Take Me Out Tonight

Rating: PG 13 (for now… I might up it soon)

Disclaimer: Wish they were mine… alas they are not

Summary: Grissom told her she should get a diversion and she did. (Involves the musical Rent!) GSR

A/N – So this story has been playing around in my head for a long while. Sara uses her talents and performs on stage in a Las Vegas 1 night production of Jonathan Larson's Rent!

Disclaimer – CSI isn't mine, and neither is Rent. Sigh But I love them both. Any of the songs mentioned are not mine and come from the beautiful mind of Jonathan Larson.

Chapter 5

Sara tried to avoid Grissom as much as possible after what happened at her apartment the morning before. However, Grissom was thinking the complete opposite. So, Sara was surprised when he paired them up together for a DB in a dumpster.

The trip started off silent until Sara decided to ask Grissom "Hey Griss, do you think it would be possible for me to use some of my vacation days in May?"

Grissom glanced over at her from the driver's side, and replied "Sure, I mean you have so many saved up from over the years. It can be arranged as soon as you send in the necessary paperwork".

Silence filled the Tahoe again until Grissom asked "May I ask what for?"

"Just personal stuff" Sara replied vaguely. After Grissom left her apartment that morning, James informed her that for 4 days before the Friday performance, there would be all day technical rehearsals and run through from 8 am to 8 pm.

"Oh" Grissom quietly replied. But the gnawing feeling of jealously still ran through him and he had to ask bitterly "Are you spending that time with James?"

Sara was surprised at his question and tone of voice and spat back "You know, what Grissom. That is none of your business. You have no right to ask me about what my plans are on my days off. Maybe if you were actually my friend, I would freely share that information with you"

"Has it really gotten this bad, Sara? You don't even consider me a friend anymore?"

"No, you don't Grissom. You are the one that dropped the ball on our friendship. One day we are talking and laughing and then for three months you give me the cold shoulder and snap at crime scenes for no good reason. And you wonder why I was so reluctant to tell you about my past. I didn't know if you would just comfort me and then just completely ignore me for another year" Sara replied quietly, the hurt evident in her voice.

Grissom pulled over to the side of the road, stopped the car, and looked over at Sara "Honey, I would never…"

"And there you go again with that "honey" business. Look Grissom, I don't know why you are pressing this subject. I realize that whatever we had before is done and over with. You really can just stop pretending to be my friend. I won't mess up your crime scenes or anything anymore. Anyway, I won't be in your way very much longer" Sara spat back, tears threatening to fall down her face.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Grissom pleaded, his hands reaching out to hers. "Tell me Sara"

"I think I need to start fresh somewhere else. I think I need to get away from the corruption and bright lights of Vegas. I think this city has taken away everything that I used to hold dear to my heart. I hardly even recognize myself anymore, Grissom. That DUI was a huge wake up call."

"I'm sorry Sara" Grissom replied shocked. He also could feel the tears welling up in his eyes "I realize that I should have been there for you more. I don't know why I keep pushing you away. I guess I'm afraid of losing you"

"You already have" Sara replied, taking her eyes off his. "It is too late. Drive to the crime scene. We have a job to do". And with that, Sara turned her head and stared out the passenger side window.

Grissom silently turned back into his seat, started the car, and drove down the road to the scene. You messed everything up Gil. You really lost her. He though to himself. No! He mentally shook himself. There has to be something I can do for her. I need my Sara back.

TBC…. Read and Review Please! I really appreciate your feedback!