Title: Surrogate

Author: flamebrain flamebrain00@yahoo.com

Spoilers: mild PwF, others in gen

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, not making any money.

Summary: "Because the only thing they have in common is their pathetic need for Grissom's approval."

Notes: To Linda, for getting me hooked. Thanks to Heather for the beta.

She stares at the ceiling as his body pounds into hers. While he is viciously marking her pale skin where it will not show, her fingers twist in the ratty hotel sheets.

She once told Warrick that she would never use a hotel again.

When his teeth break her skin, she is counting the cracks in the ceiling tiles. She makes no sound, though her face twists in pain.

She always vowed she would never let a man do this to her.

When he climaxes within her, she does not react. Rather than look at his spent body beside her, she rolls over and reaches for her clothes.

It's not him she's with.

She carelessly discards the sheet when she stands to pull on her pants. It is not to entice him back to her; he too is not here.

Her body holds no appeal.

She bids no farewell as she exits the cheap motel room. Crumpled bills on the nightstand for her share of the room cost are the only sign that she has been there.

She never looks back.

Once in her SUV, she lights a cigarette before she turns out of the lot and heads to work. Work with the man she wants who doesn't want her and the people who once were almost friends.

They will not speak of this.

When they meet at the lab, he will mutter her name if interaction is thrust upon them. She will say "Hodges" and they will move on.

Because the only thing they have in common is their pathetic need for Grissom's approval.