****We would love to extend out deepest thanks to EVERYONE who has been so kind in writing reviews for our fic. We appreciate the support and kind words that people have given us. However, we regret to inform you that the next chapter will probably be the last one. Thanks, Xant and Ash****

Chapter 7: Staring Down From Their Cave

"Sorry," said Sara. "I didn't realise we had eaten so many already. You take the last one," she gestured.

"No, it's okay," replied Grissom, taking the last strawberry from the bowl. "You have it," he insisted, holding the fruit inches from her lips, his eyes firmly fixed on her mouth. He began to breathe faster as he suddenly realised what he was doing.

Sara slowly opened her mouth, allowing him to feed her the strawberry. As she bit down, her lips brushed his fingertips, causing him to moan softly at the intimate touch.

He held his position, watching her mouth as she consumed the first bite. He could feel her eyes on him but he was unable to lift his own from their current target.

"Here," he heard her whisper as she took the remaining portion of the strawberry from his fingers. She leant towards him, offering him the last bite.

He opened his mouth accepting the fruit, closing his lips around it completely and capturing her fingers. He pulled back slowly, his lips running down her fingers as he released them, applying gentle pressure with his tongue. He watched as her eyes fluttered shut and she shivered as the intense sensations coursed throughout her body.

He reached forward to wipe away a small drop of juice from the corner of her mouth, his hand coming to rest against her cheek.

She moved her head so that she nuzzled her face into the palm his hand, enjoying the warmth of his touch. She slowly opened her eyes and stared back at him, a dreamy expression on her face.

Slowly he traced the outline of her jaw with his fingertip. "That was by far the best strawberry I've ever had," he whispered hoarsely.

"Me too," she replied quietly, lifting her own hand to capture his, lacing her fingers in between his.

"So," she paused, looking down at their linked hands. "Other than to feed me strawberries, why did you bring me out here?" she asked shyly.

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The couple outside were oblivious to the four sets of eyes that were now watching their every move from inside the house. The lights around the garden and the glow from the moon provided just enough illumination for the others to follow what was going on.

"Well who would have thought," said Nick wistfully, as he peered out of the window. He had now changed out of his Christmas tree costume and was wearing his new muscle shirt.

"Yeah," replied Greg. "Grissom's got game."

Warrick was the first to move away from the window. "Okay guys, give 'em a break," he urged. "How would you feel if it was you out there?"

Greg turned to look at him. "Ecstatic!" he quipped, as he broke into a huge grin.

Warrick chuckled and shook his head. "Well judging from what's going on out there, I'd say you are well and truly out of the running with Sara."

The grin on Greg's face disappeared as he walked over and slouched down on the couch next to Warrick. "Dude, don't remind me," he said morosely. "Beaten out by the Bugman."

Nick turned away from the window and gave Greg a smile as he walked over to take a seat. "Think of it this way Greggo," he smirked. "At least you weren't beaten out by Ecklie."

"Awww man, that's just nasty," said Warrick. He turned his attention to the only other person still looking out the window. "Catherine," he sighed. "Will you quit being so nosey?" he asked.

"Shhh," she replied, waving her hand at him but not turning her head.

Warrick looked at the other two men and silently indicated for them to follow his lead. Quietly he rose and snuck across the room until he stood directly behind Catherine, Greg and Nick following close behind. Suddenly he lunged forward, pinning Catherine's arms to her sides. "Gotcha!" he yelled. "Grab her legs boys," he shouted to Greg and Nick.

Catherine screamed. "Warrick Brown, put me down right now," she yelled, flailing her legs about wildly.

"Not until you promise to leave Grissom and Sara in peace," he replied, dragging her away from the window.

Greg and Nick looked on with amusement. "Uh Warrick," said Nick apprehensively. "There's no way I'm grabbing those legs," he gestured towards Catherine's wildly thrashing limbs.

"C'mon Nick, you a man or a mouse?" he puffed, trying to keep the wild woman in his arms from escaping.

"Mouse," replied Nick without hesitation.

Catherine interrupted their manly banter. "I'm warning you Warrick, let me go or there will be consequences," she growled.

Warrick continued to move backwards until he felt the edge of the couch against the back of his legs. Slowly he fell backwards, holding tightly onto Catherine so that she ended up on his lap. "Not until you promise to behave," he said, trying not to laugh at the expression on her face.

Catherine glared at him, knowing that there was no way she could win this competition. "Oh ok," she grumped, looking like a kid who had just had her cookies and milk stolen.

Warrick released his hold on her but she didn't move. Instead she just made herself more comfortable on his lap, throwing a look at Nick and Greg that dared them to make any comment.

The other two men just smiled at each other and sat down, both of them thinking what a crazy night it had been.

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