The morning light crept into the room casting a soft glow on the two lovers. The sheets came to lay at the foot of the bed in a tangled mess, as the heat of the night before overtook them. He lays on his back in his boxers while she slumbers on her stomach in his shirt and her panties. Their minds became one a long time ago but now their bodies are one. They completed each other. The light pried open his eyes. He blinked back to the waking world from a restful slumber with the dreams of his soul mate fresh in his mind.
He smiled as he took in the sight beside him. Sara Sidle, his companion, rested soundly with her hand resting on his chest and her head on his shoulder. He felt the need to touch her. His trembling hand traveled up her arm creating goosebumps on her delicate skin. She stirred but simply rolled away from him and onto her back. He rolled to his side to study her with awe. He knew that it wouldn't last long; Sara was not a heavy sleeper. He was grateful he had an extra moment to silently worship her. His eyes began to journey the length of her body; from her face to her feet.
His hand trailed from a strand of hair across her face to the rise and fall of her chest. He pushed back his shirt to steal a look at her flat stomach. He boldly grazed his finger across the cut she sustained from the attack. It was healing quickly. He hated what had been done to her, but she was okay. She was safe; she was with him. She took in a sudden intake of air as he glided his index finger across her side. He smiled to himself. She was ticklish and he catalogued that piece of information for later reference. Then he abandoned her stomach to touch her thigh. He was amazed how soft she was. His eyes found a dark bruise on the outside of her thigh. It looked painful. Without thinking he leaned down to kiss it.
Sara's eyes fluttered open. Something was touching her leg. She looked down to see Grissom raising his head from a lingering kiss on her thigh. She wasn't used to Grissom being comfortable touching her. She liked it though. "Good morning." Her voice was raspy from sleep but it was music to Grissom's ears.
He came to rest beside her. "Good morning Sara."
She rolled into his arms with a smile on her face. "I am sorry too by the way."
He raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"Our fight. It takes two people to fight and I am sorry. I wanted to apologize last night but I got...distracted."
"I think you already apologize last night." He explained lightly.
She giggled at the memory of last night and snuggled closer. "Why did you come anyway?"
"Well I didn't plan on this."
"We should talk." She said softly.
"I know."
"I don't want to though."
"Me neither." He ran a finger along the waistband of her panties making her twitch. "I never want leave this. Ever."
"I know, me neither." She let him kiss her lips before finishing. "But you have work."
"Yeah." He sighed. He never thought he would reach a point in his life when he would rather be home than at work. "What did the doctor say?"
"Peter said hello."
"I meant about you."
She knew what he meant, but she was enjoying the flirting. She rarely saw this side of Grissom and she didn't want to lose it too soon. "He said the bruising is going away and the cuts aren't infected. I really feel a lot better. He said I could return to work on my own accord so I was thinking maybe I can come in tonight."
Grissom lifted her arm. The gauze was still tightly wrapped around her wrist. He softly pulled away the tape and unwrapped her wrist. She watched his eyes. There were enough words in his eyes that no verbal ones were needed. He wanted to see it. He wanted to show her that he cared. He let the gauze fall to the bed and ran a steady finger around the stitches. The two cuts were going to leave a nasty scar. "Do they hurt?" He asked.
"Some."
"I don't want you to go back to work so soon Sara."
She sat up to get a good view of him. She knew what this was about. She kept her tone soft. "Gil you can't protect me from the world. Just please accept that."
"I don't want you to get hurt again."
"Neither do I, but that's life." She was quiet for awhile. "Fine. You don't want me at work yet then I won't go."
He stared at her. She didn't even raise her voice. He half expected her to oppose his decision with more gusto. Reasoning and acceptance never crossed his mind. He was almost unsure if she was really okay because it was so out of character. "That's it?"
She pursed her lips. "Yes. But I will be back by Thursday."
"That's what I thought." He said playfully.
"You know I don't always have to argue."
"Yes you do."
She climbed on top of him pinning him to the bed. "No I don't."
"You're arguing now Sara." He countered holding onto her hips.
"Oh just shut up!" She hit him in the arm.
"Ow!" He rubbed his likely bruise. "That hurt!"
"Good." She jumped off the bed. "What do you want for breakfast?"
"You."
She rolled her eyes as she was walking out the door. "I'm making jelly toast if you want some."
Grissom smiled at the ceiling. "Be right there dear." He heard her laugh from the kitchen.
"I don't do pet names!" She yelled back.
He grabbed his white undershirt and went to the kitchen. He watched her move about the kitchen making toast and coffee. She felt his presence and turned to find him staring. "What?"
"Nothing." He walked over to her. "Need help?"
"I can handle the toaster." He was about to say something when a piercing ring interrupted him. "That's your phone." Sara smiled as he dropped his head. She lightly grabbed his chin to raise it to her eyes. "Five bucks it's Catherine."
He shook his head. "I don't feel like losing five bucks."
The phone rang again. "Better go get it." Sara said.
"Yeah." He walked back to the bedroom and found it discarded under some clothes on the floor. "Grissom." He sat down on the bed. Sara followed him back to the bedroom and was pleased to see Grissom smiling. "Hey Catherine."
Sara jumped in joy. She mouthed over to him, 'I told you so'. He couldn't help but laugh which Catherine caught. "Oh it's nothing Cath. It was just something I saw on television."
"Yeah right bugman." Sara said out loud.
Grissom dropped the phone to hold it tightly to his chest. "Stop it Sara. She could hear you."
"Must be hard juggling all those women." She laughed.
He frowned at her then went back to the phone. "I have to go Catherine, what is it that you wanted?" He looked at Sara then at the floor. "Good. Be in as soon as I can." He flipped the phone shut and tossed it to the bed. He glanced at Sara. "She could have heard you."
"She didn't."
He stood up to grab his pants. "I know you know I have to go."
"Of course, your other woman beckoned you."
He stopped. "I hope you are just kidding."
She came over and teased him with a kiss. "Nope." She said.
She started to walk away, but he quickly grasped her upper arm and pulled her back to him. "I mean it. I love you."
Her playful smile faded. "What?"
Grissom swallowed the lump in his throat that seemed to suddenly materialize. "I love you Sara."
She waited for those words. She dreamed about those words. They finally came and she just stood there trying to find her voice.
"You don't have to say anything." He said watching her.
"I love you too Gil." She said with a little smile. They both breathed a sigh of relief and kissed. Long, hard, and deep. Morning breath didn't seem to matter anymore. It's not everyday that either one of them confess their love for each other.
Sara pulled away trying to catch her breath. "Do you have time for a shower?"
He grinned. "If it's with you then yes."
"Yes." She pulled him into the bathroom and let the toast burn.
tbc...