"We have to do this," Gabriel told his supporters and allies. "We can't let her fade into inexistence when we could do something about it."

It had been a week since the fiasco in front of the council, and Alex hadn't been the same. The radiant light she should've glowed with having attained redemption was muted and slowly fading, even now. So, they banded together, to do the one thing that was a cardinal sin to them. Not that anyone would defy this many of the council, not even the council leader (if he hadn't been sat just to Gabriel's right).

Nick's demeanour suddenly changed about a week after Alex had left. He became bright, whistling happily. Everything in the lab changed. The girls started asking Nick when 'his girl' was arriving, and Warrick teased the Texan mercilessly about having a woman move in and ruin his house – to which Nick pointed out sedately that Warrick had gone one step further and had a spur of the moment marriage. He was only dating his girl, well…engaged to her, and he'd known her for years!

The therapist was arriving in three days, and Nick couldn't have been happier.

Three days later, Nick was waiting at the airport with Catherine who'd insisted she come along. They were waiting for the passengers from Texas to get to the main area of the airport. Sure enough, after half an hour of waiting, the dark, curly haired, blue eyes therapist appeared, carrying her luggage (not a lot, but most of it was being driven up separately by the Stoke's themselves, glad that their youngest son was finally settling down).

"Nick!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to throw her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately.

"Alex," he murmured against her lips. "Have a good flight baby?"

"The best," Alex replied. "You have no idea how many cards I've received over the past few days from ex-colleagues and patients. But it doesn't matter, because I'm here, where I belong. With you."

Catherine cleared her throat before things got too lovey-dovey. "Good to see you again Alex."

"Good to see you again too Cath, I haven't seen you since New Year!"

"I know, it's been too long. Come on, I'm giving you two lovebirds a lift home, and then I have to get back to the lab, some lucky sods have the day off."

"I'm hurt Cath!" Nick protested happily, not sounding at all hurt, simply following Catherine back to the car, one arm around Alex's shoulders, the other holding her suitcase.

The CSI team all greeted Alex happily, and a routine of sorts fell into place. While Alex worked most days at a local mental hospital, she still found the time to come in during the night to say hello to everyone and bring Nick something to eat. Everyone thought it was very sweet and they really adored her. Nick was happy that his CSI family has accepted his fiancé, and the two of them were making plans for their wedding.

Greg sometimes felt something strange, as though he was seeing two worlds at once, as though overlaying Alex White, was a strange, radiant, almost angelic being who was now at peace, now happy.

Gabriel smiled to himself as he watched Alex and Nick from a distance. The young couple were out at a restaurant, celebrating their anniversary. He'd done the right thing. They deserved this happiness.

THE END (for now...)

A/N: this ending does feel rushed to me, so I might come back and change it. But for now, you've got this and (provisionally) AaR: PD is FINISHED!! After over a year in progress…wow, over a year…that's a long time, but not as long as some of my stories!

I hope you've enjoyed this. Thanks for taking the time to read it!