Author's Notes: Well, moving right along then, time for a new chapter!
CSI: - Party Fever
Chapter Five – All Tied Up
"Grissom," she half-squeaked trying not to seem overly enthusiastic as she turned to him. He was looking oh-so-handsome in a fine black tuxedo and black bowtie that seemed a bit off-center, as though he'd been fussing with it too much, "Hi."
"Sara," he blinked, as though unsure it was actually her and not some mirage.
"Grissom," she echoed, bemused, nodding a bit to prompt him into a conversation ranging outside of informing one another of their names.
"Ah, Sara," The corners of his lips twitched up and he ran the hand not occupied by his champagne glass through his curled grey hairs, hoping to dispel some of his anxiety, "I . . . you look nice."
"Thanks, Grissom, same to you," She lifted her glass to her lips in an effort to hide her tight smile. 'I look a lot better than nice, Grissom, but I suppose a straight-forward compliment's a gift, coming from you. Get what you get or you don't get nothing, eh?' She set her glass down on the bar, fighting the urge to cross her arms across her chest, "I hear you're going head-to-head with Ecklie," she raised an eyebrow in jest.
Grissom's eyes drifted to the dance floor where Ecklie was already well into the swing of things, so to speak, dancing more elegantly than one would think possible, "Not my idea."
"No, I wouldn't think it would be."
Grissom pulled at his tie anxiously, and it was the last straw for the black bow as it came undone jerkily under his pull. The scientist sighed dejectedly, "Excuse me; I have to go find Catherine."
"What for?" Sara followed him, amusement drawn lightly on her face.
He mumbled something about unhelpful diagrams as he continued to cut through the crowd in search of Catherine. It didn't take long for them to find her laughing her head off as Greg showed off his 'dance moves' reminiscent of a child flailing about in a swimming pool. Sara didn't doubt he'd be a bit better without the alcohol spurring him on.
"Catherine," Grissom held up the strip of black fabric, "I could use a hand."
She surveyed him for a moment and with a quick unnoticeable wink to Sara she grabbed one of Greg's thrashing wrists, "Sorry, Greg here's just about to step it up a notch and woo me," she rolled her eyes, obviously quoting something the lab rat had said earlier, "But don't worry," she patted Grissom's arm mockingly, "I'm sure Sara can help you."
As she nearly dragged Greg away, though he did manage to snag his drink from a nearby table, Grissom turned to Sara, cocking his head to the side questioningly, "I don't suppose you know how to tie a tie?"
She nodded, bemused, as she held out her hand for him to take, "Come on, I'll tie you up," she winked, taking semi-sadistic glee in the rose tint that played across his cheeks. He hesitated a moment before slipping his hand lightly into hers. She smiled to herself as she turned away; leading him towards the large mirror she'd seen in the vestibule when she'd come in.
As she pushed through the crowd she took delight in the warmth of the large hand enclosing hers. The chatter of the crowd and gentle sound of the music was dulled as they entered the foyer, nearly devoid of party-goers. Sara pulled him in front of the mirror and smiled at their reflections, 'You can't deny we look good together, Griss,' she thought happily.
She took the black strip of cloth from his hand and draped it around his neck, beaming up at him. He wasn't smiling, his face was characteristically bland, but she didn't mind, she knew he had to fight to keep it so blank, "Your mother never taught you to tie a tie?"
"Yours did?" He dodged the personal question oh-so-routinely, raising his eyebrow inquisitively.
"My brother was quite the ladies man," her voice was edged with amusement, "He was always going out on fancy dates, and sometimes he'd let me sit on his bed while he got ready."
"Learn through observation."
She nodded as she tugged on the edges of the bow and turned his collar down, "So, I saw Ecklie was getting a head start," she hinted casually.
He sighed, running his hand through his grey curls.
"You're not going to let him show you up, are you?" Sara fought to keep the laughter out of her voice. 'Come on, Grissom, ask me already. I know you want to.'
He straightened up, steeling himself, "I don't suppose you would like to—"
"Yes," she cut him off, nodding, "I-I'd love to."
He mentally shook himself and replaced his nervous frown with a delighted smile and opened the door leading back into the main room, "Shall we, then?"
Author's Notes: Sorry that took so long! Had to go to the hospital and get all sorts of tests done. I know this one's kind of long, but, I'll be honest, I'm nervous about writing this dance scene. Egh, who knows how it's going to turn out! We'll see, I suppose, eh?
