AN This started off as a response to another challenge then turned into my own thing…so I hope you guys like it.

Okay much of the conversation in this first bit is from the actual episode so I can't take any credit for the wittiness of those words. However you enjoy Greg's inner monologue that's all me.:) Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

Who Shot Sherlock Challenge
© Dream 2005

Greg POV

You know I was not having a good day. Today was my final proficiency and I'm pretty damn sure I've blown the whole thing. I had been so close to working in the field and now I'm gonna be stuck in the lab for the rest of my damn life. I could see it; the lab is gonna eat me alive, I'm sure of it.

I heard Nick before I saw him.

"Hey, Greg, Grissom wants to see you." The smirk was not lost on me; I started to turn slowly, but knew Warrick would get a comment in.

"Like now, in his office." Something like that for instance.

My mind ran frantically with excuses as to why I had to leave right that instant, but figured I might as well get this finished tonight, no use waiting to be hung out to dry. So with a heavy sigh I headed over to Grissom's office. My feet felt like lead, how could I have overlooked something like that? I thought I was on cloud nine when I noticed there was something wrong with the blood drop. How could I have been so stupid after that? I even gave up going out for a drink with Sara to follow that damn lead!

Grissom's office was uncharacteristically dark; I could hardly make out the silhouette. Was this one of Gris' thinking moments? Was he trying to figure out a way to fire me?

Well I'd hear it sooner or later, "Grissom. You wanted to see me."

Grissom doesn't say anything but like my life in slow motion the chair swung around and instead of my boss there was the gel dummy that Warrick and Nick had used for their case that night. I could feel it as my heart slammed up into my throat…a sign on the dummy read 'YOU PASSED!'

You have to be fucking kidding me.

All of a sudden the room is filling with people, Nick, Warrick, Sara, Catherine, Grissom, heck even Ecklie is with them. It was a rush of words, and then it happened Sara was in my arms. She whispered "I still owe you a drink," into my ear before Catherine grabbed me into a hug and kiss on the cheek. I didn't even have a proper moment to relish how good Sara felt.

"Well done." Catherine said with a smile. I was beaming at this point. Come on could you blame me? My bad day is now rushing into one of the best days of my life. I knew Grissom was just quietly enjoying the moment but I couldn't help but wonder what it was that had made him decide to pass me. I let the thought pass as Nick and Warrick each shook my hand and patted me on the back.

Even Ecklie sounded genuinely pleased, "Congratulations, Sanders. Good work."

"Thank you." Words were swimming around me and I really didn't think my smile could get any bigger.

Leave it to Ecklie to squash the moment, "Okay, gang, there's people to put in jail. Let's get back to it, shall we? Come on, come on, now. Party's over. Let's go."

I was a little disappointed that they couldn't just stay there and tell him me great I am because I really do like this feeling.

I caught the look that Nick was giving me, "Good job." Warrick nodded his agreement while Catherine and Sara grinned. This night wasn't over I've worked with these people long enough to know that. I just wish someone would have given me a heads up as to how it was going to end!

Finally I turned to look at Gris, "I don't get it. I got the wrong guy, the wrong manner of death." I'm pleased but utterly bewildered, I had been sure I was fired or worse on my way straight back into the lab. Yes I know, my mother always said I had a flare for the dramatic.

Grissom just smiled, "I don't expect you to be correct in all your interpretations all the time. You collected the evidence. You thought there was something missing; you went back and found it. Hey, that's the job. Congratulations, Greg."

I have to admit it a compliment from this man makes me feel on top of the world. It's something about being praised by your mentor that can really just make your day. All I could think of to say was, "Thank you." It didn't seem like enough, but I think he understood what I meant.

I heard clinking glasses from the doorway and noticed Catherine holding a bottle of champagne. I knew they wouldn't hold out on me. I think my smile got bigger as I took the glass Sara offered me. They all toasted me and frankly it felt fuckin' amazing.

"Listen, Ecklie's gonna have a fit so I say we meet after shift and finish this celebration." Nick suggested as everyone touched their glasses and took a sip.

"Just tell me where and I'll go." I agreed and then hesitated, "I mean if that's okay with you Sara."

I could feel three pairs of eyes on me but knew Sara would recover. She's always quick to stop a rumour, although I have to admit I liked the idea of this one. She didn't disappoint, "Get your minds out of the gutter. My car broke down this weekend and since Greg lives close to me I asked if he'd give me a ride till my car was fixed."

"My mind wasn't in the gutter." Warrick said with a laugh.

"Mine either." Nick put a hand up to solemnly swear yet he very obvious crossed his fingers.

"I live in the gutter so your thoughts met me there." Catherine grinned at Sara.

Sara rolled her eyes then looked at me pretending she didn't hear them. She smiled broadly, "Of course that's okay with me. No other place I'd rather be."

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I think I'm drunk. In fact I know I am because if I were sober I don't think I could fantasize this situation.

Sara Sidle is kissing my neck.

Holy fucking shit I can't even believe it. In fact I don't even want to waste time thinking about it or what the ramifications could be. I just want to taste her some more. She's more intoxicating than alcohol and if I'm not mistaken she's in my bed and it was her idea.

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If I hadn't heard the frantic rustle of clothing over skin the next morning I would definitely have convinced myself that the night before had been a dream. I could have opened my eyes but I chose not to. If she was just going to leave without saying anything then that would speak volumes to me. When the door of my bedroom quietly shut a minute later I knew, she wanted to forget this ever happened and with a huge sigh, I'm going to let her.