Hey everyone! I know a lot of you have been asking for more to Upside Down, and here it is! I promise, this one will be longer and have chapters :) I'll try not to leave you hanging...to much! I'm really enjoying writing this story and can't wait to hear what you think!

MyKate beta this for me, but all mistakes are mine!

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or it's characters. This story is set in my own AR of my mind.

Synopsis: Three months after Grissom and Sara encounter each other, Grissom decides to take a sabbatical to see where their future lies.

Life Less Ordinary

Chapter One

It was a cool early morning in Marina Del Rey, California. The warm ocean water gently splashed over Sara Sidle's feet as she sat on the beach in front of her house. Taking a deep breath, Sara looked down at her watch. 3 a.m. She sighed again. For the last couple of weeks, her insomnia slowly had been creeping in, and this past week it had kicked in full force. Sara could feel herself growing even more anxious has the hours passed by.

Today is the day, Sara thought to herself, Grissom will be here in eight hours for an undetermined amount time. I don't know if I can do this.

Three months had passed since she encountered Grissom after not being in contact for five years. Three months of wondering if he was serious about coming out there to get to know Meredith and be a real father to their little girl. Three months of wondering if he was serious about rebuilding up their friendship and seeing where things would lead. Sara felt a smile tug at her lips. With a sigh, she leaned back against the sand cooled with the waning tide. We have to try…

The warm water continued to splash over her feet as she rose to place her chin on top of her knees. She took another deep breath as she thought back to three months ago.

Flashback

Slightly above a whisper, "Would you like to come inside?"

"Only if you're sure you're ready," Grissom replied back quietly, both of them reeling slightly from the innuendo.

Sara breathed in his scent deeply before respondingin a husky tone, "Ready if you are."

Grissom studied Sara's face intently. Behind the tear streaks he saw some subtle changes in her features from when he last saw her five years ago. Her forehead was adorned with the sunkissed freckles born of her current environs; her eyes and lips now framed with small wrinkles left by the sun and smiles enjoyed in happy activity. Her large brown eyes glowed softly, as if imprinted with a lively gleam. And her lips. He felt the familiar fascination with those supple lips. Drawing his attention with a renewed fervor, his eyes took in the lack of tension and stress that had worried him when they worked together.

He gave her a slight nod when he realized she was standing and looking down at him, and quickly shifted his attention to the waves crashing over his feet. He picked up his sandals and slowly started to stand back up. When he spun back around he saw that she was facing the beach house. He turned his gaze towards the house and saw the figure in the window quickly move away.

Sara turned her attention back to Grissom as she rubbed her hands over her tired face. "Don't worry, he won't bite," and she let out a low chuckle.

Grissom smiled.

Present day

I can do this.

~~~~GSR~~~~

4:22 a.m. Grissom took a deep breath as he stared at the bright red numbers on his bedside clock. 4:23 a.m. Today is the day, he thought to himself, I'm officially on sabbatical for an indefinite amount of time. I'm not sure I can do this… Grissom took another deep breath. 4:25 a.m. I have to do this.

Grissom sighed and rolled over so he could no longer see the clock.

Am I ready to do this?

Is it possible to earn back Sara's trust after all these years?

Will Meredith like me?

Will she trust me?

I have to make this work.

Fate's given me one final chance to get this right.

I can't live my life without her anymore.

I don't WANT to.

Grissom rolled back over to look at the clock. Bright red numbers staredback at him; 4:30 a.m.

Steeling himself with determination, Grissom got out of bed. Sleep was far from his mind. Time to start in a new direction for my life. Six and a half hours till I arrive in California.

Two hours later

Grissom looked around his townhouse one last time to ensure he packed everything he needed for his trip to California.

Every day clothes…check.

Formal clothes…check.

Belts…check.

Toiletries…check.

Laptop…check.

Water for the drive…check.

Wallet…check.

Keys…check.

Phone and charger…check.

What am I missing?

Grissom looked around the living room again, knowing he was missing something he needs to bring with him. Finally his eyes settled on his bookshelf.

"The stuffed lady bug I bought for Meredith!I can't forget about that." He smiled. I really think she'll love it!

"Oh, I almost forgot about the book." He quickly packed the lady bug and book away in his bag and finished loading up his car.

He slide into the driver seat and pulled out his phone. He sent Greg and Nick a brief text message:

I appreciate you taking care of the townhouse while I'm on sabbatical. I will let you know once I've reached my destination. –G

Grissom sighed. Greg and Nick asked so many questions about his sabbatical, and he felt a pang of guilt wash over him about his somewhat misleading replies.

Flashback

Without looking up from the assignment sheets as Grissom walked into the break room, "Nick, starting tomorrow you will be in charge of the night shift for an undetermined amount of time."

What?!" Nick exclaimed, "Why?"

"I start my sabbatical tomorrow, and Catherine will be away at a conference for the next two weeks. She figur-"

"Where are you going?" Greg interrupted.

"On sabbatical."

Silence filled the room and Grissom looked up. He let out a long breath before continuing, "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone for and, as I stated, Catherine will be gone for the next two weeks."

"Okay…but where are you going? What if we need to reach you? What if there is a problem? What if –"

Grissom interrupted before Greg could go on, "Email me if there are any problems that are insurmountable," his glare emphasizing his message, "but I know you can hold down the fort until Catherine returns."

Without further explanation, Grissom handed out the assignments and quickly left the room.

Present time

Taking a deep breath, Grissom pulled out of his driveway and made his way towards Marina Del Ray. Four and a half hours. I can do this.

What did you think? I hope you enjoyed this story! Please leave a review!

I have chapter two finished, just having issues getting it uploaded. It'll be posted ASAP! Chapter three is a WIP.

~Kay