A/N: As usual, sorry for the delay. RL is not helping my writing ability at the moment but I won't bang on about it.

Time to see if Grissom can start moving forwards. I am sniffing a little progression so let's hope Evil hat isn't waiting in the wings. Thanks to calim for the beta and sorry for all the confusion. I even confused myself :P And, thank you for all your thoughts.

On we go….

Chapter 13

Sara smiled as she watched him.

He hadn't sat in the garden for a few days, which was a definite good thing in her mind, but this time was so very different. He wasn't sitting there staring into space. He wasn't looking lost. He was kicking Buddy's ball and happily smiling as the dog retrieved it each time, ready and waiting for it to be kicked again.

The hospital visit had gone, well, as good as it could have considering. Sara had been impressed the doctors had actually managed to get a strength reading from his first test several days ago. Part of her thought they were just pretending, you know, to get his hopes up. But when the strength reading on his right hand was similar to that last test and his left registered a 35 (2 points higher than before), that surprised them both. May be the carpal surgery was doing some good after all.

Donald had taken his time inspecting Grissom's hands. With all the injuries and surgeries in such a small area, he made sure to pay close attention to the skin and scars that still looked raw. There would be hell to pay if he missed something.

Sara's lips pursed as her mind flicked back to his first examination after surgery all those weeks ago.

5 weeks, 3 days, 2 hours earlier – Hospital room

Sara watched as a trickle of liquid dripped down the IV and into her husband's arm. He'd been asleep for a while and that seemed to be the best thing for him at the moment.

When he'd first awakened, it took him a moment to acknowledge her but, thankfully, he did answer the doctor's questions with a nod or shake of the head. His pain was high and was given a larger dose of pain relief and left to rest.

Sara sighed. She hated this so much, this waiting. It made her feel helpless. But, just as she had that though, Grissom's foot moved and a quiet moan passed across his lips.

In a shot she was out of the chair and right next to him, ready to support as much as she could once his eyes opened. Her teeth dug into her lip as she waited. Just when she thought it was a false alarm, his eyelids twitched then slowly opened. He stared upwards for a minute before his head tipped her way.

"Hi," she whispered managing a smile. Slowly raising her hand so as not to startle him, she whisked her fingers through his hair.

He blinked. "Water?"

Her smile grew. Communication. That was good.

"Sure," she replied.

Turning to pour him some, she dropped a straw into the glass. Inwardly she cursed. He'd finally been able to drink without the straw and now they were back with it. Shrugging it off, she leaned close so he could drink.

"Nice and easy," she encouraged as he began to drink. When he stopped sucking on the straw she pulled the glass away. "Had enough?" she asked.

As he nodded, she put the glass down then looked toward the door as Donald entered.

Seeing Grissom was awake the doctor approached with caution. It was currently hard to assess how he would react around anyone, Sara included.

"Been awake long?" he asked cautiously.

Grissom just blinked and stared at him.

Sara shook her head. "No, he just woke up," she said.

Nodding, Donald edged a little closer, his eyes passing over Grissom's bandaged hands as they lay over his stomach. "We're going to need to take a look at your hands, Gil, okay? Make sure we don't have any problems and see how those incisions are doing."

Again, Grissom failed to respond his eyes flicking instead to two nurses as they entered the room.

Donald flashed a look at Sara who nipped on her lip again. No one could predict whether or not he'd flip out again but he needed to be checked. She stayed close, laying a soft hand on his shoulder as the medical team moved close and, thankfully, Grissom showed no objection as they set to the task at hand.

"Can you tell me your pain level, Gil?" Donald asked, carefully placing his patient's right hand down once it was free from the bandages.

Grissom's eyes were glued to his hand, sad and pained. More cuts, more bruising, more swelling. After last time, he didn't think he'd have to witness such horrible injuries again.

Seeing his struggle, Sara gently squeezed his shoulder. "It's okay," she encouraged as he looked at her and she did her best not to whimper at the sadness in his eyes. "We'll get through it. I promise you. But, for now, you need to try and answer Donald's questions so he can help you."

Slowly, he looked back toward the doctor who had begun working on the bandages on his left hand.

"Hurts," he whispered.

"Can you give me a 1 to 10?" Donald asked quietly as he handed the soiled bandage to the nurse.

Working his eyes in a circle, Grissom cleared his throat before answering. "9," he said flatly.

Donald nodded, his eyes inspecting Grissom's hand and then he looked back at the patient as he whimpered.

"So bad," Grissom sobbed. "My hands will never work."

Present Day

A bark from Buddy snapped Sara back to reality and she smirked as he bounced up and down, Grissom teasing him with the ball then pretending to kick it. The hospital had been such a tough time for them. It was so hard to encourage someone who was obviously so defeated within himself. But they'd gotten through it. All of it. And now she could feel the positivity blooming and the air changing – within him, within them. It all suddenly felt better.

She recalled the look on his face barely an hour before when Donald had asked if he'd be okay with a little try at movement. His eyebrows soared just like they normally did but he hadn't been negative. After a short pause, he actually nodded and had a short spell of trying to move. It hadn't lasted long but he'd tried. No one could have asked for more. Not yet anyway.

Setting off towards him, Sara kept her smile. "Hey you," she greeted.

His head snapped around and her eyes widened at the frightened look he shot her.

"Sorry," she exclaimed immediately, holding up a hand and backing off a little. Christ, had she ruined the mood? She really thought he'd hear her approach. But then his look softened and he smiled.

Thank God.

"Hi," he said back. "I may need some new underwear."

"I'm sorry," she repeated. "I didn't think." His smile grew and she shook her head. "Stop making me panic," she accused, sitting down next to him.

Before he could tease her some more Buddy was back, dropping the ball at his feet. "Haven't you had enough yet?" Grissom asked. Buddy barked before spinning in a circle and then bounced on the spot again.

Sara laughed and picked up the ball, getting another bark from the dog for her effort. "You want this?" she teased. Another bark came.

Throwing her arm back, she launched the ball and Buddy bounded after it.

"I wish I had his energy," Grissom remarked.

Turning back to him, she grinned. "I'm sure you'll get there and be jumping up and down in no time." As his eyebrow soared, she snorted. "But in all seriousness, I think it's time to go inside and get you something to eat before James gets here."

His grin faded a bit. "I'm not really hungry," he said softly.

"Yeah," she replied. "You said that when we got back but you have to eat." He sighed and Sara lifted her hand to his cheek. "If you are going to start moving those hands again you're going to need every little bit of energy you can get. Plus, I don't want you passing out on me. You know how good I am at taking your body weight."

His eyebrow soared again, a bit of the grin returning.

She laughed and lowered her hand. "Not like that."

Inside Sara was beaming. He was actually thinking about that again and his playful behavior proved it. She couldn't help wondering when they might become intimate again. Damn, she craved it so much. And his mood had made her feel a little more confident it might be on the horizon. She really hoped so.

"Will you at least try to eat something?" she asked.

"Okay," he breathed. "I certainly wouldn't want to be squashing you now would I?"

"Oh, I don't know," she snickered, getting up and taking his arm to help him to his feet. "Could be fun."

He smiled and she smiled back, her heart filling with a loving warmth. "Come on," she said before whistling for Buddy and heading back inside.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Grissom sat nervously on the sofa while Sara answered the door, Buddy sitting right by his legs wagging his tail.

"You always get so excited when someone knocks on the door, don't you?" Grissom asked the canine.

Buddy gave an excited growl, his tongue hanging out his mouth and a happy panting commencing.

Grissom smiled but it faded when he heard voices drawing nearer. Looking over his shoulder he heard Sara talking then watched as she approached with James and another man. Swallowing, he stood as James flashed him a smile.

"Good afternoon, Gil," the therapist greeted.

"Hi," Grissom replied sheepishly.

Sara moved to join him, taking his arm in an offer of support. As usual she could feel his nervousness floating in the air.

"Gil, this is Robert Clayton," James introduced.

Grissom's eyes took in the younger man. Probably in his early 40's, Robert was a little taller than him with neat short brown hair, clean shaven and well dressed.

"Hello, Gil," Robert said. "Nice to meet you."

Nodding, Grissom looked at Sara who smiled encouragingly.

"Shall we sit?" she asked of her guests. "I can make coffee if anyone would like."

"I'm fine," James replied as everyone moved to take a seat.

"Me, too," Robert added.

"Okay," Sara replied, sitting next to her husband. Why did she suddenly feel nervous? She wouldn't say no to a brandy about now.

"Can I ask you to do something, Gil?" Robert requested as he sat opposite Grissom.

"Okay," Grissom returned sounding unsure.

"Relax." As Grissom smirked, Robert put down his briefcase and unclipped it.

"Trying my best."

"There's one thing you need to remember about me being here," Robert continued. "I'm here for you; to try and help you through this trying time. I will never pressure you into anything or force you to start hypnotherapy if you don't want to. And you don't have to decide anything today. All I ask is that you hear me out."

Inhaling deeply, Grissom nodded and started to feel a little more relaxed. "Okay," he agreed, nodding down towards the briefcase. "You got a pocket watch in there?"

Robert laughed. "Unfortunately, no. And let's not be clouded by stories of swinging timepieces and walking around like a chicken."

"Oh, I don't know," Sara cut in. "It could be fun if you turn him into a chicken. We'd have fresh eggs every day." Slowly, Grissom's head turned her way and he shot her a raised eyebrow. She smirked at him and dropped a hand to his knee. "You know I'm only teasing."

Rolling his eyes, he glanced back at the therapist. "So how does it work and what do we expect to achieve? I can't say I'm all that clued up."

Entwining his fingers, Robert leaned forward. "In therapy, hypnosis usually involves a person experiencing a sense of deep relaxation. The therapist is able to narrow down their attention and focus it on appropriate suggestions."

Grissom's brow furrowed a little as he listened.

"And, contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does, however, involve the induction of a trance-like condition. When in it, the person is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating solely on the hypnotist's voice. In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious is revealed."

Inhaling deeply, Grissom nodded. "Okay. So how is this going to help me?"

"The suggestions I would give you should help you make positive changes within yourself. "In a session, you are always in control and not made to do anything. Generally, it is accepted that all hypnosis is, ultimately, self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is merely helping to facilitate your experience."

"And hypnotherapy is not about being made to do things," James added. "In fact, it's the opposite. It's about empowerment and being able to release things that your conscious mind may not be able to do."

Grissom swallowed on a dry throat, looking at Sara. "Could I have some water?"

Squeezing his knee, Sara made her way to the kitchen to quickly return with a water glass. Helping him with the straw, he nodded his thanks.

"So, tell us more about these suggestions," she requested of Robert. "How does all that work?"

"As we know," he began, "Gil is struggling to recall anything that happened during his ordeal without having a seizure. So, I will help him do this through subconscious suggestions. These will entice him to recall in a controlled environment and to let him express his fears without having to worry about seizing. Hopefully, this will help him suppress those fears."

"Do you think that will work?" Grissom asked. "You don't think I will have a seizure?"

"While hypnosis is reasonably predictable," James replied, "nothing can ever be guaranteed."

Grissom scoffed. "Not like I've ever heard that before."

"But I have confidence in my methods," James continued. "And my success rate is very high."

Thinking for a second, Grissom nipped his teeth onto his lip. "So, you just make me tell you what happened?"

"Not exactly," Robert said, "I don't make you do anything. What you want to tell me is entirely up to you but what you don't want to reveal in the conscious world will be things that you do want to get out in the subconscious one. And by doing this, you can face those fears and ultimately get them out of your life."

Sara squeezed his knee. "And we can face them together."

"Um…" Robert stuttered drawing the couple's attention. "It's usual that the patient would be alone with me.

Sara gave him a look that would make any man's knees crumble. "Hell no," she spat. "I have already been banished from his normal therapy and there is no way I'm letting him do this on his own. How am I supposed to help him if I don't know what's happening?"

The two doctors exchanged a look.

"Well," Robert replied, "exceptions can be made. It is very rare though because this type of therapy is very delicate and any outside interference can have a dramatic effect on the outcome."

"Then make exceptions," Sara demanded. "I won't get in the way. I won't interfere."

Robert looked at Grissom who he was sure might be smirking. "It's up to you, Gil. If you allow your wife to be present then we can do that."

"I think we'd better," he said lightheartedly.

Something struck Sara then and she looked at Grissom. "So…you're actually going to do it?"

Turning serious, his eyes met hers. "I want my life back. Right now my brain will be fine to start with.

She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"You do need to be aware," James began, "that delicate information could be revealed. You both need to be prepared for that. We won't just cover your ordeal. I need to really gain that trust inside your head so it's possible anything that has happened in your life could come up."

Grissom's eyes worked in a circle.

"I'm sure my husband has nothing to hide from me," Sara shot back. "So that doesn't concern me. I'm a big girl with a hard shell."

"No kidding," Grissom jested.

"Okay," Robert agreed, reaching into his suitcase for a booklet and holding it out for Sara. "This will tell you absolutely everything that you need to know in case you think of things that we haven't covered and…," he paused pulling a card from his pocket and placing it on the coffee table, "you can contact me at any time."

"I do have one question," Grissom said as Sara glanced over the booklet.

"Go ahead," James encouraged.

"I gather I remember what is said during a session?"

"It can depend," Robert admitted. "But the method I will use should mean that you do remember. Not sure there would be much point of us doing it otherwise. There may be some details you forget but we will have to see what happens as we go."

Taking a few deep breaths, Grissom nodded. "Okay. When do we start?"

"I'd like to start tomorrow if you're okay with that," Robert said, "then James will see you the day after. I'd like to see you three times a week if you're agreeable."

"Get it all out quickly, huh?" Grissom joked although he knew it wasn't funny.

"The sooner the better," Sara said. "I want you to be happy. We just have to work your hospital in-between."

James got to his feet and Robert followed. "I'll consult with Doctor Moore to ensure we don't clash or overwhelm you. But, this could be quite a full regime for a while."

As Buddy sat up, Grissom dropped his hand onto the dogs back. "I guess it beats doing nothing and watching the clock."

Smiling, Robert picked up his briefcase. "Then I will see you tomorrow. Let's say 3pm?"

"Fine," Grissom agreed.

"I'll show you out," Sara said, getting up.

"Not necessary," James returned. "Have a good day and I'll speak with you tomorrow after the session. Good luck, Gil."

Grissom's eye twitched as they walked away, his mind a barrage of thoughts.

"Are you okay?" Sara asked softly.

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. I think so. I didn't know what to expect but…" He shrugged. "Maybe ask me that again tomorrow after I've had the deepest parts of my brain analyzed."

Leaning down she kissed him, pulling back then so their lips were only just apart. "But such a wonderful brain it is."

As he smiled bashfully, she kissed him again but Buddy barking broke the moment and Sara shot him a look.

"You have the worst timing," she accused.

Pining, Buddy ran towards the back door.

"And a terrible bladder," Grissom added.

Sara laughed. "Well, we could take him for a walk if you feel up to it. We've got a few hours before it starts to get dark."

Grissom's lips pursed, his eyes working around as he considered his options and eventually he nodded. "Okay."

"Great," Sara said happily.

And she was indeed happy. It really, really had been a good day and, hopefully, nothing would spoil it.