The first time a chapter has been sent to a beta before-hand - thanks hodiestoe, for volunteering to take a look, I wasn't happy with this, but it wasn't until you'd pointed out what was wrong that I could put my finger on it. Big thanks also go to odeepblue, lisa1986 and jtbwriter, and anyone else who has reviewed.

When Sara came home from work, Grissom was standing in the kitchen, waiting for coffee to percolate. "Hey there," she said softly.

He turned, greeting her with a big smile. "Hey," he replied. "How was work?"

She gave a furtive grin. "Nick wanted to know why I'm so happy all of a sudden."

Grissom cocked an eyebrow. "Really? What did you say?"

She hung her jacket up and rolled up her sleeves, approaching Gil and giving him a hug. "I said I'd had my chakras realigned."

They both burst into uncontrollable giggles. "What did he have to say about that?" Grissom asked when he had managed to control himself. He poured Sara a mug of coffee, adding sugar and cream.

"He knew I was taking the piss, but he got the picture that I didn't really appreciate him knowing, so he left me to it." She took a sip of her coffee, then looked up, noting Grissom's 'questioning' face. "What?" she asked warily.

"How would you feel about people knowing about us? I'm not suggesting that we tell anyone, at least not in the very near future, but I always wanted to know how you'd feel about people knowing that we were lovers."

"Oh, I get it. You mean 'How would you feel if people found out you were dating an old guy?' Thanks."

"You said it, not me. For the record, I was always worried that people would look at me like I was old pervert, or a cradle-snatcher or somethin' like that."

Sara couldn't help laughing at his words. "You, an old pervert? Yeah, right. I've never really cared about what people might think. Fifteen years age gap is nothing."

Grissom frowned. "You know, every time I'm reminded of the age difference, I feel older." He leaned back against the counter. "If you get freshened up a bit, I thought we could go out for breakfast. That is, if you want to. We could just as easily stay here and relax."

"Going out for breakfast sounds good," she replied, patting him on the chest. "You gonna come and join me in getting freshened up?"

"So, what's going on tomorrow? What have you got planned?" Sara toyed with her fork, even though there was no food for her to attack with it.

Gil leaned forward, running a finger absently around the rim of his coffee cup. "What have I told you about surprises?" he chided. Looking up, he changed tack. "I can't really give much away, save to say that we're going to be staying at mine. I've got something to give you before work tonight, but you're not allowed to look at it until tomorrow. Go back to yours after work tomorrow morning, and call around at about seven in the evening."

Sara sighed. "That's all I'm going to get, isn't it?" she said, making an attempt at a pout. It didn't work, and she broke into a grin.

"Yup. For the time being, that is," he added slyly. "All you need to be concerned with is getting to my apartment on time and making sure you've got the thing I'm going to give you. I'm taking care of everything else." He watched her observing him closely. "You're not gonna catch me out, Sara," he grinned.

"Maybe I'm not trying to catch you out. I've known you for long enough to know that you're got at keeping things hidden."

He waited until the waitress had set down their food and left them, and winced. "Ouch, that hurt," he commented, then sighed. "Then again, I can't say I blame you."

"What?"

"The comment about me keeping things hidden. I know I haven't ...".

Sara reached over and touched his hand. "We've gone over this," she murmured. "Once in a while, I feel slightly bitter, and can't help voicing how I feel. If you want, you can make snidey comments about Hank."

Grissom frowned. "Why would I do that? Anyway, you've got much more dirt on me, why didn't you barb me with a comment about sleeping with a dominatrix?"

Sara huffed a short laugh, and smiled. "Firstly, because I have so much dirt on you, I'd expect you to make at least one little jibe about me, just to restore a bit of parity. Secondly, you were honest about what happened with Heather, and I thought that would be a little harsh of me to comment on that. Thirdly," she said, ignoring the rolling of his eyes, "sleeping with a dominatrix really had no bearing on the conversation. I could, however, ask you if want me to bring some rope, or handcuffs or something." She grinned as Gil reddened.

"Not a topic I would prefer to dwell on in a family environment, Sara. Anyway, like I said, I'm taking care of everything else." He took his eyes from hers and concentrated on his food.

The corner of Sara's mouth turned up. "That mean you've got ...".

"Sara," came his warning.

"Fine, I'll eat my breakfast."

"You not talking to me?" Grissom asked as they left the diner. He reached for her hand, but could tell she was being ... not pissy, but if it was anyone else, that was what he would have said. "Have I done something?" came his slightly worried tone.

Sara turned to him, and this time managed to pull off an impressive pout. "I don't like you using that warning tone with me, Gil," she commented, mock-stern. She reached back for his hand, and he pulled her to him, kissing her thoroughly.

"Sorry," he whispered against her mouth. "But if you continue to force the subject, that's what happens."

Sara hugged him. "You and the control thing?"

He pulled away, his eyes wide in affront. "No, but I think that some issues are only suitable for more ... private surroundings. And that place certainly wasn't private."

"Oh." She nodded in understanding. Like I don't already know that. "I'm just teasing."

"I know," he replied, holding the passenger door open for her. "So, don't forget, go back to yours after work. And don't forget to pick up your ...?"

"Present? Instead of risking me taking a peek, why don't you keep it at yours, let me get it when I come 'round tomorrow?"

Grissom pursed his lips. "I'd rather you had it before then. Get used to it," he explained obliquely.

Sara shrugged. "Sure."

Now she understood why he wanted her to have her present before she got to his. He'd probably have jumped her before she had a chance to get used to wearing it.

She had opened the bag as she was sitting on the edge of her bath tub, waiting for it to fill up. There had been a note lying on top of whatever was in the bag. Dear Sara, it had read, I hope this note finds you well. I managed to sneak a look at your more ... feminine measurements, so the things in here should fit you. I'm sure you'll look stunning in them, and even better out of them. I love you. Yours, Gil. She reached into the bag, her hands coming into contact with something soft. She pulled the first thing out - a black, lacy bra, that was more air and space to show off than lace. After that came an equally black thong, a garter belt, and a pair of sheer black stockings. She took a deep breath as she imagined Gil imagining her wearing them.

It was a good thing the bath water was hot, because after the thoughts that had just run through her head, she would need the cleansing.