By Jane Doe
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the CSI characters, I am clearly just obsessed with them.
Author Notes: Entire story done from Grissom's point-of-view, because he is the man! Don't really know how it will end, but it should prove interesting. I love feedback! So even if you hate it, tell me. Thanks!
Chapter 1: Unexpected Guest
I was early again to work but I had paperwork to do. Well really I hoped I would see Sara there so we could talk. She had the past two days off so I knew she would be in as early as possible without getting in trouble with dayshift. The truth was I wanted to talk to her about us. We were drifting apart, very far apart. After my unnecessary bitterness, about her being late, and then sending her solo, I tried to say sorry by assigning her to every case I was on. But that wasn't working. We still hardly spoke which I blame on myself. I didn't want to admit it but I was jealous of her relationship with Hank. Well anyway, the subtle Grissom approach wasn't working so I was going to talk to her. I decided after the last case of utter silence between us that she would be the first one I was going to tell about my hearing. It was going to be rough. Sara was unpredictable and can be emotional at times. I don't think I can handle her crying; crying for me, it was hard enough. Of course then again Sara isn't as emotional as others think. I just don't want to hurt her anymore, so maybe this will fix things. God knows I need her whit, curiosity, and, God that smile, back in my life. I thought about telling Catherine a couple times, but never thought myself brave enough to approach her. I've known her for a long time, and I respect her as a CSI and a very close friend. But Sara should be told first or at least I think so. Maybe I should tell them all at once then deal with each reaction individually, that way no one feels left out. But I need Sara to feel special, I've been a jerk to her and I want her to be there for me when this gets bad. Actually, I would prefer if I didn't have to tell anyone, but we don't always get what we want. I want my hearing back, I want to keep my job, but mostly I want Sara.
I look at my watch and realize I haven't gotten any closer to finishing my paperwork than an hour ago. Funny how time flies when your mind is preoccupied. Sara still hasn't shown up. Maybe I should call and let her know I want to speak to her before shift. She is probably just itching to come in early but wants to avoid me. In the end I decide to call and let her know we need to talk. I hope I can control my voice and it won't betray the importance of my situation, I don't want her to think something is terribly wrong. But who are you kidding Gil, there is something terribly wrong. You are losing your hearing! I pull myself together before I hear her voice on the other end.
"Hey Sara..." But it was just her answering machine. Damn. I missed her, but I leave a message anyway and hang up.
I choose to finish my paperwork, and once again time slips away from me. Goes to show I don't have much time left with good hearing. Soon the silence will overcome me.
"Grissom!"
I look up to see a very distraught Catherine standing at the doorway to my office. By the look on her face I can tell she has been standing there for quite sometime calling my name. "Sorry but this paperwork...its a mess."
"Right. Well you ready to hand out assignments or can we go home?"
"I am coming." We walked down the hall together towards the lounge where everyone was supposed to be gathered. I felt bad because I didn't get to catch Sara before now, but I put it on hold and went into work mode. I began to give out assignments.
"Well not much tonight, we actually have only one case and it seems like an open/shut case. Nothing too important."
"We aren't that lucky." Warrick said.
"No we are that good." Catherine put in with a smile. "We just find too many clues to complicate things. No one just dies nowadays."
Everyone laughed at Catherine's joke but I kept going. "So tonight will be slow, for a change, so I want all paperwork completed." A series of sighs came from the group. "I know I hate it too, but...where's Sara?" I scanned the room. Sometimes it was easy to miss her because she often was behind someone or preoccupied with the coffee pot, but I didn't find her.
"Don't know? I thought she was off today." Nick said. "I haven't seen her."
"She was due back tonight. Where is she?" The tension in my voice was becoming apparent so I tried to recover. "Well?"
"I believe I can answer your question." A man's voice said from behind me.
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tbc...