Rating: T (for language)

Warning: Spoilers for Pirates of the Third Reich

Paring: Gil/Sara (some Gil/Heather)

Disclaimer: DOA – Don't Own Anything

Gil stood at the one-way glass watching her. Heather sat staring steadfastly in one direction, at nothing in particular. The only movement she made was when he stepped up to the glass. She seemed to know he was there. He was trying to decide what to do. She had made it clear to him the other day that even after two years she still had not forgiven his past transgression.

It had been along night, for both of them. His team and the police officers arrived at the scene shortly after he did. They found him with a sobbing Lady Heather in his arms and Sneller tied to the front an SUV. The whip she had used on him lay discarded on the ground. It didn't take long for any of them to figure out what had happened. Some of his team had silently applauded Heather for her actions.

She hadn't spoken a word to Grissom on the ride to the station. He knew that Sneller had the right to press assault charges against her and that she would have to be questioned, so didn't press her to talk to him. After they arrived at the station he handed her over, albeit reluctantly, to Brass who ushered her into one of the interrogation rooms. Before he could follow her in, Grissom pulled him to the side.

"Go easy. She's not in a good state right now," he said quietly.

"Don't worry, Gil, I'm not completely without compassion."

"I know Jim. I just… Maybe I should stay."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Warick is meeting me here in a few. Go take care of the paperwork all this," he waived his hand in Heather's direction, "generated for you. I promise not to upset her any more." After a moment he gave Gil a half smile and said, "Besides, I don't need to be on the receiving end of her temper."

Gil nodded, "Got that right," he said knowingly. And she knows how to hold a grudge, he thought.

He spent the next couple of hours filling out forms and writing reports. Brass had come to his office to tell him that Sneller wouldn't be filing any charges against Heather and she was free to go. Grissom almost asked how Brass had accomplished that but then thought better of it. When it came right down to it, he really didn't want to know.

Now he stood in front of the glass, watching her. Hearing a shuffle, Gil turned to see Sara standing behind him. She flashed him a sympathetic look and place a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey. How is she?"

"Not sure. She hasn't moved from that spot," he answered.

"Why don't you take her home?"

Gil let out a breath. "You don't mind?"

"Of course not," she said not too convincingly. "I'll see you at home later." They had only been living together for a month and it still seemed a little odd to be referring to their place. Especially since no one knew about them yet.

He didn't reply, just turned back to the glass. Sara moved her hand to his arm, "Look, whatever happened between you two… right now I don't think it matters all that much." He couldn't help but smile a little.

Gil looked left, then right. When he was certain that there was no one else in the hallway with them, he leaned down and gave Sara a kiss, lingering a bit longer than he had originally intended. At that moment Brass walked around the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. For a brief moment he just stared, not quite believing the sight before him, then he ducked back behind the corner and happy couple separated. Well it's about time, he thought.

"Thanks," Gil replied and briefly covered Sara's hand with his before reaching for the doorknob.

Heather didn't move as he entered, just stared at that same invisible point on the wall. "Come on, let me drive you home," he said gently. She tensed for a brief moment when he touched her shoulder. It was almost imperceptible, to anyone but him. She moved by rote, not speaking. He suspected she was still in shock. They exited the interrogation room and passed Sara on their way to the parking lot.

Sara stared after them, still wondering just what their relationship was and what Grissom had done to piss this woman off. She was lost in thought when she felt a touch on her shoulder that nearly made her jump out of her skin. She turned.

"Damn it, Brass. I swear one of these days I'm gonna put a bell around your neck!"

Brass just laughed. "Sorry but you were zoning." He was still smiling.

"No, I was thinking." Then a thought struck her and she panicked slightly. "How long have you been standing there?"

Never wiping the smile from his face he said, "Long enough."

"Shit," Sara swore under her breath.

"Don't worry. Your secret's safe. I'm happy for you two, honest," he said with his hand over his heart.

"You won't tell anyone? We're not ready for anyone else to find out yet." She was practically whispering.

Brass held up two fingers, "Scouts honor." Sara let out a breath. "But I'm a bit surprised you're letting him go off with Lady Heather?"

Sara was confused. "There friends. She just lost her only child. He's just driving her home. It's no big deal." Again, she was less than convincing.

"If you say so," was the last thing he said before turning to leave.

Sara watched him walk away. Her mind was racing. What the hell was that about, she thought. Go find Catherine, she'll know.

The ride to the Dominion was in silence. Grissom pulled up in front of the big gothic mansion and put the car in park. Heather made no move to get out of the car. He turned toward her and noticed a single tear run down her cheek.

"Heather…," he started but she interrupted.

"I don't want to be here tonight," she said softly, wiping her face.

He considered for a moment then put his Tahoe in gear and headed toward his townhouse, hoping Sara would understand.

TBC

I haven't managed to get the next part of this out of my head and onto my computer yet.. However, feedback feeds my muse.