Sara felt the world cave in around her. Nick saw the color drain from her face. Reaching out, he held her hand. Opening his mouth, nothing came out so he shut it again. What could he say? Everything was going to be all right? He knew he'd be lying if he did. He had known Sara the best and knew about her feeling for Grissom, but to have him taken away from her like that? Nick began to think it was almost cruel. Had they finally acted on their feelings? Nick couldn't help but wonder.

This can't be happening! They had been so open with each other. Grissom had finally confessed about his hearing difficulties and his mother. He had found the courage to tell her he loved her, he had kissed her and now everything was falling apart. They sat in an uncomfortable silence, until Nick decided to speak up.

"Sara, this wasn't your fault." Sara thought aloud, more to herself than Nick, who sat and listened to her rambling, eyes still glued the floor.

"I was with Grissom the night we night we disappeared. If Ecklie hadn't knocked on the door, then Grissom would never have left me alone, then we never would have ended up in that container." Nick tried to process everything she was saying when her voice turned to a whisper. He was sure he heard this can't happen. He loves me. Nick felt Sara squeeze his hand, so he returned the pressure. This was followed by another awkward silence.

"I want to see him." Nick's head shot up. He knew it was a bad idea, but from what he had heard, Grissom had finally managed to do something about his feelings and he really didn't want to break the friendship between himself and Sara. "Nick please." Her voice was almost pleading. His response was quiet, something Sara had never heard before.

"I'll talk to the nurse." He left Sara fiddling with the sleeve on Grissom's sweater. She felt funny wearing Grissom's oversized clothes. She reached over and pulled a safety pin from the bedside table, securing the pants around her waist.

Nick returned moments, pushing a wheelchair, followed by an annoyed looking nurse.

"Miss Sidle, I am very pleased that you are awake, but I must strongly advise that you keep your meeting brief. You need your rest." Sara ignored her and climbed into the wheelchair, with some help from Nick. The nurse sighed deeply, reluctantly opening the door.

As Nick pushed Sara through the hospital corridors, she couldn't help feel nervous. She hated hospitals. She had been in and out of them constantly as a child but they still made her uneasy. Silently, Nick pushed her through the door and into Grissom's room.

Catherine sat in silence, staring at the floor, hand in hand with Warrick. Brass stood by the door, watching from afar. Only Warrick and Brass looked around when Nick escorted Sara into the room, Catherine's eyes remained fixed on the floor. Warrick managed a faint smile, putting his arm around Catherine's shoulder, leading her back into the corridor, Brass holding the door open and disappearing through it. Nick squeezed Sara's shoulders before following the group out of the room. If anyone deserved to be with Grissom right now, it was Sara.

She remained at the door for a moment longer, taking in her surroundings. The sheets were pulled right under his chin, his hair was flat and untidy and his stubble remained unshaved. Sara eventually found the courage to push herself to Grissom's bedside. Looking closely, she noticed that he was also wearing a gray sweater. He looked peaceful, possibly for the first time since they had met. She pulled the sleeve upon her arm and took his hand in hers, tying their fingers together.

She had no idea how long she had been sat there, but for some reason, it didn't feel long enough. She began idly stroking the back of his hand with her thumb, praying that this was just a dream, that she would wake up, back in her hospital bed with Grissom sat beside her. Tears were now rolling freely down her cheeks. But she made no effort to stop them.

Nick opened the door, but Sara's gaze didn't shift. He didn't have to say anything, she just nodded. Noticing their entangled fingers, he quietly closed the door and stood where Brass had so long ago.

Sara pushed herself to her feet, caressing Grissom's cheek with her free hand. The sweater sleeve fell down her arm, covering her hand, but she made no effort to push it back up. The tears were now patting on to the bed sheets. She knew Nick was there but she didn't care. She leaned down, placing a soft kiss on Grissom's lips, lingering for a few seconds. Against her own will she pulled away, taking her time to sit back down, her hand never leaving his. Nick wondered over slowly, giving as much time as he could. He was about to pull away when…

"Nick wait."

"What is it?"

"I think I felt something."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Sara squeezed Grissom's hand gently and smiled widely. She looked up as Grissom's eyes began to open.