DISCLAIMER : I don't own CSI nor it's characters. Everything belongs to the brains behind this wonderful show. Props go out to them. :D
AUTHOR'S NOTE : Songs used in this chapter are : "Dreaming of You" by Selena and "Tattooed on my mind" by D'Sound.
And a very Merry Christmas to all! ;D
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CHAPTER VIII
"I see why Sara should pick this place." Catherine said to Warrick's ear. They were seated at the far end of the bar at Tikirocks. Upon entering the bar, they chose the spot where the lights didn't shine too well. They haven't told Sara they were coming to see her perform, not that she knew that they've found her out.
"Why do you say that?" Warrick replied.
"Well, look around you. For a bar, this place doesn't sit much people. Look at the audience area. I'd say they only seat 15 to 20 people." Catherine pointed out to the space directly in front of the small stage. Warrick nodded at her assessment.
"What'ya people getting?" asked the bartender. Warrick and Catherine looked at one another.
"Well, last time I was here I got a beer and working that off caused me to be late for assignments, don't want to do that again." Warrick told Catherine. He then faced the bartender and ordered two glasses of water.
The bartender's right eyebrow went up and he gave them a questioning look.
"We're on the clock. We're just here to see a friend sing." Catherine explained their choice. That didn't impress the bartender, although he later returned with their glasses of water.
"I'm so excited to see her sing. She any good?" Catherine was feeling giddy and it didn't help that Warrick only nodded and didn't feel the need to explain things.
A young woman was on the stage right now. Catherine thought that she had a lovely solid voice. She looked just around Sara's age and was singing the acoustic version of some current pop song.
Catherine and Warrick didn't have to wait long for Sara's turn on the stage. As she had done the previous time, she wore her work clothes, only she had her hair pulled back into a ponytail tonight. She carried a lean stool on to the small stage and settled herself.
"How are you guys doing?" Sara's voice was low, almost shy. There were a murmur of responses. Sara gave a signal over at the bar's band.
Catherine held her breath as the intro to her song was played by the band. It was a slow song and she saw Sara close her eyes, probably to take a steadying breath.
Late at night when all the world is sleeping,
I stay up and think of you.
And I wish on a star that somewhere you are
Thinking of me too
Warrick looked at Catherine with his brow lifted that seemed to say, "See! I told you she was good!" Catherine's eyes just grew wide as her reponse. She had no words to say. Sara had an amazing voice. Sure, she had known that for a long time, but this was different. This was singing in front of an audience and she was just lovely.
Coz I'm dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's no where in the world, I'd rather be
Than here in my room
Dreaming about you and me
Catherine tugged at Warrick's arm and formed a "wow!" with her mouth. Warrick simply smiled and nodded. They knew and they were proud for Sara. They saw her take another deep breath before continuing.
Wonder if you ever see me
And I wonder if you know I'm there
If you looked in my eyes
Woul you see what's inside?
Would you even care?
I just want to hold you close
But so far, all I have are dreams of you
So I wait for the day
The courage to say how much I love you.
Yes, I do.
I'll be dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's no where in the world, I'd rather be
Than here in my room
Dreaming about you and me
By this time, Catherine could feel herself drawn to Sara as much as the rest of the crowd. What she and Warrick knew above the rest of the people at the bar was the story behind her song. Catherine shook her head slowly. She couldn't believe Grissom could let this Sara go. "If only he'd witness this." Catherine thought to herself.
As Sara finished her song, applause broke around the bar. Pride swelled in Warrick and Catherine's heart for Sara. She was absolutely wonderful. Warrick turned to tell Catherine that they could go now, seeing as the last time, she only sang one song. But before he could utter the words, Sara's voice sounded once again.
"Well, I'm feeling generous tonight," she teased and gathered some good-humoured replies, "So I'm going to sing you guys one more song."
More applause broke from the crowds and this time Catherine and Warrick joined in. Everyone went silent as the band started playing.
Maybe you'll soon, forget about all
Or maybe you'll miss it like I do
One thing's for sure, I'm on a cloud
Spend too much time thinking of you.
And I can't get you out of my dreams
Now I know you're the dangerous kind
And your smile is tattooed on my mind
And I can't get you out of my dreams.
"I like this side of Sara!" Catherine once again leaned into Warrick's ear to whisper. "She's just soo...."
"Vulnerable?" Warrick finished it for her. Catherine nodded, signalling that was exactly the word she would have chosen. "Yeah, me too. We don't get to see this side of her often. I just wish Grissom could see this!"
"Yeah, my thoughts exactly!" Catherine said, "You think we could ... you know..." hinting towards letting Grissom witness this and find out just how much he's missing.
"Naaah, I don't think we should do that Cath. When and if Grissom finally decides to step out of his comfort zone, maybe, but I don't think we should push him." Warrick said, looking away from Catherine and looked at Sara. "I just wish there was something we could do to make her happy again." Catherine nodded wordlessly.
It should you be, that's how I want it to be
Tell me you feel the same way
Catherine and Warrick remained silent for the rest of the song. Neither of them had words to say. They just let Sara's voice float around them. Perhaps they were feeling the song so much that they didn't realize that Warrick was now holding Catherine's hand.
Yesterday, I was feeling sad
All I do today is try to be brave
And no melody, can seem to soothe my mind
Now I curse you for being so sweet and so kind.
And I can't get you out of my dreams
Now I know you're the dangerous kind
And your face is tattooed on my mind
And I can't get you out of my dreams.
Once again, a large number of applause broke out after Sara finished singing. She gave the audience a quick smile and left the stage.
Meanwhile, Warrick and Catherine broke out of their own reverie and looked down to see their fingers entwined. Catherine smiled and looked at Warrick. As a reply, he squeezed her hand to show her that it was alright and that it was what he had wanted to do.
That was how they had left the bar for work ... holding hands, fingers still entwined.