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Nick only stood there in shock for a few minutes before he went after her. She was wrong. He loved her. He would never hurt her. She was just afraid. Usually when a woman told him it was over, he knew it was. But he knew Sara didn't mean it. What had she said?

I don't want to keep falling for you when you'll just end up leaving me…

She was falling for him. She didn't hate him. She was just afraid of getting hurt. He wasn't going to hurt her, so he wasn't going to give up on her without a fight.

Dashing past people in the lab, he made his way out into the parking lot. The sun streamed in his eyes, and he winced. He saw Sara leaning against her car, and he ran over to her.

She was crying, hard. Her arms were wrapped around her shoulders and she could barely stand for her tears. She was shaking violently, and sobbing loudly. She didn't notice him, but he still wrapped his arms around her when he reached her. He took a deep breath, steadying his own emotions.

"Shhh… it's okay," he soothed her. She sobbed against him.

"I'm so sorry," she whimpered. "I didn't mean it. I don't want it to end."

"I know," he assured her, his heart soaring at the recognition that she didn't want to break up.

"It's just…"

"It's okay, I know," he told her again. He didn't want to hear her apologizing. He just wanted her to be okay.

"I'm taking you home, okay?

She nodded, and he opened the passenger side door of her car. She hopped in, and he ran around and hopped into the driver's side. He'd take a taxi to the lab after to pick up his car.

Sara was wiping her eyes, and as he started the car, she started apologizing again. Nick held up his hand, stilling her apologies.

The ride to her apartment was silent, and as he parked in her spot, he stopped the car. She had stopped crying now, but her chocolate eyes were still swollen from the tears.

"Come up," she replied huskily, and he nodded.

She opened the front door and she went inside. Nick closed the door behind him, and as he turned around, Sara's lips were on his, probing inside with her tongue, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands moved to cup her jaw, and he brought her closer.

They exchanged long, slow kissed for a few minutes, before they both pulled away breathless. He grinned at her.

"Whoa," he exclaimed. She grinned, and brushed her cheek against his. He pulled away.

"We do need to talk, Sara."

Her smile faltered, but Nick brushed his hand against her cheek. "It's okay."

They made their way over to the couch, and sat down. He grasped her hands, and took a deep breath.

"Sara," he said. "I need to know if… when you kissed Grissom…. Did it mean anything?"

She shook her head.

"No, it didn't mean anything. I… wasn't myself the other night," she whispered. Nick nodded, and wrapped his arms around her again, a silent forgiveness.

"Did you mean what you said, Nick," she said timidly. "Do you… love me?"

He swallowed. He did love her. But was she ready to hear it.

She was looking up it him, and he decided he couldn't lie to her.

He nodded.

And she smiled, burying her face in his neck. She didn't love him yet, obviously, but hopefully, one day.

They sat there on the couch for a long time, and when Nick finally checked the time, he found that it was almost midday, and Sara was fast asleep. Gently menovouring himself, he picked her up, and carried her to her bed. As he placed her down, she woke up, her eyes heavy from sleep.

"Nicky?" she questioned. He brushed his fingers along her cheek.

"Yes, sweetie?" he questioned her. She didn't say anything, but pulled him down on top of her, her lips crushing against his, her tongue entering his mouth. He steadied himself with one arm, and let the other one caress her side.

They continued to kiss passionately for minutes, but when Sara's nimble fingers began to work on the buttons of Nick's shirt, he pulled away.

"Sara," he breathed, "Are… are you sure about this? Are you ready?"

He needn't have asked. The arousal in her eyes was enough of an answer for him. But she nodded anyway, and he brought his lips to hers again, kissing her sweetly, before letting his tongue slide down her neck, nibbling on her collarbone. She moaned, and Nick was lost.

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He lay there afterwards, his body and mind completely sated. Sara was asleep, pressed up against him, her head resting on his chest. His fingers were running through her hair gently.

She had been amazing.

She was amazing.

It had been the best experience of his life. No other woman could compare to her. It was the fact that he was in love with her that did it.

She let out a tiny whimper in her sleep, and Nick pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her hair. Her eyes opened, and she let out a smile.

"I love you, Nicky," she whispered. Nick looked at her, brushing her hair away from her face.

"I love you too sweetie."

He leant over and kissed her, and then they were lost in passion again.

And it was even more amazing this time, because he knew she loved him too.

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