Title: A New Beginning

Author: Lapin de la Flouve (or TynieGSRfan)

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Bloodlines

Pairing: G/S (naturally)

Disclaimer: I do not in any way own CSI or any of the peoples in this story

"Come on, I'll take you home." Grissom said giving her hand a little squeeze.

Sara shook her head, ignoring the feeling of Grissom's hand holding her own."No thanks, I'll find my own way home."

"Sara, I'm going to take you home." He stood up, expecting her to follow but she wasn't giving up that easy, at least not yet.

"Griss I'm fine, I'm a big girl I can take care of myself."

Sitting back down he leaned close to her. He could smell the alcohol on her breath.

"You just blew a point oh nine Sara that is not all right. You couldn't make it home on your own once what makes you think you'll make it home this time." He reached out, took her by the elbow, and pulled her up. Knowing she had lost, Sara allowed Grissom to lead her out to his Yukon and help her into the passenger seat.

They drove in silence the short distance to Sara's apartment building. Grissom kept stealing glances over in his passenger's direction, -Why are you doing this- he wondered -What would make you want to do this to yourself- He let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his beard knowing that he would never know the answers to his questions if he didn't ask them.

Sara was numb, the alcohol that flowed through her system was doing its job. She sat staring straight ahead as the drove though downtown Las Vegas. Not necessarily looking at anything, just staring. -This city sure is ugly in the day time- She thought, -I should go some where, maybe I'll use some of that vacation time I've stacked up and go someplace where it's pretty all the time. Maybe I wont come back-

Finally, they pulled up to her apartment. Getting out Grissom walked over to open the door for Sara, who continued to sit unblinking. "Come on, let's get you inside." He said guiding her towards her front door.

Sara fumbled with her keys a minute before getting the door open. Walking into the house she made a beeline for the living room, Grissom followed her inside and shut the door behind him.

After a seconds hesitation, he too walked in to the living room. He found he sitting on the couch with her eyes closed; her stocking cap and coat were in a pile on the floor. He bent down and picked them up.

"What are you doing?" Sara asked.

"I'm picking up your things so you don't trip over them later." came his reply.

"No," she said opening her eyes, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here because I wanted to make sure you got home in one piece."

"Well. I'm home now you can leave."

He sat down next to her, "Sara, how many drinks did you have?" He asked.

"It's none of your business." She retorted.

He took a deep breath, "Listen Sara, as your supervisor,"

She glared over at him, "As my supervisor you shouldn't even be here."

"Fine then, as a friend."

She threw her hands down on the couch, "Grissom stop, I know I screwed up. And I'm sorry if I blacked the reputation of the lab but,"

This time Grissom cut her off. He jumped to his feet, "God Damnit Sara, you think I'm worried about the lab. If anything would have happened to you tonight I would have,"

She stood up and looked him in the eye, "What? You would have what? Wallowed in self pity because you couldn't take the risk!"

The look of surprise at her words that passed over his features pushed her on. "I was there, Grissom. I heard every word you said to that doctor. I heard you tell him that once in your life a beautiful girl walks into you life and as much as you want to, you can't do anything about it, because the risk is too high."

She was having a hard time holding back the tears that threatened to come. "I know that you can't, no wont, take a chance with me but don't expect me to be okay with it. Now I have a headache, I'm going to go to bed and I would appreciate it if you would just leave."

Sara pushed past him into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Grissom stood in her living room for a moment trying to sort out what had just happened. Finally he headed for the door. Making sure the door was locked behind him he walked over to his car. Climbing inside he muttered to himself, "I need a beer."

Jim Brass pulled into a small bar called 'The Saloon', Warrick had been raving about to the night shift. A familiar looking Yukon was parked in the lot.

"It can't be." Brass said to himself.

Walking through the doors, his suspicions were confirmed. The night shift supervisor was sitting at the end of the bar, tapping the edge of his glass for a refill.

"Jim! Sit down, have a drink." Grissom called seeing the detective walking towards him.

"Gil, what are you doing here?" Brass asked taking the seat next to Grissom and ordering a beer.

Grissom looked down at his fresh drink then back at the man beside him. "Drinking." he answered puzzled by such a simple question.

Brass smiled and let out a chuckle, "I can see that. Is there any reason why?"

Grissom's brow furrowed and he downed the contents of his shot glass in one gulp.

The smile left Jim's face as he watched his friend order another round. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Sara getting a DUI earlier would it, cause if it is, it sure it a strange way to show it."

Grissom slammed his hand down on the bar top, "She heard me Jim, she heard everything."

It was Brass's turn to be confused, "What did she hear?"

"Everything, she was outside the interrogation room at the end of the Debbie Marlin case." he answered playing with his glass.

"Oh." Brass sipped his beer. He didn't know what to say. "Gil, why don't we get you home."

Grissom threw some money on the bar and got up to leave. Once the two men were outside Grissom looked over at Brass, "Jim you had something to drink, maybe I should drive."

Brass just shook his head, "I had half a beer. Get in the passenger seat Gil."

On the way to Grissom's town house Brass had a hard time suppressing the urge to ask about Sara. He had heard the Gil had taken her home after the incident, but he decided it would be best not to take advantage of his friends' inebriate state. They made it to his townhouse without speaking. Brass stopped in front of Grissom's building.

"Thanks for the ride Jim." Grissom aid climbing out of the car.

"No problem. You know Gil, if you need to talk you can give me a call." said Brass.

"Yeah I know. Thanks again, I'll see you later."

Brass watched Grissom go into his house before pulling out. He shook his head, lost in thought as he drove towards his own house.

TBC

Author's Note: Well what do you think? Is it any good? Reviews are greatly appreciated and will help prompt me to finish it.