This chapter took so long. I needed to get it just right.

I also started back with student teaching so I've been a little busy.

ANNNNDDDD Jorja announced that she will not be returning to CSI:Vegas. My heart is broken. I understand why she doesn't want to continue without Billy P but still. I was hoping for more Sidle and small possible moments of GSR with BP popping in for an ending scene or something with them at home.

ANNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDD as we move forward, I will be upping the rating and adding trigger warnings as Sara opens up to both Grissom and her counselor about her abuse.

So please tell me what you think.

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

"I couldn't leave."

Grissom's breath hitched and his shoulders stilled upon hearing her voice. It can't be. My mind is playing tricks on me. Her letter said she was leaving.He wanted to lift his head and see for himself if she was there but at the same time, if he did and she wasn't there, he knew he could not handle that disappointment. Grissom squeezed his eyes shut and pitched the bridge of his nose-a common sign that he was getting a migraine.

Sara watched Grissom closely, taking another step forward slowly. She saw his shoulders still but he did not look up to her. "Gil." She took another step closer, treading carefully as she made her way to him. "Look at me." Her voice just above a whisper, tears still rolling down her cheeks. Once she was standing near the table, Sara stopped moving forward. She did not want to get too close. Not until he looked up to her.

"Gil." She spoke his name again, trying to get him to lift his head and look at her. This time a little louder but not loud enough that it would effect him if he was in fact developing a migraine. Still, the older man did not pick his head up to meet her gaze. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his emotions and slow his heart rate. Grissom was never an emotional man. It was just who he was. Showing emotion, hell even understanding emotion was one of his many deficiencies. But with Sara...with Sara it had been different. Grissom has known almost from the moment that his blue eyes landed on the young woman wearing a jean skirt and hair in a pony tail came into his lecture, that there was something special about her. Sure, it had taken him years for his head to catch up to his heart, but when it did, he gave in completely. He was all in. And now it felt like she had taken everything away from him.

Sara watched the man before her. "Gilbert. Please look at me." Her voice was starting to break and the tears ran down her cheeks, leaving behind a trail. She was starting to lose her confidence. She was already emotionally and mentally spent and she needed him. For once in her life, she needed someone else to be strong for her. She needed him to be the person she could lean on. Sara took a few more steps forward. She was almost close enough to reach out and touch him now.

Grissom could hear the emotion within her voice. Inhaling deeply, he readied himself for the disappointment for his mind playing tricks on him. Slowly, his hands lowered from his face and he picked his head up. His eyes readjusting to the light after being hidden. He blinked as he noticed the shoes on the floor by the table and slowly the jeans. He took his time, allowing his eyes to trail over the body of the woman that he loved. Finally, his crystal blue eyes met her hazel ones. Both sets red rimmed and glossy.

It felt like his breathe had been knocked out him. She was there. Standing with her arms protectively around her middle. He could see the tears welled in her eyes and the red streaks on her cheeks. His body moved on its own, pushing himself up off the couch, now standing. He slowly reached out towards her. Never breaking eye contact with her. Too afraid that if he did, she would disappear into thin air.

"You..You're here." Grissom whispered while reaching for her. Sara gave a barely noticeable nod.

"I couldn't leave." Her voice was broken. She finally let all the emotion spill forth. She couldn't hold back any longer. She had been strong for too long and she just couldn't take it anymore. The damn fully broke and her body started to shake from the force of her sobs.

The moment confused Grissom. He's heart felt full and happy. Sara was there, she did not leave him but his heart was breaking seeing the pain his love was in. He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms. Wrapping his arms around her slim, shaking body as he pressed her close. The feel of her body pressed against his own only solidified the fact that she was real. That she was actually standing there, in their home.

Grissom held tightly to Sara until he felt her body still. He could feel her tears through his shirt, but he didn't mind. All that mattered to him right now was her. He pulled back just enough to be able to see her face, one arm still around her waist and he brought the other between them and gently brushed his thumb against her cheek, wiping away a tear as it rolled down her rose colored cheeks. She tilted her head into his gentle touch.

"I.." Grissom started but stopped. He didn't know what to say. There was so much running through his mind that he wasn't sure where to start. The older man kept his eyes locked on the younger woman's. For the first time since her kidnapping, Sara was allowing him to see how broken she felt. How lost she was. Grissom slowly placed his forehead against hers. "I'm glad you're home." He spoke in the softest of whispers.

Sara felt a little lighter. She hadn't said anything yet but the fact that she finally let go, let the walls down, it felt like the weight of world was once again taken off of her. Taking a deep breathe, Sara could not bring herself to pull away from him. She didn't think she would be able to stand without his support at the moment. She needed his strength.

"We need to talk." Her voice was raspy and soft. She eyed the couch over his shoulder. Without having to follow her eyes or her saying it, Grissom guided them back to the couch and sat down slowly with her. Never breaking contact with her. "Take your time." He tried to keep the worry from his voice. He wanted her to know he was there and listening and that she could take her time.

Sara dropped her gaze her to her lap. She could see their thighs pressing together, one of his hands over hers resting against her lap while his other arm was still protectively around her waist. She didn't know where to start or how to have this conversation. "I had planned on leaving. I was in the taxi. Heading to the airport." Her voice was shaky and he could hear the tears forming again. Inhaling deeply and slowly exhaling, Sara finally brought herself to look up to Grissom. He didn't interrupt her but waiting patiently for her to go on.

Taking a moment to collect herself again, Sara continued slowly. "Gil, I'm not okay." A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek again. "I know I kept saying I was fine...I'm not. I'm not fine." Grissom watched her, listening to her, allowing her the time she needed. He had known in the back of his mind that she wasn't okay. He knew for years that when Sara Sidle said "I'm fine", that she wasn't. Gil gave her hand a gentle squeeze, reassuring her that he was listening.

"I had made it as far as Frank's. I saw the diner and...I knew I was running. It's what I've done my whole life. Run and hide from my problems." She paused again, licking her lips as her eyes fell to their hands. "For us..for us to move forward, I need help."

This time, Grissom spoke up. "Anything, my dear." Grissom would do anything he could to help her. "I'm here to help." He moved his hand from hers and hooked his pointer finger under her chin, gently lifting her head so that he could look into her eyes. Her sadness was so pronounced.

"When I said I was all in, I meant it."

I think this is a good stopping place for right now..There will be more of their conversation. Don't worry.

Please, leave a review or PM me with your thoughts. They help me ALOT! Plus I also like knowing what you all think.