Dear readers

I first started writing this text in 2007-2008 because I was an avid CSI viewer and because I liked reading fanfics about Catherine and Sara. A couple of years later they stopped broadcasting CSI on Belgian television.

Also the TPTB decided to really pursue this romance between Sara and Grissom and that's when I lost touch with the series. A couple of years ago they started broadcasting CSI again and it rekindled the ff flame in me but I lacked time to really finish this story. I have written a couple of chapters somewhere between 2011 and 2013 but because I still hadn't finished this story I decided not to upload them.

This summer (2015) I decided to watch my CSI DVD collection again and had this urge to start writing again. Rereading my previous chapters I wasn't really satisfied with them, I noticed quite some mistakes and decided to rewrite them.

Seeing it has been years that I updated this text I'm assuming most of you don't remember much of it. Therefore I'm giving you the chance to start from the beginning again. Not only did I rewrite it, I also changed some things. The first chapters of my first version were written in the first person point of view alternating between Catherine and Sara, now the entire text is from a third person point of view. The chapters still alternate between Catherine and Sara until a certain point.

I have finished it until the very last chapter which is still under development because I need feedback before I can finish it completely, so you needn't worry that I'm going to stop updating again. I will update regularly until the very last chapter I promise.

'You paged?' Catherine asked Grissom upon entering his office.

He looked up from behind 4 enormous stacks of paperwork that were covering his desk, as always he was practically buried beneath it, he hated doing it and postponed it until the very last minute. 'Yes, I wanted to talk to you about the party you guys wanted to have.'

'You aren't coming, are you?' She rolled her eyes, not being surprised at all.

Grissom noticed the eye roll and the unsurprised tone of Catherine's voice but he chose to ignore it. 'No, I'm not.' A normal person would probably give some kind of explanation or come up with a plausible excuse but not Grissom, Catherine knew all too well he would not hesitate to go for drinks or breakfast after shifts but going clubbing was not really his cup of tea. 'But…' Oh there was a but, he had her full attention now. 'To make it up to you, I've arranged something with this fantastic club on the strip… Shakespeare. I'm sure you're familiar with the name, everybody knows that place.'

Catherine was actually impressed, she wondered if Grissom had been hiding certain parts of his social life, maybe he secretly enjoyed going clubbing after all but just failed to mention it...ever. There were so many questions running through her head that she couldn't do much more than openly stare at him.

'Don't look at me like clubbing is a secret part of my life. I just happen to know the owner.'

That was even more impressive in Catherine's book, how many other bombshells was he planning on dropping on her this morning. 'Wow, how…' She finally managed.

Without giving her the chance to actually form a question, he answered matter-of-factly 'We've been friends for years, we met a couple of years ago in San Francisco.'

The owner of Shakespeare was famous, everybody who meant something knew her and the rest just wanted to know her, thinking they would mean something too if they could be seen with her. But everybody knew she was very secretive about her life outside the club even the paparazzi had trouble finding her and that's saying something. She came into her club every night to speak to the audience or so Catherine was told, because she hadn't had the opportunity to go there yet. She realized a little too late that her mouth was still open and that she was shamelessly staring at Grissom in awe.

He just smiled at her, amused by the expression on her face 'Well, are you interested or not? I've arranged the VIP lounge.'

'Of course I want to go, wow Grissom that place is … fantastic! Every night the place is packed, people wait two even three hours to get in and some of them wait even longer and don't get in at all! Still they return the following night in hopes they're more lucky. Do you know how long I've wanted to go there and I'm sure Nick and Warrick will love this too.' She was practically bouncing like a child but didn't care.

Grissom was happy that she liked his idea knowing it more than made up for him missing out on yet another party. 'Glad you like it, you are expected next week on Thursday. But…' Oh no, not a but now. For a brief moment Catherine feared what was about to come: more paperwork, more hours, … 'You have to tell me what is was like the following day.' He smiled, if the look on his face was of any indication she guessed he knew what kind of horrible scenario's were running through her mind.

'I will, promise.' with that she walked out of his office.

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Catherine immediately went in search of the boys to tell them the big news, she looked everywhere she could think of but didn't manage to find them when it occurred to her that they were probably out on a case. She decided to check the break room again just in case... from the moment she entered a whiff of Greg's expensive brew hit her, she inhaled it thirstily walking over to the counter to get herself a cup of delicious coffee.

'Stop! And put that down!' it was Greg, he was being overprotective of his coffee again.

Turning around she threw him one of her sexy smiles, fixing her eyes on his while walking closer. She ran a finger seductively up his arm, making him quiver a bit, before purring 'I'm sorry, I thought I could take whatever I wanted... from you.'

A blush crept up his cheeks and he looked away shyly, taking his silence as a go ahead Catherine walked back towards the pot and just when she thought she'd won, he said firmly 'You might be my favorite lady, but you don't get to touch my coffee. You'll have to do better than running a finger up my arm.'

Wow, he began to learn. Damn, I thought he would let me because he was too busy blushing she thought. 'Greg, we have been working together for years, surely you want to share your coffee with me. You know how I get when I don't get my fix in time.' Threatening him might have a more desired effect because he visibly shivered imagining Catherine in a bad mood.

'Sorry Cath, no can do. You'll have to offer me something real good to make me share my $40 a pound brew.' He smiled innocently at her.

'Well Greggo, I got to give it to you, you're growing a pair of bona fide balls or so it seems.' She winked at him to let him know she was only kidding.

'Nope, I'm just getting used to the flirting and well as far as the threatening is concerned…now that I'm a CSI I know better ways of hiding without leaving traces.' He beamed, proud of himself. 'Now I really want to share this incredible tasty coffee with you, but you'll need to offer me something worthy.'

For the umpteenth time this shift Catherine was impressed 'I think I have something, Grissom arranged it so I can go to Shakespeare and if you let me have some of your brew I'll ask you to come too.'

His eyes widened and a smile spread from ear to ear 'He did what? Grissom is the man! You can have as much of this coffee as you like, count me in!' then something dawned on him 'How did he manage to do that?' his brow furrowed in confusion.

'Apparently he knows the owner.' she shrugged at his puzzled expression.

'He is officially my new hero! I heard the owner is HOT! I've tried to get in a couple of times, to get a glimpse of her but I was never lucky enough.' He pouted a bit, he could be such a kid sometimes, taking pity in him nonetheless the blonde put an arm around his shoulder.

'Now you'll get your chance.' She winked, took a cup of his tasty coffee and walked back towards her office where a load of paperwork was waiting.

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Knock knock

The sound made Catherine look up, right into the suspiciously smiling face of Sofia. It was very clear there was something on her mind, but try as she might Catherine was unable to read her 'Can I help you, detective Curtis?'

'Yes you can, miss Willows.' Her smile turned into a smirk.

Catherine couldn't help but think how sexy she looked smirking like that, it became clear Sofia had come to ask her a favor and she was making sure Catherine would have no choice but to agree. The blonde detective quirked a knowing eyebrow at Catherine's blatant ogling. Who could blame her, the woman was just breathtakingly sexy. With that smirk she had the ability to make you feel wanted and who didn't want to feel like that. Not that Catherine had any feelings for her, or at least nothing that came close to love or something other romantic, but she wouldn't turn Sofia down if she came on to her.

'This is the part where you ask what you can help me with.' She said obviously pleased about the fact that she had rendered the smaller blonde speechless.

'What can I help you with?' she asked.

'I heard you have plans to go clubbing… I'm interested and I mean really really interested.' Sofia's voice dropped a 100th octaves for good measurement.

'Has Greg been bragging to everyone already?' It was more a statement than a question, Catherine rolled her eyes 'Of course you can come too.'

'Thanks. See you later.' She was about to leave but something made her walk back in Catherine's direction. 'Oh right, Greg told almost everyone about it so you'll get offers from a lot of lab rats too. Please don't tell Hodges it's okay to come with us.'

'I won't, don't worry.' Even if Hodges would be the last person on earth she wouldn't ask him. With a thankful smile Sofia turned around and walked away. Catherine glanced at her clock, it was telling her she had only four more hours left to do the rest of her paperwork and seeing she was only half way through she better got right back to it.

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Catherine drove into her driveway, turning off the engine of her car with a deep sigh. It felt really good coming home after an entire shift of paperwork. She walked into her house to find her mother and daughter eating breakfast, she joined them. Right away a plate with eggs and toast and a steaming cup of coffee were put in front of her. She thanked her mother with a warm smile. Lindsay was just staring at her mom like she was a ghost or something, her mouth hanging slightly open, fork with food on it in midair, like she was frozen in place. Catherine smiled warmly at her daughter, but when she didn't react she was starting to get a little worried. 'Linds, everything okay?'

Lindsay put her fork back on her plate, a smile was slowly forming on her face, her eyes widened a bit 'Mom, I'm totally in awe of you!'

'Gee thanks sweetie.' Getting compliments of your teenage daughter were always nice surprises. 'But why?'

'You are going to Shakespeare! I want to come too!'

That was not entirely the expected response... Catherine looked at her daughter more closely to find out if she was just kidding or if she was serious. Oh my god she's serious 'Linds, you're only 15. I will not allow my 15-year-old daughter to go clubbing. I'm sorry.'

'But mmmoooommmm…' she whined.

'No, Lindsey and that's final. You are too young, you're not even allowed to go inside.' Catherine couldn't help but chuckle at the disappointed look on her daughter's face. Was she really thinking I would allow her to come with us? 'But in a few years I would be glad to take you with me, if you still want it.'

'Cool.' Although Catherine highly doubted her daughter would want her to come in a couple of years, she couldn't help but feel immensely pleased at the moment.

They finished the rest of their breakfast in a comfortable silence, not long after it was time for Lindsey to go to school. She kissed her daughter goodbye. Her mother brought Lindsey to school, while Catherine took a quick shower before going to bed. She was enjoying a dreamless sleep until she was awoken by the annoying ringing of her cell phone. It was Nick, she forgot she'd left him a message saying he needed to call her ASAP. She quickly told him the wonderful surprise Grissom had given them which made Nick very happy to hear. People were dying to get in that club.

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It was Thursday night, the Thursday night! Nick and Warrick would arrive in an hour to pick up Catherine. She was already done showering, the only thing left to do was decide what she would wear and that was a lot harder than imagined. Should she wear a dress or pants? She had laid out a couple of suitable outfits on her bed and picked them up one by one, she held them in front of her looking in the mirror but the decision was hard. She liked all the outfits!

After almost an hour choosing the right one, she was finally dressed. The final decision consisted of black pants, a light blue buttoned shirt and a cream-colored leather jacket. She liked her choice, she quickly put on some make up and made her way downstairs. She checked the content of her purse and looked at her watch, there were still a couple of minutes left before the guys arrived, she was proud of herself.

She sat down on her couch enjoying the silence, since Lindsey had hit puberty everything was a lot more chaotic around the house. The minute her daughter was home she turned on the stereo and some pop music blared from the speakers, when told to turn it down they manifested themselves in a shouting match until Catherine either gave up or sent Lindsey to her room. What is it with adolescents and turning everything into a fight? she thought. It seemed Lindsey had lost her ability to simply have a conversation with her mom a year ago. She didn't come to her anymore with her problems, in fact she told Catherine nothing at all.

When she was asked about school, she said 'fine' and walked away. But when something was clearly bothering her and she was asked about it, she started yelling for absolutely no reason. Catherine understood that her daughter was going through a rough period, hell most adolescents go through it but it still hurt to be left out. Catherine just wanted to know how her daughter was really doing, that was all.

Lost in thoughts about her daughter, Catherine shrieked when her doorbell brought her abruptly back to the present. Upon remembering where she was headed tonight, a smile fixed on her features and she felt as excited as a child on Christmas's Eve. She opened her door to a wild smiling Warrick, looking behind him she saw the same excitement on both Nick and Greg's faces who were still sitting in Warrick's SUV.

'Hi girl, you look stunning.' He said giving her an appraising look.

'Thanks War, so do you.' she replied sincerely, he was wearing black suit trousers and a deep blue shirt, hanging tightly round his massive chest, showing just how muscled his body was.

'You ready to go?'

With a nod from Catherine they headed towards the car. She was greeted by Nick and Greg who also told her how stunning she looked, only Greg used a totally different set of words to describe how she looked according to him, his comment earned him an eye roll. During the drive they engaged themselves in playful banter, making guesses about the interior of Shakespeare.

Well time to find out... when they arrived they saw Sofia and Wendy were already waiting for them. After exchanging courtesies the six of them walked towards the entrance, Catherine flashed the VIP-pass and the bouncer smiled motioning for them to step up and enter the club. The place was amazing, exceeding Catherine's wildest imaginations. The interior was mostly black bar for the cushions of the sofa's, they were red, deep red like clear blood and the tables were steel-gray. There were some very interesting enhancements, also in steel-gray, three cages with some scarcely clad female dancers in two of them, the third one had a scarcely clad male dancer locked inside.

There was also a small stage area in one corner with a pole on it, anyone who wanted to give it a try could show their best moves. This peeked Catherine's interest, bringing back memories of the good old days. The glasses and liquor bottles behind the bar were placed on glass shelves, lighted by pink and green neon lights. The entire place was lighted by a variety of neon lights and black lights. It was beautiful, unmistakably decorated by a woman.

Judging by the looks on their faces the others were also in awe of the interior. They were shown the way towards the VIP-lounge by a quirky waitress. In the middle of their tables sat a big bottle of champagne in an ice bucket with a card that read 'on the house'. They were handed a glass by Nick, who quickly topped them off. They had a great a view of the club, looking down on the dance floor. Catherine had always liked watching people dance, needless to say she was appreciating the view.

Warrick's voice interrupted her observations 'This place … is … wooow!'

'Wait till you see the owner, she's even more amazing than this place, I'm told she's a real enigma.' Greg stated.

'Figures, she's a friend of Grissom.' Catherine couldn't help but make a comment about it.

The others agreed with her, she returned to observing her surroundings secretly hoping she would catch a glimpse of this woman. Luck was on her side, out of nowhere the owner walked into the club, for a moment Catherine wondered where she had come from doubting she was able to walk through walls, because that would be ridiculous from a scientific point of view. Immediately the woman was crowded by a lot of people, most of them female, a couple of them were even asking for her autograph the strawberry blonde noticed, this was so unreal.

She handed them out gracefully, although she seemed to enjoy it there was a hint of discomfort on her features. However nobody seemed to notice this or cared about it. She excused herself from the group and Catherine swore some of them almost fainted when she touched them, damn that woman had to be good. Catherine had a better look, the brunette was wearing a black suit with a tight black button shirt accentuating her curves, on her head there was a fedora hiding most of her face. Around her neck there was a loose hanging red tie.

She walked up on the stage with a microphone in hand 'Good evening all of you.' She proceeded to walk to the front 'I hope you're all enjoying yourselves but judging by the queue in front of the toilets I'm sure you are.' She was standing at the edge of the stage now, her voice was husky sounding very sexy to Catherine's ears. She took her hat in her hand resulting in even more loud sheers from the crowd 'Well, party on!' then she threw her hat into the audience, they were almost fighting to catch it and the person who did was shouting and beaming.

This woman was really good! Now that the hat was gone her face was visible, she was indeed very beautiful… she had dark hair and dark eyes too. She looked up at the VIP-lounge and winked, a warm fire started in the pit of Catherine's stomach, she didn't know her but was definitely mesmerized by her appearance. Catherine snapped out of her… her … whatever this was to look at her friends, they were all watching her closely too. Greg was actually drooling, so was Wendy Catherine noticed.

Smirking she said 'Well Greg, I think your source was right, she's outstanding in every way. But I think Wendy makes a better chance than you do.' Wendy's head snapped so fast in Catherine's direction that she almost heard a crack, Wendy was definitely blushing fiercely even the semi-darkness was unable to hide it.

Greg also turned his attention to Catherine, disappointment evident on his face 'Why?'

'Come on! Tell me you noticed?' he shook his head slowly not sure what he should have seen 'Sofia, tell me you noticed?'

'Yup, I did.' She smiled and pointedly took another sip of her glass.

'Warrick, Nick?' but they also didn't have a clue what Catherine was on about.

'Oh come on! You guys are so oblivious.' The confusion only increased on their faces. 'She's definitely gay!'

They almost choked on their drinks, looking at Catherine like she had sported a second head or something. Catherine found it hard to believe how qualified investigators failed to notice the obvious here. When it came to these things men were usually in denial, especially if the woman was gorgeous. And well she was. Wendy's blush had only increased by Catherine's statement she looked down finding something immensely interesting about her shoes.

'Let's dance!' Catherine announced to break the awkward tension that hung in the air, gladly they all followed her lead. They danced until their feet couldn't take it anymore then they settled back in the lounge and enjoyed a variety of cocktails and talked about the music, the interior and all the great stuff about this club. Even the ladies room was quite something and so was the men's room according to Nick and Greg. Grissom definitely knew great people, Catherine thought, already thinking about all the things she had to tell him.