Title: Untitled

Author's notes: First CSI fanfic...feedbacks and critiques welcome, as long as you're nice. C/S pairing. Femme Slash...turn back if you're not into it!

Chapter 1

It was not a bad day, as a matter of fact, the day turned out alright. The case wrapped up earlier than she thought; who would've known the vic have plotted his own kidnapping which eventually turned into a suicide. She took a long deep breath, glanced at the clock on the wall. 4pm already? I need to finish up this paper work and get things done with. She noticed shadows passing by her office, Nick and Warrick were just getting ready to leave. Splendid team effort, the fact that Greg was also assigned to this case for some odd reason, gave them the extra pair of hands that they needed. He was dying for some experience and she needed the help. Perfect. Her mobile rang minutes later, it was from Grissom. Picking the object with a swift move, she practically sighed into the receiver.

"Willows…"

"Catherine…nice work on the Polloch case."

"Why thank you, Grissom. Couldn't have finished it early without Greg's help." She could sense a satisfied smirk on the other end.

"On the contrary, thanks for taking him in. Sara and Sophia were wrapping their current case and I have a hearing to attend. I thought Greg could learn something from your team."

"Well, glad to be of service. How was court?"

"We're having recess now. Will be back in session soon so I'm going to make this quick…" She sensed something amiss. I knew he'd throw something in.

"Oh yeah…what might that be?"

"I need you to supervise Sara on her next case. Actually, I need you look out for her." She nearly choked.

"What…why? Can't Sophia or Greg help her out? You know how she feels about authority…"

"I know…I have little choice really. Ecklie wants Sophia on a double homicide; I'm assigning Greg as well so he can get some of Sophia's expertise. So that leaves the next remaining case to Sara. The case is domestic violence related."

"Are you out of your mind? You should know better than to give Sara this case…"

"I know. That's why I need you. This case is not what it seems, I really, really need you to help me out on this one." Silence. Dead silence for a full minute. She contemplates her answer, knowing well that no matter how she reasons with Grissom she will have to eventually do as he asks.

"Please…"

"Alright, just this once…she still hasn't apologized from the last case we were on together. I will keep a tab on her and keep it low, just for your sake. You owe me big time…got that, Gil?"

"Yes…yes, of course. Look I gotta go…court is back in session."

The abrupt end to the call was typical of Grissom. Not a single word of gratitude. It was not uncommon; he is after all a man with little emotions. Much to her surprise that Sara would be interested in Grissom, she could see a connection; but it was no more than just a master and his protégé. A sudden knock on her door brought her back into her office. It was Sara. The look on her face was a classic. Eyes focused, frown ever-present; as if putting on war mask before what would be a gruesome battle. If looks can kill.

"Come in…" Sara steps in, the tension immediately shot up the roof. Her steps were light and quick-paced; rushing for something she has no intention of backing down on.

"Catherine, about this case…no offense but I seriously doubt that I need your supervision on this one. Plus, I think Grissom is just doing this to piss us both off, so why don't we just leave it at that?"

Catherine sat at her desk dumbstruck. She heard what Sara was trying to say; as much as her brain agrees with it, her sense of responsibility kicks back in.

"Look Sara, I know you don't need my help on this. You are a great CSI but I have some responsibilities to fulfill and as much as I agree with you, I just can't leave it hanging." Sara glared at her. She knew what was going on inside this brunette's mind.

"I appreciate it…but"

"No buts, Sara. Grissom called me in on this as a favor. I know I don't have to do this but I will for Grissom's sake…and yours."

"Well, I don't need it…"

"I know you don't! Look, Sidle… I'm going to make this real easy for you. You go and do whatever you have to do, in order to build this case up…but you will only interrogate suspects and witnesses with me in the room. Do I make myself clear?" Sara stopped herself from saying something. Her mind reacts as if to digest what she just heard. She thinks, reasons with invisible beings in her mind. She complies.

"Crystal."

Without another exchange of words, she steps away from the desk; leaving the room and Catherine in a cold manner. She made her way through the corridors without looking back into Catherine's office. Catherine hears a distant bang down the corridor, near the locker room. She falls back on her chair, cursing herself for taking this up. Does Grissom owe me big time or what?! She knew it was not going to be easy. Sara, being the loner that she is, would rather suffer the workload than to ask for her advice let alone help. She glanced back at the clock. Twenty minutes past 4pm. Dear lord, that happened in a flash! Nothing is ever without drama or excitement, this time she got both. The drama of handling the case with a loose cannon. Plus the excitement of actually getting evil glares and cold shoulders from Sara. Oh goody, aren't I in for a treat? Her mobile rings yet again. Oh the bearer of good news… Her thoughts got the better of her. The initials 'Sidle' kept flashing itself on her display panel. She picked it up; half expecting a loud and uncontrolled outburst at the other end.

"Willows…"

"Are we leaving yet or do I have to roll out the red carpet?"

"Meet you at the coroner's office. I still need to hand in the paperwork for my previous case." She hears a loud sigh on the other end. Silence for another full minute.

"I did say that you have this case to yourself. I supervise; you have the freedom to do as you please. I can't be Grissom, but I can give you what you need. Your independence."

"Fine.Whatever…" Another abrupt end to her mobile. She was one call away from being insane. Catherine glares at the file in front of her. This day was not as well as she had hoped it would be.