The team slowly filtered into the office one by one noticing Grissom's slouched form. They only managed to hear the occasional shout emanating from the office, which couldn't have been good news.
"Grissom?" Catherine asked into the silence. "What's the verdict?"
"Yeah. What did they say?" Nick put a protective arm around Sara. He felt she would need the most support if the worst had happened. Everyone knew that Sara only got defensive during the questioning because of their history together, whatever that may have been. They had a special bond and everyone could see it. His grip tightened reassuringly.
Grissom's eyes locked with Sara's first before traveling around the faces of such great memories. Warrick Brown, Nick Stokes, Sara Sidle, and Catherine Willows. They were his team. He worked with them everyday. There was a special bond he didn't expect to exist when he took supervising position. He thought he was just the boss, the guy that pushed for paperwork to be done on time, handed out assignments, and offered advice when needed. This entire episode of politics made him realize that these people were more than subordinates. They were his family.
"Grissom if you don't say something, I'm going to kick your ass." Catherine said teasingly but her smile was strained. She would never admit it but losing Grissom would tear her apart. He was the one that helped her through the rougher points during her marriage. Granted it was in his own distant way, but it had helped nonetheless. She valued his friendship more than she ever let on, even to the man himself.
Her smile was slowly returned as he stepped around his desk breaking the supervisor barrier with his friends. "It would seem that you all are stuck with me."
The room lit up with smiles and cheers. "You had us worried Gris." Warrick said with a light squeeze of Catherine's shoulders.
"The place wouldn't feel right without you Gil." She said letting relief wash over her.
Nick stepped forward and offered his hand to Grissom. "Yeah, Grissom. I think we all would have left if they sent ya packin'."
Grissom gave a little chuckle as he shook Nick's hand. "Thanks Nick."
Sara stood back to take in the sight before her as her friends congratulated the man she loved. She beamed with pleasure. Grissom caught her smile and shrugged as Catherine wrapped him in a hug. She mouthed 'I told you so' before she was crushed by Warrick's arms enveloping her.
"Who is up for a bite to eat?" Nick asked gleefully.
"Yeah it's time to celebrate!" Catherine exclaimed now hanging onto Warrick's arm in happiness.
"I'm up for that." Sara said cheerfully.
"Well technically shift just started an hour ago." Grissom said dampening everyone's spirits.
"Gil, just accept. You deserve it." Catherine said sternly.
"Cath..." He started hesitantly.
"All right, it's settled. We are going on break to get dinner and you are coming."
"Good." Sara shot him a toothy grin. "We all have plenty of time for work."
"I agree!" Nick shouted raising his hand. "Let's go!"
Grissom's smile soon faded as he realized Sara would be off work for another week. She wasn't going to be happy. He wasn't happy with the scenario either, but it was better than losing her for three weeks. Before he could ask for some privacy to be alone with her, Greg ran straight into the office, through the crowd, and nearly knocked Grissom down with a fierce hug.
"We are going to miss you man! I just want you to know that we are going to fight this. We can get through it. We are a team!"
Grissom let his arms hang at his sides not knowing what to do. He searched for help among the group but only got stifled laughs at his expense. Slowly he peeled Greg's arms from his body. "Greg the only place I will be going is away from you."
The room erupted in a loud laughter making Greg spin around in confusion before turning back to Grissom. "You are not fired? But I heard..."
"Sorry to disappoint you Greg but no I was not fired." He replied dryly with a frown.
He breathed again and smiled. "I am never taking a vacation again! I come back and my Sara has been attacked by some psycho, my boss was almost fired, and my music is missing from the lab!"
Greg's rant sent the room into a frenzy of more laughter until Grissom cut through the fun. "I took your music from the lab because it was crowding the machines. It is hazardous. Not to mention that it is not proper for a place of business." His tone was dry and serious but it only fueled the chuckles from the team.
"Grissom I really believe that the lab wouldn't be the same without you." Catherine said placing a secure hand on his arm.
"It might be a little safer for me." Greg whispered backing away.
Sara threw her arm around the lab tech's neck. "Greggo you wouldn't be safe anywhere right now."
He smiled. "How are you feeling anyway? Did you miss me?"
"Of course I did, and I am feeling much better thank you. But hey, next time tell me when you claim me as your own. I'd like to be a part of the decision."
"Deal." He hugged her roughly and placed a big kiss on her cheek. "You had me worried Sar."
She lightly punched his arm for the nickname before adding. "Don't worry."
"Let's get some chow!" Warrick yelled.
"I heard that!"
They began to walk out until Brass halted the party at the doorway. "Whoa where's the fire? Grissom are you in control of this mob?" He called over their heads.
"Yes I am." He smiled.
He walked in and shook Grissom's hand. "I'm glad to hear that."
"We are headed out to dinner. Would you like to come along?"
"I think you all may want to hold off." He slipped a paper into Grissom's hand. "Eight car pileup on the highway."
After reviewing the paper his eyes met the nightshift. "Get your gear."
"I'll grab my coat." Catherine said slipping out the door.
"Right behind ya Cath." Nick called in dismay, who was later followed by Warrick.
"I guess I better finish up my work before I am overran again." Greg said halfheartedly.
"And I guess I'll grab my kit."
"Sara, I need to speak to you." Grissom said stopping her. "Uh Brass, could I speak to Sara alone?"
Brass nodded slowly. "I'll meet you there."
Sara watched the door close softly behind the detective before returning her gaze to Grissom. "What's wrong?"
He sighed. "I have to suspend you for a week."
She gaped at him. "You've got to be kidding me."
"It's politics." He came to stand in front of her trying to be subtle in his way of telling her that he wasn't happy about the situation either. "You really got under McFadden's skin. He wasn't the least bit happy by your attack."
"I did not attack him!" She exclaimed in disbelief. "I cannot believe this!"
He reached for her hand to calm her. "I'm sure Mobley wouldn't mind if it was effective a day later, since we need the extra hand."
"This isn't about this one case! A week? Grissom this is ridiculous!"
He unconsciously rubbed her knuckles and smiled. "I know but what you did wasn't exactly a good move."
Her brow knitted in confusion. "Are you mad at me?"
He released her hand then stepped around to open the door trying to be as serious as possible. "Go get your kit now Miss Sidle. We'll discuss this later."
"I'm in trouble with you when we get home, aren't I?" She whispered suppressing a knowing smile.
"You have no idea." He answered holding open the door with a blank expression on his face.
tbc...