Chapter 10 (Confrontation and Contemplation)

A/N: So, are they back or not? You have to read this to find out.

xxxxx

In the end, they decided to go back together and see what could be salvaged from Grissom's life. He made an appointment with Carvallo during the day before Sara's first night back. He didn't know exactly what he wanted to do in regards to his job, but figured he would just wait what his – former – boss had to say.

Sara was waiting anxiously in the parking lot. This could impact their whole lives and throw over everything they had accomplished over the last two weeks. When they arrived back yesterday it had been weird to separate for their own apartments. After two weeks of close proximity it seemed like something was ripped apart from her.

But then he had given her some part of himself at their parting.

Last night, they had kissed.

They had taken a cab from the airport and he had insisted on going to her place first. When she had left the cab he had followed her to the door. "I'll call you," he had promised and then he had leaned over and his lips had descended on hers. Gently at first, as if barely there, but then he intensified the contact.

Both felt the electricity coursing through them, warming their hearts.

When Grissom had pulled back it had been with regret. But it was to soon to delve into something deeper. He hadn't wanted to become scared and feel the need to flee again.

Sara had had similar thoughts and had been just a little bit disappointed that their kiss had come to an end. She knew they were making progress and she wouldn't do anything to risk it. "I'll be waiting," had been her only reply and she had turned to enter her apartment.

"Goodnight Sara." His hand had slid down her arms one last time before he had returned to the cab.

"Goodnight Grissom." The smile she wore lasted until he called that afternoon.

Over the phone they had agreed that she would pick him up, since he was still on medication, but they hadn't really discussed the kiss or their relationship. There seemed to be a silent agreement that they would postpone any other plans until Grissom knew what would happen to his career.

And now sitting here in the parking lot of the crime lab, there was nothing left to do for her but wait. It seemed to take awfully long, but finally she saw Grissom make his way across the parking lot. He did look... relieved.

Sara wondered if that was a good sign or a bad sign.

She opened the door to meet him halfway when she saw movement out of the corner of her eyes. Ecklie.

That was absolutely the last thing they needed right now. She knew Grissom could get very uncontrolled where the dayshift supervisor was concerned. For a moment she wondered whether she should join them in case she needed to interfere. A second later she thought better of it. Her presence would not put Grissom in a better position. It would not look good for both of them.

She watched both men from the car as they exchanged a few heated words until Grissom just turned and walked away. Ecklie stood dumbfounded for a few moments, but then entered the building.

The car door opened and Grissom slid into the passenger seat. He looked towards the entrance with an unreadable expression. "What did Ecklie want?"

"Just exchange a few pleasantries. He asked if I came to free the lab from my science projects." From his tone she could tell that he hadn't let the other man goad him. He didn't elaborate and they fell into silence.

Sara tried to give him time, but her patience was currently occupied in other things. Like trying not to kiss him again. "Well..." she probed.

Grissom turned to her with a grin. "Well!"

It was a typical Grissom response. Short, cryptically and it drove Sara nuts. "Grissom..."

He could hear the low threatening undertone and his grin widened. Where exactly this playful man came from, he didn't know. "Well!"

She sighed, trying to keep herself from hitting him, at the same time realizing how much she had missed the teasing and his dry sense of humor.

He let his hand move over her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear that had covered her eyes. "Relax Sara. Everything is alright."

That was a bit more informative, but still frustratingly cryptic. "It's really ok, I will explain everything over dinner, ok?"

Dinner? Wait a minute. Was he asking her out?

He must have seen the question in her eyes and nodded in confirmation, the grin being replaced by a slow smile. "I want to take you to dinner Sara. Tell me I am not too late."

Now she saw a bit of fear creeping up in his blue eyes. "I thought I made it clear over the last two weeks that you're never going to be too late." And then he received a full Sara smile.

TBC