Disclaimer: Don't own them. Wish I did, but I don't. Que Sera Sera. Borrowed: To Deserve You- Bette Midler
Addicted to Love- Robert Palmer
Greensleeves-Henry VIII (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((OH, MY))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
"Come on, you'll have a blast." Warrick said as he ushered her through the front door
Sara was less than thrilled to be in her position. They all knew that she was a solitary person, by nature, but for some reason her colleagues felt the need to embarrass her; on this day of all days. They moved towards the back of the lounge and took up residence in the most secluded booth that they could find.
Warrick, Nick, Greg, Catherine and Brass had hijacked her just as shift ended, telling her that they were all going out to dinner. They all piled into one of the Tahoe's and drove into town. Sara grew suspicious when they pulled into the parking lot and she saw the neon sign advertising "Karaoke Lounge".
She protested as she was literally hauled off her feet and virtually dragged inside. Finally, she resigned herself to the fact that they were going to do this, whether she like it or not. If there was only one thing she had learned while in Vegas; it was that you didn't try to dissuade a CSI when they had their sights set on something. Tonight, their collective sights were set on making her turn several shades of red.
They sat in the booth and ordered drinks. Sara thought that since she was an unwilling participant, the least she could do was try and get sloshed. As the waitress returned with their drinks, Sara noticed a lone figure approaching them. Grissom wove his way between tables and booths, making his way to the rest of them. He smiled wide as he arrived. Gil could not help but notice the look of complete and total displeasure on Sara's face. He took the seat next to her, conveniently left vacant, and leaned towards her, whispering in her ear.
"Now you know how I felt on my Birthday."
Sara glared at him and took another swing from her beer. As Grissom got his dirty look, he grinned, reveling in the knowledge that she was going to celebrate her birthday, like it or not.
Greg motioned for the waitress and when she came to the table, he whispered in her ear. She responded with a single nod and turned around, walking to the back of the lounge. Sara shot him a look of contempt. After a few minutes, the lights dimmed and the emcee took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest with us tonight. Its her birthday. Would you all join me in a little birthday song?"
As the man on stage spoke, the spotlight sought her out and shined brightly in her face; pointing her out to everyone in the joint. Sara turned beet red as the patrons all joined in singing "Happy Birthday to You."
When the song ended, she leaned over to Greg and whispered in his ear. Grissom thought that he must not have liked what she said; he sat bolt upright and shifted in his seat, bringing his hands down to his lap, covering his nether regions. Grissom took silent pleasure in seeing the lab tech fear for his life, as he was sure that Sara had threatened him.
After about an hour, and several rounds of alcohol, Catherine stood up and announced that's he was going to sing. She made her way on stage and selected her song. The lights dimmed, once more, and the spotlight was directed to her. She raised the microphone to her mouth and began to belt out "Rock Lobster", by the B-52's. Grissom and company laughed as Catherine tried, in vain, to hit all the high notes, her voice crackling through the octaves.
When Catherine returned she took her seat and returned her attention to her drink. They sat and listened to someone sing "The Way You Look Tonight". After that person had finished, Greg stood and made an announcement.
"Sara, this is for you, my sweet."
He leaned towards her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Having made her blush horribly, Greg turned and took the stage. He brought the microphone to his lips and began to belt it out.
Your lights are on, but you're not home.
Your mind is not your own
Your heart sweats, your body shakes
Another kiss is what it takes
You can't sleep, you can't eat
There's no doubt, you're in deep
Your throat is tight, you can't breathe
Another kiss is all you need
Catherine set her beer back on the table and jumped up, dragging Nick with her up to the stage. They took places behind Greg and began to wiggle like the corpses in the video. Sara watched as her colleagues moved back and forth like fish out of water. She tried to hide her amusement, but was unsuccessful. Grissom turned to see the smile on her face and smiled; himself. He was glad that she was finally enjoying herself.
Catherine, Nick and Greg were busy up on stage, Warrick and Brass were watching the spectacle, oblivious to Sara and they way she was looking at Grissom. She placed her hand on his thigh and was surprised when he did not even flinch. Grissom looked down at her hand on his leg and smiled. He looked up on stage and then to Warrick and Brass; all were occupied. He took this opportunity to lean in and give Sara a kiss on her cheek. She shuddered at the sensation of his lips on her face. As quickly as it had come, the kiss was over. She turned to Grissom and her mouth hung open. He noted the look on her face and whispered in her ear.
"Happy Birthday, Sara."
She was speechless. This was the last thing she had ever expected him to do, least of all in public. Grissom grinned as she sat still, her mind trying to wrap itself around the new pieces of information that he had supplied.
Greg continued to sing as Nick and Catherine wiggled behind him.
Whoa, you like to think you're immune to the stuff, oh yeah
It's closer to the truth to say that you can't get enough
You know you're going to have to face it, you're addicted to love
You see the signs, but you can't read
You're runnin' at a different speed
Your heart beats double time
Another kiss and you'll be mine, a one track mind
You can't be saved
Oblivion is all you crave
If there's some left for you
You don't mind if you do
Sara tried to focus on the events on stage, but was distracted by Grissom's hand, inching it's way towards her thigh. She looked down, just as he lifted his fingers, placing them on her knee. She looked into his eyes and all he did was smile. Sara did not know what to make of him and all the new behaviour. She wondered if he had too much to drink, then realized that he had only had one drink. She turned her head to look at her own drink on the table, lifting it to her lips and draining the bottle of it's contents. She quickly raised the bottle in the air, signaling the waitress for another beer.
Greg, Catherine and Nick finished their little skit and returned to the table. Catherine was flushed and Greg was covered in sweat. Nick looked as if he had just run a marathon; his shirt soaked through. As they sat back down, Catherine motioned for the waitress to return with more drinks.
Sara looked at Jim and noticed that he had a far-off look in his eyes. She nudged him and he snapped his head. He looked at her and swallowed hard.
"I guess its my turn, huh?" he said, solemnly Sara had noticed Jim putting drinks away like she had never seen before. She knew that he had, at one time, had a bit of a problem, and worried that he might fall off the wagon. She leaned over to him and spoke into his ear.
"Jim, how many have you had tonight?"
He looked at her and saw the concern in her eyes. He placed his hand on her knee and patted it a couple of times. He smiled at her and winked.
"I'm fine. Happy Birthday, Sara" he said, giving her a peck on the cheek
He walked up on stage and spoke to the emcee. The other man nodded then stepped off stage. Jim took the mic and spoke in to it. He motioned for the spotlight to settle on Sara as he made his announcement.
"This is a beautiful song for a beautiful lady. Happy Birthday, Sara."
The lights dimmed and Jim began to sing along with the soft classical tunes of mandolins and harpsichords, coming from the speakers. He could see happy couples holding hands and leaning against each other as he sang.
Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously,
For I have loved you well and long
Delighting in your company
Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight Greensleeves was my heart of gold And who but my lady greensleeves
Your vows you've broken,
like my heart, Oh, why did
you so enrapture me?
Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity
Grissom turned to Sara and saw the look in her eyes. Jim had picked, possibly, the most beautiful song to serenade her with. Grissom had to admit; the man had class. He watched in silent horror as the object of his, well, let's call them unplaced affections, became misty eyed from another man's words.
Sara had no idea that Jim had such a wonderful singing voice. The words rolled off his tongue like some sort of velvety plea.She tried to place his tone; was he a baritone or a tenor? She was unsure, but quickly realized that she could listen to him sing all night. Jim looked into her eyes as he sang and noted her reaction.
Catherine looked at Warrick and nudged Nick. Nick nudged Greg and eventually, they were all looking at Sara. Sara was visibly moved by Jim's contribution. Her eyes were tearing and she had reached for a napkin. She dabbed the moisture from her eyes and watched in stunned silence as Jim continued.
Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight Greensleeves was my heart of gold And who but my lady greensleeves
I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave,
I have both wagered life and land,
Your love and good-will for to have
Greensleeves was all my joy, Greensleeves was my delight Greensleeves was my heart of gold And who but my lady greensleeves
If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me
And even so, I will remain
A lover in captivity
All eyes were on Sara as she listened intently to Jim's voice, resonating off the walls and out of the speakers. Grissom looked at Sara and saw that she was, now, in a full out bawl. She was crying almost uncontrollably. She reached out for another napkin and when she found none, a hand came from her side, offering her a bandana.
Sara whipped her head around to see who belonged to the bandana and was surprised to see that it was Nick. She took it from him and wiped the tears from her eyes. She made to hand it back to him, but he refused, telling her to hold onto it.
"No, you hang on to it, Sara. I think you'll need it for a bit longer." He said sweetly in his southern drawl
Sara smiled and wiped her face again.
Jim had finished his serenade and returned to the table. As he stepped off the stage, the crowd erupted with a thunderous appause.Jim blushed slightly and waived his hand in acknowledgement. He took a seat next to Sara and she leaned over to him. She took his hand in hers and squeezed gently. Grissom noticed the interaction between the two and grew uncomfortable. His eyes bored holes through their entwined fingers, leaving him to wonder how he was going to turn her attention back to him. Sara leaned into Jim and wrapped her arms around his neck. Jim turned to her and reciprocated. Grissom cringed as he saw her mouth move to Jim's ear.
"That was the most beautiful, wonderful thing anyone's ever done for me."
Jim drew back and took in her features. He smiled and responded.
"Well, a beautiful woman deserves no less."
Grissom heard the words and, for a moment, wished his hearing cut out on him; hearing Sara gush over Jim's musical selection made Grissom feel like his heart had been stomped on. He quickly ran through a broad list of songs in his head. He had to best Jim, but which song would do it? Finally, a light bulb went off. He knew.
Grissom stood and made his way to the stage. He whispered in the emcee's ear and took the mic in his hand. He made no announcement. As soon as the tune started, he just belted his heart out.
Catherine looked at Nick and Warrick in stunned disbelief. No one had expected Grissom to take the stage, but when he did, all eyes were on him; save for two sets. He watched as Jim wrapped his arm around Sara's shoulder. Trying not to become physically ill from the sight, he closed his eyes and sang louder.
I see so many golden women;
When they walk their feet don't touch the ground.
How I want, how I want to deserve you
But me, I'm always out of rhythm.
My needs too demanding, too proud.
How I want, how I want to deserve you
I didn't want you to see me like this.
The light of the dawn can be cruel.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I could be granted a wish,
I'd shine in your eye like a jewel.
How I want to deserve you.
Sara's attention was briefly diverted from Jim to Grissom, on stage. She watched him as he belted out with all his might and made the lyrics come alive. Catherine glanced over at Sara and noticed that she, yet again, was wiping her eyes. This must have been the most she had seen Sara cry in one sitting. Sara had two men, crooning to her and Catherine wondered what made her so special.
Nick, Warrick and Greg were talking to themselves about matters that lie elsewhere, while Catherine gazed up at Grissom. The light shined off of him like a white glossy surface on a bright sunny day. He glowed. Catherine turned her head back to see that Jim and Sara were now holding hands. She shuddered from the goose bumps and returned her attention to Grissom, who was still singing.
I would die for you.
Could you ever love me that much?
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
Yes, and you tell me this,
And I want to believe that its true
Aah, how I want, how I want to deserve you
I didn't want you to see me like this.
I'm weak and I fight like a fool.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I could be granted a wish,
I'd shine in your eye like a jewel.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
If I could be your angel
I'd trade in my arms for some wings
To keep you close to me.
And if I could trade my voice
For the silence I know that you need.
Aaaah, how I want, how I want to deserve you.
Catherine looked up on stage and saw the look in Grissom's eyes. He knew that he was not getting the same reaction that Jim had received and was a bit disappointed. Grissom tried not to let it show, but as he saw Jim and Sara's hands rise from underneath the table, to set atop, his voice cracked and he almost lost his bearings. He recovered rather quickly and continued with the rest of his piece.
I didn't want you to see me like this.
So frightened of losing so soon.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I've caught our love in a grip,
Just tell me and I'll shake it loose.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
Grissom finished to a slightly less rapturous applause than Jim, but the response was loud, all the same. He made his way back to the table and sat beside Sara. He tried not to stare, but the sight of her with Jim was quite unnerving. After a minute, Grissom stood and excused himself. Catherine followed. Nick turned to Warrick and Greg, shrugging his shoulders.
Grissom fairly stormed outside and once in the still night air, began to pace. Catherine was right on his heels trying to calm him down.
"Gil, calm down. What's the matter?"
"I guess I just took too long." he replied
Catherine looked at him; a look of confusion on her face. She placed her hands on Grissom's arms to still him, but he wouldn't have it. He continued to stride back and forth; making Catherine nervous. All she could do was stand by and watch as her friend wore a path in the concrete.
"Gil, are you talking about Sara?" she asked, half knowing
"Yeah. I was going to approach her tonight, but it would seem as though Jim has beaten me to the punch." Grissom explained
"Well, they did seem a bit cozy, but from what I know, they're not an item. You just have to let her know how you feel. If you don't she may end up with the wrong man."
Grissom considered her words and took a deep breath, letting it out in the form of a sigh. Catherine placed her hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes.
"Do it before its too late, Gil." She advised
Grissom turned around and walked back in the club, followed by Catherine. As he approached their booth, he saw something he wasn't quite sure of. He thought he saw Jim and Sara sharing an intimate moment; but maybe it was the alcohol talking to him. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. As he neared the booth, everyone came into focus. Grissom had not been hallucinating; Jim and Sara were, in fact, kissing,.and rather passionately, at that.
Grissom stopped dead in his tracks, drawing attention from the others. Jim noticed a strange tingling sensation and broke from Sara's sweet lips. When he looked up, he saw Grissom; frozen and white knuckled.
TBC?--