Chapter 3
After breakfast, the lake looked great and with the sun beaming down on it was a bonus. The opportunity for a nice swim came and they all jumped at the idea.
Nick was lying on an airbed alone with Albert on another. Brian was fishing, standing a few feet into the waters edge away from them. Catherine, Greg and Jim were throwing a beach ball around. Grissom was sat on a rock sunbathing. Or that was what everyone thought. He was actually watching Sara swim around everyone and talk to Nick and Albert. His dark sunglasses covered his eyes so no one could tell he was watching her, but one person knew and decided to tease Sara about it.
"He's watching you, you know?" Nick said as Sara swam up to him again.
Stopping dead in her tracks. She treaded water and gave him a nervous look. "No he's not Nicky, so stop teasing me alright." Her tone was annoyed, but Nick didn't stop.
"He's been watching you ever since we got here."
Sighing and dipping her head back into the water, she sneaked a quick look at Grissom. Noticing his head look away slowly, she knew Nick was right. "Its not like he's available anyway Nick."
"Sara, you would still be afraid to go up to him even if he wasn't."
Moving closer to Nick, she gripped the side of the airbed. "Probably, but it's not like he actually feels anything for me. He won't talk to me and that's not a very good way to start a relationship let alone a mutual friendship."
"He's still watching and I think he does like you, all we have to do is get the two of you alone. I'm positive something will happen."
"Actually, we've talked. In the jeep, last night and this morning." Sara informed him.
Nick looked at her dead on. "And?"
Shrugging sadly. "Nothing. He's complicated. Answers question's to my question's."
"That's probably because he doesn't want to answer question's like he's a suspect." Nick suggested.
"Well, neither do I." Sara turned, but not before tipping Nick up and laughing as he hit the water. "Ok, I'm all happy now and I'm going back to get changed."
Albert chuckled and watched her swim back to shore. "He likes her. He's just not too good with women, let alone other human beings." Albert told Nick as he wriggled his way back onto the airbed. Nick nodded and looked from Grissom to Sara. Grissom was still watching her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SATURDAY AFTENOON
The smell of fish was filling everyone's noses. Everyone had changed into warm clothes as the whether chilled a little.
Nick and Brian's tent flapped lightly in the breeze, as did the others. Jim and Catherine went for a walk 20 minutes ago and should be back anytime. Greg, Nick, Brian and Grissom were keeping the fire going and toasting sausages and cooking the fish caught by Brian. The first night's fishing didn't go too well and only two fish were liberated from the lake and were sent back because they were too small. Brian managed to catch some nice big fish and they smelt great.
Albert had his arms around Sara, keeping her warm and talking to her about his plans for after college. "No I really do. I think it will be cool. Just think of all the dead bodies and what you get to do."
Sara giggled at his enthusiasm and turned her head to look at him. "I'd rather stay on the side that helps people. Collect the clues and put the bad guys away."
"Good for you, but don't come whining to me when you want to extract someone's brain or pull a bullet from an internal organ."
Albert chuckled into her ear as she groaned. "Al, I just ate."
"Sorry." He looked up and noticed the wind picking up. "I think we should check the tents."
Sara nodded and they slowly unwrapped themselves from each other's arms and checked each tent. Albert waited until Sara had checked his tent and without delay, he pulled out four pegs and placed them inside his jacket.
Nick saw and nodded his approval at Albert as he turned to look at him. Albert grinned and moved to follow Sara again.
Later that night the wind had picked up and there was a sudden snap and whoosh and everyone turned to see Albert and Grissom's tent collapse and tear with the wind. Albert and Grissom quickly salvaged their kit and as it started to rain, whilst the other's dove for the nearest tent. Grissom's sleeping bag was soaked as he picked it up and inspected it. His clothes were drenched as he gathered his stuff. Albert threw his stuff into Greg's tent and Nick helped Grissom chuck his stuff into the closest tent, Sara's.
Grissom was surprisingly calm about his wet clothes and sleeping bag as he sat in Sara's tent. He turned and jumped. "Sorry." Sara said.
He shook his head and waved a dismissive hand in her direction. He looked down at himself and sighed. "Mhmmm?" He hummed in response to his findings. Wet, cold, shivering and in the same tent a Sara. He breathed deeply as he rolled up his soaking wet bedding and put it in a plastic bag.
Sara watched him quietly. He was wet from head to toe. Although her tent was a three man like the others, it seemed to shrink in seconds to a single. Grissom ran his hand through his wet curls and brushed off the loose water sending them to the ground. Sara pulled out a towel and handed it to him. "Here."
Grissom looked up at her, then the towel. He took it and started to dry his face. "Thank you." Grissom started to shiver. "Its sure cold in here."
Sara didn't say anything until she noticed him shaking. "Gil?" He looked up at her and they locked eyes. Sara shuffled towards him in shock. "God you're shivering."
"Nothing that a towel and dry clothes won't cure." Grissom dropped the towel and turned away from her so he could open his bag and pull out a large jumper and sweats. His head snapped round at Sara as she reached up with the towel and continued drying his hair and neck for him. She smiled and shrugged innocently. He smiled at her and turned back to unbutton his shirt. He slipped his jacket off and stuffed it in another plastic bag and after hesitantly removing his shirt, that too joined the jacket. He quickly pulled the jumper over his head and began to take his pants off, when he stopped.
"It's ok, I'll turn away." Sara reassured. She turned onto her side and looked away. She held the towel in her hand and as she waited. She could smell his scent all over the towel. She closed her eyes briefly as it overwhelmed her more than she would have thought.
"Done." Grissom said tying up the bag and placing the two bags of wet items inside the fly sheet. He zipped the inner door back up and turned to see Sara pulling out a sleeping bag.
She caught his stare and smiled shyly. "It's my spare." Moving up to help her. He came face to face with her as he swayed forward. Their eyes locked and both smiled as they continued to lay the sleeping bag out. "There you go."
Grissom climbed into the bag as Sara did hers. Both faced each other simultaneously. Sara gazed into his bright blue eyes as his gazed into her chocolate browns. They could hear the rain pelting against the canvas and Sara's eyes closed as she listened. "Have you ever just 'listened' to the rain?" She asked quietly.
Watching her eyes close, he closed his and listened. "Music?" He said after a few minutes of listening.
Sara smiled. "So soothing it lulls you to sleep."
"Hmmm." He hummed as he felt sleep overcoming him. Although it wasn't late, the darkness, rain, cold and being this close to Sara all at once was a shock to the system. They both fell asleep listening to the rain singing out its music against the tent walls.
Still darkness out side and still raining hard, Sara woke up to find herself close to Grissom. Looking at him and the tent, she realised it was in fact that he was close to her. A large gap between him and the wall was clearly seen.
He was still shiver and instinctively Sara moved closer. Grissom stirred and opened his eyes. A question was evident in them and she answered. "You're still shivering." He nodded in understanding and let her slide closer. Sara reached behind her where her fleece blanket had fallen and wrapped it around them both. Grissom felt her so close to his body that the thought's that ran through his mind was warming him in over ways. He watched her as she brushed back his damp hair above his ear and he smiled at her caring gesture. "Warm enough?"
"I am now." He answered as they both succumbed to sleep again.
Chapter 4
SUNDAY MORNING
Waking to sunlight and light raindrops hitting the tent, Sara felt very comfortable and warm. As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Grissom's head next to hers. He had moved even closer to her and as she shifted to stretch, she felt pressure on her back. He was holding her. Keeping her close to him. Sighing quietly, she closed her eyes again and smiled at how nice it felt to be held by him. His breath tickled her face as he breathed in and out softly with deep sleep.
8 o'clock and Grissom opened his eyes. Moving his hand to rub his face, he noticed warmth next to him. Looking down he saw Sara still sleeping. She was laying on her front using her arms as a pillow. Grissom realised his arm was hold her and carefully removed it. Sara stirred and moaned incoherently. Not being able to stop him self, he reached up and brushed her hair back from her face and smiled as she opened her eyes.
"Hey." He said pulling his hand back.
"Morning." Sara looked at her watch and gave out a curious hum.
"What's wrong?" Grissom saw the look of puzzlement in her eyes as she looked at him.
Sara shrugged. "I'm usual up a 6 every morning."
Grissom smiled. "It's gone 8."
Turning onto her back she sighed. "Never slept in before." She looked up at the tent and grinned widely. "Must be the company."
Blushing visibly, he rolled onto his front and buried his head in his pillow. "You sleep ok?" He asked turning his head to her.
She nodded. "You weren't too cold were you?"
"Nope. Well, not after I stole someone's body heat that is." Sara giggled and turned onto her side to look at him.
"You were shivering." She tried to explain.
Grissom pushed himself up onto his elbows. "You don't have to explain. I'm grateful. I'd rather not come down with hypothermia in a sudden down pour."
"So," Sara bit her lower lip in thought. "From the looks of things, everyone dove for their tents last night and you and Al lost yours."
"Albert 'dove' for Greg's tent." Grissom looked at the door and gave a sympathetic look. "I hope he's still alive." Sara burst out laughing at his seriousness. He looked down at her with a smile. "What? I was only thinking about all that itching powder Greg brought with him."
Sara couldn't help but start laughing again until she was in tears and shaking. Her hands covered her face as she wiped the wetness away.
"Why are you so beautiful?"
Sara stopped laughing suddenly. His words catching her off guard, although they were just a whisper she heard them clearly. She avoided his eyes and looked at the ground between them. "I've just woken up and look a mess. I wouldn't quite say I was beautiful."
"You are." Grissom was going to say she was beautiful again, but the tent zip opened.
"Hey Sara, you alright. I heard some sort of strangled cry."
Sara shot the intruder the most deadly scare that they back away from the door. "Nicholas Stokes! When I'm up I will make you pay for that comment." Sara sat up and zipped the door closed. "MEN!" She cursed. Without looking behind her she smiled. "Present company excluded."
"I'd hope so." Grissom said chuckling.
"Ok, let's get dressed and grab some food." Grissom sat up and reached for his bag.
"I'll grabbed my wash kit and wash first while you dress. I'll be back in 10 minutes." Grissom suggested. Sara watched him collect his things and leave the tent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After breakfast and the sun had dried up the rain from the night, half of the group voted on a walk around the lake. Jim and Catherine opted out and offered to look after the camp until they all got back. 'Food would be on the table when you all get back,' Catherine said.
Nick and Brian were talking about the new catalogue out for the latest monster truck engines and add-ons. Greg was walking with Sara. He had his arm around her and she was leaning against him. They seemed to be talking but were too quiet to hear what.
Albert and Grissom brought up the rear of the group. "I have a strange feeling that someone messed with our tent." Albert said calmly. Grissom didn't say anything. He was looking at the grass as he walked. "Gil."
Grissom's head snapped to attention. "Yep."
"I was talking to you." Albert looked ahead and smiled. "How was the Sidle tent?"
"Fine."
"They're just friends you know?" Grissom looked at him then at the Greg.
"I know that." Grissom sighed. "She told me."
Albert gave a sideways glance in his direction. "Some one sabotaged our tent."
"Yeah I know." Grissom said. "I know who it was too." Albert looked up at the shy then the lake. "You could have rescued me sleeping bag Al." Grissom smirked.
Albert laughed. "I was only trying to help."
"Yes. Well, thank you, but I was doing fine on my own." Grissom informed.
Giving him an incredulous look Albert shook his head. "No you weren't."
Grissom whipped his head round and stopped walking. "I was."
Albert stopped and turned to him. "How long do you think she'll wait Gil? You've been watching her for months and you haven't done a thing, let alone give her two words a day, three max." His voice was a little harsher than intended. "I'm sorry. It's just, I don't like seeing you waste time watching the one thing you could have when it's right there in front of you day in day out. Like I said, she's not going to wait forever."
With his shoulders dropped and head down, he let out a long breath. "I gave her more than three words this morning." Grissom smiled at the thought, but when he wanted to say more Nick burst in and ruined the moment. His smile turned into a frown.
"Nick?" Albert asked seeing the change. Grissom nodded and looked up. "Come on Gil. Let's see what fun we can have with Nick."
"I'd like that." Grissom grinned.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
10 more minutes and they'd be back at camp, but first they stopped at a small waterfall and hot water spring. Greg stripped down to his bathers and jumped in. Brian and Albert were skimming stones across the lake. Sara was standing with Nick on a large rock overlooking the spring.
"Hey Nick."
Nick turned to the voice. "Gil."
"Nick, you not swimming?" Grissom asked. His face was unreadable.
"Nope. Leave that for the kiddies." Nick looked at Sara then back at Grissom. "Why don't you go in, take Sara and join Greg."
Grissom looked at Sara and took a step towards them. "Wouldn't want to stop the kid's fun."
"Oh come on Gil, go for a swim." Sara said.
"I'll go in if you do." Nick suggested.
Grissom pursed his lips and quickly glanced at Sara before he took another step closer. "You go first then." Before Nick knew it, he was falling off the rock and hit the water with a huge splash.
"Gil Grissom, I can't believe you just did that." Sara scolded him.
"You want to go next?" He teased stepping closer to her.
Sara took a step back and nearly lost her balance. "I'm fine." She tried to suppress the smile but it was getting harder as they locked eyes.
"You don't want to swim?" Only an inch from her and he leaned forward slightly.
Watching him and realising she was falling for a trap, she replaced the smile with a serious look. "Don't you dare."
"Did you say dare Sara?" Brian said standing next to Albert. They stood behind Grissom and Sara looked to each one.
"I heard her say dare." Albert conceded.
"I didn't." Sara shook her head then sighed. "Yes I did, but." It was Sara's turn and she screamed as she fell into the water.
"Grissom!"
He turns to Albert. "What?"
Albert and Brian burst out laughing at his innocent face. "I thought it was Nick you were going to have fun with not Sara."
Shrugging and turning back to the water. "Couldn't help myself." Grissom grinned.
Sara looked up at him in shock. "You wait." She warned playfully.
After breakfast, the lake looked great and with the sun beaming down on it was a bonus. The opportunity for a nice swim came and they all jumped at the idea.
Nick was lying on an airbed alone with Albert on another. Brian was fishing, standing a few feet into the waters edge away from them. Catherine, Greg and Jim were throwing a beach ball around. Grissom was sat on a rock sunbathing. Or that was what everyone thought. He was actually watching Sara swim around everyone and talk to Nick and Albert. His dark sunglasses covered his eyes so no one could tell he was watching her, but one person knew and decided to tease Sara about it.
"He's watching you, you know?" Nick said as Sara swam up to him again.
Stopping dead in her tracks. She treaded water and gave him a nervous look. "No he's not Nicky, so stop teasing me alright." Her tone was annoyed, but Nick didn't stop.
"He's been watching you ever since we got here."
Sighing and dipping her head back into the water, she sneaked a quick look at Grissom. Noticing his head look away slowly, she knew Nick was right. "Its not like he's available anyway Nick."
"Sara, you would still be afraid to go up to him even if he wasn't."
Moving closer to Nick, she gripped the side of the airbed. "Probably, but it's not like he actually feels anything for me. He won't talk to me and that's not a very good way to start a relationship let alone a mutual friendship."
"He's still watching and I think he does like you, all we have to do is get the two of you alone. I'm positive something will happen."
"Actually, we've talked. In the jeep, last night and this morning." Sara informed him.
Nick looked at her dead on. "And?"
Shrugging sadly. "Nothing. He's complicated. Answers question's to my question's."
"That's probably because he doesn't want to answer question's like he's a suspect." Nick suggested.
"Well, neither do I." Sara turned, but not before tipping Nick up and laughing as he hit the water. "Ok, I'm all happy now and I'm going back to get changed."
Albert chuckled and watched her swim back to shore. "He likes her. He's just not too good with women, let alone other human beings." Albert told Nick as he wriggled his way back onto the airbed. Nick nodded and looked from Grissom to Sara. Grissom was still watching her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SATURDAY AFTENOON
The smell of fish was filling everyone's noses. Everyone had changed into warm clothes as the whether chilled a little.
Nick and Brian's tent flapped lightly in the breeze, as did the others. Jim and Catherine went for a walk 20 minutes ago and should be back anytime. Greg, Nick, Brian and Grissom were keeping the fire going and toasting sausages and cooking the fish caught by Brian. The first night's fishing didn't go too well and only two fish were liberated from the lake and were sent back because they were too small. Brian managed to catch some nice big fish and they smelt great.
Albert had his arms around Sara, keeping her warm and talking to her about his plans for after college. "No I really do. I think it will be cool. Just think of all the dead bodies and what you get to do."
Sara giggled at his enthusiasm and turned her head to look at him. "I'd rather stay on the side that helps people. Collect the clues and put the bad guys away."
"Good for you, but don't come whining to me when you want to extract someone's brain or pull a bullet from an internal organ."
Albert chuckled into her ear as she groaned. "Al, I just ate."
"Sorry." He looked up and noticed the wind picking up. "I think we should check the tents."
Sara nodded and they slowly unwrapped themselves from each other's arms and checked each tent. Albert waited until Sara had checked his tent and without delay, he pulled out four pegs and placed them inside his jacket.
Nick saw and nodded his approval at Albert as he turned to look at him. Albert grinned and moved to follow Sara again.
Later that night the wind had picked up and there was a sudden snap and whoosh and everyone turned to see Albert and Grissom's tent collapse and tear with the wind. Albert and Grissom quickly salvaged their kit and as it started to rain, whilst the other's dove for the nearest tent. Grissom's sleeping bag was soaked as he picked it up and inspected it. His clothes were drenched as he gathered his stuff. Albert threw his stuff into Greg's tent and Nick helped Grissom chuck his stuff into the closest tent, Sara's.
Grissom was surprisingly calm about his wet clothes and sleeping bag as he sat in Sara's tent. He turned and jumped. "Sorry." Sara said.
He shook his head and waved a dismissive hand in her direction. He looked down at himself and sighed. "Mhmmm?" He hummed in response to his findings. Wet, cold, shivering and in the same tent a Sara. He breathed deeply as he rolled up his soaking wet bedding and put it in a plastic bag.
Sara watched him quietly. He was wet from head to toe. Although her tent was a three man like the others, it seemed to shrink in seconds to a single. Grissom ran his hand through his wet curls and brushed off the loose water sending them to the ground. Sara pulled out a towel and handed it to him. "Here."
Grissom looked up at her, then the towel. He took it and started to dry his face. "Thank you." Grissom started to shiver. "Its sure cold in here."
Sara didn't say anything until she noticed him shaking. "Gil?" He looked up at her and they locked eyes. Sara shuffled towards him in shock. "God you're shivering."
"Nothing that a towel and dry clothes won't cure." Grissom dropped the towel and turned away from her so he could open his bag and pull out a large jumper and sweats. His head snapped round at Sara as she reached up with the towel and continued drying his hair and neck for him. She smiled and shrugged innocently. He smiled at her and turned back to unbutton his shirt. He slipped his jacket off and stuffed it in another plastic bag and after hesitantly removing his shirt, that too joined the jacket. He quickly pulled the jumper over his head and began to take his pants off, when he stopped.
"It's ok, I'll turn away." Sara reassured. She turned onto her side and looked away. She held the towel in her hand and as she waited. She could smell his scent all over the towel. She closed her eyes briefly as it overwhelmed her more than she would have thought.
"Done." Grissom said tying up the bag and placing the two bags of wet items inside the fly sheet. He zipped the inner door back up and turned to see Sara pulling out a sleeping bag.
She caught his stare and smiled shyly. "It's my spare." Moving up to help her. He came face to face with her as he swayed forward. Their eyes locked and both smiled as they continued to lay the sleeping bag out. "There you go."
Grissom climbed into the bag as Sara did hers. Both faced each other simultaneously. Sara gazed into his bright blue eyes as his gazed into her chocolate browns. They could hear the rain pelting against the canvas and Sara's eyes closed as she listened. "Have you ever just 'listened' to the rain?" She asked quietly.
Watching her eyes close, he closed his and listened. "Music?" He said after a few minutes of listening.
Sara smiled. "So soothing it lulls you to sleep."
"Hmmm." He hummed as he felt sleep overcoming him. Although it wasn't late, the darkness, rain, cold and being this close to Sara all at once was a shock to the system. They both fell asleep listening to the rain singing out its music against the tent walls.
Still darkness out side and still raining hard, Sara woke up to find herself close to Grissom. Looking at him and the tent, she realised it was in fact that he was close to her. A large gap between him and the wall was clearly seen.
He was still shiver and instinctively Sara moved closer. Grissom stirred and opened his eyes. A question was evident in them and she answered. "You're still shivering." He nodded in understanding and let her slide closer. Sara reached behind her where her fleece blanket had fallen and wrapped it around them both. Grissom felt her so close to his body that the thought's that ran through his mind was warming him in over ways. He watched her as she brushed back his damp hair above his ear and he smiled at her caring gesture. "Warm enough?"
"I am now." He answered as they both succumbed to sleep again.
Chapter 4
SUNDAY MORNING
Waking to sunlight and light raindrops hitting the tent, Sara felt very comfortable and warm. As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Grissom's head next to hers. He had moved even closer to her and as she shifted to stretch, she felt pressure on her back. He was holding her. Keeping her close to him. Sighing quietly, she closed her eyes again and smiled at how nice it felt to be held by him. His breath tickled her face as he breathed in and out softly with deep sleep.
8 o'clock and Grissom opened his eyes. Moving his hand to rub his face, he noticed warmth next to him. Looking down he saw Sara still sleeping. She was laying on her front using her arms as a pillow. Grissom realised his arm was hold her and carefully removed it. Sara stirred and moaned incoherently. Not being able to stop him self, he reached up and brushed her hair back from her face and smiled as she opened her eyes.
"Hey." He said pulling his hand back.
"Morning." Sara looked at her watch and gave out a curious hum.
"What's wrong?" Grissom saw the look of puzzlement in her eyes as she looked at him.
Sara shrugged. "I'm usual up a 6 every morning."
Grissom smiled. "It's gone 8."
Turning onto her back she sighed. "Never slept in before." She looked up at the tent and grinned widely. "Must be the company."
Blushing visibly, he rolled onto his front and buried his head in his pillow. "You sleep ok?" He asked turning his head to her.
She nodded. "You weren't too cold were you?"
"Nope. Well, not after I stole someone's body heat that is." Sara giggled and turned onto her side to look at him.
"You were shivering." She tried to explain.
Grissom pushed himself up onto his elbows. "You don't have to explain. I'm grateful. I'd rather not come down with hypothermia in a sudden down pour."
"So," Sara bit her lower lip in thought. "From the looks of things, everyone dove for their tents last night and you and Al lost yours."
"Albert 'dove' for Greg's tent." Grissom looked at the door and gave a sympathetic look. "I hope he's still alive." Sara burst out laughing at his seriousness. He looked down at her with a smile. "What? I was only thinking about all that itching powder Greg brought with him."
Sara couldn't help but start laughing again until she was in tears and shaking. Her hands covered her face as she wiped the wetness away.
"Why are you so beautiful?"
Sara stopped laughing suddenly. His words catching her off guard, although they were just a whisper she heard them clearly. She avoided his eyes and looked at the ground between them. "I've just woken up and look a mess. I wouldn't quite say I was beautiful."
"You are." Grissom was going to say she was beautiful again, but the tent zip opened.
"Hey Sara, you alright. I heard some sort of strangled cry."
Sara shot the intruder the most deadly scare that they back away from the door. "Nicholas Stokes! When I'm up I will make you pay for that comment." Sara sat up and zipped the door closed. "MEN!" She cursed. Without looking behind her she smiled. "Present company excluded."
"I'd hope so." Grissom said chuckling.
"Ok, let's get dressed and grab some food." Grissom sat up and reached for his bag.
"I'll grabbed my wash kit and wash first while you dress. I'll be back in 10 minutes." Grissom suggested. Sara watched him collect his things and leave the tent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After breakfast and the sun had dried up the rain from the night, half of the group voted on a walk around the lake. Jim and Catherine opted out and offered to look after the camp until they all got back. 'Food would be on the table when you all get back,' Catherine said.
Nick and Brian were talking about the new catalogue out for the latest monster truck engines and add-ons. Greg was walking with Sara. He had his arm around her and she was leaning against him. They seemed to be talking but were too quiet to hear what.
Albert and Grissom brought up the rear of the group. "I have a strange feeling that someone messed with our tent." Albert said calmly. Grissom didn't say anything. He was looking at the grass as he walked. "Gil."
Grissom's head snapped to attention. "Yep."
"I was talking to you." Albert looked ahead and smiled. "How was the Sidle tent?"
"Fine."
"They're just friends you know?" Grissom looked at him then at the Greg.
"I know that." Grissom sighed. "She told me."
Albert gave a sideways glance in his direction. "Some one sabotaged our tent."
"Yeah I know." Grissom said. "I know who it was too." Albert looked up at the shy then the lake. "You could have rescued me sleeping bag Al." Grissom smirked.
Albert laughed. "I was only trying to help."
"Yes. Well, thank you, but I was doing fine on my own." Grissom informed.
Giving him an incredulous look Albert shook his head. "No you weren't."
Grissom whipped his head round and stopped walking. "I was."
Albert stopped and turned to him. "How long do you think she'll wait Gil? You've been watching her for months and you haven't done a thing, let alone give her two words a day, three max." His voice was a little harsher than intended. "I'm sorry. It's just, I don't like seeing you waste time watching the one thing you could have when it's right there in front of you day in day out. Like I said, she's not going to wait forever."
With his shoulders dropped and head down, he let out a long breath. "I gave her more than three words this morning." Grissom smiled at the thought, but when he wanted to say more Nick burst in and ruined the moment. His smile turned into a frown.
"Nick?" Albert asked seeing the change. Grissom nodded and looked up. "Come on Gil. Let's see what fun we can have with Nick."
"I'd like that." Grissom grinned.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
10 more minutes and they'd be back at camp, but first they stopped at a small waterfall and hot water spring. Greg stripped down to his bathers and jumped in. Brian and Albert were skimming stones across the lake. Sara was standing with Nick on a large rock overlooking the spring.
"Hey Nick."
Nick turned to the voice. "Gil."
"Nick, you not swimming?" Grissom asked. His face was unreadable.
"Nope. Leave that for the kiddies." Nick looked at Sara then back at Grissom. "Why don't you go in, take Sara and join Greg."
Grissom looked at Sara and took a step towards them. "Wouldn't want to stop the kid's fun."
"Oh come on Gil, go for a swim." Sara said.
"I'll go in if you do." Nick suggested.
Grissom pursed his lips and quickly glanced at Sara before he took another step closer. "You go first then." Before Nick knew it, he was falling off the rock and hit the water with a huge splash.
"Gil Grissom, I can't believe you just did that." Sara scolded him.
"You want to go next?" He teased stepping closer to her.
Sara took a step back and nearly lost her balance. "I'm fine." She tried to suppress the smile but it was getting harder as they locked eyes.
"You don't want to swim?" Only an inch from her and he leaned forward slightly.
Watching him and realising she was falling for a trap, she replaced the smile with a serious look. "Don't you dare."
"Did you say dare Sara?" Brian said standing next to Albert. They stood behind Grissom and Sara looked to each one.
"I heard her say dare." Albert conceded.
"I didn't." Sara shook her head then sighed. "Yes I did, but." It was Sara's turn and she screamed as she fell into the water.
"Grissom!"
He turns to Albert. "What?"
Albert and Brian burst out laughing at his innocent face. "I thought it was Nick you were going to have fun with not Sara."
Shrugging and turning back to the water. "Couldn't help myself." Grissom grinned.
Sara looked up at him in shock. "You wait." She warned playfully.
