Finally!! A new chapter. Sorry for the delay in posting.

CHAPTER 13

Two weeks passed by quickly.
Nick was moving forward remarkably well, all things considered. He was attending his counselling sessions regularly and was ticking all the boxed necessary to get him back to work as soon as possible. He was still requiring sedation to help him sleep at night sans nightmares, and he was becoming less dependant on the anti-anxiety medication during the day. There were still moments when his hands would start shaking and the anxiety would increase as he tried to control the trembling, but it was resolving more quickly than in the first few days post abduction.
His mother was close by with steadying hands which would envelope his clutched ones and hold them until the shakes subsided, or gently rub his back until the panic was controlled. As humiliating as it was to have to go through the rebuilding of his life so publicly, Nick was more grateful than he could ever put into words for his Moms support.
But, finally, the time came for her to return home to Texas. It was just over three weeks since his rescue and Jillian could not delay her court commitments any longer. She remained desperately worried about her youngest child, but he steadfastly refused to burden her any more by going back to Texas - even temporarily.
Nick had been preparing himself mentally for his mothers departure for several days but, when the taxi arrived to take her to the airport, he found he had to fight back tears as he hugged her farewell - clinging to her and whispering a quiet 'thank you' before promising to head back home more often. Jillian had elected to take a taxi despite Catherine's offer to drive her, suspecting Nick might need her company once she had left.
Catherine stayed with Nick all afternoon - chatting about the 'real' world outside of Nicks townhouse and sitting through 'Meet the Fockers' - which made him laugh for the first time since he was abducted. Catherine watched the smile lines on his face return and some of the weariness disappear. She smiled and brought her arm up to gently rub at his bicep, relieved at the glimpses of the 'old Nick' shining through.
When the movie credits finally rolled, Catherine got up and headed to the kitchen to make them both some dinner. She was surprised when Nick appeared.
"You don't have to do this, Cath. I can just order some take out."
Catherine rolled her eyes as she tended the pan of spaghetti sauce.
"Its not a problem, Nick. Besides, I promised your Mom that I'd take good care of you - that means making sure you eat well. Take out is not eating well, Nicky."
Nick ducked his head but didn't respond. Catherine shot him a sideways look when he remained quiet. Nicks head was still cast downwards, his hands clutched together tightly and his eyes squeezed shut. Dropping the stirrer against the side of the pan, Catherine went quickly to his side and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, Sweetie." she said quietly, bending her head to try and make eye contact, "Are you OK?"
She could feel a light tremor running through his body.
"Nicky, you need to sit down."
Catherine was concerned. He had been perfectly fine only twenty minutes ago, laughing along with the movie.
Nicks head started shaking from side to side as he mumbled out his reply.
" 'm fine, 'm 'K."
He raised his head as he spoke and Catherine felt the shaking subside just as quickly as it had started. Just as suddenly, a light sheen of perspiration broke out over his face and he brought up an arm to swipe it away.
He choked out a humourless chuckle and met Catherine's eyes. She noticed the weariness was back with a vengeance.
"It's alright, Cath. Just the goddamn anxiety attacks. Been livin' with 'em a lot lately."
His chuckle caught in his throat and his eyes glinted with pent up emotion. He took some steadying breaths, crossing his arms tightly against his chest, and closed his eyes once more to anchor him.
Catherine sighed with helplessness.
"Oh, Sweetie, come here." she said in almost a whisper as she tightened her hold on his shoulder and drew him into an embrace. As she held him tightly she could feel the remnants of the tremors deep within him.
Finally his arms unfolded and came around Catherine's shoulders to reciprocate the embrace as his breathing returned to normal and the tension ebbed away.
"Thanks, Cath." he murmured, his head still burrowed against her.
Catherine squeezed him tightly, a hand cupped at the back of his head, before answering.
"You're welcome, Nick."
They pulled away and Nick ducked his head slightly in embarrassment.
Catherine turned back to the spaghetti sauce, giving him some space and pretending not to notice.
"Are you still going to see Kelly Gordan next week?"
She hadn't intended to ask the question. It had just slipped out.
Nick folded his arms again and flicked a sidewards glance at Catherine's back. He was sick of everyone asking him about it. Questioning his ability to make his own decisions.
"Yes."
The answer was short and firm - there would be no discussion, no talking him out of it.
Catherine nodded and turned to face him again.
"I'm glad Grissom's going with you." she said, meeting his eyes. "I appreciate you feel you have to do this, Nick. Just...take care of yourself, OK?"
Nick smiled at her - a forced smile which didn't quite make it to his eyes.
"I'll be OK, Cath. I need to do this. I'm doing this for me. No-one else."
Catherine maintained the eye contact for a moment longer, seeing the determination within.
"OK." she said
She turned back to the pot of boiling water and added the spaghetti.
"And, Cath?" he said.
"Mmm?" she answered
"I'm glad Gris is coming too."
Catherine turned and smiled at him - a genuine smile full of warmth and maternal affection.
He smiled back - a genuine smile this time too - and turned to set up his dining room table for dinner.

A very quick chapter this time. I'll try and get some time to finish this story up over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for reading and please review.