Love Only Grows

Summary: Warrick takes another job in New York; how will the team deal with his decision? Will the one person who truly loves him tell him…before it's too late?

A.N.: There is a mention of events occurring in 'Playing with Fire'. I don't know how bad the spoilers are, but I suggest you watch the episode first…just to be safe. Better safe than sorry in my opinion.

Two - Breakfast with the Gang

Warrick still hadn't told anyone he was leaving at the end of shift. Every time he thought of what to say to them, he could see their reactions. Nick would be sad, but happy for him at the same time. Cath would wish him well and insist he phone on a weekly-basis (just like Grams would). Greg would smile brightly; make some joke and then an excuse to leave the room. Sara…

Sara had him stumped completely. Would she be happy that she'd never have to see him again, that she wouldn't have to compete with him about being Grissom's favourite CSI? Or would she cry endlessly for weeks after his departure?

"Hey Warrick," Nick called from the doorway to the locker room. "Everyone's going to breakfast; you coming with?"

"Yeah sure," Warrick replied absent-mindedly. He shut his still-open locker and left the room with Nick.

Instead of opting to go with someone else to the diner like he usually did, Warrick decided to take his own Denali. He needed to build up the courage to do this. He knew by the end of breakfast, they'd know.

Warrick watched as they all walked into the diner, Sara straggling behind. She caught his eye and barely heard her shout that she'd be there in a minute. He saw her walk over and get into the passenger side of the Denali.

"Warrick, are you okay? You've been acting strange all shift. I've let it drop till now, but I'm really worried about you." She placed her hand on his thigh. Warrick was sure he was going to spontaneously combust on the spot.

"I'd rather tell you all together." He saw Sara visibly gulp. "It's nothing life-threatening. I just…come on." Warrick climbed out of the Denali, with Sara following suit. As they were crossing the car park, Sara threaded her hand in Warrick's. He smiled at her.

They entered the diner and Warrick smirked at Nick's shock at seeing him and Sara hand-in-hand. Sara waved off the looks. They slid in the booth; Sara made sure her and Warrick were thigh-to-thigh. Warrick felt heat rise in his cheeks, thankful that his dark skin would hide the blush.

When they'd ordered their food and it had arrived, everyone stopped talking. Knowing looks were thrown at Warrick and Sara, but both dismissed them. Warrick played with his food; he really had no appetite.

Sara leant over and whispered, "I think you'd better tell everyone what's going on. They all look really worried." Warrick looked up and saw everyone staring.

"I know you guys want to know what's been up with me for the last few days…and there is no easier way to say this…I'm leaving." He immediately trained his eyes onto his coffee cup as they all started questioning him. Warrick didn't know which question to answer first. "When?", "Why?" and "Where?" were just a few.

Warrick looked up at Sara who smiled at him weakly. He was grateful she hadn't asked him questions. His smile grew when Sara reached over and squeezed his thigh gently. "It'll be okay," she whispered. Warrick nodded. "They'll understand." Sara rested her head on Warrick's shoulder and sighed.

Next chapter: tomorrow.