DISCLAIMER: Still own nothing, am just giving them a trial run :)
Ok so I was going to update really soon but alas a surprise visit from my sister sort of slowed the process down :oP but here is the next instalment :) BIG thanks to everyone that review I'm glad you're enjoying the story thus far!
Forensicsfan: hehe I'm sure the guy is really nice, sad he got cast as a prick :) ah well hopefully he'll get a nicer role in the future :oP
"So tell me what the meaning of that display out in the parking lot was?" Grissom asked peering over his glasses at Nick, Sara and Hank.
"Stokes lunged at me and started attacking me!" Hank exclaimed casting a glare in Nick's direction. Nick bit his lip to stop himself from starting another argument still not having calmed down completely from the fight.
"Nick?" Grissom questioned looking at the member of his team who generally took quite a lot to get angry.
"He was trying to defend me Gris." Sara spoke up from where she was seated in between the two men, hoping the distance between them would stop issues from arising.
"Sara this has nothing to do with you, it's ok." Nick hissed trying to stop Sara from being involved anymore then she had to be.
"Is this true?" Grissom directed this comment at all three occupants of the room. Nick sighed.
"Yes. Peddigrew was making some comments aimed at Sara and myself and I snapped."
"See he admits to starting it." Hank called outraged that Nick was not getting reprimanded harshly.
"Shut up Hank." Sara sighed wishing that none of this had happened.
"I've called your supervisor Mr Peddigrew and it's up to him what he does with you. You'll have to decide whether or not you want to press charges. Personally I feel that the bruises and cuts will be enough punishment for both of you however it's in your hands." Grissom stated and gave him a firm look. "I'll expect that you stay away from my CSI's unless you're on a case. You can go." Hank scowled before standing up and exiting the room throwing a glare in Nick's direction, which Nick returned with equal hatred.
"I don't know what he said, and I don't want to know for that matter but you of all people should know that violence doesn't solve anything Nick. It's up to Hank whether or not he presses charges but personally I don't think he will." Nick sat still his jaw firmly set. "I don't want to have to do anything but under the circumstances I believe a weeks leave without pay for the moment is adequate. I'm sure you've learnt something from this and I don't want you anywhere near Mr Peddigrew"
"Ok." Nick nodded, knowing that Grissom was being extremely generous.
"I'll see you in a week then, I don't want you anywhere near here until then and if something comes up regarding Mr Peddigrew pressing charges I'll keep you posted."
"Thanks Gris." Nick nodded his jaw still clenched as he stood and made his way out. Sara also stood and was about to follow him out when Grissom stopped her.
"Sara can you stay a moment please?" Sara nodded and shot Nick a quick glance before turning back and taking a seat in the same one she'd just vacated. Nick closed the door behind him and was immediately met by his two concerned co-workers.
"What the hell was that about man?" Warrick asked concern etched on his handsome face.
"I fucking hate that guy." Nick sighed trying to let go of the tension he still felt.
"You made that pretty clear." Cath smirked trying to lighten the mood. "How's your nose?" She added. Nick touched his nose gingerly and cringed at the pain.
"Sore."
"Well you got in a lot more punches to his face. Pretty boy Hank is going to be sore for a while." Warrick grinned. "What's the punishment?"
"A week off without pay for the moment – it could change if Hank presses charges or someone feel it isn't happy that that's enough." Nick sighed.
"You're lucky Nicky, you shouldn't have done that."
"I know Cath, I know. He just, he just really pisses me off."
"What did he say to get you so riled up?" Warrick questioned.
"The nerve of the guy to insult Sara when he's the one that cheated on her." Nick seethed as Warrick and Cath shot each other a knowing look.
"Easy Nicky." Cath soothed.
"Are you ok Sara?" Grissom asked.
"I'm fine."
"You might be needed to make a statement in case Mr Peddigrew decides to press charges so you might want to do that soon so you won't have to be worried about it."
"Ok." She nodded.
"Are you sure everything is ok?"
"Yeah it's ok Gris, Hank is just an ass." A slight smirk made it's way to Grissom's face.
"Ok, you might want to steer clear of him always and I'm sorry things didn't work out but from my observations Nicky's a much better guy."
"How did you...? Never mind." She flushed standing up and walking to the door. "Thanks Gris." Sara smiled at him before exiting his office shutting the door behind her.
Her three co-workers met her in the hallway. Two of who offered her a smile before excusing themselves leaving only Nick.
"Sara."
"What the hell was that Nick! You could have gotten fired or seriously hurt!" She yelled in a firm tone while trying to keep her voice relatively quiet so as not to attract unwanted attention.
"I'm sorry." He offered meekly.
"I don't know whether to hit you for being such an ass or kiss you for defending my honour." She added a small smile playing at her lips.
"If we're voting I'd want to go for the second." He grinned slightly for the first time since the fight.
"You would." She smirked. "How's your nose?" She asked reaching out and touching it gently causing him to recoil at the pain.
"Sore, I don't think it's broken though."
"That was a really stupid thing to do Nick."
"But..." He sighed. "I know, I know."
"We should get some ice on your nose and I'm still really hungry."
"I am really sorry about that Sar. Hank he just...he's such an ass."
"I won't disagree with you on that." She smirked. "Come on cowboy let's go." Sara said walking out towards the car praying Hank had used what little common sense he had and left already.
Ok so the punishment wasn't that harsh but don't kill me :) hehe I just don't want Nicky to get in too much trouble cause he's too darn cute! Once again thanks to everyone that has review up until now and I fingers crossed will update much faster with the next chapter :)