Issues by SLynn

Disclaimer: I own only the thoughts in my head and the characters you don't recognize.

Chapter 12: Easy

Sophia had been right, the case was pretty cut and dry but Greg was just glad to be out doing something. The more he talked with Sophia the more he liked her. She could be a bit distant but it wasn't anything an hour's conversation couldn't overcome. He liked her even more when she'd suggested picking up coffee on the way back. Despite the cat nap in the lab, Greg wasn't anywhere near up to speed.

They got back in around two and after quickly catching up on his work it the lab, he was happy to see the swing shift tech roll in. Greg wasted very little time on formalities, simply read off what was going on and signed himself out. But he didn't leave the building. Not yet.

First, he wasn't sure what was waiting for him back home. Sara had been mad. Really, really mad. Greg didn't feel like walking in to that just yet. Second, he wanted to do some research on Dr. Sanchez's case. Nothing to do with processing the evidence, he'd leave that alone as he'd been told too. Greg was interested in connecting the crimes. Positive that Cath and Warrick were on the right track, but the two year span didn't seem right.

Greg spent nearly three hours pouring through case files of unsolved crimes matching the basic description. Finally satisfied he'd found something more, he jotted down their numbers and hastily wrote a note to Warrick, shoving it into the vents of his locker.

Knowing he should probably go straight home, he didn't. Greg stopped to eat first before the big face off. It was closing in on eight before he got to his door that night.

Whatever he'd been expecting in terms of a fight didn't happen. Sara wasn't there. It didn't look like she'd been there all day either. Despite how the day had turned out for him at work, he'd still been angry. Angry with the three of them, Sara especially, for treating him like a child.

Up until now.

Greg sat down on his couch and tried to figure out what was wrong with him. It was probably the lack of sleep that was making him so edgy but he couldn't be sure. Tomorrow he was only working half a day in the afternoon with an appointment scheduled with Dr. Tracey in the morning. They were doing the third bone marrow tap. If this one was clean he'd be officially in remission. She'd also likely want to talk to him about Dr. Sanchez and about getting a new psychiatrist.

Dozing again, this time on the couch, Greg didn't even fight it. He awoke an hour later to the sound of the front door opening.

"You're back," he called to her without turning round.

"I stayed at my place today," she said sitting in the chair beside the couch. "I figured if you did leave early you might want some time alone first."

"I was pretty mad."

She nodded looking down, not letting him read her. Sara was pretty mad herself.

"And unreasonable," he added after a pause. She gave him a wry smile. "I should have listened to you, all of you. I know you're only trying to help."

"No one is trying to tell you how to live your life."

"I know, I do. I forget is all."

Sara smiled a more genuine smile at him.

"We worry. I worry."

Greg reached over and took her hand, squeezing it in his.

"I don't like fighting with you," he said seriously. Much more seriously then he usually sounded. His eyes reflected it.

"Me either," she answered.

Greg gently tugged on her hand, beckoning her over. Sara some what reluctantly joined him on the couch. He locked eyes with her, trying hard to judge how much he'd screwed things up, but couldn't tell. If she'd been angry, she wasn't showing it now. They sat nearly nose to nose in silence for a moment, just staring into each others eyes. A small smile played on her lips, but he still looked somber.

"I have a hard time sometimes," he started as he smoothed back her hair with his hands. "Sometimes, just letting people help me. I don't like to ask."

"You don't have to ask," she said, no longer smiling. His hands were still in her hair, holding on tight as she brought hers to his face. "No one's judging you. No one's keeping score."

"It feels that way."

"But it isn't. It's not Greg. I love you just the way you are. I don't care…"

"You love me?" he asked, an odd smile suddenly lighting his face.

"Of course I do," she answered taken back by his change.

"You've never said that before." He was still smiling at her funny.

She laughed at him.

"I haven't?"

"No. I'd remember that."

Again, she laughed. It was a nervous laugh, like she was trying to brush it off. Sara knew she hadn't said it before and she knew why. It scared her a little. She'd felt it long before now, but saying it was different from feeling it. Saying it made it real.

Greg didn't notice any of her turmoil. He was too happy to notice. He'd said it before to her and meant it. Really meant it. Part of him had been bothered that she'd never said it back, but he never pushed her too. He knew how she felt even if she hadn't said it, but still, hearing it was so much better. Was in a way, such a relief.

So he kissed her. Before she could say or do anything more, he kissed her. Again and again, just needing to be close. Sara didn't stop him, didn't want too. What was between them was always intense. After months it should have been nearly routine, but it never was. Each time he kissed her it was always passionate. Always as if he'd never tasted her lips before.

Greg began trailing kisses down her neck as he pulled her even closer. Tugging on her shirt with one hand as the other explored her back. Sara had already begun to undo the buttons on his shirt. Had nearly gotten it completely undone when the phone rang. It was her cell.

"Let it ring," he whispered hoarsely into her ear, still kissing her softly near her hairline, "just let it ring this once."

"I can't," she said kissing him once more on the lips before untangling herself from him, "It's probably Nick about the case we're on."

Greg let her go, reluctantly, and watched her cross the room to answer her phone.

"Sidle," she said into it after taking a deep breath.

Greg stood as well, heading for the kitchen to get a drink. Giving her some privacy.

"Yeah, no problem," he heard her saying.

He poured himself some juice making a mental inventory of his fridge. It was nearly bare so it must be time to shop. Only thing left was the juice, which he'd finished and Sara's yogurt.

"I'll meet you there."

She'd hung up and was now in the doorway watching him.

"I've got to go," she said somewhat apologetically.

"Can't even wait ten minutes?" he asked sounding hopeful.

She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Five if we hurry."

Sara laughed but wasn't biting.

"Sorry but no. I've got to meet Nick at the precinct. Got a suspect in custody. Can't wait. But, I'm coming home early tonight."

"Really?" he asked, putting down his glass and crossing the room to her.

"Yes, I've already cleared it because I'm going to take you tomorrow to your appointment."

"What time will you be back?" he asked, putting his hands back on her hips and pulling her close.

"Probably two."

"And if I wait up?" he asked hopefully.

"Don't," she said seriously. "You need to sleep."

Greg looked down as she said this.

"But," she said, bringing his chin up with her index finger, "maybe I can wake you up. Let you know I'm home."

They both leaned in, kissing softly as they met each other half way.

"But really," Sara said pulling back reluctantly, "I have to go. Right now."

"Okay, just be safe then," he said as he let her go out of his arms. "And play nice with the other kids."

"Look whose talking," she said laughing as she reached for her things.

"Sara," he called as he heard the door open.

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

She smiled and looked at her feet.

"I love you too."

Greg was grinning again. Watching her go. Twice in one day, really happy.

He got in and out of the shower quickly. Greg was still tired but briefly entertained the thought of waiting up for Sara despite what she'd said. He hadn't though. Greg had ended up in bed just before eleven completely exhausted. No sooner then he'd shut his eyes then he'd fallen into a deep sleep.

Sara had come home as she'd said she would, just after two. She'd even tried to wake him, but couldn't. After several days of little to no sleep he was out cold. Instead Sara crawled in bed beside him. It felt safe and natural. Easy. Being with Greg was easier then she'd ever thought it could be.

Loving him was easy too.