A/N: Well, as my lap top died I'm lucky this survived. Thankfully, it had been sent to beta. Not happy my baby went bang however :(
Anyway, here we are with another chapter. A little fluff before things start to get a bit more messy. I love it when Michael is cute :)
Thanks to calim as always for the beta and thanks for all the reviews.
On we go….
Chapter 18
Most of the food brought by the nurse stayed on Sara's plate while Grissom managed to eat almost half. And while they ate or chose to push the items about, Michael wolfed down every scrap of his meal providing great amusement to both his parents. But, about an hour after Sara had woken, her eyes grew heavy. And she wasn't the only one. Michael, who sat in his father's lap looking through a dinosaur book, struggled to stay awake.
Grissom looked between the two of them. "I think it's way past everyone's bedtime," he suggested, looking down at Michael who glanced up at him. "Tired, Mike?"
Sara smiled as Michael nodded, relieved he didn't kick up a fuss. "I agree with you," she said with a yawn.
Putting the book down, Grissom stood, lifting Michael with him who wrapped his arms around his neck. "I'm amazed either of you are still awake."
"Hmmm, me, too," Sara agreed.
"Kiss Mommy goodnight," Grissom said, moving in close to the bed so Michael could lean in. And he did, softly kissing Sara on the lips.
"Goodnight, baby," Sara whispered.
"Night, Mommy," Michael replied sleepily.
"Be right back to get my own kiss," Grissom said with a smirk before carrying Michael over to their bed.
Placing him onto his feet, he pulled back the covers and patted the mattress. "Come on then, in you get."
"Daddy not sleeping?" Michael asked.
"I will in a minute. I just need to say goodnight to Mommy and then I'll come and give you snuggles, okay?"
Michael nodded before climbing onto the bed. "Need Ant," he said pointing across the room. "Still in the bag, Daddy."
Grissom covered Michael with the blanket. "Okay. You lie back and I'll get him."
Smiling as his son laid back, Grissom grabbed the bag just near the bed and pulled out the stuffed toy.
"Here," he said, holding Ant out.
Swiftly, Michael took his toy and cuddled into him.
Grinning at him, Grissom ruffled his hand through his son's hair. "I'm just going to tuck Mommy in, okay?"
Michael nodded and Grissom headed back to Sara.
"Is he all right?" Sara asked on a long yawn.
"He's fine," Grissom said sincerely. "So much happier being around us."
Sara smiled sweetly, reaching out to take his hand. "You can think about spending more time with him, you know."
Leaning close, he dropped a kiss to her lips. "We'll work something out but, for now, sleep."
"Hmmm," she mumbled, squeezing his hand and closing her eyes.
Grissom stayed exactly where he was until he felt her hand relax against his which didn't take long. Once she was asleep, he gently placed her hand over her tummy and kissed her forehead.
"Love you," he whispered before stepping back.
Moving the few steps to his own bed, he smiled down at Michael. He looked so innocent in sleep, so pure, and yet he'd been through so much.
Kicking off his shoes he lifted the blanket and managed to squeeze in beside Michael only to have his son reach for him with a mumble.
"Sssshh," Grissom soothed, hugging him close and pulling the blanket over them.
Thankfully, Michael stilled and Grissom kissed the top of his head.
"Sweet dreams."
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Grissom frowned. There was something against his cheek. A hand. A small hand. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by familiar blue eyes.
"Breakfast, Daddy. Up time," Michael said quietly.
Groaning, Grissom closed his eyes for a second before looking at his watch. "Jeez, Mike," he moaned. "It's only just after 6."
"Yes," he agreed as he stared at him.
Grissom slowly sat up and leaned back against the wall, a long yawn escaping his mouth.
"Up time," Michael repeated holding up his hand. "Up then breakfast then brush teeth then wash then dressed," he said counting off on his fingers. "We need to wake Mommy, too, so she can have breakfast."
Although still sleepy, Grissom managed a smile and rubbed Michael's shoulders before glancing over to Sara. It looked like she was still asleep.
"I see numerous issues with your list," Grissom teased and Michael frowned at him. "First, Mommy needs her rest so we can't just wake her up. Second, breakfast doesn't start for another hour so you'll have to keep control of your belly for a little while longer."
Michael glanced down at his belly with a confused look. "Control?" he questioned.
Grinning, Grissom lightly poked his tummy. "I mean you'll have to wait."
Sighing, Michael looked in Sara's direction. "When Mommy wake up?"
Yawning again, Grissom shook his head. "I'm not sure. She'll still be very tired because of the operation she had yesterday so we must let her rest." Now Michael nodded and shuffled from Grissom's lap and off the bed. "What are you doing?"
"Wee wee," Michael said, pointing towards the bathroom.
"Oh," Grissom said flatly, pushing the blanket back and swinging his legs over the bed. "Okay." After rubbing a hand over his face, he got up and stretched. "Come on then," Grissom offered, holding out his hand.
"I can do myself," Michael replied not taking the offered hand and, instead, pulling down his PJ bottoms.
Grissom's eyebrows soared before he shot a look towards the door. "Careful, Mike," he warned. "Flashing your behind at the nurses might get us in trouble." Michael just smiled as he kicked off his bottoms. "Next time wait until you are in the bathroom before doing that, okay?"
"No one see," Michael argued cheekily.
"Go," Grissom ordered pointing to the bathroom.
Giggling, Michael shuffled towards the bathroom and Grissom rolled his eyes twisting his neck and groaning when it cracked.
"I never knew our son was a streaker."
Hearing Sara's voice, Grissom turned and smiled at the grin on her face. But before he could approach her, Michael called out.
"Daddy! Help please."
"Be right back," he said, shaking his head and heading towards the bathroom. "What's up, Mike?" he asked, stepping inside. But, as he saw Michael staring at the toilet, he knew.
"Can't reach," Michael sighed.
"That's why we use the step, remember?" Grissom said, looking behind the door for the small plastic appliance the nurse had provided.
"Couldn't find it," Michael argued.
"Did you look?" Grissom asked, putting the step down in front of the toilet. Michael shook his head. "Too much like your mother. You never look." Michael pouted and Grissom smirked holding out his hand. "Come on, I may as well help now that I'm here. Up you get and let's be quick because mommy has just woken up."
Michael's eyes lit up and he took his father's hand. Getting up on the step, he quickly did what he had to do then jumped down.
"See, Mommy," he said eagerly but Grissom pulled him back as he made a dash for the door.
"Waaaaait," Grissom commanded. Looking confused, Michael faced him. "Two things," Grissom said. "First, what are we forgetting to do?"
Looking around, Michael thought. "Wash hands."
"That's right. We must not forget that with Mommy being sick," Grissom instructed. "And secondly, Mommy is probably going to be quite groggy and she's going to start feeling very sore so don't go jumping on her or anything, okay?"
Nodding, Michael pulled away from his father and headed toward the toilet to get the step. Setting it in front of the sink, he jumped and washed his hands.
"Good, boy," Grissom praised, handing him a towel when he'd finished.
"See Mommy now?" Michael asked, handing the towel back once his hands were dry.
"Yes, go on," Grissom urged and in a shot Michael was off. "Carefully!"
Grissom followed after his son, smirking as he climbed onto the chair by Sara's bed and gave his mother a healthy wave.
Smiling back, Sara reached for his hand. "Don't you think…you should put your bottoms back on, baby?" she challenged, her breath a little short. "A little early…to be flashing your assets around."
Grissom scooped up Michael's pj bottoms from the floor and headed to the bed. "Sit down," he requested of his son.
Doing as he was asked, Michael let his father redress him then quickly returned to standing on the chair.
"Daddy says not time for breakfast yet," he complained to Sara who looked at the clock and pursed her lips.
"It is…still very early," she answered.
Frowning, Grissom leaned close and gave her a kiss. "How are you feeling? You sound breathless."
Clenching her eyes closed for a second, Sara cleared her throat. "Still waking up…I think."
Nipping on his lip, Grissom thought about hitting the call button. Considering her previous embolism, being short of breath made him worry. Just as the thought crossed his mind, Christine stepped into the room.
"Wow, we're all up early," the nurse said.
"Breakfast?" Michael asked.
Grissom's eyes flicked to him. "Can you take your mind of your stomach for five minutes?"
Sighing loudly, Michael dropped back onto the chair looking sorry for himself.
"He's…just so used to…eating this early at home," Sara said to her husband. "But you're too busy…sleeping."
Mouth dropping at the accusation, Grissom's eyebrows soared. "Am not," he denied.
She chuckled. "You are so…easy."
Playfully narrowing his eyes at her, their conversation halted when Christine spoke up.
"How are you feeling, Sara?" she asked, normal procedure ensuing and Grissom pulled Michael's chair back a bit so she could get closer to the patient. "You're sounding a little croaky."
Feeling his heart skip a beat, Grissom picked up one of Michael's books and handed it to him to keep him occupied for a second before moving closer to the bed.
"I noticed that, too," he admitted.
"I guess I'm…just like any other 40 something year old that's just…undergone major surgery," Sara returned.
"Any nasal congestion?" Christine asked, checking Sara's blood pressure. "Chest pain? Anything like that?"
Grissom swallowed hard. He knew any form of virus would not be good right now especially if associated with Sara's lungs but, thankfully, she shook her head.
"Just feel a bit tired," she said. "Throat is quite dry."
Nodding, Christine removed the blood pressure cuff. "Well your pressure's gone down which is good. Try and drink plenty of water today if you can, okay? I'll bring some fresh through in a minute."
"Do my best," Sara replied.
Folding his arms, Grissom watched as Christine inspected the IV. "How long until she's off that?" he asked.
Turning, she faced him. "The doctor will decide that when he does his rounds," she replied. "But usually 24-48 hours after surgery."
He nodded. "Okay."
Looking down at Michael, Christine smiled. "What do you have there?" she asked him.
"Animals," Michael replied, holding up the book.
Christine smiled. "Animals, huh?"
"Yes," Michael confirmed. "Tigers and elephants and lions."
"Sounds like fun," she said with a smile as Michael nodded.
"Do you know what time the doctor will be around?" Grissom asked, keen for answers.
"Around 9am," Christine replied. "If anything changes I'll let you know." Grissom nodded. "I'll just go grab some fresh water."
He smiled over at Sara then looked down toward Michael. "Come on, little man," he said as he held out his hand. "Let's get you dressed. We're getting close to breakfast."
Michael's eye lit up. Handing his book to Grissom, he grabbed his hand and jumped down from the chair.
"Make sure…he brushes his teeth," Sara called as Grissom grabbed fresh clothing from one of the bags.
"Yes, dear," he shouted back, rolling his eyes. "Semi-conscious and still nagging," he joked quietly but not quite quietly enough.
"I heard that."
Smirking, he nodded to the bathroom. "Go on," he urged Michael. "And if Mommy asks if you brushed your teeth you better say yes."
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Grissom smirked as Michael picked up his plate and licked it. Scrambled eggs and toast all ravenously consumed.
"I think it's all gone, Mike," Grissom said from where he sat next to Sara's bed, looking down at the small table the nurse had brought in for him.
Pouting, Michael looked up. "Still hungry," he complained.
Grissom looked at Sara. "How did we create such an animal?" he teased.
Grinning, she looked down at her plate. "He can have mine."
Looking over her plate, Grissom shook his head. "No, you need to try and eat more," he argued noting Sara had barely touched her food.
Reaching across the tray, he picked up an apple and held it out to his son. "Try and pace yourself, huh?" he said.
Smiling, Michael took the apple and immediately bit into it, giggling slightly when Grissom rolled his eyes.
"It's good to see him enjoy his food," Sara said.
Grissom glanced her way. "Ah, come on, honey," he encouraged, nodding down to her nearly full plate. "You can do better than that."
Sara huffed out a long breath. "I'm really not hungry," she said honestly. "Maybe I will be a little later."
Hesitating slightly, Grissom moved her tray out of the way. "Okay," he said trying not to worry that she wasn't eating again. It could just be the anesthetic was still in her system. "Will you be okay if I go wash and shave?"
She nodded. "I'll be fine."
Getting up, he dropped a kiss to her lips and smiled. "I won't be long."
Sara nodded again as Grissom turned and looked at Michael. "You behave yourself while Daddy is in the bathroom."
Swallowing the apple in his mouth, Michael nodded. "Yes, Daddy."
Thinking for a second, Grissom held out his hand. "Come sit by Mommy because I know what you're like. You'll be trying to get up there if I leave you where you are."
Michael didn't argue. Taking Grissom's hand he let himself be led to the chair by the bed.
"Look after Mommy while I get back."
"Yes," Michael agreed with a bright smile.
Grissom smiled back before stepping away.
"Apple?" Michael asked, holding his fruit out to Sara.
Snorting, Sara shook her head. "No, thank you, baby."
"Still sick, Mommy?"
Sara smiled, reaching out to run her fingers through is hair. "I'm going to be sick for a while. So, I'm going to need lots of love from you and Daddy to help me get better, okay?"
Smiling brightly, Michael nodded. "We see babies again today?"
She sighed, dropping her hand over her tummy. "I'm not sure if I can sweetie but maybe you and Daddy can pop over to see them." Her attention drew to the door as Maggie entered.
"All finished?" the nurse asked, looking over the breakfast plates.
"Yes, thank you," Sara replied.
"Didn't do so well did we?" Maggie questioned, gathering the plates.
"He did," Sara returned, kinking her head towards Michael. "Sadly, I did not."
"It'll get better," Maggie encouraged. "Give it time."
"Yeah," Sara breathed. "I guess I have lots of that."
Maggie smiled at Michael. "Enjoy your breakfast?" she asked him.
"Mmmmm," Michael mumbled, bobbing his head as he bit into the apple.
"Good," she chirped, returning her attention to Sara. "The doctor will be by in about half an hour. I thought you'd like to know."
Swallowing, Sara gave a single nod. "Okay. Thanks."
Her nerves started to build again. How could they not? What they had to say to her could well determine how she would spend the rest of her life.
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"That's how you spell it, right?" Grissom asked of Sara as he typed in something on their iPad.
"Not a 's'. A 'z'," she answered.
He frowned. "Really?"
"Like zebra," Michael spouted out, not even stopping what he was creating at the small table.
"Hey, guys."
All three of them looked up to see Steven and Alex walking into the room. Hastily, Grissom tried to hide his building anxiety and, as casually as he could, put the iPad down while Michael smiled then went back to work.
"Hi," Sara breathed nervously, shuffling her butt a little which was aching and winced at the effort. She'd kill to be able to get up.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked, noticing her grimace.
Sara's eyebrows rose. "How would you like me to answer that question?" she just about snapped and the doctor cleared his throat. As Grissom took her hand, Sara sighed. "Sorry," she apologized. "I'm just a little tense and my butt has gone to sleep. I'm sick of lying here."
"It's fine," Alex said softly. "I understand your frustration."
She wanted to snap out 'do you?' but refrained from doing so. Instead she looked at Grissom who gave the best encouraging smile he could no matter how difficult it was. Taking a breath, Sara glanced back at the bearers of her news.
"So…can we get on with it?"
"Sure," Steven replied swiftly. "We'll talk a little about your surgery first, do an examination then a few tests and then we'll discuss next steps, okay?"
"Will I find out when my legs can come down?" Sara asked. "And when I might actually be able to get out of this bed?"
Alex nodded. "Yes. We will go through all that when we know where we stand."
To everyone's surprise Sara snorted and Grissom frowned as she looked at him.
"Where we stand," she retorted. "I find it amusing."
Grissom knew she didn't find it amusing at all but if she had to deal with it this way then that was the way it was going to be. He squeezed her hand again and she sighed.
"I guess we better get started."
A/N: Maybe I should turn Sara into the bionic woman. Could make for a fun fic, lmao.