Title: The Five Stages Of Grief
Author: sarcasticsra
Rating: PG
Pairing: gen
Warning: character death
A/N: Thanks for beta'ing, Kelly.
Summary: AU. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

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i. Denial: Sara.

How could he be gone? Nick is the most lively person I know! It's not possible. Logically, we are all competent, able CSIs. We should have been more than capable of getting there in time, to save him. We solve cases all the time... second best in the country. Of course we would rescue him. We'd have to. For Nick's sake. For his family's sake. For our sake. So why didn't we?

I can't believe he's gone.

ii. Anger: Catherine.

This isn't right! Nicky is – was – one of our own. We're all the best of the bunch, how... how could we let Nick down? How could some bastard do this to him, to us, to his family? Just because his daughter got herself locked up... that's not our fault! She shouldn't have been an accomplice in a murder! And now the bastard is dead, blown into a million pieces. I'd say good riddance, but it's not right! He should be punished, brought to justice!

I can't stand this.

iii. Bargaining: Warrick.

It should have been me. I should've been the one in that damn box, not Nick. It was all because of a stupid coin toss. Nick has so much family. Why couldn't have it been me instead, to save them the pain? Most of my family isn't around, and of what is, they'd manage easier. My family isn't as big as Nick's is. He deserves to stay with them. Nick didn't deserve this!

I can't live with this.

iv. Depression: Greg.

I... wow. This isn't something that I... ever even considered. I've joked around with Nick, talked about video games, sports, girls – you know, guy stuff. How can I begin to think that I'll never be able to do that again? He's my friend. He is... er, was, an awesome guy. I mean... how could... he's Nick! He survived a stalker! I just need some time to think about this. I need some time alone. I mean, Jesus, Nick!

I can't deal with this.

v. Acceptance: Grissom.

You were an amazing person, Nicky. Bright, talented, kind, a fantastic CSI. You never once disappointed me. I hope you realize this. The team will take this hard – the death of someone you care about deeply is always a difficult thing to accept, and you've most assuredly touched us all. We'll never forget you, Nick Stokes. And wherever you are, I hope you're at peace.

I can only accept it.

-End

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