DISCLAIMER: Don't own anyone – characters are property of creators.
S E P I ABy Jane Moss
Her consciousness returned to her very gradually, as vision is returned in the clearing fog. She was aware of distant jazz playing somewhere far away and remembered, not for the very first time, that even though Las Vegas was in the middle of the desert, it was certainly urban.
She turned around and yawned, suddenly freezing her movements, as she realised something was off. It wasn't her bed. Her eyes opened to the half darkness of an unfamiliar room. She was lying in a large double bed. Suddenly the events of the morning came rushing back and it became clear that this was indeed Grissom's bedroom. Sara couldn't make up her mind, whether to feel intrusive or comfortable. She looked around, trying to memorise every section of his private space. Then she let her head fall back and relax back onto the pillow once more. Just a few more minutes. He had no knowledge of her awakening.
The curtains were partially open to reveal distant neon lights of casinos, blinking in the distance. They were too far away to be an intrusion. The sky was black as ever, but the lights kept the room in a pleasant semi-darkness, where everything could be seen. She listened. The rain had stopped and all she could hear was the faint buzz of the music and cars. She must have slept the whole day. Sara couldn't even remember the last time she slept so well and closed her eyes as she inhaled the scent from the pillow next to her. It was so full of Grissom. He was all around her. Somehow she felt very privileged that he would share such an intimate space with her. She knew she shouldn't be too optimistic, but she couldn't banish the happiness which comfortably settled itself at her chest. The night was so full of… possibilities.
After a moment of listening the end of the jazz song, blurred by the distance, she pulled the covers to her face again. God, she loved that scent. She smelled something else now. Something delicious. She made a move out of bed and realised, with some disappointment, that she was still fully clothed. She looked back at his bed and made an attempt to redo the covers. Where did he sleep?
She followed the smell. What was it? She passed the bathroom and made a little detour before she reached the kitchen. His back was to her. She waited for him to turn before speaking. He did have skill with those pans. Tools are companions to a good chef.
"Hey," she said softly, as their eyes met.
"Good evening," he replied pausing his movements, "how are you feeling?" He made her a cup of hot tea.
"Good… great," she couldn't help letting out a small smile. He looked pleased for a moment before assuming another more serious look.
"Sara, when was the last time you had a good night's sleep?"
"Not in a while," she answered honestly, looking down at her tea. There was no reason to hide now. "But I feel much better now. I just don't know why I needed your bed to get a good night's sleep…" she blurted out, regretting it as a soft blush graced her cheeks. He smiled, genuinely this time, only throwing her a quick glance. She loved seeing him smile.
"I had a feeling you weren't sleeping well," his tone was even, as he placed a plate of freshly made omelette on the counter in front of her.
"Thank you. It's hard to sleep when the sun's shinning through your curtains"
"The pain of working at graveshift," he smiled very lightly, then added, in a deductive tone: "you need some good blinds." When he thought of something to do he always said it very simply.
"Oh, they're fine," her tone was becoming mellow as she sipped her tea and noticed the sweet taste of honey in it. "Grissom, thank you for letting me stay," she managed a small laugh, "It must have been rude of me to fall asleep on you like that" He joined her with a small chuckle.
"I'm glad you slept well." They looked at each other for a moment. It was strange to meet with Grissom in such a personal setting. It was a different habitat. He seemed more relaxed. It was easier to just look at him here. He turned back to the kitchen.
"I'm afraid you'll have to eat that omelette soon. We're due at work in half an hour"
Work? That's it? They had so much more to do. They haven't even talked properly. Why did she fall asleep like an idiot? She didn't know whether he noted her disappointment, as his expression remained measured and even, just like she always remembered him. He was still afraid to cross that professional line.
"Don't be mad at your boss for not giving you a day off. Catherine's away and Nick called in sick." One side of her mouth made an attempt to smile, but it must have turned out more of a frown. Her appetite was dissipating. He rested his elbows on the counter in front of her. "Sara," he touched her forearms and continued when she slowly looked up, "You do know this isn't over…"
It took her a moment to reply. "Uh, sure. Of course I do, I mean I did know that." He smiled and she couldn't resist joining in. Her emotions were like a carousel. It was surprising how he managed to play them so easily. They were like a couple of teenagers and he was such a tease.
In 15 minutes they were in his car, ready to go. Her clothes were a little creased, which she was sure would get at least Greg's attention, but other than that, another day at work never seemed more unusual or so unanticipated for that matter. They said little during the short drive. Trust Grissom to live close to work.
She looked over. He appeared like his normal self - the same even demeanour. Uneventful. There were more emotions swimming in him than anyone could see, looking at his calm exterior. People let theirs out. He kept it in. It was not easy being Grissom and the years have taken their toll on him. He suddenly remembered the loneliness he felt most of his adult life, which was constantly eating him inside out. It was nothing, after all, if one had not found a partner. Some people were not made for such intimacy. He turned a corner, nearing their destination.
He knew he was stalling on lost time. Personal decisions were not his strong points. He could make impersonal work-related decisions into logical and deductive patterns, but anything that involved Sara, a creature so different from himself, gave him nothing but confusion. May be he enjoyed the destruction of his balance. Who could say?
As he pulled into the parking lot, he saw none other than Catherine Willows talking to a lab worker. He could have cursed himself at the bad timing. Why, of all people, Catherine? She was so inquisitive. Not that it hurt him much in the past. Sara locked eyes with him for a moment and she could have sworn he looked at her just slightly different. She was in his car. That in itself was proof enough he had not dreamt about their encounter.
They got out. "Hey Grissom. Sara… you two travel together?" Catherine asked as she joined them on the lift to the second floor.
"It saves fuel"
Catherine eyed Grissom suspiciously and then Sara, who tried her best to bite back a grin.
"Oh," she refrained from comment, confusion still plain on her face. After all, what could she say to a reason like that, even though it was so obviously deviating from the main focus?
"I thought you were off today," Grissom stated.
"I decided on a change of plans"
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Yes, I know! I keep teasing you guys, but I want this to go a bit slow… I will get bored with it soon enough and it will speed up a bit! Thanks again for all the kind reviews. Oh and by the way, Burked, I'm still waiting for that cookie! LOL! JM
