Disclaimer: I'm just a fan, so unfortunately I don't own CSI or anything associated with it other than the DVDs, novels, graphic novels, etc. Don't sue me.
Summary: It's that time of year… Will Grissom finally be able to say what needs to be said? MAJOR GSR!
Spoilers: Some here and there, but we've seen them all already, so it's not really spoiling, is it?
A/N: Yes I know, the chapters are very short, but I wanted to separate each clue and show the significance of each location, for each has a story and must be given the respect it deserves.
----- ----- -----
Chapter 1: Christmas in Las Vegas
----- ----- -----
There were no snowmen. There were no snowball fights. There was no snow. There weren't fir trees with lights anywhere to be seen. There was no cider or cookies being passed around. But despite the absence of these holiday traditions, the feeling was palpable. It was Christmas time in Las Vegas.
Sara hated this time of year. Whenever she went shopping, everything seemed to be twice as expensive as it usually was. Normal music wasn't allowed to be played on the radio for at least a month in advance, and a week afterward. Everyone talked about their families and their plans for the holiday, and it took all of her energy not to squash their spirit. Everywhere she looked were reminders of what she was missing out on. But of course, she preferred not to look at it that way. Once again, she had signed up to work that night, giving her time off to someone who had family to spend it with. After all, crime in Las Vegas stopped for nothing and no one.
When Christmas Eve finally rolled around, she was relieved; it was almost over. Soon, she wouldn't have to pretend that she didn't mind eating take out Chinese and sitting alone at a crime scene in the dark instead of being at home celebrating the special day. She walked into the break room to the sound of an all too familiar conversation.
"It's home to Montana for me," Catherine was saying. "Lindsey is excited to see her Grandma's family."
"Hey, Sara," Nick called. "What are you doing for Christmas? Goin' anywhere special this year?"
She shook her head and said in a monotone voice, "Nope, staying here."
"Well, then you must have someone coming in…" Greg interjected.
"Nope," she said again. "I'm working tomorrow."
"Again? Don't you ever celebrate the holidays?" Warrick asked.
"Hey, someone's gotta do it. Besides, whoever said I don't celebrate? I've got a tree up and everything," she lied.
"All right, everyone," Grissom started, walking into the room with assignments in hand. "Let's get this show on the road. The sooner our work is done tonight, the sooner we're all off for Christmas." Looking to Sara as he sat, he tried not to react to her scowl as he handed out the night's assignments.
----- ----- -----
When the night was over, Sara couldn't help but curse whoever came up with the idea of Christmas. Her case had been nothing but a misunderstanding about who had taken some Christmas lights off the shelf at a local convenience store. Apparently an employee had thought that once the store was closed for the night, all Christmas items were fair game. It made Sara wonder what could possibly go through people's minds to make them think that such things were okay.
She drove home, tired enough for once in her life to actually go straight to bed. Destiny, it seemed, had another plan. As soon as she walked through the door, the phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Sara, it's Grissom. I'm sorry to have to call you at home, but I forgot to tell you something about tomorrow."
"Shoot."
"Well…" he hesitated. "I'm not going to be there."
"What?" she asked incredulously. "That's bullshit! Who's going to give me my assignment? What's going on?"
"Calm down, Sara. I'll give you your assignment."
"But you just said that-"
"I know. Just listen," he said calmly. "I have someone coming in for the holiday tomorrow and I everything has to be perfect for when she arrives, so I'm staying late today and not coming in tomorrow…"
She felt her heart break as she heard those words, but she held herself together as he finished.
"… But your assignment will be on my desk. The door will be unlocked."
"Umm… Thanks," she managed. "Yeah, I'm taking a double shift, so I'll be there at 3 instead of 11."
"Perfect. That'll give you a head start. Listen, I've got to go, but good luck on the case."
"Goodbye, Grissom." With that she hung up, leaving not only a broken heart but also a broken spirit.
----- ----- -----