Note: I am so extremely sorry for changing the end of Chapter 7!!!! All that's different is the very last line. Changing it was the only way that this story was going to work out and it was the original way that I planned it to happen, but I stupidly decided to change my plan and put in something else but, alas, that did not work. I've put in the new and improved ending to Chapter 7 at the beginning of this chapter.
Chapter Eight------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previously:
"There," he whispered, "all better." She sniffed and wiped beneath her eyes. Grissom pushed a lock of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear, running his finger along her jawbone.
"Why are you so nice to me?" she asked, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"Because you deserve some one who's nice to you," he said, as he rubbed his thumb across her cheek, gently wiping some tears away. She smiled at him and looked up into the night sky. Grissom followed her gaze and smiled softly, looking back down at Sara. "Come on," he said gently, taking her by the hand and leading her to his car, "Let's go home."
- - - - - - - - - -
The car ride back to the townhouse was silent. Sara had not said a word to Grissom after he had led her to his car, however the silence was not uncomfortable. Sara slumped against the passenger door as soon as she had climbed in the car and had leant her head against the cool glass of the window. She stared out the window, watching the Vegas lights zoom by as they drove through the centre of town. She sighed quietly as she remembered the first time she had seen these lights, right after Grissom had called her so desperately in need of help. Even though they had not talked for years and had slowly drifted apart, Sara had not forgotten him and found it comforting that he had not forgotten about her. She looked at Grissom through the reflection on the window. He was staring straight ahead, carefully guiding their way home. He sensed that she was watching him and glanced over at her, only to see the back of her head.
Sara moved her head off the glass and leant further back against the car seat, shifting slightly to make herself more comfortable. She shut her eyes and sighed heavily, suddenly tired. She rolled her head to one side and once again stared out the window. The streets they were driving down became more and more familiar as they neared home. Sara remembered the first night Grissom had taken her back to the house, so she had somewhere to stay. That was two months ago. His home had become hers, her belongings in her bedroom, her vegetables filling the fridge, her books in the bookcase, her presence filling his home. She had fitted into Grissom's life so easily, quickly learning his daily routine. It felt like she had been there for years. Her feelings for him had once again blossomed into full-fledged emotions once again. She noticed how his touch would linger longer than necessary, how comfortable they were around each other at home. How close they had come to kissing, how close she had been to touching him in a way she had only ever dreamt about. That is, until she saw Hank once more. She no longer felt anything for him, he had been a distraction for her throughout their relationship, so that the pain of Grissom ignoring her could be dulled somewhat. She shuddered slightly as she remembered her reaction to seeing him again at the nightclub. Seeing him made her realise how quickly he had moved on, and how slowly her new relationship with Grissom was progressing.
"Hey," Grissom said softly, gently touching Sara on the leg, causing her to jump. "Are you ok?"
She looked over to him and smiled weakly, "Yeah. I'm just tired."
He masked his concern for her by a small smile. "We're nearly home." She had been quiet the entire car trip however he did not want to pressure her, instead giving her privacy. Grissom was convinced that if Sara wanted to talk, she would. He hated seeing her hurt, and hated seeing her cry even more. He sighed quietly and pressed the accelerator a little more.
Sara watched him as he drove, how his hands gently gripped the steering wheel as he turned a corner, how the tips of his hair would gently light up whenever they passed a streetlight. She lent back in her seat and remembered what his hair felt in her hands. A small smile formed on her mouth as she thought of his arms one again wrapped around her, keeping her safe, warm, making her his. She turned her head slightly and smiled at him as he pulled into the driveway and turned the car off. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Grissom finally spoke.
"We should probably go in," he said, looking over at Sara. She looked at him and smiled gently, this time not a forced, weak smile, but one that came from the very depths of her soul. Her eyes shone as she spoke.
"Hey Griss?" Sara whispered.
"Yeah," he said softly back.
"Thanks," she said, shifting slightly onto her hip so that she could face him fully.
"For what?" Grissom asked.
Sara gently touched the side of his face, cupping his cheek in her hand. "Don't worry. Just, thanks." Grissom looked at her, slightly confused but happy for her touch.
"Sara," he started, as she tenderly ran her thumb over his cheek.
"Shh…" she whispered as she leant over to the car door. Sara reached out and grabbed the handle, pulling the door open. "We better go in."
Grissom watched as Sara gracefully stepped out of the car, and carefully walked up the stairs in bare feet, her broken shoes in one hand, her bag in the other. Grissom sighed and hopped out of the car, chasing her up the stairs to open the door for her. She smiled as she brushed past him, dropping her bag on the table by the door.
"I might go to bed now, if that's ok with you." She said as she walked down the hall towards her bedroom door and turned slightly. Grissom smiled as an answer and watched as she opened and shut the door behind her. He walked out into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water, running his hand through his hair. Grissom bent down and opened the freezer and grabbed some ice cubes for his drink. He walked over to the couch and kicked his shoes off. Sara's belongings were all around him. Her sweater lay on the seat beside him in a heap. She had left it there the night before, once again whist she was waiting for Grissom to come home. She was not asleep when he had found her there on the couch; instead she was wrapped up in the jumper, reading a novel. Grissom closed his eyes as he remembered her smile when he had come in – her entire face was lit up. He had questioned her about the novel and she mentioned how she was 'expanding her horizons'. He had joked with her about it and together they had shared a bottle of wine, not caring what the time was or how long they had until it was time to go back to work.
"Hey," Sara said, startling Grissom awake from his daydream.
"Hey," he replied. She was leaning over the couch beside him, her hair falling down beside her face. "What are you doing up?"
"I was thirsty." Sara replied as she pushed herself off the back of the couch and walked into the kitchen. She returned several minutes later with a glass of water in her hand and sat on the couch beside Grissom. "You should go to bed," she told him, looking intently into his eyes. He sighed and stretched slightly.
"What about you? Shouldn't you also be in bed?"
"I'm not tired anymore," Sara replied, leaning back into the couch, making herself more comfortable. She grabbed for the remote on the armrest beside her and turned the TV on. "You don't mind, do you?" she asked, motioning at the television.
"Not at all," Grissom said, smiling at her.
"It helps me get to sleep," Sara said out loud, more to herself than to Grissom and directed her attention to the news channel. She curled up on the couch in the foetal position, her toes gently brushing against Grissom's leg. She strained a little, not sure of his reaction if she stretched her legs across him.
"Here," he said, grabbing her legs and stretching them out over his lap.
She sat up slightly and smiled before lying back down again. "Thanks."
Grissom watched her as she lay on the couch, staring at the television. He wondered if she actually absorbed any of the information they were being told by the anchorwoman but judging by the way her eyelids were slowly drooping, he guessed not. Grissom leant further back into the couch and placed his feet up on the coffee table in front of him, being careful not to disturb Sara too much by his movements. Before long Sara had fallen into a deep sleep, and Grissom soon followed, comforted by the feel of her legs on top of his.
- - - - - - - - - -
Sara awoke on Monday afternoon and leisurely stretched her legs out in front of her. She rolled over onto her back and brought her arms up above her head, yawning loudly. It was her day off, and boy, was she prepared to enjoy it. As she settled back into the pillows and closed her eyes, she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," she mumbled sleepily, turning on her side. Grissom opened the door slightly. She groaned as she sat up slightly, running her hand through her hair.
"I'm going to work now."
"Mmkay," she replied, rubbing her eyes gently. "Have a good day!" she called out as he closed the door gently behind him. Sara lay back down and stretched again, but soon found that she could not get back to sleep. "Damn Grissom," she mumbled jokingly to herself, smiling as his name ran across her lips. She sleepily walked out into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice, rubbing her eyes as she looked out the kitchen window. Sara turned around and headed for the kitchen bench where the morning paper lay. As she sat down on one of the stools and took a sip of juice, she noticed Grissom's pager lying beside her. She picked it up and turned it in her hand, feeling its cool weight on her palm. Sara checked the clock. 'Grissom should be at work by now' she thought to herself. Sara reached over to the end of the bench and grabbed the phone, quickly punching in Grissom's cell phone number.
- - - - - - - - - -
As Grissom walked the halls of CSI, his cell phone unexpectedly rang. Grissom smiled slightly as he checked the display of his phone.
"Sara," he said, as soon as he flipped the phone open, "what are you doing up?"
"And hello to you too," she said, laughing slightly at his phone answering techniques. She slumped down onto the couch, pager in one hand, phone in the other.
"Seriously Sara, you should be in bed where I left you." Grissom said as he walked down the hallways towards his office, receiving several odd glances from lab-techs. He blushed slightly and quickened his pace.
"What are you like running or something?" she joked about the slight panting nose coming from the other end, resting the phone on her shoulder and running her hand through her hair. She heard Grissom's door close and his heavy sigh as he slumped down into his chair. "Actually I rang because you left your pager at home."
"I left my what at home?" he asked, shifting in his chair as he felt around his pockets. "Damn," he muttered to himself as he realised that she was right. Sara smiled at his response.
"I can come by and drop it off to you if you like?" she asked
"No!" he exclaimed down the phone. "It's your day off. Enjoy it. Don't come to work." He heard her sigh heavily.
"How else are you gonna get it then?" Sara asked, now frustrated.
"I'll come home."
"Don't be stupid Grissom," Sara said, standing up. He sighed, knowing that she was right. "I'll be by in about an hour or so. Ok?"
"Ok," he said with a sigh.
"See you then."
"Bye," Grissom said before snapping his phone shut. The last thing he wanted Sara to do was to come in on her day off. He checked the rosters for the next week and decided that she should get another day off, weather the others liked it or not.
- - - - - - - - - -
Sara skilfully pulled her Tahoe up into her parking spot outside the lab and swiftly turned off the engine. She had had a quick shower and thrown on some casual clothes, not planning on staying long. Sara reached over to the glove box beside her and pulled out her ID badge, clipping it on to the front of her shirt. She hopped out of the car and walked towards the lab, smiling at some colleagues who she had seen occasionally in the hallways. Sara pushed open the lab doors and nodded slightly at the receptionist. She walked past security and towards Grissom's office, waving at Greg as she passed his lab. She approached his office and knocked on the door pushing it slightly open as she knocked.
"Hey," she said softly. Grissom looked up at and smiled, standing up a he did so.
"Hi," he said in response. She walked over to his desk and sat down in one of the chairs opposite him.
"Here's your pager," she said cheerfully, reaching into her pocket and pulling it out. She placed it down in front of him. "How's you day been?" she asked, looking around his office. Her eyes eventually rested upon him.
"Fine," he said, twirling his glasses in front of him. "Catherine and Warrick are out on a case and Nicky is in the layout room, examining evidence." She nodded in response.
"Sounds good," Sara said idly, running her hair through her hair. "What are you doing?" she asked, leaning forward and resting her elbows on his desk, her chin in her hand and her eyes staring intently at him.
"Reports," he said, leaning forward to mirror her. She smiled at him, lighting up her entire face.
"Thrilling," she said sarcastically, leaning back in her chair, yawning slightly.
"Listen, Sara," he said to her, his tone becoming more serious. "Why don't you go home and get some sleep?"
She grumbled in reply. "I probably should." Sara pushed her chair back with a groan. She stood up relunctedly and walked towards the door.
"Bye," Grissom said, smiling at her. Sara smiled in response and walked down the hallways towards the exit, waving goodbye to Greg as she once again passed his lab. She walked into the breakroom and over to the coffee percolator and began to pur herself a cup of the warm, dark liquid. As she reached into the fridge and grabbed the milk, she heard Catherine talking and laughing loudly with Warrick in the hall. Sara smiled as she poured the milk into her coffee and stirred it, letting the white seep into the black, forming a light brown colour.
"Hey, Sara," Warrick said, walking into the breakroom and sitting down on one of the chairs.
"Hey guys," Sara replied, knocking the fridge door closed with her hip.
"Ooh, coffee," Catherine exclaimed, walking over to the percolator.
"It's just brewed," Sara said, claiming her position on one of the chairs.
"I thought you were off today?" Warrick asked, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees.
"Yeah," Sara replied, leaning back into the chair and taking a deep sip, "Grissom left his pager at home so I thought that I'd bring it in."
"You two still living together?" Catherine asked, moving over to the chairs.
"Uh huh," Sara replied. Catherine raised one eyebrow.
"Hope it doesn't interfere with your work too much," she mumbled under her breath. Sara sat up straight, the tension in the room suddenly increasing.
"Excuse me?" she said accusingly.
"I'm just saying, you and Grissom living together for a long time… we've all seen the sparks fly between you two. I just don't want it to compromise your work."
"When have I let anything ever compromise my work? And since when are you my supervisor?" Sara was clearly angry by now.
"Mmm exactly … he is your supervisor," Catherine mumbled under her breath.
"Hey, hey," Warrick said, reaching over and pushing Sara's shoulder back slightly, so her body language relaxed a little. "Let's just take it down a notch in here, shall we?" Sara looked over at Catherine who was smirking slightly, and then down at her mug, which was now empty.
"I might stop interfering with your work now and go home," she said angrily under her breath, standing up and walking over to the kitchen area where she proceeded to place her mug down harder than necessary.
"See you tomorrow," Catherine said over her shoulder, taking a large sip of coffee. Warrick rolled his eyes at Catherine as he sighed and got up to run after Sara. As she stormed down the hall and pulled open the doors, Warrick caught up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Whoa, Sara," he said, puffing slightly, "calm down a second."
"Why should I?" Sara said, clearly annoyed
"Catherine, what she said in there… she's just worried, that's all." Sara shook her arm out of Warricks grasp and walked over to her car, Warrick following her close behind. Sara sighed as she unlocked the door and opened it.
"I just don't get her," she said, sounding exhausted.
"She just doesn't like someone taking her queen-bee position, that's all," he said, looking her straight in the face.
Sara snorted in response. "As if I'm the queen-bee around here. She has seniority over both of us."
"Maybe so," Warrick said, "but you're with Grissom both at work and after work. And she can't be in control when you're around him all the time."
"Yeah, I suppose so," Sara said, climbing into her seat and putting on her seat belt. Warrick shut the door behind her.
"Hey," he said, leaning in through her window, smiling, "it'll all turn out ok."
"I hope so. I just hope that moving in with Grissom wasn't the biggest mistake in my life." She said, leaning back in the seat.
"Well, if it's any consolation, I haven't seen you this happy since you first came to Vegas, and we're all grateful for that." Warrick said with a cheeky grin. Sara smiled back.
"Thanks War," she said before pulling out of the car park and waving good-bye. As Sara pulled onto the main road and sped home, she contemplated what Warrick had said. He was right in a way. She had taken Catherine's position. Now she was the most influential woman in his life. Sara smiled to herself and turned the radio up, loudly singing along with any song that came on.
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Ok, one more chapter. I think. Please review and tell me what you think, or if you want me to continue or whatever. Constructive criticism is most appreciated. Just remember – it took me a hell of a long time to get this chapter right so don't be too mean : )
