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CHAPTER 12

As promised, at the end of a quiet shift Grissom went home, showered and waited for a reasonable visiting hour before heading to see Nick. Nick was showered, dressed and catching up on some sports action on the TV when he arrived. The household around him was buzzing with activity as his father was heading back to Texas that afternoon and Nick had his first scheduled counselling session.
After a brief 'hello' to Nick, Grissom followed Jillian into the kitchen on the premise of having a much needed coffee. It also gave Grissom the chance to gauge Jillian Stokes' reaction to Nicks plans.

He took a seat at the breakfast bar and cast a glance into the living room where Nick was sitting on the lounge, pretending to watch the Cowboys replay while clearly straining to make out what was being said in the kitchen. He looked more alert than he had in over a week. And he was starting to take an interest in the things happening around him again. Grissom took this as a good sign that he had started what, he was sure, would be a long recovery.

Both Grissom and Mrs Stokes kept their voices low enough so as not to carry to the lounge room.

"He's determined he's going to see that woman." Jillian was saying. "Roger and I have both tried to talk him out of it. I'm sure Warrick has already told you about his visit yesterday. That ended badly." Grissom raised his eyebrows and sighed before dropping them again.
"He didn't go into details, but I got the gist." he admitted, remembering Warricks angry outburst.

"Jillian," called a voice from one of the bedrooms, "have you seen my red tie?"

"Its hanging on the back of the bathroom door." she called back, rolling her eyes at Grissom who smiled back.

"So, has Nick made any arrangements to visit Kelly yet?" Grissom asked. "Has he discussed having someone go with him?"

Jillian rolled he eyes again, in frustration this time.

"As far as I know he hasn't worked out when he's going. I've told him I'll go with him but he's adament he doesn't want me to. I think he's afraid I wont cope." she muttered under her breath as she placed a cup of coffee in front of Grissom. He thanked her as she continued, so quietly that Grissom suspected she was talking to herself.
"I mean, honestly. I'm his mother. I can cope with more than he could ever imagine. I've coped with the last week and a half - after that I should be able to cope with anything! Besides, I've dealt with these sort of people all my working life. I'm a prosecutor, for Gods sake!"

Jillian had started clearing up the kitchen, wiping down the bench with an almost vicious intensity.

The voice rang out from the bedroom again. "Jill, have you seen my striped sweater?"

Jilian dropped her hands down in the bench heavily and took a deep breath in and out.

"Excuse me, Mr Grissom. I'd better go help Roger pack. I'll leave you to talk with Nick."

Grissom smiled at her as she headed to the bedroom. He paused a moment before pushing himself up from the chair and took his coffee into the living room. He smiled at Nick who glanced up at him briefly before his eyes went back to the TV. Grissom stood next to the lounge and watched Nick for a heartbeat and, when no response was given, he took a seat next to him, sipped on his coffee and noted Nick becomming more uncomfortable the longer the silence lasted. Grissom let it continue, wanting to see just how stubborn the young Texan could be. He noticed Nicks eyes flicking his way every now and then - checking to see if Grissom was still there and not really knowing if he was supposed to initiate the conversation. He certainly wasn't planning on doing much talking - particularly not if Grissom thought he could talk Nick out of visiting Kelly Gordan.

"So," said Grissom - finally ending the awkward silence. "who's Dallas playing?"

Nick cast him another bleak look and mumbled under his breath "Falcons."

Grissom nodded, feigning interest. In reality he couldn't care less about football. He preferred baseball but had never really been interested in any sports - other than poker. But he wasn't really sure that was a sport per se.

They sat in silence for several more moments, Grissom straight backed and sipping at his coffee and Nick slouched next to him resting his head against his fist - his elbow dug into the armrest, staring steadfastly at the screen although he had lost interest in the one sided match long ago.

Grissom finished his coffee and placed the empty cup on the small table in front of the lounge. He leant back into the seat and turned to focus all of his attention on Nick.

"Nick..." he started. But Nick cut in as soon as Grissom said his name.

"Look, Grissom, I appreciate you comin' over but you can tell Warrick it's not gonna work. I'm goin' to see Kelly Gordan. My mind's made up."

Having said his piece, Nick folded his arms stubbornly across his chest and returned to the TV, glaring at the screen in a silent challenge to Grissom.

Grissom watched him a moment longer - took in the radiating anger and the defensive body language. He sighed before continuing.

"Yes, Warrick doesn't want you to go. I've already discussed it with him and told him the same thing I'm about to tell you. You've obviously got your reasons for needing to see Kelly. You've obviously been thinking about it and have made your decision. I'm not here to stop you, Nick."

Nicks head remained stubbornly ahead, but Grissom noticed the disbelieving frown that appeared and the way his head turned the tiniest bit towards Grissom, his eyes sliding sideways to look at his former boss. He clearly hadn't expected this.

"So, you're not here to try and talk me out of it?" Nick asked confused.

Grissom shrugged and leant forward so he could make eye contact with Nick.

"I'm not going to try and talk you out of it." he confirmed. "If you feel you need to do this then I respect that. You're parents respect that. Warrick....well Warrick will learn to accept your decision...eventually."

Nick huffed out a humourless chuckle as Grissom continued.

"I am concerned though, that you'll be doing this alone."

Nick tensed up again.

"I'll be fine, Gris. Mom's already offered..."

Grissom reached out to lay a hand against Nicks arm causing a flinch that he tried not to notice.

"Your mom said you wont let her go. She says you dont want to worry her." Nick shrugged slightly and dropped his gaze down to his lap.

"Will you let me go with you?"

Nicks head swung up to meet Grissom eye to eye. He squirmed in the seat, acutely uncomfortable with where this conversation was heading. He had prepared himself to defend his decision, not to have Grissom come in and agree with him and offer his assistance.

"Nick, please. I don't want you to do this alone. I'll wait in the carpark if you want but, please, at least consider it."

There was several more moments of silence as Nick mulled over the offer. Finally he shrugged and nodded slightly.

" 'K," he mumbled, still getting his head around the offer and the attention he was getting one on one from his boss.

Grissom smiled, a relieved and grateful smile this time, and pushed himself up from the lounge.

"I meant what I said when you were in the hospital, Nick. If you need me, please call me. Anytime. I want to help you get through this."

Nick kept his gaze low, overwhelmed by Grissoms consideration and empathy. He was a little disconcerted by it. He wasn't used to outward displays of emotion and affection from his mentor.

Grissom reached down and gave Nicks shoulder a gentle squeeze, "I'll drop by tomorrow and see how your counselling session went. We can figure out then when you want to go, OK."

Nick raised his head to meet Grissoms eye again, he appreciated Grissoms his confidence in him more than he could say. He nodded.

"OK." he said quietly.

Grissom squeezed his shoulder again and headed for the door.

"Uh, Gris?"

Grissom stoped and turned back to Nick, eyebrow raised in reply.

"Thankyou."

The edge of Grissoms mouth turned up in a wry smile.

"You're welcome, Nick. See you tomorrow."

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