Disclaimer: All right everyone, sing along… "I don't own CSI, its characters, or anything associated with the show. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is the sole property of CBS and Alliance Atlantis." This document was written purely based on the fact that my muse will not stop nagging me. For the entertainment of you folks only.

Spoiler: Unbearable

A/N: In a way, I could see this story continuing. My problem lies with Grissom.

I just don't see Grissom as a nice, mild-mannered, shy guy - but I guess a lot of folks do. And I can't help but wonder where TPTB are taking Grissom's character right now. My dark, moody, death-loving, emotionally-repressed alpha-male Grissom is now downright cheerful and friendly. So this makes it difficult for me to continue. Perhaps I'll write a case next. One that involves the whole cast more. Brass never showed up in this fic, although I wrote a scene with him, and it didn't fit. So I owe him, and Catherine, some writing time.

Sara had tried to let Scott down easily, explaining to him that she really wasn't ready for a relationship at this time. He didn't take it well, and Sara was moderately relieved when he returned to California.

She and Grissom had been dating for two months. Nobody at work had said anything directly, but Sara knew that Catherine was on to them.

Catherine knew Grissom better than anyone, and although Grissom remained very professional, Sara knew he was happier. Catherine would give Sara a small look every once in a while, the unspoken question hanging in the air. But Sara ignored it, and according to Grissom, Catherine hadn't said anything to him at all.

It was rough for her, hiding everything from Greg. She was sure he suspected something as well. Someday I'll tell him.

But the challenges of keeping their relationship private weren't as difficult as Sara's apparent mental obstacles.

Sara was having a difficult time learning to call Grissom "Gil".

"Please, honey. My name is Gil," he whispered as he nuzzled his face against her neck.

"But, Griss… oh god…"

"Gil," he whispered fiercely. And then he did something wonderful with his hands, and Sara was lost again.

She had to give the guy credit. Despite his stated hiatus from the dating scene, the man knew what he was doing. And he did it very, very well.

Their routine of driving to and from each other's apartments, mostly twice a week, was working nicely, and Sara wasn't quite sure whether he wanted anything more. She was happy with things as they were, anything more serious tended to leave her feeling nervous.

Dr. Velez was surprised when she had told her about Grissom. She was happy for Sara, but warned her to take things very slowly. Sara agreed; she wasn't in a hurry to mess with an apparently good thing.

However, that didn't keep her from relocating some toiletries and a spare change of clothing to Grissom's apartment.

"Sara, my mother is coming to Vegas this Friday. I'd like for you to meet her." Grissom dumped this bombshell on her after dinner at his place.

"Uh… okay?"

Don't panic. You're an adult, and you know sign language. It's just his mom. Oh God, his MOM.

"Relax, she's harmless and she already knows you sign. It'll be fine. And it won't be just the three of us, my mother's best friend lives in Henderson. She'll be there as well."

Okay, time to panic. Best friend?

Grissom smiled at her, clearly aware of her discomfort. "Sara, relax. It's just lunch."

He cleared away the dishes as Sara sat there, mind spinning. He returned to wrap his arms across her chest, and he tickled her ear with his beard as he whispered, "Clearly, you are not relaxing. Let me help you with that…"

ooooooooooooooooooooo

They were standing outside of a small café, and Sara's palms were sweaty. She kept wiping them on her pants as she stood next to Grissom.

He was scanning the crowd, looking for his mother. He must have spotted her, because he stood straighter, and took her hand in his.

"I see them," he said happily. "I can't wait to introduce you."

"Me too," Sara said weakly. She could tell he was delighted to see his mother, and proud to be introducing her, but that didn't change the nervousness she felt.

He squeezed her hand softly. "Just be yourself," he whispered.

As they approached the round table, Sara saw the two older women sitting and smiling at her kindly. One she didn't recognize, but upon closer study saw the similarities between her and the man beside her. Grissom had her eyes.

The other woman was facing away from her at first, routing through her purse, but as she and Grissom approached, Sara recognized her immediately. The other woman smiled gently, a tad embarrassed, and signed, "Hello, Sara." She turned to face Grissom and signed "Hello, Gil. Good to see you."

Sara thought now would be a nice time to crawl into a hole and die.

Grissom signed to both his mother and the other woman, and left Sara's side to give his mother a hug. "Mother, this is Sara. I wrote to you about her."

"Hello, Sara." Grissom's mother signed to her, a gentle smile, not without a trace of humor, was on her face. "It is nice to finally meet you. My name is Josephine, but you may call me Jo if you'd like."

"Thank you, Jo." Sara signed in return.

"I do not need to introduce Elaine? You know each other?" Josephine smiled kindly at her.

"No, that isn't necessary. Hello, Mrs. Moyer." Sara signed to both Grissom's mother and to Elaine. Elaine smiled in return, shooting her a look of apology.

"Mom, what do you mean?" Grissom signed, "Elaine? How do you know Sara?"

Sara spoke and signed to Grissom, "Elaine Moyer is my teacher. At the university. She taught me how to sign."

- THE END -

A/N: How embarrassing would that be? God, I think I'd die.