It was a slow day at the Las Vegas Crime Lab. Sara Sidle was just finishing cleaning up her work for the evening as her cell phone chirpped at her side. "Sidle," she responded as she held it to her ear. "Hey there girl, we are all meeting at the Trackside Lounge for drinks. Griss says we all have to be there. He is buying and has an announcement." Warrick sounded slightly amused, so she figured what the hell, why not, it will be good for some laughs. She wasn't too sure about what Grissom was up to, but she knew that if he invited everyone for drinks, it had to be good.
As she drove to the bar, she thought of the rest of the Las Vegas Night Crew.
They surely were a motley crew. Warrick Brown, tall, lean mocha colored beautiful man. He is a walking GQ magazine. Looking at him, a person would think that he would not be approachable. Quite the opposite was the truth. Once you look into his sparkling green eyes, you can see the kindness and warmth. Sara chuckled as she slid down the streets of Vegas, wondering if Warrick knew that everyone had been able to see the love that he held in his eyes for co-worker Catherine Willows. Catherine, a 5' 6" meddling dynamo with light reddish brown hair and bright blue eyes, is a tough as nails single mom who has worked very hard to get where she is at, and is always ready to prove it. Many years ago, she worked as an exotic dancer and still has the body to prove it. With a mind that is as sharp as a tack, and a tongue that is just as sharp, Catherine has been a very good friend to Sara even though the two ladies had a shaky start. As the only two women of the night shift, they grated on each others nerves occasionally, but, all in all, they stuck together like the good friends that they have come to be.
As Sara pulled into the parking garage of the Trackside Lounge, she thought of the others on the crew. Nick Stokes and Greg Sanders were the closest thing to being her brothers that she could imagine. Both men were always there to cover her back when she needed it, and she knew that she would do the same for them if ever needed. Sara wondered which of the two men would go home tonight with more women's phone numbers. They always seemed to get quite a few, and if Sara's memory was correct, the count that they had running was leaning in Greg's favor. Both men were equally good looking in their own style. Greg is a tall lanky guy whose hair color changes from day to day. With a bubbly personality and a penchant for wild clothing, Greg always keeps everyone around him on their toes. He has a keen eye for detail that he has been trying to hone so he can move from the lab and into the field. Nick, on the other hand, is shorter and stocky with a great body and a quick smile. His soft Texas drawl always seems to draw in the attention of women. Sometimes, Sara wondered how she got to be so close with these two but never dated either one. Who was she trying to kid, she knew exactly why. That reason came in the form of one slightly older, quiet night-shift supervisor.
Before getting out of her car, she sat for a moment and thought of her supervisor. Gil Grissom, at 48, is a extremely intelligent man with short salt and pepper curly hair and the most beautiful blue eyes that she had ever seen. He has a quirky smile that can always melt Sara's heart. His intelligence had brought him to where he is today, one of the leading forensic entimologists in the world. Sara thought back to the first time that she met Grissom at a forensics acadamy conference at Berkley, where he was a presenter and she was an attendee .There had been an instant connection between the two. As he spoke, his eyes found hers and never wavered far after that. When the conference was over, Sara had sought out Grissom on the pretense of questions about anthropology. He answered all of her questions thoroughly and carefully and proceded to ask her to go for a cup of coffee. The cup of coffee "date" that they shared lasted the remaining 4 days that he was in town. She couldnt believe that 10 years had already passed. She grinned as she sat back in her car thinking about the past. He really hasn't changed much she thought, just a little more grey hair, and few more pounds (which, to her was great), and a sexy greying beard. Sara took a deep breath and exited her car and sauntered towards the bar, lost in tought about the man who, from the moment he walked onto a stage at a conference, has plagued her mind.
Walking into the bar, she immediately saw Warrick, Nick, Catherine, and Greg standing huddled together talking already nursing drinks. The lounge was a small place. The warm honey oak bar covered the far end of the building. Nick looked at them all with a big grin and asked, "so, anyone know what this is all about?" Sara was unsure of what Grissom was up to as were all of her co-workers. Greg bounced over to Sara giving her a squeeze on the arm, and said,"so sweet-thing, can I get you a drink?" Out of nowhere, Grissom appeared at Sara's side and piped in, "You will do no such thing, I am buying 'sweet-thing' as you call her, and everyone else, a drink." Sara closed her eyes, and slightly shook her head, it amazed her at how this man could bring her knees to feel so weak, by just standing next to her. At least, she thought, no one knew how she still felt about Grissom, it had been such a long time since anyone had said anything to her about it, she figured that they all thought that she was over him. Little did they know.
"Okay Griss, we all are dying to know what is going on here. Why the little get together here?" Catherine always had a knack of getting right to the point. "Not just yet," Gil Grissom said,"We have to wait for one more person. He wanted to join us." Just at that moment, Jim Brass came sliding up to the team, smiling widely. Brass, standing at 5'8" had a presence about him. His sun-worn face told stories of the horrible things he has seen as a veteran police officer. Each wrinkle, a chapter in the story of the life of Jim Brass. Looking in his eyes, you can see the sympathy that he has for the human race, but you can also see the hardness that has come with 25 years of corruption that he has seen in the human soul. As a Captain for the Las Vegas Police Deapartment, he demands respect in the field. As a person, they all knew that he is the bigest softie in the state of Nevada.
"So, Gil, you tell them yet?" said Brass, with a slight New Jersey accent. "Nope, it seems as though we dont all have a drink in our hands yet, so let's get a coctail, and then, I will 'spill the beans'." Grissom ordered himself a scotch and Sara a vodka martini and told everyone else to refill their drinks. Sara grinned, trying to figure out how he remembered that martinis were her favorite mixed drink. Catherine and Brass both looked at each other, then at Grissom and smirked, they noticed that he knew Sara's drink, and ordered it for her. Catherine couldnt just let this go. "So Gil, tell me, why didnt you order my drink too....cant you remember what I drink?" Gil just slightly flushed and gave her an evil stare. "You guys seemed to have gotten here before me, and started. I saw Sara without a drink, so I thought I'd be nice." Somehow, his words were intelligible even through clenched teeth.
By the way, you drink an Absolute screwdriver, just so you know I haven't forgotten. Warrick likes Heinekin in a frosted mug. Nick loves a ice cold Corona with a lime. Brass is a man with great taste, and embibes in a neat scotch, and Greg.....he just likes anything with alcohol. See, I pay attention to everyone." Under his breath, Gil Grissom whispered, "just not as much as I do to Sara."
When everyone had their drinks refilled, Grissom cleared his throat, and stepped in closer to his team. Holding his glass up, he said "Here is to you all, the CSI team wth the highest solve rate in 7 years. I just got word from up top that we all have the day off tomorrow. Ecklie is mad as hell, but the powers above him have sent the word down to me...no one works tomorrow, and drinks tonight are on the city." Whoops and hollers came from the team. Greg, being his exhuberant self, jumped up and hollered the loudest, while Warrick just grinned his radiant smile. Catherine and Nick hugged and Jim Brass just sipped his drink and smiled at his former team. He was so proud of them, he had seen them grow so much in the past few years.
They all talked that evening about cases they have gotten into , and some were sweet, some were sad. Somewhere amongst all of their reminesing, a Dj had started to play some music. Grissom just sat back and watched all of his friends laugh and talk, all the time, not letting his eyes stray too far from the brunette that stood so close to him. After about an hour of the CSIs being there, the crowd started to get loud and thick. Noone in the team seemed to want to leave yet, but they all expressed that it was getting to loud to talk and too smoky to breathe. Grissom never had too many people at his home, and didn't really like the idea of inviting everyone over, sure, Catherine had been over quite a few times for breakfast and drinks, and Jim had been over a few times over the years, and that case a few years ago, when they all gathered to brain storm...but not socially, not everyone, not all at once. Catherine and Jim were different though, they were his best friends. He wasn't quite ready to say goodnight to he team, so he called out to the small group, "If you guys think you can behave, we can all get over to my place and finish our party..I think I have some Scotch and snacks but I will have to pick up some beer for you kids." Greg couldn't believe his ears, and whispered to Catherine and Warrick, "Is he sick, should we take him in to see a doctor?" Catherine simply looked at her long time friend and said, "he is having a good time and he doesn't open up that much, we need to take it as we can get it from him."
They all split up then and made plans to get back at Grissoms townhouse. As they were walking out, Catherine had an idea, as to not have all of them driving after having a few drinks. They all knew that they had only 2 drinks each, but still, why take any chances. Catherine, ever the organizer, told Nick to drive Greg and herself to Grissoms' house. They weren't sure of where it was anyways and she knew exactly how to get there. Brass told them to go on, that he would pick up the beer for the gang and then would be right over. Grissom then remembered, "Hey Brass, grab some vodka and olives too." Cathrine then looked at Sara and told her to go with Grissom, so he wouldn't have to drive alone. "Yeah, right Catherine." Sara said. Grissom just lifted an eyebrow and looked at Sara and grinned a little bit, and promised her "Sara, I wont bite. You can ride with me." Grissom knew right then, that Catherine was trying to push them together again. Little did she know, that is exactly why he was allowing the group go to his house. "Hey Griss, I know the kind of snacks you keep at your place," Catherine said. "I doubt that the boys here would like chocolate covered ants, so we are gonna stop at the market and get some chips and dip." Grissom smirked and agreed. Yup, she was buying some time alone for Sara and himself before they all gathered at his place.
Grissom seemed a bit uncomfortable as he led Sara to his Denali, but he slipped around her to open the door and met her eyes. Not sure of what she was thinking, he broke the moment, and helped her into the car. He could feel is pulse quicken just from the brief encounter they just had. All he could think was that the time was right, he had to take advantage of this evening. It was still early in the day and with no work tomorrow, they had quite a long time if they wanted it, he intended on making the most of every second with Sara.
The ride to his house was a bit quiet, luckily, the ride was just a few miles. Sara couldnt believe her luck. She knew Catherine was up to something, she could see it in her eyes. And she knew exactly what the older CSI was thinking. Sara on numerous times, told Catherine that Grissom wasn't interested in a relationship, but Catherine still pushed gently, ( and sometimes, not so gently) every now and then. Sara could feel the entimologists eyes wander to her and she felt a warming in the pit of her stomach. As they pulled up in his driveway, Grissom said, "Wait for a second Sara." He briskly walked to her side of the vehicle, and he opended the door for her. "My mother would kill me if she knew that I 'd let a beautiful woman open her own door." Sara's heart lept in her throat and she tried to think of a quick reply to make light of the situation, but for some reason, when she looked at Gil, nothing would come to mind. He held out a hand to help her out of the vehicle, and thought she felt a slight tremor in Grissoms hand as he helped her down. Handing her a key, Grissom said, "Here Sara, let yourself in, I need to get my kit out of the back of the Denali." Sara was surprised when she opened the door. The townhouse was a nice place, not that it surprised her, but what did surprise her, was that it was so sparse, yet warm, and inviting. He had the most beautiful butterflies mounted and framed all over his living room, which was open with a large stone fireplace. The couches he had were of excellent quality oxblood colored leather. A glass coffeetable and 2 end tables were placed strategically, and candles were placed on them throughout the area. She stopped in the doorway and waited for Grissom to get there, hoping that he needed some help with something, so she would be able to hide her shaking hands. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his arm slide past her and flip the lightswitch, so they could make their way in. "Sara, enter, enter, my dear, make yourself at home." she blinked and was ready to pinch herself to see if she was dreaming. "Uh, Griss, is there anything you would like me to to get or do?" He stopped dead in his tracks, turned to her and with a flirtatious smile, he lifted an eyebrow and said , "hmmm, loaded question, don't you think?" Sara blushed and just about choked, but was able to retort, "I don't know Dr. Grissom, what are you implying?"
Just at that moment, Greg, Nick, and Catherine came in with arms loaded full of grocery bags. "We're here kiddies, you best be decent." Damn Catherine. A slight flush rose in Grissom and Sara's faces, and Catherine couldn't help but wonder what they had just walked into. Grissom looked at Sara and smiled, "Light the fireplace, there is wood already stacked in there." Grissom then said to Warrick "Could you please get some music going, I trust your taste...more than Greg's the stereo is in the living room, all the cds are on the bookshelf next to the fireplace." When Warrick asked Sara what kind of music she thought would be good, he couldn't help but tease, "What kind of mood should we set here... maybe he has a cd of grasshopper mating calls." Sara quickly stepped on his toes rather hard and acted like it was an accident. Catherine yelled out to them, "get the cd that I burned for him it is the one in the pink case."
Brass entered shortly later and offered to pour everyone drinks. Grissom went to retrieve glasses for everyone and they all gathered around the breakfast bar. When Grissom turned around to see the eyes of Sara watching him, he smiled and thought, yup, the time is right. Greg skipped into the living room and turned up the music, exclaiming, "this is a party, right??? Let's dance!! Come on Sara, Catherine.." Sara declined, but Catherine, being the graceful dancer that she is, danced to the tune "Heaven" by Los Lonley Boys, and Greg quickly joined suit. As Brass, Warrick, Sara, and Grissom watched them, not much was said, but Brass just looked at Grissom, and wondered why he was taking so long when everyone could see that he was completely smitten with Sara Sidle. Sara watched her friends dance, and eventually, Catherine pulled Brass into the dancing group. Surprisingly, Brass had a few good moves left in him. Sara just laughed and watched. Grissom offered to refill her and Warrick's drink, and went into the kitchen to do so. Sara was standing up against the breakfast bar when she felt Grissom standing behind her, returning with their drinks. He handed Warrick his beer and went back to the kitchen for Sara's and his. Grissom slid in behind her again, his chest caressing her back. She could feel the electricity coming off of him, and it unnerved her. Sara felt she could barely breathe as Grissom slid his right hand on to her side, pullling her closer to him. No one could see his hand there, her arm was blocking the view, so she left it there, but to her surprise, she felt Grissom lean over into her ear and heard him whisper, "So my dear, I hope I am not too late. " She turned her head slightly, not wanting to break the moment, and said,"You know you could never be too late." Looking forward again, trying to see if anyone had noticed this exchange, she still felt his warm breath on her ear, and his soft beard on her cheek. "My dear, you are abosolutley exquisite." As he said this, she felt his left hand slide up to her face,and his thumb caressed her cheek. At that moment, Warrick turned to say something to her, and he lost his words, Brass just grinned thinking, "you go buddy, it is about time." The music slowed down and the dancers came over to replenish their drinks. Sara was shocked to find that Grissom was still standing up against her in front of all of their friends. For a man that was so private, he was being awfully open. Greg stood on the other side of the bar mouth agape, and Catherine just grinned, and said in a low voice to Greg, "close your mouth Greggo, one of Grissom's bugs may crawl into your mouth." Everyone just looked around the table as if nothing were out of sorts, and had a great time. Sara got knowing, approving looks from all of her friends and suddenly felt very much at ease.
Grissom finally spoke up, "Catherine, you know, I never got to listen to this cd yet, it is quite good...what made you make this for me?" With a wide grin and a quick wink, she replyed "You know Gil, I was just hoping that one day soon, you would need a little bit of music that was different than what you were used to." "What is that supposed to mean?" Griss asked. "Nothing old friend," she retorted, "Nothing. Just listen and you will get the hint."
Just then the song "I'm Already Gone" by Diamond Rio came on, and they all looked at Catherine grinning. Sara sat there, Grissom moving to her side, her jaw dropped staring at Catherine...this woman is something else...how long has she planned this she wondered. Grissom being so ...Grissom grinned and turned to Sara , "Well, darling, looks like we are the only ones that haven't danced. We better get this over with before Catherine starts throwing things to get our attention." Warrick then cleared his throat..."ummmm, I haven't danced yet either." Grissom smiled and said "sorry buddy, you're not my type." The tall, lean young CSI turned his radiant green eyes to Catherine and said," Well doll, looks like it is me and you."
As Grissom led Sara into the living room to dance, followed by Catherine and Warrick, she felt his hand slide into hers, their fingers meshing together. Grissom turned, and pulled Sara close, not caring what the others said at this point. As Grissom slipped his arm around Sara, he coulnt help but think how right this felt. Holding her right hand, he lifted it up to his lips and gently kissed her fingertips, whispering to her, "I have waited to hold you like this for so long." Sara felt the shudder along his sholder where her left hand was resting, and she thought, "wow, he must have had waaay too much to drink. But, who am i too question him...I'll take this moment." Slowly, he dropped his hand from hers, still holding her and swaying to the music, and slid his left hand around her waist, meeting his other hand on her back. Sara slid her hand gently up his arm and put it behind his neck, feeling the strength in his sholders, not believing that this was real. "Is this a dream?" She asked Grissom. "If it is honey, I never want to wake up." he said. They heard some light whispers and Grissom looked over to see Catherine and Warrick looking at them, smirking, and he was relieved to find that he really didn't care as much as he thought he would, Sara was just right for him, and that was it. Sara looked over to the breakfast bar to find the rest of her friends there, staring at them, poor Greg, she thought, Oh well, he'll have to live with it. Everyone knew that Greg had been pineing for Sara since the first time he met her. When she looked back to Grissom, she was surprised to see him, staring at her with a dark, smoldering look, his beautiful blue eyes, darkening with every moment. He leaned his forehead on hers, their noses touching. All Sara could think was he is going to kiss me....breath Sara, just breathe. With a small move so gentle, Grissom brushed his lips against Sara's and slid his hands down to her lower back and pulled her closer.
Without thinking, Saras hands found their way into Grissom's grey thick curls, remembering saying "You know, grey hair can be very sexy." Caressing her back, Grissom let his hands drop to her jeans and slid them into her back pockets and he could feel Sara grin against his lips. They broke their kiss, and Sara snuggled her head against his neck. Grissom could only think that it doesn't get much better than this. Catherine snuck over to the cd player and hit the repeat button, so that the song would never end, and she and Warrick walked over to the breakfast bar where the rest of the team was waiting. They all looked at Grissom and Sara in amazment. "Okay kids, I think this is our cue that it is time to leave." Catherine said, grinning at her dear friends. "Looks like the cd helped like I intened it to."
Grissom and Sara danced with each other, and Sara said, "You know Gil, I think you have had to much to drink. I dont want to take advantage of you." Grissom grinned and kissed her gently again, whispering against her lips, "My dear, I quit after the first drink, I havn't been drinking any alcohol." They never even heard the door close as their friends left them alone.