Disclaimer: I don't own anything here, just an idea, but trust me you can't get anything from that! Leave me to live in fiction

Summary: Sara's been going to a country bar to find her release, without anyone knowing. Now, it's Nick's birthday, and the group decided to take him there. Of course, Sara's not that crazy about the idea…Why? She's been known to sing a few songs there and she wants to keep that for herself. Of course, the stars are not on her side…

Chapter 2 – The truth appears

"So, are we telling Nick where are we taking him or not?" – Greg wanted to know all the details as he jumped from one leg to another feeling very happy and ready to party.

"Well, I don't know. We can say it's a surprise, but I think he'll know as soon as we start the drive over there. He told me he never went there, but he knows of it." – Warrick got into the spirits as Sara kept standing there trying to come up with the plan that doesn't involve everyone knowing about what she's been doing for a past few weeks.

"Sar, what do you think?" – Warrick asked her.

"You're right, he'll know where are we taking him. So, we should tell him. Maybe he doesn't want to go there." At least I hope so…" – a though ran across her mind.

"I think he'll love it! Which one of you guys is going to tell him?" – Greg asked.

Before Sara had a chance to offer, Warrick claimed the right.

"I will. Sara can notify Catherine and Grissom. " – he didn't know why is Sara so opposed of going there, but he didn't want to give her a chance to talk Nick into not going. – "Deal?"

"Deal." – Sara said as she exited the room, leaving Greg and Warrick to discuss things. None of them were the country music type, but she knew they are enjoying themselves. It's like a Halloween for them. A chance to get all dressed up. She had her ensemble ready, though. Since she started going there, she was in the whole spirits. She bought bleached out jeans which fit her perfectly, and she bought herself a leather belt and boots. The top changed, of course, and she started to wonder which one to wear. Deep in her thoughts, she didn't even notice Nick coming round the corner. He also had his head in some papers, and didn't see her. With a loud thud, they hit each other. Nick's papers fell on the floor as his arms went around Sara to keep himself from falling. She also grasped his shoulder with one hand, while the other went to her head. They managed to hit heads as well.

"Nick!" – she exclaimed.

"Hey there, beautiful. In a hurry?" – he smiled at her. None of them moved, Nick's hands on her hips as Sara continued to rub her head.

"Something like that." – she smiled at him, feeling that familiar feeling approaching. The one that appeared every time he called her like that. Not, that a simple hello Sara, wasn't working for her as well. Nick's hands left her hips, but they brushed the whole length of her jeans, as he reached to see if her head was alright. He touched her hand on her forehead.

"Does it hurt? Let me see." – he hold her hand, while his other hand went to touch her forehead. Sara could feel all the pain disappear under Nick's touch while her breathing quickened and became deeper. Nick noticed the change, and turned his look from her forehead to her eyes. He didn't dare to hope the change was his fault. He liked her a lot, but he never got any signals from her. She never picked up on his attempts to lead the conversation towards dangerous waters. When she was singing in the lab, he tried to give her a compliment, but she simply changed the subject. He thought she saw him as a brother, and nothing else. And what's the use of feeling something towards someone, who only sees you as a friend? But, now…he felt something between them. Better yet, he felt something from her.

Sara's eyes were fixated on his other hand which was intertwined with hers and his look followed hers. It looked right to him. Holding her hand. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a world to him.

"It's not that bad." – she whispered.

"What's not?" – he was puzzled.

"My head." – she smiled looking him in the eyes. – "You seem to be OK."

"Yeah, well I have a hard head." – he gave her full smile, which made her grin even more. It was addictive. She never smiled that much, but this man made her grin like crazy. Than she noticed his papers on the floor.

"Oh, your papers!" – she broke the spell as she leaned down to pick them up.

"Oh, yeah, those..:" – Nick muttered as he watched Sara pick up the folder. Her shirt rose a bit, and he cursed himself for staring. When she stood up and gave him his papers, he was blushing a little, but Sara didn't notice.

"Well, I have to go and talk to Grissom about something." – she motioned towards Grissom's office with her hands. That sentence was enough to make Nick feel sad again.

"Of course, why would she be in a hurry, unless Grissom was involved." – he thought.

"Yeah, I have to go too, gotta show this to Warrick. See ya!"

He turned around and left. He couldn't bear to show her his disappointment. Sara stood in one place for a second watching him.

"Oh, hell! I could've talked him out of going tomorrow! Of course, that would involve me thinking straight. Nice going, Sara." – she sighed turning around facing Grissom's office. - "Well, here we go. Let's just hope Grissom will object to out little outgoing."

She walked a few meters more before she stopped in front of his doors. With a little knock she opened them finding Grissom in a conversation with Catherine.

"Well, I guess this is going to be one of those "two birds with one stone" things."

"Hi, guys, have a minute?"

"Sure, Sara, come in." – Grissom said.

She stood there not knowing exactly how to start this conversation.

"What can I do for you?" – he asked again since she was standing in place not saying a word.

"Do you want me to go?" – Catherine asked thinking Sara needed to talk to Grissom alone.

"No, no, I need you too. It's about tomorrow night."

"What's tomorrow night?" – Grissom asked puzzled.

"Nicky's birthday, Gris. – Catherine added. – "So, any plans?"

Sara was grateful that Catherine made this easier than she thought it would be.

"Actually, Warrick suggested we go to that country bar on the west side."

Grissom showed discomfort by that idea, but Catherine looked pleasantly surprised.

"Oh, my God, that is such a great idea! I've never been there, but a friend of mine says it's great. That the music is really good and the band plays great. Whose idea was this?"
"Warrick's. I told him maybe we should think about something else."

"No, no, that's perfect for Nicky! I'm in! Just have to find a babysitter for Lindsey, but that won't be a problem. Gris?" – Catherine turned around facing his still reserved face. – "You in?"

He shifted in his chair, and Sara hoped he will put this madness to an end. Sure she could just say something came up and she can't go. But it was Nick's birthday, and she wanted to be there to celebrate it. She even bought him a perfect present.

"Sure. Does Nick know?"

"Not yet." – Sara smiled. Even if she wasn't that crazy about the idea, she knew Nick will love it. And that made her smile. – "But, Warrick will tell him now."

"Well, it's settled!" – Catherine clapped her hands. – "I have to go pick something up for Nicky." She stood up and Sara followed her.

"Yeah, Cath, have a minute?"

Catherine waved Grissom good bye as she closed the door behind them.
"Sure, what's up?"

"Do you think that we can maybe talk everyone into going somewhere else?"

Catherine looked surprised at Sara's flushed face. She was trying to tell her something, but no actual words were coming out of hers mouth.

"Why? This is a great idea for Nick. Why do you want to go somewhere else?" – she could tell Sara was feeling nervous.

"Well…" – Sara though for a second and decided she should tell Catherine the truth. Still, not the whole truth. Maybe she could help her. – "I kind of don't want to be seen there."

"I'm not following."

Sara was feeling more stupid with every minute.

"People kind of know me there."

Catherine smiled a little, but she still wasn't following.

"You mean, some guy goes there?"

"No, well yes. No! I go there, regularly."

Catherine's eyes widened in surprise.

"You are going to a country bar regularly?" – she was very amused by all this and she couldn't help but love the sight of Sara squirming.

"Yes. I go there for a bit of release. You were all been telling me how I should go out more." – she was getting worked up while Catherine was standing there still looking amused.

"Yeah, we did. But, a country bar? What, did Nick take you there?"

Sara squirmed a little feeling how this conversation was leading towards dangerous waters. All she wanted was Catherine's help to prevent disaster. Well, disaster that would only affect her. And now things were kind of getting out of control.

"No." she coughed a little. – "Nick has no idea about this. And I would be very thankful if that could stay that way."

Catherine's grin became wider.

"Why?" – she simply asked taking Sara by surprise.

"Why what?"

"Why can't Nick know about that? Is there anything else you're not telling me?"

Sara opened and closed her mouth a couple of times making Catherine laugh.

"No. And I don't mind him knowing. It's just…that was my thing. To get away from the job." – she was kind of proud of herself for making up that kind of excuse. It made sense.

Too bad her face wasn't as conclusive, because Catherine wasn't buying it.

"A-ha. What ever you say. And what exactly do you want from me?"

"Well, can you help me convince Nick that it's a bad idea? Maybe we can make a gathering at my place or whatever. Something more private."

Just than Nick come round the corner scaring both of the women.

"You are the best! Warrick just told me about your plans and I think they're brilliant! Thanks!" - He gave them both a little kiss on the cheek and took off leaving Sara holding her hand where his lips touched her. Catherine warmly smiled to the younger woman. Sara was always tough, but she couldn't help but think how she really looked cute confused like that. She thought Nick was a good influence on her.

"Well, I guess you don't need my help anymore. I mean, there's no way Nick is going to go for anything else. Sorry."

Sara growled in desperation.

"Great!"

Catherine patted her on the back as she led her towards the break room.

"Come on. You look like you could use a cup of really bad coffee. And maybe than you'll tell me why is this such a big deal. Cause, I know there's more to this story."

They started to walk while Catherine had her arm around Sara.
"So do you do the whole square dance and all?"

Sara's cold glare was enough for her to back off. The smirk, however, stayed in place.

AN – Well? Any thoughts? Please tell me:)