When Sara woke, it was to the sound of hushed, familiar voices. She opened her eyes and blinked as the harsh hospital lights hit the backs of her eyes. She groaned as the pain in her head came flooding back, the conversation in the room instantly stopping as the two friends realised she had awoken.
"Sara." Catherine rushed to her side and brushed the hair away from her face. "We didn't mean to wake you. How are you feeling?"
"Better. My head is killing me though." She pushed herself up in the bed, wincing she did so.
"Do you want me to get someone?" She asked concerned.
"Mmm, no it's ok."
"Sara I am so sorry." Catherine began slowly. "I should have never let you go home by yourself."
"Catherine, don't be ridiculous. You couldn't have known…"
"Yeah I know. I was just so worried when Grissom called." Sara smiled. "I'm glad you're ok."
"Thanks." She smiled at Catherine again then turned to look at Nick, who was positioned at the end of the bed, holding a bunch of flowers and looking decidedly nervous. "Hey Nicky."
"Sara I…" He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. He came round to the other side of the bed and lent over to kiss her forehead. "I was so worried." She placed a hand on his cheek.
"I'm ok." He gave a bashful smile and straightened himself up, clearing his throat.
"I, um, bought you these." He said holding out the flowers for her.
"Thanks. That's really sweet."
"Why don't I go and get some water for those." Said Catherine, taking her cue to leave. They both watched the woman leave the room and waited until the door had closed before they spoke.
"I thought you were working?" She asked.
"I was but when I dropped the stuff off at the lab I came here."
"You finished already? How long was I asleep?" He shrugged.
"Did you, um, find anything?" She asked hopefully.
"Lots of fingerprints but nothing much Sara I'm sorry. Everything I found is at the lab. I'm sure they will let us know when its all been processed." She nodded and was about to speak when Grissom walked in followed by the doctor.
"Miss Sidle. How are you feeling?" He asked, picking up the chart from the end of the bed.
"Still a little sore but much better thank you."
"Well I think it's ok for you to leave when you're ready. I understand you live alone. Is there someone you can stay with for a couple of nights, to keep an eye on you, just be on the safe side?"
"I um…" She hesitated, casting a quick glance in Grissoms direction.
"She can stay with me." Nick stated, causing Sara to turn her head sharply back in his direction.
"No Nick you don't…"
"Come on Sara. I stayed with you for weeks when my hose was broken into."
"But Nick, that was different. A man fell through your ceiling!" She laughed slightly at this in spite of herself. "You didn't really have a choice." Then seeing the hurt in his eyes she added, "I just don't want to impose."
"It's no imposition." He said.
"Ok." She said quietly. "If you're sure?"
"I am."
"Good. Well I will go and get the discharge papers and we can get you out of here." Breezed the doctor, leaving the CSIs alone again. They remained silent for a few moments before Sara spoke.
"Nick, can I just have a minute with Grissom please."
"Sure." He squeezed her hand and left, turning as he reached the doorway. "I'll get some coffee. You two want anything?" They both shook their heads as he left them alone.
"I'm sorry Gil, I didn't know what else to say." She apologised as soon as the door clicked shut.
"It's fine. Besides staying with me… well it might have raised a few questions." He smiled, taking hold of her hand and sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You really don't mind?"
"No." He shook his head. "Nick… he's a good guy. You'll be in good hands."
"Yeah." She tightened the grip on his hand, sadness filling her eyes. This not going unnoticed by Grissom, he gently brushed her cheek with his thumb and spoke in almost a whisper.
"You ok?" She nodded against his hand and closed her eyes.
"I love you Gil, I really do. You know that don't you?" Tiredness was overcoming her again and her words were soft.
"I do. And I love you too."
"I'm glad." She smiled, her response causing him to chuckle slightly to himself. There was a knock at the door and Catherine walked in holding a jug of water. Grissom gave her a questioning look.
"For the flowers." She explained.
"Oh Catherine. I'm sorry, I forgot you had gone to get that." Apologised Sara, opening her eyes again. "I'm going home, well to Nicks' place, and I'm sure there is plenty of water there."
"Sure is." He said, coming in behind the blond, holding a plastic cup of steaming coffee.
"So you get to play nurse then do you Nicky. Take good care of her now." Catherine joked.
"Oh I will."
"Wow, quite a party in here isn't it!" Laughed the doctor, squeezing into the crowded room behind Nick to hand Sara the discharge forms. "You just need to sign these and you and your entourage can be on your way."
"Thanks." She said, taking the papers and the pen she was offered.
"You need a hand with anything?" Asked Catherine.
"No, I think I can manage thanks." She said, handing the completed forms back to the doctor.
"Well we'll just be outside if you change your mind." She said, motioning for the men to follow her to the corridor, leaving Sara alone with the doctor for one last check over before she could leave.
"Can I get you something to eat?" Asked Nick, placing Saras bags on the floor of his apartment and gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Actually, would you mind if I had a shower first?" She requested. Hospitals made her feel dirty.
"Not at all. Go right ahead. Bathrooms just down the hall. I'll grab you a towel." The pair walked down the hallway and into Nicks' bedroom, Sara standing politely in the doorway. He rummaged in this closet and pulled out a large blue towel.
"Thanks Nick." She said, taking the towel. "I really appreciate all this."
"Hey, don't mention it." She flashed him a grateful smile. "I, uh, I'll change the sheets and you can have my bed."
"Oh no Nick you don't have to…"
"No arguing Sidle. I said I'd take care of you and that's what I'm going to do."
"But…"
"Hey. Didn't you hear what I just said? Think that head injury of yours might have affected your hearing."
"Fine." She pouted. "Didn't think forcing girls into bed was your style though." She said sarcastically, walking towards the bathroom. He chuckled.
"Not affected your sense of humour then I see?"
"But that's why you love me right?" She joked, raising an eyebrow and closing the door before Nick had a chance to retaliate.
She emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed but once again exhausted, to find Nick busying himself in the kitchen.
"Hey. You want a hand?" She offered, leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Oh hey there. Feeling better?" He said, turning around, spatula in hand.
"Much." He smiled and nodded, turning back to the stove. "So, can I help with anything?" She asked again.
"Oh no it's nearly done. Nothing too extravagant I'm afraid. Omelette sound ok? I wasn't expecting visitors." He explained.
"Sounds great." She lowered herself to the table and tried, but failed, to stifle a yawn. Placing their food on the table Nick smiled sympathetically.
"You look like you could do with a good nights sleep."
"Yeah. Been pulling doubles all week." She said, her voice suddenly full of sadness.
"Sara. If you want to talk about what happened…" He ventured, placing his fork on the table so he could turn his attention fully to Sara.
"Um no, I… there's not really much to talk about. I, I don't really remember…" He could see she was becoming uncomfortable. Sara Sidle did not talk about her feelings.
"Hey," He reached across the table and placed his hand on her arm. "It's ok. You don't have to talk about it now. But you know where I am if you change your mind."
"Yeah, thanks Nick." They finished their meal in silence, but not an uncomfortable one. Nick cleared away the dishes and yet again refused help with washing them up.
"You want anything more to eat?" He offered, eager to ensure Sara would feel as comfortable as possible.
"No I'm good." She replied. "Actually, I think I might head to bed."
"Sure." He smiled, kissing her gently on the forehead. "Sleep well princess."
I hope you still enjoying the story. Didn't want to be too predictable and have her stay with Grissom! Keep reading to find out what happens next...