Crimson Puddles


Summary: Nick recovers a bit more. Meanwhile Catherine talks with Sam Braun, and the team meets a new, temporary, addition.


It had been a week since Nick had first woken up. Catherine sighed as she sat in the small room never taking her eyes off the man lying unmoving in the bed. She found it increasingly hard to sit still as she recalled the events of the past few days. She had practically asked to take all her stored up vacation time to be with Nick. He deserves to have some here… someone to be with him… God, Nick… why didn't I ever see how good of a friend you are? No… you're not just my friend… a friend doesn't risk his life… risk everything… you're my hero Nick… you'll always be my hero…

Warrick softly opened the door and moved to sit across from her his hands shaking slightly by his sides.

"So… I… uh, heard his parents left today…"

"Hey, Warrick… yeah… the way they just took time off… basically disappeared… just couldn't stay any longer."

"Damn it… I…"

"What is it, Warrick?"

"I… I can't stand seeing him in the hospital, Catherine… I just can't stand it… Obviously you don't need to be told that he's the best friend anyone could ever have. I think right now I'd give anything just to see him smile… to see him happy again…"

"I know… it breaks my heart to see him confined to this bed. At least he's fully awake now… no amnesia… or anything like that… and… I hope I don't jinx it, but he seems like he's going to be ok. And, if you think you can't stand seeing him like this you clearly didn't see his parents…"

"Yeah… I heard about that… I wasn't sure if I believed it when I heard his father completely broke down… being a justice of the Texas Supreme Court and all…"

"Even the strongest men cry… Hell… I would've been mad if he hadn't broken up like that. If… if Lindsey was ever… I'd be more than a mess."

"How is she holding up?"

"I think she's going to be ok. She comes to see Nick everyday, and while he doesn't say much… it helps her to know that he is getting better… even if he sleeps about twenty-three hours a day." She replied as tears formed in her eyes at the thought of Nick hoisting her daughter out of the overturned Denali, even with a bullet in his arm and leg. She could almost see the blood running from the outstretched arm that Nick might never regain the use of.

"Thank you… Catherine… I… uh… heard about what you did… heard what you did that brought him back to us…" Warrick spoke softly hoping that she could possibly explain what had happened, and trying his best to tell her how much Nick's life meant to him.

"I… I guess it's kind of hard to believe… sounds like something out of a fairy tale…" She began and felt her voice become stronger as she spoke, "Then again… Nick is almost like a character from one of those stories… the brave knight coming to the rescue… doing whatever it takes without a single thought of what it would do to them…"

"Well… even the heroes need to be rescued sometimes…" Warrick offered her a slight grin as he carefully took hold of Nick's right hand. "And you know what the funny part is? He'd deny it flat out… he'd say that anyone else would've done the same damn thing… I… I just wish I could tell him… just how freaking proud I am of him…"

"You're right…" Catherine let out a soft chuckle, "you're absolutely right… he'd deny it. I guess… I guess that's part of why we're all so proud of him… he's a true hero…"

"I-it's… n-nice… t-t-to… hear y-you… laugh…"

Their attention immediately went to Nick as they heard his weak voice. Warrick could feel more tears forming as he realized how strong his best friend was trying to be.

"Hey, buddy… How are you feeling?"

"It… it hurts… so much…" Nick answered weakly as he felt the tears building up in his eyes. "Why… why… can't… I m-move?"

"Your… your body went for too long on overdrive… it could be… a long time before you can really move on your own again…" She gently placed her hand on his cheek, and she could feel her heart beginning to break when he gulped at the thought of not being able to move.

"I-I'm… so… s-s-scared…"

"Hey, you want to know something Nick? You don't have anything to worry about… I promise… no one is going to hurt you… I promise… I'll always be there for you. I don't care if I'm in the middle of a court session… if I'm spending time with Lindsey… I owe you so much… I promise that I'll repay you…"

"Yeah, and you can always count on me, alright? God… you're not just my best friend, Nick… you're not even just my brother… you mean so much more than that to me. Words… they… they just can't describe it. I don't give a damn when… or where… if you ever need something… anything… just let me know, and I swear I'll do my best to help you out…"

"I… I… don't… k-know what… to… say…" Nick answered weakly as he let out a quiet sob along with the best smile he could muster.

"You don't have to say anything; just… just know… know that I'm proud of you, buddy… you're the… greatest friend… family… that I've ever had. And, Nick… don't make me have to chew you out… just get better. Don't push it… just let it happen… you've got nothin' to prove."

He tried to give them another smile, but the effort seemed to take too much energy. He could distantly feel Catherine's soft, warm hand wipe the tears that were falling from his now closed eyes.


"Hey, Warrick, how does he look?"

"He… he looks better, Griss… he looks… alive…"

"You know… Rose Kennedy once said that 'Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?' Do you think he can still see it? Can he still feel it?"

"I… I don't think it matters. If he can still be happy, then it's our job… our duty… to make sure he never loses it. If he can't… then it's our duty as his friends… no as his family, to make sure he finds it again."

Grissom stopped and looked at the other man standing beside him, and found himself wondering how he had ever managed to live without the members of his team. "You're absolutely right, Warrick. I… I'm sorry…"

"For what?" Warrick responded incredulously.

"For… for not letting you… and the others… know how proud I am of all of you… For not telling you how much I respect all of you… not saying how much each of you mean to me."

"We already know, Grissom…"

"Maybe… but sometimes you have to hear the words…"

"It's ok to be scared. We're all scared… but our fear for Nick won't help him. He doesn't need our fear… he needs our love…" Warrick smiled grimly before he turned and headed down the hall, and his supervisor watched him, silently wondering how he hadn't noticed just how wise his friends could be. Once the man was out of sight he carefully edged the door open.

He stopped just inside the doorway when he saw Catherine crying softly by Nick's side. Then he heard her singing gently.

"Hard times are fallin on you
Even when you smile I see the hurt come through
And I know it feels like its never gonna end
You say nothins been right for a long time"

Grissom subconsciously wiped a tear from his eye as Catherine continued singing.

"And every step you take is an uphill climb
I see your reachin out
So let me tell you friend

Better days are comin for you
I know you feel like
The whole world's gone and let you down
But better days are coming for you
I know they will
Cause I'll be right here making sure they do

And if your sky ain't lookin the fairest
There ain't no reason to be embarrassed
Ain't nobody in the world ain't felt the rain from time to time
And just when you think its all over and done
The nights get easier one by one
So take my hand and hold on tight
And soon you're gonna find

Better days are comin for you
I know you feel like
The whole world's gone and let you down
But better days are coming for you
I know they will
Cause I'll be right here making sure they do

I know what its like
To have to face the fight
But I won't let you stand alone

Better days are comin for you
I know you feel like
The whole world's gone and let you down
But better days are coming for you
I know they will
Cause I'll be right here making sure they do

Oh better days
I know, I know, I know
The whole worlds gone and let you down
Better days are coming for you
I know they will"

She gently squeezed Nick's hand, and kissed his forehead while she whispered goodbye. When she turned she nearly screamed at seeing Grissom standing in the doorway.

"That… that was beautiful…"

"I've had years of practice with Lindsey. After… Eddie died… I'd sing to her once she'd fall asleep. It… it helped to stop her nightmares… she cried less in her sleep… wouldn't wake up scared when I sung to her… I guess I just hoped it might help Nick. Let him know how much we love him. Let him know that it's going to be ok."

Grissom smiled as he felt tears falling from his eyes and catching in his beard. His eyes wandered over to Nick, and he felt slightly relieved to see that his skin wasn't nearly as pale. Though he could clearly see the man was in pain he thought he could detect a slight smile. "And yet, when I look up to the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more."

"And who are you quoting this time?"

"Anne Frank… I still can't help it… what if he never finds peace, or safety, or some type of tranquility again?"

"I… I don't think he's ever had it… except when he was just a little boy…" She froze, and bit her lip when she realized just how close she had come to betraying Nick's privacy. When her eyes met Grissom's she could see the questioning look plastered in his eyes. "Don't ask, Gil. I've already… said too much. I couldn't betray Nick by telling you… he needs to know he can trust us… now more than ever. He's… he's sleeping, but… well… I think he has some sense as to whether or not he's alone… but I have to go pick up Lindsey. I'll see you later…"

"Goodbye Catherine, and… I'm proud of you… you're one of the best criminalists I've ever met."

"It's not all me Gil. We're a team… without one of us we wouldn't be where we are today… but it does mean a lot. Just so long as you let the others know."

Gil nodded and silently took up Catherine's post by Nick, his hand softly grabbing hold of Nick's. "I'm proud of you, Nick. I'll find a way to show you… just get better…" He whispered with more tears coming to his eyes as Nick let out a low groan of pain as he slept.


"Mom… Sam… w-what are you doing here?"

"Listen, Catherine… Sam and I have been talking…"

"About what?" Catherine asked cautiously.

"Well, first, when your friend is eventually released, he's going to need a place to stay. And, I figured that you have the perfect place."

"I… I guess I haven't thought that far ahead… but you're in the guest room…"

"Actually, I'm not going to be there anymore, Cath…"

"What? And, just where are you going to stay?"

"With me, actually."

"You've got to be kidding me, you're going to move in together?"

"Listen, Mugs, I know we've had our problems over the years, but I swear… I want to do right here. Besides, I love your mother… and I've always wished I had done more for her, as well as you and Lindsey…"

"I… wow, uh… I just don't know… w-what to say…"

"Then don't say anything, and… I know it could be quite some time, but when they release him… I want the bill. I… I already feel responsible for his situation, and… well, I want to help him out in any way I can."

"Ok… I just have one question for you. Why are you doing all this?"

"Because I love you, Catherine. Because I love your mother, because I love Lindsey… and I want to help your friend… because if he hadn't saved Lindsey… I would've lost all of you. I'll never be able to fully repay him for that, but I can do my best… please believe me, Catherine, I want to right the wrongs that I've done over the years… I want all of you to be happy…"

Catherine bit her lip as she let his words sink in. I've never seen him like this… heard him sound like this… maybe he did change. Maybe he's telling the truth… "Alright… I-I'll you a chance. Just… don't let me down… don't let Lindsey down…"

"I wouldn't dream of it Catherine. You look hungry, why don't we pick up Lindsey and get something to eat?"

"Sure…"

"He… he is going to be ok, right?"

Catherine stopped in surprise at the concern in his voice. "I… I don't know… it's… it's too soon to tell…" She whispered as she felt several tears begin to fall.

"It's going to be ok, Catherine…" he replied gently as he pulled her towards him. She let out a quiet sob as he embraced her. "I'm sure he'll be able to get through this…"


Sara sat quietly with Greg as they waited for the others to show up. Sara sighed in frustration as she turned her attention towards the news. They were still all over this story, and the press was constantly asking them for any information about Nick or Lindsey. Then it hadn't taken long for the media to discover that Catherine was Sam Braun's daughter, which had brought out a whole new wave of reporters.

"This is almost the worst part of everything, isn't it Sara?"

"What do you mean?" She fired back, glad for the distraction.

"Well… I mean… seeing him with… all… a-all that b-blood… it scared the shit out of me… but I'm more terrified than I've ever been before. Just… just the thought that he could be in the hospital for… for a long time… maybe for the rest of his life…"

"Yeah… the helplessness is a real…" The sound of the door opening stopped her as they looked up to see Warrick holding the assignment slips, and standing just in front of a young man.

"Alright, you two, Grissom said he could be awhile at the hospital, so until he gets back, I'm in charge. Catherine has the next few nights off, and we've got a busy night ahead of ourselves. Oh, and this is Paul Davenport. He's a CSI two, and he'll… he'll be filling in for Nick until he can come back."

"Ok, so what are the assignments?" Sara asked suddenly finding herself irritated as her eyes scrutinized the tall blonde haired man. It's ok, Sara… he isn't really taking Nick's place… he isn't going to replace Nick… no one can ever take that spot…

"You three are on a 419… guy found dead in the bridal suite… pretty high profile. I'll be there as soon as I can, but I've got to wrap up a case quick with Brass, and Sofia and Vartann are waiting for you… Grissom should be back in later, so let's get going. Oh, and until Grissom gets back I'll let you take lead on this Sara."

"How was Nick when you saw him?" She questioned as he turned to head back out the door.

"He didn't say much, but he looks better… less pale anyways… he wasn't awake for too long, but he knew who we were, and responded pretty well. He's still in a lot of pain, and he's still sleeping most of the day. A nurse said that he was able to eat some food, so there is some good news…"

Sara smiled halfheartedly as she watched Warrick wearily make his way out of the room.


"So… Paul… where are you from?" Greg asked guardedly as Sara pulled out of the lab.

"Oh, I'm from Lincoln, Nebraska."

Sara forced herself not to glare at him as Greg started talking again.

"So… how old are you, and how long have you been a CSI?" He saw Sara glare at him in the rearview mirror, but decided not to comment.

"I'm twenty-nine. I've been a CSI since I was fresh out of college. I've waited a long time for the opportunity to work in a city like Vegas. I never thought I'd get the chance to work in the second best lab in the country…"

"Yeah, well don't get too comfortable."

"Look, I know the circumstances that got me this job, and I'm sorry, but it wasn't my fault…"

"No, but you're… no one will ever be able to replace Nick. And, when he's able to come back… don't expect your position to be permanent."

"Listen, I don't want to replace your friend, but I know how understaffed Vegas is, so I doubt they'll have much problem with keeping an extra CSI… besides, I might just prove to be a valuable asset to your team."

Sara bit her lip as she pulled up next to one of the police cruisers. "Paul, you go ahead, I've got to talk to Greg."

"So, Sara… what do you…"

Sara cut him off as soon as she made sure he was far enough away that he wouldn't hear them. "Listen, Greg… we are going to give this three hundred percent, got me? Let him know that there is a reason why we're the second best lab in this country."

"Uh… look, Sara… I know you've got issues with this guy, but he isn't going to replace Nick. No one could ever do that, and what happened to Nick isn't his fault."

"I know that Greg, but it doesn't matter. Just seeing him… it reminds me that Nick might never be able to work a crime scene again… and that makes me… it scares the hell out of me Greg. The thought that this guy could be on our team indefinitely…"

"It's ok, Sara… please… believe me, Nick will make it through this. Hell, he got through being stalked… having guns pointed at him… being… b-buried… alive…"

"Exactly, Greg… how much more can he take?"

"I… I don't know… and, if you… I trust your judgement Sara. Is this Paul guy someone we want on our team?"

"I don't know, Greg. All I know is that no one will ever replace Nick."


"So, who is this new guy I've heard about?"

"Paul Davenport. 29 years old, CSI 2, young, cocky…"

"Here to replace Nick… How bout I give you a fair warning, Warrick… Not too many people are going to take kindly to him. Nick has a hell of a lot of friends…"

"Yeah, well we didn't have a choice… Nick's going to be out for at least two months…"

"Yeah… yeah… give the poor guy my regards next time you see him. Let him know we all miss seeing him…"

"Will do, Brass. Now you ready to wrap this case up? If we leave the new guy alone with Sara for too long who knows what she might do to him…"


"It… it hurts… s-so… much…"

"You're going to be ok, Nick… just give yourself time…"

"I… I can't… m-move…"

Grissom watched as Nick struggled to move, and he almost burst into tears when he saw Nick barely lift his uninjured arm a few inches before it once more fell back to the bed. There was no mistaking the sheen of sweat on his face as he used all his strength to try to move his hand once more.

"Hey… come on, Nick… just lie back… just relax… rest. Ok?"

"I… it… it's d-driving… me… crazy…"

"What is Nick?"

"It… I-itches…"

"Where?"

"S-shoulder… r-r-right…"

Grissom silently scratched the younger man's shoulder, and smiled, as Nick seemed to relax for a moment. His smile faded when he saw tears begin to fall from Nick's eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I-I'm… so… pathetic… I can't e-even…"

"No, Nick… you are anything but pathetic. I'm proud of you… proud of who you are… proud of you as a CSI… as well as a person… you're probably the best guy I've ever met. I don't know anyone that would've been as heroic as you were. You have a big heart… bigger than I thought possible. Thank you Nick… thank you for helping me. For teaching me so much about life… now just rest… ok? Just relax, and let us repay you for everything you've done for us."

"Y-you're… n-not… a-a-ashamed of… me?" He questioned weakly as his mind raced. Hasn't he always thought I was no good? Hasn't he always been there to kick me while I'm down?

"No. Nick… I've never been ashamed of you… and… after what you did… I admire you Nick. You have skills with people that I could never have… you understand their emotions…you care about why… not just who did it, and that's important. You're one of the smartest people I've ever met, and… I won't lie to you Nick. At times it scares me. Not because I'm afraid it'll affect how you work, but because it can get people hurt. And I hate seeing you get hurt… I hate seeing you in pain, but I… I know that deep down… it's just who you are. And I respect and admire the person you are Nick. You're… I don't know how to say it…"

"Y-you… don't… have to… s-s-say it…"

"I'm sorry this had to happen to you… you deserve the chance to… to be happy…"

"I… h-have that… c-chance… now… and… G-Griss… t-thank… y-y-y-you…" He smileduntil more pain shot through him. His mind was no longer racing and he slowly closed his eyes when he heard Grissom softly saying the lines to some song. You're going to get better… you have to… for them…


To Be Continued…


Next Chapter: Nick continues to recover as the rest of the team tries to support him.


Notes: Sorry for it taking me so long to update, but I've started another story, and I've been really busy. I have tomorrow off though, so another update shouldn't be too far away… As always, please review!