Getting ready

I stand in front of my mirror trying to decide if I like the outfight I've chosen to wear on my date with Nick.

I think so, I go to my PC to check my email until he arrives.

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Sara's POV

I'm standing with Nick at Grissom's door watching him take Charlotte into a hug... he wouldn't even hug me at work.

Nick looks upset as well, maybe there is something happening between him and Charlotte.

Oh my god, what did he just say... no, it's not possible. I look over at Nick and he looks stunned, obviously he heard it too.

It takes me a moment to recover when I hear Nick interrupt them.

I watch them part and watch Charlotte slip past us into the break room. I turn to hear Grissom's answer the I too walk into the break room. I' unable to look at Charlotte though and I feel sorry for Nick when I see her walk up to him. He says something I cant hear then walks off... that can't be good. Just them Grissom walks in... No way... I'm with Nick and even after we catch them in his office he blatantly pares himself with her. I'm in shock.

On the way to the crime scene I look at Nick, worried.

"I know what you're thinking Sara" He says... "I don't to talk about, ok"?

"Ok" I reply we get on with the job.

I'm on my way out, headed into the locker room when I see them again being affectionate, why can't she keep her hands off him????

Yep, I reply to her when she says goodbye... I don't talk to Grissom, I just grab my coat and head out.

He catches up with me before I can get into my car.

"Wait, hold on" he says

Turn to face him, visibly upset.

"Honey, what's wrong" He sounds genuine but I can't look at him

"Nothing" I say

"Ok, then, have it your way" He turns to leave

"MY WAY" I exclaim "This isn't my way" I'm waving my hand between us now

"What are you talking about" He asks

"Just forget it, Grissom, I think I need a break from you for awhile" I say

"OOkkkay" He sighs "For how long"?

"When I'm ready" I snap I jump into my car and drive off and I look back seeing a sad looking Grissom... good I think, you can't have it all.

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Nick's POV

I can't believe my eyes... they're in his office hugging. I'm standing next to Sara watching this display.

What did he just say!!! Right, well I'm glad I found out now.

I can tell Sara's upset by the slight, I don't say anything to her, but I attempt to get Grissom's attention...

They break apart instantly, looking guilty if you ask me.... Charlotte backs out of his office and into the hall; I don't care where she's going.

Grissom dismisses me and I follow Sara into the break room. I see Charlotte in the corner and am shocked when she comes right over to me and asks if we're still on for tonight! I'm curious to why she thinks we are still going on a date when she obviously wants Grissom... I say I guess, I'll go over to her place later and have it out with her.

Grissom comes in and 'shock horror sides himself with Charlotte, I see Sara blanch and I know this will be a long night.

She tries to talk to me in the car nut I just can't have this conversation with her right now, I'm too confused.

Ten Hours later I find myself heading to Charlottes.....

Before I get there my phone rings..

It's Grissom, A high profile mutable, he needs everyone in tonight.

"I'll be there in twenty" I say to him

Oh well I have it out with Charlotte later/

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I'm expecting Nick any minute now...

My phone starts to ring..

"Day" I answer

"Hi, It's me" Grissom is on the other end

"What's up" I say immediately

"I'm sorry about your night, but I need everyone in" He says

"No problem, I'll see you in thirty"

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The shift was tedious, everyone was exhausted when it was finally over. We still have a long way to go on the case though, everyone was sent home to sleep and start fresh next shift.

I find Nick in the locker room, I barely say him all shift, it was like he was avoiding me.

"Hey" I say as I walk into the room

"Hey" he doesn't look up

I walk over to him and put my hands on his waist. I end over his shoulder and sigh. "I was really looking forward to tonight, when do you think we can reschedule"?

Before he can answer me Grissom and Sara walk into the room, Grissom seems embarrassed to see me with my hands on Nick, Sara just look annoyed.

"Hey guys, sorry about tonight, good work though" He seems proud of us

"No problem" I say smiling at him.

"Charlotte can us please meet me in my office before you leave" Grissom queries

Both Nick and Sara look at me when I say

"Of course"

I file out of the room, obviously not able to talk to Nick at the moment... I'll call him later.

I'm looking at Grissom's pet spider when I hear him come in.

He rushes over and gives me a warm welcoming hug.

Putting me back down he's smiling brightly and a bit smugly too I might add.

"What is it" I ask

"Well I've been thinking about you non stop since that day you came to my house... and I've got you here today to see if it's possible for you to accompany me to the town hall..." he leaves me hanging and confused

"To do what" I ask

"Charlotte, I would be honored if you would do me the pleasure of becoming Charlotte Grissom"?

"Oh my god" I exclaim "Do you really mean it"?

"Of course, I would be dead serious about something like this" He adds, "I know you still want to keep this from the lab bit I would really like to announce this as soon as possible"

"Oh my god" I say again

He laughs... "Is that a Yes"?

"Yes, yes, yes" I'm beaming, I run to him and jump into his arms. Bouncing up and down, tears form in my eyes.

"I now my mum would be really happy is she were still alive" I say sadly

"I hope so" He replies

I hug him again and then say.... "So when do you want to go"

"There's no time like the present" He answers

My eyes light up even more.

"You mean, right now"?

He cocks his arm up and motions my to take it, pulling me out of his room and out of the lab

"Yep, right now" I'll drive"

I climb into his car and we drive off. Oblivious to the fact that Nick and Sara had heard and seen the whole thing.....

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Nick watches Sara running off to her car, tears streaming down her face. He is so mad he's sure steam is coming out of his ears.

He stalks out to his car, not sure if he'll get any sleep, Worried about Sara and furious with Grissom for hurting her this much. He's not sure how he feels about Charlotte, he really thought she liked him, how did she kiss him back and agree to go out with him if she was going to end up marrying Grissom??? He shakes his head, gets in his car and heads home.

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Sara can't believe her ears or her eyes; it feels like a nightmare... Grissom had hurt her in the past but surely even he couldn't do this to her???? She can't take it anymore, when she sees them leave, with tears running down her face, she runs to her car and heads home, not looking forward to shift.

A few hours into pretend to sleep mode Sara is startled by a knocking on her door.

She cautiously opens it not sure what to think when she sees a beaming Grissom standing on the doorstep. Before she can say anything, Grissom barges past her and engulfs her into a hug. He starts to kiss her neck and run his hands up the shirt, exclaiming how happy he feels

Sara pulls back abruptly

"How dare you" She screams

Clearly taken back by her outburst, Grissom says"Huh, what on earth are you talking about"?

"Get out, get out now" She's still screaming... "I won't let you do this to me"

"Do what to you" Grissom is very confused now and slightly worried, what could he have done to upset her... he had been focusing on Charlotte over the last week, but she was the one who said she wanted some space.

"I really mean it... GET OUT" Sara is defiant

Backing out the door Grissom raises his hands in defeat. "OK, I'll do what you want, please talk to me when you've calmed down"?

Sara slams the door shut and fall against the back of it, crying again. Pull yourself together she tells herself, you need to work with him in three hours.

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Nick had been trying to sleep for hours and it wasn't working. He was a bit surprised though when he heard a knock at his door.

He stumbled to his front door, rubbing his eyes he opens it to a very bemused Charlotte.

"Hi" She beams

"What are you doing here Charlotte"? Is his greeting

Taken back a bit, she presses on.

"I just wanted to see you so that we could finish our conversation from earlier" She says

"Which conversation" Nick still hasn't said hello or invited her in.

Charlotte senses she may have come over at a bad time, she hurriedly gets out what she came here to say... "I want to reschedule our date for the weekend, I was really looking forward to it and even though I love my job I was sorry it didn't happen"

"I don't believe you" Nick has raised his voice considerably seeing as Charlotte is still standing on his doorstep.

"What" Charlotte exclaims

"I thought you were a decent person, and I really wanted to get to know you better. I actually thought you were attracted to me too" Nick shakes his head, getting emotional

"I am attracted to you and I've liked you for ages... I never expected you to feel the same way about me and I was so excited that you asked me out... I have no idea why you're angry at me but I certainly don't have to take it, Goodbye Nick" She rushes away from his door not willing to hear his response, she hears the door slam, gets in her car and begins to cry.

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I get to the lab early and head for the locker room, I decide to see if Dan is still here, maybe he can make me feel better, and I need to tell him that Grissom has adopted me and I'm Now Charlotte Grissom!

'I can't believe him...' I'm still angry at Nick for his outburst. ''why would he treat me that way'?

I was so busy heading to see Dan that I didn't see him and he grabs me

"Hey Charlotte, I've been trying to reach you all day" He looks really concerned

"Dan, what's up, what have I done now" I say deflated

"Charlotte, I swear to you that I didn't breathe a word of the DNA thingo anyone" He starts.... People are talking Charlotte, I heard today in the locker room that you and Grissom got married at the town hall and that Grissom will be announcing as soon as possible"

"What"? I cover my eyes with my hand and feel tears rising up again.

"Oh my god" I say That must be Nick was on about" "But why couldn't he have just asked me that instead of yelling at me, wow, he must think so little of me. I was a fool to believe he was different form the others".

Dan's not sure what I'm saying... "Huh" He asks

I look at him through wounded eyes and say "Nick asked me out, we got called in and it didn't happen. I went over there today to reschedule and he just yelled at to leave" Tears are forming in my eyes.

"Don't cry Charlotte" Dan's hand is on my shoulder.

I look up and say "I need to find Grissom"

I don't look back at Dan, I know he understands, he's a good friend.

I find Grissom in his office, he's a mess, I assume he's received the same treatment from Sara as I received from Nick.

Walking in, he looks up when I close the door behind me.

"Grissom we have to talk"

Ever though he can sense something is wrong he jokes... "You know you can call me Dad if you like"?

Slightly taken back I press on.. "Ok, DAD... I think I know why you look the way you do"! He was smiling at the Dad part but it quickly goes to a frown

"You do" He asks

"Yes, I'm thinking we have to announce our news sooner that I would have liked" I begin "I seems that the gossip moguls of the lab have been working over time... Apparently you and I are married"

At this statement Grissom is on his feet "What did you say"?

"You heard me Dad... Married, and that's now what Sara and Nick think too"!

The look of realization flashes over his face, he knows things between him and Sara are delicate because of their history, but he did think they were at a point where this sort of conversation could be had before it escalates to this level.

Frowning he says "Follow me honey"

I do so and follow him out to the break room were Nick, Sara and Greg are sitting around the table, I glance at Nick, he's fuming and wont look our way, Sara just looks defeated. I sigh quietly.

Grissom interjects the sour mood. "Right you three follow me, Now"

Daunted by the sound of his voice they all get up and follow him, I step in beside him, he looks at me and grabs my hand, I don't dare look back at the others.

He walks us into the conference room and motions everyone to sit down. Not letting go of my hand I stay standing beside him.

Sara goes back to slumping and can sense we're about to announce our "Marriage". Nick just stares at our hands still entwined. Greg looks confused.

"I have brought you in here to make an announcement" Grissom starts

Greg's interest piques and stares at us, slowly Nick and Sara look at us.

Grissom pushes on... "Unfortunately this isn't how we wanted to do this, but seeing as everyone has decided to listen to the rumors rather and waiting to hear the truth, we're telling you now.

Nick and Sara look a little guilty and now a bit confused.

Grissom lets go of my hand ad then wraps a arm over my shoulder, he looks at my lovingly and then says...."Everyone I would like to introduce to you... Charlotte... Grissom". Sara is about to storm off, nick looks like he want to join her Greg's eyes are wide, then Grissom drops the bomb..... "My daughter"!

He then stops looking at me and faces the threesome with a bit of a scowl.

I have never seen the look of pure guilt before but think I saw it both on Nick and Sara's face.

Greg runs up to me and is grinning madly... "Wow" he says I had no idea, but I always thought you and Grissom looked similar"

"Thanks Greg I think that's a compliment" I say

"Do you think we could meet you back in the break room Greg"? Grissom asks

Looking at Nick and Sara, sensing something... "Sure thing, see you soon".

I step back from Grissom and make a point to stepping towards a sheepish Nick.

"I'm not sure we have a friendship to save Nick, so whatever you have to say, save it he's clearly taken back but looks down at his feet, I look over at Sara, She's crying I walk over to her and Say, If my memory serves me correctly you were told to just ask someone about their business instead of speculating behind their backs" She blanches at my familiar words and immediately apologizes. Forget it Sara, it's more important you patch things up with Grissom... I hear a couch behind me... Turning I smile, back to Sara I say, I mean patch things up with my Dad"! And then I smile, we hug and I walk out of the room.

Assignments were given, tasks were completed and I was left feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. Standing in the locker room I hear dad come in.

"Hey" I say to him with an tired expression on my face.

"Hey, yourself, how are you" he asks giving me a quick hug

"I'll live" I reply

He smirks at my remark and goes on to tell me that he's patched things up with Nick and Sara and suggest I give Nick a chance.

"Maybe, Dad, I just find it difficult he would treat me that way, with such distain, without even bothering to ask me" I sigh and sit on the bench

"I know honey, but please don't take after me in the romance department, if something great comes along, grab it with both hands and don't let go" He sits next to me and puts a hand on my knee.

"Ok, dad, I'll think about it" I get up, hug him briefly and walk out to my car, ready for the longest, hottest shower and my bed.

I hear the doorbell as I get out of the shower, grumbling to my self, I'm tried, I just spent the last hour on the phone to everyone who had heard the news and wanted to discuss it, and I had called Dan with the news, he was ecstatic and said we all had to go out and celebrate.

I wrap the towel loosely around my chest, maybe my appearance will convince whoever's at the door to go away.

My hair is still wet and I leave wet footprints on my floor as I make my way to the door.

I'm surprised to see Nick when I open the door, I immediately tug on my towel for a little more support.

I'm not really pleasant when I ask him what he wants.

"Can I come in"? I don't want to have this conversation on you front door step"

"Oh really, and you think I wanted to stand on your front door step and be berated like I was"? I'm really not pleasant now.

He looks down sheepishly... "I'm so sorry, I had no right to treat you that way, I just really thought that you liked me and was as attracted to me as I am to you, I don't blame you if you never want to speak to me again, but I think that we could make it work, I really think we could have something special and I desperately want to try, I can only promise you that I will never jump to conclusions again" He got it all out on one breath. Looking down as he spoke, he looked up to gage my response.

He seemed relived that I was crying with a smile on my face,

"How can I stay mad at you when you go and make a declaration like that on my doorstep with me in a towel no less" I shake my head, Nick eyes are welling up also, then he says

"May I come in now"?

I grab his shirt and drag him into my house. I pull him into a giant hug and let myself cry on his shoulder.

"Everything you thought is correct, Nick, I'm very attracted to you and I really like you also. Would like to give it a go, maybe can go to that dinner now"? I realize my towel is slightly falling down, Nick glances at it and then looks curious when I don't pull it up. With an eye raised He asks the question without words, I answer him by throwing my arms around him and passionately kissing him. He holds me with both arms and returns the kiss with gusto, we are both holding onto each other and I think to myself that I'll never let go.............

My mind escapes when he gently pushes me towards my bedroom...........................

the end