A new life Sequel To A Kind Of Life CSI MIAMI fanfic

Eric

"Oh my! Look at you" I said when he got out of the car.His hair grew longer and he was a bit thicker than before, however still skinny.
"Welcome home buddy. "
"Thx mate".
"Where are your things?"
"These ARE my things...not much huh?"
"No...Calleigh's got some of your things, and if you need sth you can always borrow from me. "
"Yeah...especially jeans or shirts, Eric" he chuckled
"No, but shorts and tshirts..."
"It's fine Eric. Thanks anyway. I feel a little bit too hot. Not used to the heat and humidity."
"Ok. Let's go inside. Do you prefer a first floor room or basement? The living room's on the ground floor with the kitchen and bathroom."
"I'd take any. Choose the one you prefer."
"So I'll take upper one. It used to be my bedroom when my parents bought a house. "
"Ok. I prefer the colder one. "
I showed him the place and we sat in the kitchen.
"There's a fridge.I bought some food if you want some and..."
"...Eric wait. Let's get some things straight at the beginning ok? You're not gonna buy any food for me. Nor the drinks, cosmetics, or any other stuff. I still drink nutrients, so that's what I'm gonna buy."
"So you mean me and you, as like in the old days, are not gonna eat a pizza or junk, or drink beer?
We used to do it a lot, and we shared the cost, so it was cheaper. "
"Of course we are. But sharing a cost... And maybe not so often yet- I must get a proper salary. I'm also gonna fight for a money equivalent for the two years FBI took away from me. One more thing-as I don't work full time and you do, I'm gonna cook sometimes if you'd like me to. "
"You COOK?"
"Sure. Quite well".
"Since when?"
"Since always. I just didn't have time then. "
"Ok. Would you like some ice cold drink?"
"Water's enough."
I gave him a bottle and knew it's gonna be a hard battle. Speed barely touched the fast food I  brought, and it's hard to say if he became a healthy eater or it's just the money problem.
"You need to come to the lab tonight. Some people want to greet you".
"Do they know?"
"Yes. H. told them - they were thrilled. "
"Who?"
"Tyler, Belmontes, Valera, Tripp, Yelina... All  of us of course."
"You know I don't..."
"..You don't remember them. I do. They do, too.It will be strange at the very beginning. There are also Ryan and Natalia...they're new. Natalia is great. Really. Not so cheerful as Cal, but great. "
"And Wolfe?"
"Hmm. Very...proper."
"Is there sth wrong with him?"
"He's O.C.D. VERY thorough with work, and guns."
He smiled. "I bet H. chose him also because of that. "
"Oh yeah. Ok. I need to go. Keys are at the table. Your bike is in the garage, but don't drive it yet. See you at 5 in the lab."
"See you. And thanks. For everything. For being here for me."
I saw him bowing his head. I tried to imagine how hard it must be for him to accept all of this. I headed to work.
I met Cal at the hall by the reception. "So hows he?"
"Fine. Brought some things with him. Not much though. Took the basement room. Calleigh, don't say that to anyone, but I guess he's a bit depressed about the situation."
"So what do we do?"
"Let's take him out. For pizza or sth. Sth cheap he can share with us. What d'you think?"
"Yeah. Why not...tonight?"
"Yeah. Better by surprise. You, me, H. ,Valera, Tyler... Maybe it would be good to take Nat as
she's easily friendly and Wolfe- they should finally meet each other."
"It's gonna change Eric, isn't it?"
"Yeah. I guess we must accept the new him. Completely new, I must say."
"But is the new him worse?"
"No. Not that bad ;) but different. Quiet and not so cheeky. Sad. Yeah. That's the best word I guess. He's so sad. "
"Let's cheer him up. We'd better hurry, if we want to fix something for tonight."
I rushed to H.'s office.
"Hey H. Have a minute?"
"What's up?"
"I want to fix a quick pizza- and- beer party tonight. Speed comes back and that's the good way to greet him."
"Nice , Eric. Will he like it?"
"I don't know. Hope so. I'm gonna tell the guys. So...at 6? "
"Yeah. Be there. Any welcome gifts?"
"No. Better not.he doesn't feel comfortable with that. "
"That hasn't changed, has it?"
"No. I hope everything goes back to normal soon. Once he's back."
"He's not back, Eric. He's not a lab worker anymore -remember that."
"I do, H... But why are you saying this that way? Like you didn't want him here..."
"No, Eric. I hold a special place for Speed -you know that. You just can't give him false hope, that's all. I won't hire him until he confirms his abilities and passes his shooting test. Even then I can have no funds for that. He is officially the medical examiner employee on probation and should be treated as one. That's all. "
"Ok, I'm sorry. I hope it happens soon. "
"Is he doing ok? With everyday life?"
"Yeah. But he's withdrawn. Quiet. Sad. "
"He can't handle the reality yet."
"He's watching lots of science programs, reading lots of his books... Taking notes. I see his frustration. That's why I want to protect him. At least the CT SCAN showed no pathological issues.
I hope he will overcome the rest".
I left the office thinking, that maybe Speed's visit here won't be a good idea. Maybe he'll feel worse when he sees, what I just saw in H's eyes- his disbelief that Speed will ever be able to become the same witty CSI he used to be.... I went to the lockers to change and take my gun. There were Natalia and Jenny- they both worked at the FBI prior to CSI .
"HEY Nat." I whispered when Jenny went to take her gun-"You're welcome to join us tonight at the pizza restaurant. We'll be celebrating Speed's come back"
"Thanks Eric :) "she smiled " I'm dying to meet him. Heard so much about him. And..."
"And what?"
"Is he ...you know...single?"
"..I...I guess...- I said -why?"
"Why? All the girls are gossiping about him. I'd love to meet him;)"
"So... At 6. "
"Yeah see you! Thanks! "
Oh, God help me... Another one who wants to save the poor Speed... I heard a call. Dispatch.
I took my gun badge and left.