Head pounding Sara forces her eyes open. She is laying in a hospital bed the shades are drawn with the sun peaking through, and dancing across Catherine's blonde locks and porcelain skin. Sara smiles at the sight in front of her; she is vaguely aware of a dull throbbing in her shoulder. She stops for a minute and it finally kicks in that she is in a hospital room. Now what did I do to get here?
She is interrupted before her memories of the previous night can return. A plump, smiling nurse walks into the room. Sara holds a finger to her lips then points at Catherine. The nurse nods and approaches Sara before quietly talking. "You're awake? How is your shoulder feeling?"
Her memories hit her like a brick wall. Hostage. Lindsay. Took her place. Stabbed. Where is Lindsay? Panic grips the brunette, but when she attempts to speak her tongue seems too large for her mouth, and her throat is burning with dryness. "Wh…"
"Hold on love. Why don't you have a drink before talking? You lost a fair amount of blood you know. The pretty thing beside you raised quite a ruckus when we wouldn't allow her to be with you while the doctors stitched you up."
"Sounds like Catherine to me." Sara replies weakly with a faint smile. "Have you seen a teenager wandering around that looks exactly like Catherine?"
"Lindsay? Yeah that little girl is a Sweetheart managed to get her mom to calm down and sit in her room down the hall. She was discharged this morning she only was required a nights rest. She left very unwillingly with a woman that looked remarkably like both blondes. I assumed it was Catherine's sister."
"Do you have a phone…can I used that phone there?"
"Sure can Darling. I need to check your stitches then I will be out of your way." Carefully Sara runs her hand lightly through Catherine's hair, and massages the blonde's scalpnot wanting to wake her. When the nurse is finished Sara picks up the phone and dials Nancy's number.
"Hello?"
"Nancy?"
"Sara? Why are you being so quiet?"
"Catherine's sleeping, and I don't want to wake her up. Is Lindsay there?"
"Yeah do you want to talk to her?"
"Yeah."
"Okay hold on."
"Sara?" The sound of the teenager's voice fills Sara with relief.
"Linzz, Sweetie are you okay?"
"Yeah Sara I'm fine. Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I was worried about you when I woke up and you weren't here."
"I was dragged out of the hospital."
"I've heard. I should go before I wake up your mom. Are you sure that you are alright?"
"Yes Sara I'm perfectly alright. Aunt Nancy said I can come visit you later."
"Okay."
"You should rest."
"Yeah, yeah stop nagging me mother. I love you."
"Love you too. Sara?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you, you know for saving my life."
"You're welcome Linzz, but I could never just stand there if you're in trouble. You have proof now if you doubted it before."
"I didn't. Bye Sara. Sleep!"
"Bye Linzz."
Sara glances around already bored. She decides to watch Catherine sleep for a while before asking for something to read. Sara is sitting lost in thought observing Catherine's angelic presence when the nurse from earlier walks in. "Sorry to bother you Ms. Sidle."
"It's no problem ummm?"
"Beth."
"It's no problem Beth; I was getting kind of lonely anyways. What can I do for you?" She flashes Beth one of her famous, rare, full blown, gap toothed smiles.
"Well aren't you lucky, because you have a swarm of visitors waiting outside to see you. Rather odd bunch if you ask me, but extremely nice."
"I'm guessing that would be the guys, and a few others from work. I agree odd, but family."
"Can I let them in?"
"Sure, tell them to be quiet though since Catherine is sleeping."
"I'm going to let them in two at a time. It is quite a group. You must be popular."
"I guess." Beth leaves the room and ten minutes later Greg floats in goofily followed by a sullen Grissom. Greg rushes over to Sara and pulls her into a loose hug.
"Don't you ever do that to me again Sidle. That was not funny. You always have show off and be the hero don't you?" Greg whispers with a smile on his face. Sara is glad her came in first. Greg always knows how to lighten the mood.
"It's nice to see you too Greggo. What took you guys so long to get in here?"
"Oh there was a little scuffle about who was coming in first, but Griss and I were totally prepared to use force." Sara chuckles and catches Grissom's eye.
"Hey Gil."
"Sara." Grissom is at a loss for words and thankfully Sara knows him well enough that she can always tell. She lifts her hand motioning for him to come closer. Greg moves out of the way and observes from the corner. Grissom looks down at Sara. She can see the unshed tears in his eyes. Sara tugs the older man down into a hug and holds him as close as she can with one arm.
"I'm sorry Gil," she repeatedly whispers in his ear.
"It's fine Sara as long as you are happy I will survive."
"I am."
"I know." He pulls away appearing as if the weight of the world has been lifted off his shoulders "So I brought you this." Grissom passes her the latest issue of The Journal of Forensic Science.
"Aww Gris thanks. You are always thinking ahead. How did you know I would be bored out of my mind here?"
"A feeling I had." She smiles at him then turns her attention to Greg as he speaks.
"I brought you something too. Only it's not for here. Well I guess it could be depending on how impatient you are." Sara throws him a curious look. Grabbing inside the bag she pulls out a pair of candy underwear, and lace lingerie.
"Why thank you Greg, how thoughtful."
"My pleasure. So you and Catherine that's hot. Do think I could get a show sometime?"
"You should bring that issue up with Catherine." She replies rolling her eyes.
"Speaking of Catherine I wish I got the chance to say hi, but I don't want to wake sleeping beauty. Griss we should probably go. Doc was getting ready to beat people with his walking stick when we left."
"Ahh good point." Both men give Sara hugs and say good bye before retreating from the room. Sara focuses on Catherine who is still sleeping. Sara is relieved the blonde is getting sleep, but it seems unlike her to sleep through all of the talking no matter how quiet they are being. Sara reminds herself of the previous night's events and concludes the blonde must be emotionally exhausted.
Her mind is again ripped away from the blonde when Warrick, and Nick enter.
"Hey there's my superhero," the Texan says.
"Hey Nick, Warrick."
"Hey girl you gave us quite a scare. Especially this one right here," Warrick says motioning toward Catherine. They both give her hugs and the room falls into a comfortable silence. "You know you and Cath. I've always known there was something there, and from the first day I realized it I always knew that if you two decided to act on it you would be perfect for each other, and inseparable. I guess us guys never really had a chance with either of you."
"And you didn't say anything Warrick? If I seen that earlier. Man you left us in the dark when you knew!" Sara kids with him. She glances a Nick who remains silent. He is watching over her his eyes filled with brotherly love.
"You alright Nick?"
"Yeah Sar, fine. You know when you get out of here you gotta come over to my place and we will have a video game marathon. The whole team. I'm getting to be pretty good competition for you in Halo."
"Now that is something I doubt Nicky. It sounds fun though count me in."
"Cool. We should go, but we'll be back later; don't think you've gotten rid of us."
"I would never dream it."
"Good." They both give her hugs and leave. Next to enter the room are Doc Robbins, David, and Hodges. Hodges!
"Don't look at me in such disbelief Sara I thought I should make an appearance." Sara smiles and refuses to admit that she has missed Hodges' personality a little bit.
"How are you doing Hodges?"
"Better than you that's for sure."
"You've always been so nice Hodges," David comments. He crosses the room and gives Sara a hug.
"Hey Super Dave. I haven't seen you in a while."
"I know it's unfortunate. How are you holding up?"
"Pretty good. Considering the circumstances."
"Well I hope you make a full recovery."
"Thanks." She peers around David at Doc Robbins.
"Are you going to hide in the shadows the whole time, or are you going to come over here and give me a hug Doc?"
"I could do that for my favorite CSI."
"Aww you're making me blush." Al walks over to her and gives her a hug before switching to his caring doctor mode.
"Now let me take a look at those stitches. I don't trust anyone in hospitals." Sara turns on her side revealing her stitches, and waits while he carefully examines them. "Looks pretty decent. Give me a call if they give you any discomfort. Now how's the pain?"
"Mild."
"Do you want me to get them to up the dosage of your pain meds?"
"No I think I'm good thanks."
"Okay. I'm supposed to tell you that Brass will be here as soon as he finishes paperwork, and swings by to pick up the smaller Willows woman."
"Okay thanks." Sara attempts to stifle a yawn, but it does not go unnoticed by her friends. David takes her gifts and places them on the side table, and they all give her hugs before leaving.
Sara looks at Catherine's position knowing the blonde is going to be extremely sore when she wakes up. "Cath?" Sara whispers.
"Mmmmm."
"Catherine?"
"Mmmmm."
"Do you want to come up on the bed with me? You look uncomfortable?" She is quietly waiting for some sort of response when Catherine's head shoots up off the bed as she realizes who is talking to her. Before Sara has the chance to say anything Catherine latches herself to the brunette by the lips. Their kiss is full of passion and fear. When they pull away tears are streaming down Catherine's face. "Baby
come up here with me and tell me what's wrong." Catherine stands up and stretches then goes to the other side of the bed so she can curl up on Sara without hurting her.
"How long have you been up?" Catherine asks between placing light kisses on Sara's neck.
"About an hour."
"And you didn't wake me up?"
"Well I wanted you to sleep. So I called Lindsay; I panicked when she wasn't here, and I've had a bunch of visitors."
"I can see that. How did that go."
"Pretty good. Apparently Grissom, and Greg were about to get violent so they were allowed in first."
"How did things go with Grissom?"
"Good. I think we came to an understanding, and being thoughtful in his own quirky way he brought me reading material. He knows me well enough to know I'm going to get restless. Now Greg brought us a present, and he has a show he wants to ask you about."
"What did he bring?"
"Look in that bag right there." Catherine peeks in and her expression changes to one of amusement.
"He said it was for later depending on how impatient I am." Catherine chuckles at the comment.
"Who else came?"
"Nick, Warrick, Doc Robbins, Super Dave, and Hodges."
"Hodges?"
"Hodges. Oh, and Brass is stopping by as soon as he can with Linzz."
"Seems like I missed a lot." Catherine's tears haven't stopped, and Sara is getting more concerned by the minute.
"Cath?"
"What?"
"Please tell me what is wrong."
"It's just I almost lost you and Lindsay. I almost lost you, and I don't know what I would have done if I did. I love you so much Sara, and it scares the hell out of me, because I know if I lose you I will be destroyed. Left hollow, and numb. I almost lost you. Don't get me wrong I am so thankful that you
saved Lindsay, but if I lost you…I don't know…" Catherine has started to sob uncontrollably. Sara holds her the best that she can, and places light kisses on her head.
Sara repeatedly whispers, "It's okay Cat you didn't lose me I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I love you, and I'm going to be right here forever. You didn't lose me Sweetie…" Catherine finally stops crying and looks up at Sara red, and puffy eyed. She catches the brunette's lips in a kiss. It isn't heated only loving as they understand how the other is feeling. It is one of the most powerful kisses they've shared, and both women are reluctant to break apart. Catherine snuggles back into Sara as she continues to caress the brunette's cheek. "I love you Baby, and it scares the hell out of me too at how much I do. Can I tell you something?"
"Of course Sweetie anything."
"Last night when I hugged Lindsay she called me Mom, and then when you told me forever I didn't care what happened to me anymore, because I knew I had gotten my chance at a family, and that I would always have one no matter what happened. If I had to take my life to keep you and Lindsay safe I knew that was how it was going to be. I'm not saying I wasn't scared. I was petrified, but not of dying. Of loosing you." Catherine can't think of what to say, and she feels that there aren't words for a moment like this so instead she shows Sara how much what she has said means to her by engaging the brunette in a kiss. When they break apart Catherine tightens her grip on Sara not ever wanting to let go again. Silence falls over them. A silence that whispers in their ears the love they share, and reminds them how life can be for them. Catherine listens to Sara yawn for the fifth time in three minutes.
"You should get some sleep Sar."
"You should too."
"I was planning on it as long as you aren't going anywhere."
"Nope I have a feeling I'm stuck her for a couple of days. As long as you are here I won't mind so much."
"Well I'm not going anywhere, and you defiantly aren't, so you should sleep, and I promise I will too."
"Okay." As soon as Sara closes her eyes she falls asleep.—
Sara wakes up in a cold sweat. She is shaking and can't throw the images of Lindsay with a knife to her throat out of her mind. Catherine is observing Sara with unfocused eyes. She whispers sweet nothings in the brunette's ear to calm her down, and is stroking her cheek. Sara visibly calms when she realizes Catherine is there with her. Catherine begins to quietly sing into Sara's ear the only song she can think of knowing the effect it will have on the brunette.
"I don't need a lot of things
I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring
I've always needed something
But I've got all I want
When it comes to loving you
You're my only reason
You're my only truth
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
You're the hope that moves me
To courage again
You're the love that rescues me
When the cold winds, rage
And it's so amazing
'Cause that's just how you are
And I can't turn back now
'Cause you've brought me too far
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
Oh yes I do
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
And it carries me through
I need you
Oh yes I do
I need you
Ahh I need you"
Sara smiles at Catherine as she listens to her gentle voice. Listens to Catherine's words of love, and a few tears trickle down her cheek, but Catherine catches them and wipes them away. When the blonde finishes she gazes into the depth of Sara's eyes and searches for the truth when she asks, "Better?"
"Yeah. Much."
"Good now go back to sleep so you can get out of here sooner."
"But I don't want to," Sara is doing her best to whine. She is saved when the door opens, and Brass and Lindsay enter.
"Uhhh are we interrupting something?" Lindsay asks uncertainly. Sara has to smile at the expression on the teenager's face it is defiantly one she picked up from her mother.
"No Sweetie, but now you're here I am having a bad case of déjà vu." Catherine laughs.
"We sure do spend a lot of time in the hospital don't we?"
"Yeah." Sara says her tone presenting her hate of hospitals. Catherine gets up so she can have her good arm to give hugs. Catherine sits in the chair next to Sara's bed and watches with smiles as Sara happily interacts with the two visitors giving hugs talking, laughing, and smiling. Sara catches Catherine's eyes. She can't help noticing how beautiful Catherine looks after waking up. 'What?' Catherine mouths as she notices Sara staring again. Sara mouths back 'You looks beautiful' causing Catherine to blush furiously.
"Even more now Cat." Both Lindsay and Brass look at her lost after her, to them, seemingly random words. They were busy having a heated discussion about her last episode of Law and Order: SVU. Brass glances at his watch.
"We better get going kiddo we have to get you back to your Aunt's before I have to go to work in twenty minutes. Looks like you will get the chance to turn on the sirens after all."
"Ha ha sweet!" They distribute hugs to both Catherine, and Sara before leaving.
Catherine looks at Sara and can tell the brunette has used up all of her energy. "Will you come cuddle with me Cath?"
"Of course. Can't think of wanting to do anything more than I want to do that." Catherine lays back down, and places light kisses up and down Sara's jaw line as the brunette drifts off to sleep, smiling.
TBC...