Title: Moving On
Author: Jaxson K.
Pairing: Nick/Gil
Rating: PG
Warning(s): character death
Summary: Nick makes the decision to move on.

***

When everything was to Nick's satisfaction, he pulled away from the curb and headed to the lab. He had promised to stop by on his way out of town to say goodbye to team. As he pulled into the lot, he was overwhelmed with memories of things that had happened here over the years. He thought that if just pulling into the parking lot was rough, then actually going into the lab just might be tougher. He decided that he could handle it, and got out of the truck to go inside.

He stopped at the front desk for a visitor's pass and headed down the hallway to Catherine's office. On the way he happened to meet up with Archie, Hodges, and Henry. The foursome talked for a few minutes until Hodges' and Archie's pagers went off and they had to go. All three men said their goodbyes and wished Nick the best of luck. Nick continued down the hall towards Catherine's office. Catherine was on the phone, but motioned for Nick come in. She ended her conversation quickly and turned her attention to Nick.....

"Nick, it's good to see you. How have you been?"

"I'm still not 100%, but I'm getting there....."

"So today's the day?"

"Yeah.....I think this might be the best decision I've made, Catherine. I just can't take the memories and the constant reminders anymore. Besides, Gil wouldn't want me to be unhappy....."

"Well, Nick, for the record, if you feel that leaving Vegas is the right thing, then do it. I know that Gil would want you to be happy. How does it feel being back here at the lab?"

"It's strange, Cat...I remember so many things that happened here, and the people I worked with over the years, and it's a bit overwhelming....."

"I can understand that....."

"Catherine, is Greg around?"

"He was out on a call, but he should be back soon...."

"I wanted to make sure I got a chance to say goodbye to him....."

Before Catherine could reply, Jim Brass stuck his head in the door. His face lit up when he saw Nick.....

"Nick! God it's good to see you!"

"Hello, Jim...."

"So today's the day, huh?"

"Yeah......"

"I was hoping that I'd get a chance to see you before you took off....."

"I was going to make a point to stop by your office before I got out of here."

"Nick, I'm in a bit of a hurry but I wanted to say that it was great working with you, and that if you ever need anything, just call. You know, you were a damn good CSI, and a good friend....."

"Thanks, Jim....."

"Well, duty calls. Gotta run....."

Brass left the office quickly, and was wiping his eyes as he hurried down the hall. He hated the fact that he was losing more than a great CSI. He felt like he was losing the closest thing he would ever have to a son. Catherine and Nick talked a few minutes more, and Nick decided to go and see if he could find Greg. He could see that Catherine was fighting back tears, and if the truth be told, so was he. Catherine gave Nick a hug and kissed his cheek. When Nick was headed out the door, Catherine whispered, "Be happy, Nicky."

As Nick made his way through the maze of hallways that made up the lab, he thought of all the times he had walked these halls with Gil. He immediately shut those thoughts down, and concentrated on finding out where Greg was. He found Greg in his office and knocked on the door. Greg looked up and gave Nick a small sad smile.....

"Come on in, Nick....."

"How's it goin', G?"

"You know the routine....."

"Yeah...it gets to be a pain in the ass sometimes."

"You got that right! It seems like a never ending battle."

"Greg, I wanted to ....."

"I know, Nick. Today's the day. You know this is killing me, right?"

"I know, G. But we've had this conversation. I have to do this for me. I hate leaving you and the rest of the team. You are my best friend, and you always will be. I'm not doing this to hurt anybody.....I'm doing this so I can find peace."

"Believe it or not, I understand, Nick. I know my wanting you to stay is a bit selfish, but you have to do what's best for you....."

Nick stood up and wiped his eyes. Greg was crying too as he walked around his desk and gave Nick a big hug. He asked Nick to stay in touch, and Nick promised he would. Nick left Greg's office, and took the back way out of the lab. Nick sat in his truck for a moment, and then headed out of the parking lot.

Nick had one more stop to make, and stopped at a flower shop. He bought a nice bouquet and headed to the cemetery. As he made his way among the gravestones, he realized that this was it. He found Gil's grave and placed the flowers near the headstone. Nick sat there, lost in memories of Gil and their time together. As the tears flowed freely down Nick's cheeks, he began to speak......

"Peanut, I wanted to come by and let you know that I've made the decision to leave Vegas. I've put a lot of thought into it, and I think it's the right thing to do. For the last five years, I've tried to deal with the constant reminders, the hurt, and missing you. It's best that I leave and make a new start and do what you asked me to do right before you closed those beautiful blue eyes that last time. It's time for me to move on and be happy again. I don't know where I'll end up, or what I'll be doing, but please know that I will do my best to fulfill your final request to me. Gil, even though I won't be in Vegas anymore, please know that I will NEVER forget you and how happy you made me....."

Nick wiped his eyes and walked back to his truck. As he drove away, he felt better than he had in a very long time.....

END

***