Finding The One You Love Chapter 1: Stars & Kisses, a csi fanfic

It was a day like any other in Las Vegas, Nevada. At least, it started out that way. Roads were crowded with people going to or coming from work plus the numerous number of tourists who visited Sin City. The lights of the city flashed as they always did on a normal day. As some of Las Vegas's residents would soon discover, today was going to be anything but a normal day.

A young woman with long reddish-brown hair was riding in a cab as she headed into work for her shift. She stared out the window as she passed the numerous casinos on Vegas' strip and she watched the people crowding the sidewalks as they went about their day. She admired those people. They could go about their days and look as though they didn't have a care in the world, like nothing ever bothered them. Sometimes she wished that she could be like that.

The cab pulled up outside of a small club. The woman paid the driver than climbed out, nodding to the bouncer standing outside before walking inside. She glanced around at the people having a good time, most out on the dance floor while other hung out at the bar or various spots around the club. As she headed over to one of the bars, she noticed a familiar figure sitting in his usual spot and he looked as though he was waiting for someone. She smiled as she walked behind the bar and over to the man.

"Well, can't say that I'm at all surprised to see you here, waiting for me." said the woman.

"Now what makes you think I'm sitting here waiting for you? Maybe I'm waiting for a friend or a date." said the young man.

"Please. You sit at the same seat every time you're here and you never order a drink until I come in for my shift." said the woman.

"Alright, you got me. Now can I get a drink?" asked the young man.

"Ah, you know the house rules. If you befriend a bartender, you have to have a shot of their choice before you get a drink." said the woman as she grabbed two shot glasses and poured two shots of Jim Bean. She placed one in front of him and picked up the other.

The young man knew he had no choice as he picked up the shot glass, toasting with her than they both tossed back the shots, slamming the glasses down on the bar.

"So what brings you here tonight? Aren't you usually working at these hours?" asked the young woman as she grabbed the shot glasses and set them aside, making the young man his usual drink of choice.

"Yeah but my boss gave me the night off. Things are a bit slow tonight." said the young man.

"Never imagined anything would be slow in the slightest in Vegas." said the woman.

Two girls decided to walk up to the bar at that moment, disturbing the two from their current conversation.

"Hey Lexie, hey Julia. What can I get you two?" asked the woman.

"Hey Aliyah. Just a couple beers for now." said Julia.

Aliyah grabbed two beers and popped off the tops, setting the down in front of the two girls before taking the money they handed her to pay for the drinks.

The two girls turned their attention to the young man sitting at the bar and who they knew was a friend of Aliyah's.

"Hey Greg, haven't seen you here in awhile. Getting too busy for your girls?" asked Lexie.

"Well, you know, been pretty busy with work and all. But you all know I always make time to come see my three favorite ladies." said Greg.

"Aww, isn't he just the sweetest. I wanna take him home." said Julia, putting her arms around his shoulder and hugging him.

"Alright you two, get outta here. Go find a couple guys to dance with or something." said Aliyah. She knew that the two were only trying to mess with her by flirting with Greg, trying to make her jealous.

The two girls chose not to say anything as they grabbed their beers, choosing instead to wink at Aliyah before walking away.

"I swear, sometimes I wanna smack those two silly." said Aliyah even though she knew that they meant no harm but they were annoying sometimes.

"They're just trying to make you jealous. And they seem to succeed a lot." said Greg.

"And what ever would make you think that I would be jealous?" asked Aliyah.

"Come on, I can see it. Whenever they start flirting with me to get to you, you get jealous." said Greg.

"You, my friend, are obviously seeing things. I think you're job starting to get to you. You're inhaling too many fumes and decomposition." said Aliyah. She knew well enough about Greg's job as a CSI. She also knew that he used to work as a DNA tech inside the lab.

"Whatever. You keep telling yourself that." said Greg.

"You're just trying to push my buttons aren't you? What makes you think that I won't spike your drink than take you home and torture you?" asked Aliyah.

"'Cause I know you. Besides, how do you know I wouldn't enjoy it?" asked Greg.

"You are a sick and twisted individual. Surprised no one's put you in a straight jacket, locked you up and thrown away the key." said Aliyah.

"Oh believe me, they've tried." said Greg.

"And obviously failed. 'Cause you're still sitting here talking to me." said Aliyah.

The dj beginning to talk caught their attention and everyone looked up at him.

"Alright people, I'm gonna slow things down just a little bit so guys, grab yourself a girl if you don't have one already and get your butts on the dance floor." he said.

"Care to take a break and dance with me?" asked Greg.

"I just started." said Aliyah.

"Hey, you heard the dj. He didn't specify that it had to be a girl who didn't work here." said Greg.

Aliyah thought about it for a minute.

"Alright." she said finally, walking out from behind the bar and following Greg out onto the dance floor as the dj started his next song. When she felt Greg place his hands on her waist, she could feel her heart racing in her chest but she tried to act normal.

I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy, I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, Be everything that you need, I love you more with every breath, Truly, madly, deeply do

I will be strong, I will be faithful, 'Cause I'm counting on a new beginning, A reason for living, A deeper meaning, yeah

I wanna stand with you on a mountain, I wanna bathe with you in the sea, I wanna lay like this forever, Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky, I'll make a wish, send it to heaven, That'll make you wanna cry, The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty, That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection, Of the highest power and lonely hour, The tears devour you

I wanna stand with you on a mountain, I wanna bathe with you in the sea, I wanna lay like this forever, Until the sky falls down on me

(I wanna stand with you on a mountain), (I wanna bathe with you in the sea), (I wanna lay like this forever), (Until the sky falls down on me)

Oh, can't you see it baby?, Don't have to close your eyes, 'Cause it's standing right before you, All that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy, I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, Be everything that you need, I love you more with every breath, Truly, madly, deeply do

I wanna stand with you on a mountain, I wanna bathe with you in the sea, I wanna lay like this forever, Until the sky falls down on me

(I wanna stand with you on a mountain), (I wanna bathe with you in the sea), (I wanna lay like this forever), (Until the sky falls down on me)

I wanna stand with you on a mountain

Aliyah started to walk off the dance floor but Greg wouldn't allow it, keeping his hands on her waist and preventing her from walking away.

"One more dance." he said.

Aliyah couldn't really argue. She did enjoy dancing with him whenever they got the chance. He wasn't like most guys, he was actually a gentleman.

He was doin 8 0 on the freeway, In the 6 double 0 bumpin Isley, He was gettin kinda close kinda touch-ay, Guess, he had a little too much Hennessey, He told me that he wanna go home
with me up on the hill to my condo, Told me he'd keep it all on the low-low, But I told him "Boo, I don't really know though", He got closer to me... it started gettin deep, He had me in a zone when he started to show me things, I never saw before, Baby was cool but I knew it was game, Hell of a cool but you men are the same, The way he licked his lips and touched my hips, I knew that he was slick

You make me sick, I want you and I'm hating it, Got me lit like a candlestick, Get too hot when you touch the tip I'm feeling it I gotta get a grip, And its, driving me crazy baby dont you quit, Cant get enough of it, You got me goin again, Baby, you got me goin again, You make me sick

So hot n the 6 now, so hot, Had to roll all the windows down, Isley got me thinkin bout the sheets now, Wonderin should I really take it there now, He told me he would make it worth it, I'm thinkin, how many times have I heard this, Kinda funny, but I wasn't even nervous, All his slick ass lines were kinda workin, I felt my knees get weak...his body was callin me, Just couldn't take the heat, Anyway it was 2 or 3, I had to get out the streets, Baby was cool but I knew it was game, He was to smooth to be screamin my name, Even though we made the best of it, I still told him this....

Can't... no no no no no no, Oh, you make me sick, I want you and I'm hatin it... hatin it... hatin it....

Aliyah's shift had ended not long ago and instead of letting her call a cab, Greg had offered to take her home himself. However, instead of taking her home right away and them calling it a night, they were now sitting in a secluded area on the outskirts of Vegas and were laying next to each other on the hood of his car, staring up at the sky. It was still dark enough out that they could still see the stars.

"You ever do things like this as a kid?" asked Aliyah.

"Sometimes. What about you?" asked Greg, turning his head to look over at her.

"Yeah, with my dad. He'd take me up onto the roof and we would lay up there for hours just looking up at the stars. Mom never agreed with it but she never stopped him. Guess 'cause she saw it was something that made me happy. Never really have to the urge to do it anymore." said Aliyah.

"Why not?" asked Greg.

"Well usually when I get off work, I don't usually let some guy offer me a ride than drive me to a secluded area to stargaze." said Aliyah, looking over at him.

"Well I'm not just some guy. You can trust me." said Greg.

"I know, otherwise I wouldn't have let you drive me out here. I wouldn't have even gotten in the car." said Aliyah, smiling. "Besides, I bet you bring a lot of girls out here."

"Actually, no. Just the special one." said Greg.

There was something about the look in Greg's eyes that suddenly made her heart melt and she found it difficult to breathe. She couldn't even find herself able enough to break eye contact. She had the sudden urge to kiss him.

That's when he leaned over and saved her the trouble and he kissed her instead. It caught her by surprise. His lips were so soft and the kiss was so gentle that it was almost as if his lips weren't even touching hers. She couldn't help but give in and kiss him back, one hand moving up to rest on the side of his face while the other moved to his back, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. She felt his tongue slip into her mouth and she welcomed it, meeting it with her own. She heard him moan into her mouth. She deepened the kiss, letting him know how much she wanted this, how much she wanted him.

Just then, they were interrupted by the ringing of his cellphone. He reluctantly pulled away than pulled out his cell, answering it.

"Sanders." he said. He waited for the other person to speak. "Alright, I'll be right there." he said before hanging up, looking back at Aliyah. "Guess it's not a slow night after all." he told her, the disappointment showing in his eyes.

"It's okay. We'll just have to try again next time." said Aliyah.

"I'm really sorry." said Greg.

"Don't be. The wait just makes it that much worthwhile." said Aliyah, smiling up at him, her hand still on his cheek. "I'll wait as long as it takes. I believe you're worth it."

Greg smiled up at her. He kissed her once more before the two of them climbed back in the car and he took her home.

Greg pulled up to Aliyah's house and pulled up into the driveway before stopping. She didn't get out just yet, choosing instead to remain sitting with him in his car for a little while longer. She wasn't ready to be rid of his company just yet and he didn't seem in a hurry for her to go.

"I'd invite you in but..." she said, trailing off.

"Yeah. This job really takes a toll on your personal life." said Greg.

"Well like I said, I will wait as long as it takes." said Aliyah as she scooted closer to him.

"You really think I'm worth it? You could find someone else by the time you're done waiting for me, maybe someone better." said Greg.

"I know you are. And I don't want anyone else. I want you." said Aliyah. She kissed him one more time, long and hard. "I wish you hadn't got called in. I was looking forward to finishing what we started."

"I could come by after shift." said Greg.

"I'd like that." said Aliyah, giving him a quick kiss before climbing out of the car, pausing as she held the door open. "I'll leave my door unlocked for you." she said before closing the door and walking up to her house, pulling her keys out and unlocking the door, glancing back at him before going inside. Closing the door behind her, she placed her keys and purse on the table before moving to her bedroom, changing into her silk nightgown than heading into the kitchen and getting herself something to drink. She walked into her bedroom, setting her drink on the table by her bed and climbed into bed. She layed down and sleep came in no time at all.

At least a few hours must have passed before Aliyah woke up. She wasn't sure what had woke her until she heard noises coming from her living room. As quietly as she could, she climbed out of bed and went to inspect what the noise was. She figured that it could be Greg coming in. She had told him that she would leave the door unlocked. However, as she walked into the living room where she had heard the noise come from, she saw nothing. She started to think that maybe it was just her imagination, until she felt someone grab her from behind. She went to scream but the voice she heard made her stop.

"Told you I'd come by." said Greg.

"Oh my God, Greg! You scared me half to death!" yelled Aliyah as she pulled out of his hold and smacked his arm.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." said Greg but he didn't bother hidden the smile on his face.

"I should shoot you now just for that. Don't you know you shouldn't sneak up on people, especially when they're still half asleep? Good way to get yourself killed." said Aliyah as she headed back to her bedroom.

"Hey, I am a CSI. I've seen things you couldn't imagine. Besides, you wouldn't shoot me." said Greg as he followed her.

"Don't bet on it. I could shoot you and argue that it was self-defense, I thought you were an intruder." said Aliyah, getting back into bed. She felt a weight on the other side of the bed and than an arm wrap around her, pulling her close.

"And here I was starting to think that you were falling for me." said Greg.

"I am but you still shouldn't push you're luck. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to sleep." said Aliyah.

"Thought you wanted to finish what we started?" asked Greg.

"Not right now Greg. I'm too tired, thanks to you." said Aliyah.

"Well, then, let me make it up to you." said Greg, his hand slowly traveling down her arm.

"You can make it up to me by letting me go to sleep." said Aliyah as she felt his hand reach her side before slipping under her nightgown. In truth, she didn't want him to stop. She wanted him to continue, she wanted them to finish what they had started earlier. She then felt his lips on her shoulder, slowly kissing his way to her neck.

The next morning dawned bright and early. Greg woke up in the bed alone but he could smell an enticing scent wafting through the air and he followed after it. He walked into the kitchen to find Aliyah standing over the stove cooking breakfast, clad in her silk nightgown and matching silk robe. She was dancing to a song on her cd play and didn't seem to have noticed him yet so he leaned against the doorway and watched her.

If we stop to gaze upon a star, People talk about how bad we are..., Ours is not an easy age, We're like tigers in a cage, What a Town Without Pity can do..

The young have problems Many problems, We need an understanding heart.., Why don't they help us, try to help us, Before this clay and granite planet falls apart...

Take these eager lips and hold me fast.., I'm afraid this kind of joy can't last, How can we keep love alive, How can anything survive, When these little minds tear you in two.., What a town Without Pity can do..

Aliyah danced her way over to the fridge, opening it. She used the door to support herself as she moved her hips, did a few slow dips down and back up again, grabbing what she needed and moving back over to the stove. Greg decided to make himself know and joined her in her dancing, playing his body against hers and moving with her.

How can we keep love alive, How can anything survive, When these little minds tear you in two.., What a town Without Pity can do..

Both Aliyah and Greg both couldn't help but laugh a little as they remained close, not that either minded. They were actually enjoying the contact. Then after a short while, Aliyah pulled away and went back to her cooking. Greg moved to stand next to her.

"I didn't even realize you were awake. I figured you would still wanna sleep awhile longer. I was gonna serve this to you in bed." said Aliyah.

"I can always go back." said Greg.

"What's the point now? You've done ruined my breakfast plans." said Aliyah playfully as she placed everything on plates and turned off the stove.

"Well, I'm touched by the idea and your thoughtfulness." said Greg.

"I'm sure you are." said Aliyah. She picked up the plates and went to put them on the table but Greg stopped her by throwing his arms around her waist and pulling her back against him.

"You know that I am Ali." said Greg, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"Yes I do." said Aliyah, glancing over at him. "And since when do you call me Ali?"

"Since last night actually. Remember?" asked Greg as he watched her set the plates on the table.

"How could I not? You almost give me a heart attack after waking me up, wouldn't let me go back to sleep and after some enticing on your part, we end up finishing what we had started while out in the middle of nowhere, laying on the hood of your car while stargazing. 'Course, I really wasn't paying attention to the noises you were making. Couldn't exactly do that with some of things you were doing to me." said Aliyah, causing Greg to blush a little and it made her smile even more. She walked over to the fridge, pulling out a container of orange juice and pouring them both a glass, bringing them to the table and setting them down. "So, they gonna end up calling you again tonight, rudely interrupting anything we might be doing?"

"No. My boss promised me the night off and said that if they need any help, they'll get someone from days. And just to be safe, I shut off my phone." said Greg.

"Good, 'cause as it so happens, I have the night off as well. And my phone has been shut off as well and I even took out the battery." said Aliyah as she sat down to eat.

"You know, this breakfast does look good, but it's not exactly the breakfast I had in mind." said Greg as he followed suit and sat down as well, looking over at her and winking.

"Maybe not but after me slaving over that hot stove, you better eat it or you won't get any after breakfast dessert." said Aliyah.

"You are a cruel, cruel woman." said Greg as he picked up his fork and began to eat.

The rest of the time was spend eating silently, the day looking more promising for the both of them.