greg's waist and was rewarded with a smile.

"I didn't need anyone then Michael, why do you think I would need you now?"

"You did need someone then Gecko, probably more then the others because you shouldered their responsibilities as well, you know you have trust issues and I hate to say it but some of those are my handiwork. While you let Arissa lean on you who do you have?"

"He has me. He has them" Gil said angrily pointing out the window to the night shift

"He has more people then he knows Mr Hampton" Gil finished seething that Michael was implying they would abandon the lab tech.

"I apologise Dr Grissom, it wasn't my intent to make little of … what ever it is you have with Greg but you have to admit that the odds are not in your favour" Michael said smoothly demonstrating why he was a brilliant lawyer, an apology with a put down masked as concern.

"Greg I made you a promise the night of the trial, one I still intend to keep. This is and always will be your home" He said he cleared his throat slightly and looked pointedly at Gil. Gris raised an eyebrow in return, Michael rolled his eyes and approached them anyway he hugged Greg gently still glaring at Gil.

"If they even give you a cold I want you back here Gecko, day or night – any time" he whispered making sure Gil heard.

"I know Michael" Greg told him, Michael looked at him sadly hoping that somehow he would be able to earn Greg's forgiveness.

"Hey guys you're missing the party and hogging the main attraction…." Brass' voice travelled into the room before he did causing Gil to break away from Greg. He saw the way Michael and Greg were staring awkwardly at each other

"Everything ok Gil?" he asked suspiciously glaring at the lawyer.

"I don't know" Gil admitted bemused by the staring contest, Greg laughed lightly and looked away

"Yeah Jim, everything's fine" he assured "well at least it will be" he smiled enigmatically at his friends and family for the first time in his life he had a home, people who loved him and even though it was going to take work he was going to have the life of his dreams.

Finis!

CSICSICSI

Ok so that's all folks, at least for now; first the leagel; disclaimer is still active!

Tahbnk you everyone who reveiw I loove reviews, they make me want to write more!

Missing Fairy, you rock girl really, sorry we haven't talked much!

I know I posted this in kinda a hurry but I'm going away for a week and I though you might like it up before I left!

Missing scenes posted in AFFN, CSI slash city, Live journal CSIslash... and somewhere else I can't rememebr. please let me know if you want to archive!

Thank you anyone who read this

Scientifically yours,

Nation