A/N: So I don't own the characters or anything else having to do with CSI: but you know that. so anyway, once i managed to stop crying.. I wrote this, my reaction to Sara leaving. I don't care that we knew she was leaving. It didn't exactly prepare me.. anyone else? okay.. here it goes.

She's gone.

The reality of it suddenly hit him. She's actually gone. He sat down on the bench in the locker room, not wanting to believe it.

"Damn," Warrick muttered. How could Sara just walk out on them like that? How could she not say anything to him? Sure, they hadn't really talked a whole lot lately. But, still, she was like a sister to him. He thought he'd been like a brother to her.

"Rick?" Nick looked in from the door. Seeing the expression of non-belief on his friend's face, he came in. "Just hit, huh?" he said, leaning against a locker. Warrick looked up and nodded.

He looked down again, and asked, "Did she say... anything to you?"

"Nah, man," Nick answered. "She didn't mention it to anyone. Well, except Grissom I suppose. I dunno though. It's just so…"

"I know," Warrick responded, knowing what he was trying to say. He glanced at his watch, and rolled his eyes. "I guess I better go. Hopefully I can try and get some sleep before tomorrow."

Nick nodded, "Yeah, me too. I don't think I'll be able to sleep for awhile though." His friend jerked his head, knowingly.

"Night, Nicky," Warrick said, and left the locker room.

This can't have happened. It's just a dream. Warrick thought angrily to himself as he got into his SUV. Thing's like this just didn't happen. But he knew Sara had really left.

He breathed in slowly, glared at his reflection in the rearview mirror for a moment, and started the ignition.

No more wasting time. I can't lose her for good.

"Catherine?" Warrick called, knocking on the front door of her house. "You home?" He shook himself to calm his nerves, and looked up as the door was unlocked.

Catherine looked at him, confused, "Hey, Rick. Are you okay?" She shook her head, amazed at her own stupidity. "I know you can't be. None of us are. Is it finally getting to you?" She looked him in the eye, sad.

"Cath," he sighed. He took a step toward her. "Look, I know I've made dumb mistakes when something bad happened. I shouldn't have married Tina." Catherine flinched at the name. "But, I've known you for a long time. And, I feel like Sara leaving is just another sign. I have to live in the now, or I'll lose opportunities I won't have again." He leaned closer to her, his hand gently touching her face.

"Rick..." Catherine started to say.

"Cath, I'm not willing to risk it again. I can't lose you," he said, and his lips found hers. He took her in his arms, and deepened the kiss. She drew back, looked into his eyes, and kissed him back.

A/N: so it's not much.. but how'd i do?