Title: Waltzing to Grasshopper Mating Calls

Author: Urabadinfluence

Rating: T maybe turning into M later

Summary: SEQUEL to Slow Dancing to Grasshopper Mating Calls. Grissom has proposed...now what? See Slowdancing to Grasshopper Mating Calls to read the proposal!

Disclaimer: Not mine...but if anyone wants to give me a gift.....I would LOVE to have a georgeous bearded actor whose initials are WP for my birthday (which is July 4th). You don't even have to gift wrap him all the way..just leave him as is, with a bow.

A/N: Let me know what you think. This Chapter was proofread (and re-proofread) by the lovely Lynn (stareagle50) she gave me some wonderful suggestions. Any mistakes are my own, I got anxious and posted without anyone beta-ing for me.

The entire nightshift team was surrounded by their families in the rear of the banquet hall drinking a toast to the newly engaged Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle. Once again, they found themselves not wanting the good time to end quite yet. As the band leader announced the last song, the team and their guests tried to decide where to go that wasn't too loud or too smoky. As the team discussed amongst each other, Grissom pulled Sara away, leading her to the dance floor. The news of their engagement spread through the dining hall quickly, and as they tried to have a quiet dance together, they found themselves on the receiving end of well wishes from the entire popluation of the banquet.

When the dance was over and they finally made it back to the gathering of their friends and family, no one had decided anything definitive yet. The Stokes family had just flown in that day, therefore, they decided that they had enough excitement for the day, and turned to their rooms, promising to meet up for breakfast the following morning. Sam Braun turned to the team and let them know that their families had been put up in one of his hotels, free of charge, and that they would be having a luncheon the following day in one of the rooms in the casino. With that, he said goodnight, claiming that he had business to take care of before turning in that evening. Greg Sanders' parents told the team to go on without them because they wanted to see a few of the casinos.

The entire nightshift crew and Mrs. Grissom were standing around the back of the hall deciding what to do when Grissom uncharacteristically chimed in, "Ok everyone, I have decided, we will go back to the scene of the crime." Everyone looked at each other with very confused looks on their faces. Wrapping his arms around Sara from behind, Grissom just laughed and said, "We will go to back to where this woman stole my heart." Groans of "How Cheesy" came out of Nick and Warrick, Greg acted like he was choking, and a smirk covered Gil's mom's face.

Mrs. Grissom spoke outloud as she signed, "So Gil, we are going back to San Fransisco? A bit far to go, don't you think?" Everyone laughed at Grissom's mom's stab at humor, and Catherine decided to get in on the game, "So Gil, we are going back to the lab?" They started to tell Grissom's mom about the impromptu party they had at Grissom's townhouse that started her son's relationship, but Grissom cut them off in the middle of the story, and told them that they would finish telling her later.

After the teasing and laughter quieted down, Grissom said, "I guess we do have a few grey areas about our relationship, don't we? I suppose we can clarify a few. I was talking about going to the townhouse and keep our evening going."

The team all thought back to that day just a few months back that had started Grissom and Sara's "official" relationship. They called down to the limo driver that had brought them to the Bellagio that evening, and told him what their plans were so he could have the car waiting. Doc Robbins and his wife, Theresa were invited also, and they had arrived in their own vehicle that evening. They offered to take some of the others with them if they needed a ride, so Hodges, Mandy, David, and Archie took them up on the offer. Realizing that they needed more supplies for the evening, Catherine called her father and arranged a second limo for Warrick, Nick, Greg, and herself so they could stop at a market to pick up more snacks and liqour. Catherine wanted to let Grissom and Sara have the first limo to themselves, so they could have some time alone, so they asked Mrs. Grissom to come with them. Gil's mom, knowing what Catherine was doing, agreed happily and bid her son and his fiancee goodbye for the moment.

When they finally arrived at his home, Grissom took out the that the hors d'ouvres that they had earlier that eveing while Sara brought out the plates and cups. Sara had gone into the living room to tidy up a bit before everyone arrived, and Grissom followed her, taking her into his arms, holding her tightly. As he kissed her, they both grinned when the doorbell rang. "And now the grand inquisition starts," chuckled Grissom.

"Dear, you are the one who suggested it, so no complaining." said Sara.

As everyone arrived at Grissom's townhouse, drinks were poured and food was set out. Catherine helped Gil and Sara get everyone their drinks, and Warrick put on some music. Sara politely asked Brass if he would get the fireplace going, so the guests would be comfortable. As everyone settled, Catherine, Grissom and Sara walked into the living room to join their friends.

Grissom and Sara looked around the room as Catherine found a seat next to Warrick, amazed at how many friends they had just from work. Grissom smiled as he stood behind Sara wrapping his fingers through hers and whispered to her, "Sara, you realize how lucky we are? Look at all of our friends here, or shall I say, our family. The only one here that's not a member of the night shift or LVPD is my mother."

Sara gazed around at their friends, in count about 25, and replied, "We are very fortunate dear." She leaned into Grissom's chest and sighed, "We could have a huge wedding if we let it get out of hand. I want something small; just the people that are here now plus maybe a few more."

At that moment, Mrs. Grissom came up to the happy couple grinning. "You know Gilbert, "she spoke and signed, "I don't think I have ever seen you smile so much or so brightly before."

A collective "Awww" was heard through Grissom's living room as everyone heard Mrs. Grissom's loud voice.

Catherine announced that she was going to get refills on drinks if anyone needed them, and was rewarded with about 10 drink orders. As she passed Grissom and Sara, she poked Grissom in the side and said to them, "I got something special for you two. Just wait right here."

From the kitchen, Catherine yelled, "Warrick, why don't you put on "their" cd that I made, so everyone can hear the music as we tell the story and get filled in on the details."

Grissom groaned as he was hoping that everyone had forgotten that he said that he would give them a few details.

From the stereo system, Warrick chuckled to the group, "Well, I guess we can start a bit here as I get this cd on, because I have to ask Sara a question."

"Cat, can you hear me in the kitchen there?" Warrick asked.

"Yep, go on babe." she replied.

Wide eyes and open mouths looked between the two, as they both flushed and looked at each other wide-eyed. Chuckles were heard all around and Sara decided to be nice and save her friends. "Ok Warrick, what is the question?"

All eyes and ears were on Sara and Warrick, and Grissom signed so his mother wouldn't have to read lips.

"Do you remember what I asked you when we came here last? You were lighting the fireplace, Griss was getting drinks, and I was selecting the music."

Sara decided to play dumb and deny her knowledge of the comment. "No, I don't"

Warrick grinned and said "Well everyone, let me tell you, I asked Sara if she thought Grissom had a CD of grasshopper mating calls." There were chuckles throughout the room as he continued. "So Sara, I want to know, did they work?" This comment got a series of laughs from everyone and Catherine entered the room with everyone's drinks on a tray.

Catherine returned to the kitchen to supposedly return the tray to the counter and did so, but also returned with two flutes of champagne. She handed a flute each to Grissom and to Sara and said, "Brass has a toast to give if everyone will settle down for a bit, then, we get to grill these two."

Brass stood and cleared his throat. "Ever since Sara came to Vegas, we all knew that Sara and Gil had a special connection. Whenever they stepped into a room together, the tension was amazing. Now, the amazing thing is the amount of love we all can feel. The last time the team was here, they slow danced to a really great cd that Cat made. I guess that is what Warrick is now calling the grasshopper mating call cd. Well, now, I wish you luck, happiness, and many, many waltzes to grasshopper mating calls."

Glasses rose and drinks were sipped as Sara and Grissom clinked their glasses with the others and turned to each other and shared a small kiss.

Greg took that opportunity to jump up and proclaim, "Ok guys, we are dying here. Tell us your story."

"Yes Gil, do tell; your mother said something about San Francisco..." Catherine said.

"OK we will tell you a bit about San Fran, but that is it. Take it or leave it."

Grissom cleared his throat as everyone settled into a seat. Sara laughed as she saw how grown adults were so interested in her and Grissom and thought it funny.

Grissom sat himself in his favorite armchair and pulled Sara onto his lap as they remembered a time 10 years back, and relayed it to their friends.

It was the last day of lecture, and Grissom was thinking about the time that he had spent with Sara Sidle. He knew that she was young, probably too young for him, but that didn't stop him from falling head over heels in love with her. If anyone had suggested that he was in love, he would have denied it to the death, but, in his own mind, he knew the truth. Knowing this, he was regretting the moment that his plane would take him back to Vegas, and away from Sara. He had decided to make the most of the time he had left with Sara, and asked her to join him for dinner and drinks at a local resturant. They had made plans for Grissom to pick her up at 6 for their date and all he told Sara was to wear a dress.

"So, let's get this straight Griss," Greg said, "Sara was a student of yours and you fell for her that long ago, and you have been draging your feet for 10 years? AND you got her to wear a dress?"

"Hush now Greg, let them finish the story." chimed in Catherine. "Go on Gil."

Grissom smiled as he fell back to that first date so many years ago. As Grissom approached Sara's apartment, he found himself terribly nervous. His hands shook so hard that he thought that he would drop the lavender colored roses that he carried. He climbed the stairs to her apartment and went to knock on her door. Sara opened her door slowly and stepped behind the door, allowing Grissom entrance to her place before he was able to see what she was wearing.

Grissom closed his eyes, held Sara a bit tighter, and sighed. All of his friends stared at him in amazment, never seeing this side of Grissom before. "Let me tell you," Grissom said in a slow, low voice filled with emotion that none of them had ever heard before, "She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. That is the moment that I knew that I had fallen for her." Sara leaned down, misty eyed, and gave Grissom a tender kiss.

"Ok, ok, THEN what?" Catherine asked as she sat on the edge of her chair.

Grissom gave Sara the flowers without speaking. He felt that if he tried to speak, that no words would come out. Sara Sidle had completely stolen all the words that were left in him, and locked them into her heart. They both decided that being that it was such a beautiful night, that they would walk to the resturant. The establishment was only about 1/2 mile from Sara's home. It was a quaint family owned resturant on the beach that served the best seafood in San Francisco. As they ate, they both decided to let the other try their meal, so they fed each other a taste of their food, staring into each others eyes, knowing that they were falling for each other deeper by the moment. When the meal was finished, Grissom and Sara held hands over the table, playing with each others fingers while they spoke of California, Las Vegas, and life in general. When it came time to leave, Grissom ordered two strawberry daquaris and invited Sara to walk along the beach with him. They walked silently in the moonlight, drinking their fruity drink, taking in the scenery of the ocean, and of each other. Grissom noticed a nearby log and asked Sara to sit down for a moment, and he proceded to kneel in front of her, taking her right foot into his hands, and slipped off her shoe, and then did the same with her left shoe; his hands sliding up her calf, lingering on her skin. He stood, then sat himself next to her on the log, removing his shoes and socks and rolled up his pants leg. Grissom stood and took her hands into his, pulling her to her feet. They walked hand in hand into the surf, reveling in the salty warmness caressing their feet.

"HOLD ON A MINUTE HERE!" Catherine yelled. "You mean to tell us that under that quiet, socially unadjusted guy, is a unbelievably romantic guy? Who would have guessed? Sara, he is stretching the truth, isn't he?"

"Not a bit Catherine," replyed Sara. "How about I finish the story?"

Sara smiled at Grissom and continued. Grissom and Sara walked in the surf for about a mile when Grissom turned to her and pulled he gently into his arms, softly caressing her back with his fingertips. He lowered his head to hers, and they shared a slow, sensual kiss. The kiss quickly deepened and Sara broke away to catch her breath. They both shyly grinned at each other as they knew that the time had come to return to the log to retreive their shoes and start heading back to Sara's apartment. As they walked back to her apartment, Sara and Grissom both wondered if the other was feeling the same as they did. As they approached her apartment, Sara invited Grissom to come in for coffee. As soon as the door to Sara's apartment closed behind him, Grissom pinned Sara to the wall, first kissing her with small tender kisses, and quickly letting the kisses escalate into a passionate duel of tongues.

"You know, I think that this is where the story ends guys." Grissom and Sara both grinned looking into each others eyes, knowing that the night didn't end until Sara took Grissom to the airport 3 days later. They both knew that there were just some things that their friends didn't need to know.

Mrs. Grissom took the opportunity right there to give her opinion. "You know, " she signed as Grissom translated, "Gilbert took the time to visit me right after he left Sara in San Francisco." She continued to sign, but Grissom wasn't speaking. Grissom signed furiously, turning red. Grissom's mom laughed and told him, "Ok Gilbert, I will just speak while I sign, then you can't edit what I say." "As I was saying," she said, "Gilbert came to my home to see me right after he left Sara, and before he stepped foot in the door, I knew that he had fallen in love with someone. Not only that, I knew that he had slept with someone too." Grissom and Sara both turned an unhealthy shade of red as Grissom's mom spoke. "Gilbert came into the kitchen as soon as he dropped his suitcase off at the door and took off his coat. Would you believe that he had a hickey the size of a golf ball right there on his neck. I guess he hadn't noticed it, because he wore a collarless shirt. When I asked him what it was, he told me that he had an allergic reaction to a new specimen of bug that he had been studying."

They all laughed at Grissom and Sara for a bit, Greg eneded up falling over because he was laughing so hard.

"Excuse me for a moment please. While you are all making fun of me, I am going to refil my drink." With that, Grissom lifted Sara off of his lap and went to the kitchen to get himself a drink.

The gathering of friends chose to share small stories of how they had met their true love, and the hours quickly past by.

As the night wore on into the wee hours of the morning, and as the time went by, guests started to leave. There were just a few people left, Grissom's mom, Catherine, Warrick, Brass, Greg, Nick, Mandy, and of course, Grissom and Sara. Sara noticed that Grissom was getting a bit agitated and was about to ask him what was wrong, but Grissom blurted his problem before she could ask him.

"Ok everyone." he said just slightly upset. "Everyone has to leave NOW." His guests all looked at him with a puzzled look. His mother came up to him and started to scold him out loud while signing, "Gilbert! Did I not teach you better manners than that?"

Grissom just blushed and said, "Sorry everyone, I forgot myself for a moment, but please understand, I have just proposed to my lovely Sara this evening and I graciously shared her with you. But now, I NEED to be alone with her for a bit. I am not sharing her anymore with you guys tonight."

Everyone chuckled as Grissom and Sara turned a brighter shade of red. Greg just mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear, "I bet you will be sharing plenty with Sara after we leave."

Grissom had enough alcohol in him to shock his friends and mother once more saying, "Yes Greg, that is the plan."

Catherine offered to take Mrs. Grissom back to the hotel that Sam had set up for their guests, and she gladly accepted.

Smiles, handshakes, words of congratulations, and promises to meet for the luncheon with their families in the afternoon were made as the rest of the crew left Sara and Grissom finally alone.

A/N: OCC I know, but it is so fun! I realize that Brass would probably not give a toast like that (but one never knows). It is just that I see him as having such a soft spot for Sara, that I can almost picture it. Thanks, Please review... It helps me in the direction of the story.