Healing and Beginnings -Chapter 8

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to R &R. It means a lot. The next chapter will be up by Monday. The rating will go up to "R".

Sara and Grissom had fallen into a comfortable routine. Sometimes they worked together, sometimes separate. Whatever the situation, it didn't really matter. What mattered to Sara is that Grissom had equally rotated the team around himself, carefully rotating who had lead and who had the infamous "perimeter." When Sara was given perimeter duty now, it didn't feel like a punishment, it was simply her turn.

Cavallo was quite pleased with Sara's work, and even rotated a day shift new hire to nights for Sara to train. Sara again started at step one to technically train the new CSI. Not dissimilar to herself, the new recruit was a Harvard Graduate. Actually they were very similar, and got along well. It wasn't until Greg mentioned how well they got along to Grissom did he feel any bit jealous of the young rookie taking up a good portion of Sara's time. But the jealousy was not at the same level as he had with Hank; it was a jealousy because he wanted to be spending the time with her. Almost sensing Grissom's feelings, Sara decided to seek some help from Grissom in training Mike, the new CSI.

With everyone treated as equals, the "Team" mentality had evolved into great group dynamics. Soon weekly breakfast turned into a few nights of drinks, dinners, and good times. Everyone was growing, and they all learned to open up and share more, but it was 15 minutes alone he spent with Sara each day that made his world.

The day after Lindsey's birthday, Sara stopped by Grissom's office at the end of her shift. After plopping down in the chair across from Grissom, they discussed her case. To an outsider, this would truly mean nothing more than an employee updated her supervisor. To Grissom and Sara, it was yet another factor to show the comfort level they now had with each other. Most times, they talked about nothing important, sometimes about an interesting case. But mostly, as they promised to each other that night, they started sharing even the slightest bit of personal information with the other. By no means was most of the information earth shattering, actually quite the contrary. Sara found out the Grissom didn't use dry cleaners because he liked to iron himself, it relaxed him. Grissom found out that Sara ate Cornflakes for breakfast. Each fact was nothing special, but collectively, they meant the world. They were going back to square one, and they both couldn't have been happier.

They both looked forward to the end of the day to be able to talk and share. What once were 15-minute chats were quickly becoming hour-long get to know you sessions. They knew Grissom's office wasn't the best place for this, but they both feared if they went somewhere outside of those "Safe" 4 walls, it would mean more, and they weren't ready for that, yet

It was nearing 8am, and after chatting for a few minutes about Sara training the new recruit, a comfortable lull overcame them. Sara thought about Grissom's feelings, and him appearing to be jealous of her time with Mike.

Looking up him, she decided to ask, "Griss, can you help me with something?

"Sure, what can I do for you Sara?" He spoke calmly, but squirmed in anticipation of her reply.

"Well, you know Mike, the Day shift rookie?"

Grissom nodded his curiosity now peaked.

"Well, I've been training him, and he is good, but I just feel like he is missing a bit of intuition. That is where I need your help. When I was teaching Greg, you were more involved, and you taught him about intuition. Do you think you could help again?" Pausing, she added, "I think we made a good team."

"Sure, sounds like a good idea. Just tell me he's not quite as annoying as Greggo, is he?" He chuckled.

Smiling back Sara couldn't help hide her smirk. "No, not quite. But you know those Harvard Grad's, they think they know everything."

Grissom laughing back, "Oh, I know about them Sara, Trust me!"

"Well, I'm off. I need to get some sleep before I pick Molly up." She chimed, "It's hard to believe I've known her for only 6 months. It seems like forever. I'm truly glad my counselor suggested it."

Kicking his feet onto his desk, he had the sudden need to tell her how happy he was that she was 'happy' again, but decided not to harp on the issue. "What are you and Molly doing today?"

"I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you." She said trying to hide her smile.

Looking curiously at her, he decided to prod her more. "How about a hint?"

Always up for a challenge, she replied, "Every child has to learn how to do "this" before the age of 10, if not, their childhood is incomplete." She quipped, "And since I never did it as a child either, we will both learn."

Scratching his chin, Grissom was puzzled.

"Any guess Griss?" She couldn't help laugh at the stumped Grissom.

Deciding she didn't want him to think to hard, Sara decided to give in. "We are going fishing, at Lake Mead."

"Fishing, as in Billy Bass fishing?" He couldn't help laughing at the thought of Sara fishing.

Sara now stood, and crossed her arms. "Yes fishing, since every child should try Fishing before the age of 10, we are both going to try. I'm just a few years late!" She also added, "It is supposed to help reduce stress when you become one with the fish."

Putting his hand over his mouth to stifle his laugh, he mused, "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

Now Sara's curiosity was peeked. "Cite your source Griss!"

Not missing a beat, he muttered "John Buchan." Flashing her his smile, "Cite yours Ms. Sidle."

"Field and Stream." Pausing, she laughed again, "Nick left in the break room last week."

They both laughed so hard; Sara had to stand to breathe. When they calmed down, Griss had to ask.

"Sara, let me get this straight, you have never fished, and are going to teach someone else to fish?" He looked up at her with his eyes filled with sarcasm.

"I'm a quick learner. I'm heading over to Walmart to pick up fishing poles. Maybe they have a 'How to' book."

"Sara, you cannot learn how to fish by reading a book in 4 hours, no matter how quick a study you are."

"Well, Molly thinks we are going fishing, so unless, You'd like to teach us, we are going to go at it alone." She held her breath waiting for an answer.

"I thought you'd never ask, what time are you picking me up?"

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Sara decided to go home and get some sleep first, and shop later. To her surprise, she fell asleep instantly. When her alarm went off at one, she showered quickly and headed to get the supplies. She stopped at a deli first and picked up Sandwiches, soda, fruit and chips. Next stop landed her at Walmart and she picked up her and Molly fishing poles, as well as the appropriate 'tackle.' She hoped Grissom would help Molly would find worms, they disgusted her. With little time to spare, she made her way to Grissom's to pick him up.

Sara pulled up, and was barely out of the car when she saw Grissom walking towards her car. To say he looked adorable was an understatement. He had on Faded jeans, a black T-shirt and a tan vest. Sara was sure her mouth was hanging open with her eyes bugging out. It was a good thing she had sunglasses on.

"Hey you, all ready?" She asked as he approached trying not to make eye contact for fear he'd see her blushing at his site.

"Yes, pop the hatch, so I can put my pole and gear in the trunk." His attempt to sound casual was moot as his voice suddenly cracked while speaking to Sara.

Sara and Grissom arrived at the center to pick Molly up at exactly two. Grissom sat in the car while Sara went to get Molly to start their day of adventure. Sara walked in and was surprised that Molly wasn't there waiting for her so she went to find the director.

Finding her Sara asked, "Do you know where Molly is?"

The director took her glasses off looking a bit concerned. "Her father called and said Molly was "sick" and she wouldn't be coming."

Sara looked puzzled. "I just talked to her 2 hours ago and she certainly wasn't sick."

"Well, he said she was, so I have to believe him. He said she'd see you next week."

Not knowing what to think, Sara turned to leave. She could be sick, right? Molly would talk to her if things were getting bad at her house at least she hoped she would. Sara walked back to the car and saw Grissom standing outside waiting for her.

"Where is Molly?" he asked with a quizzical look on his face.

"She's sick, so says her father." Sara paused, "I mean...not that I don't trust him, but I just talked to her 2 hours ago, and she was fine. No, more than fine, she was ecstatic about going fishing."

Sensing what was on Sara's mind, Grissom tried to ease her concerns. "Kids get sick all the time, Hell, Catherine tells me Lindsey was fine one minute, and sick the next. Try not to think the worst." Grissom was worried too he just wouldn't tell Sara that.

Shaking her head, Sara agreed. Should I see if he still wants to go? Alone with me?

As if on cue, Grissom answered her questions. "No need to waste this great day and lunch, we should still go. I mean.. If you want to."

"You are right, sure, let's go. What was that again? About theCharm of fishing?" She sneered.

Giving her his best "Grissom Look", he recited it again. "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

He laughed. "You know Sara I can see some parallels between you and fishing."

"What is that?"

"Well, you are elusive ... and I hope still attainable." He said while never taken his eyes off the road in front of them.

Sara thought it was good they were stopped at a light when he made his bold statement, or she would have driven off the road.

"Well Griss, you will just have to find out.

Feeling content with her answer, Sara turned up the radio as they headed up to Lake Mead. It could be an interesting day she thought as she looked over to catch a glimpse of the man who could make it very interesting, or so she hoped!

TBC