Title: Realisations Of A Hangover 2?
Author: neo-chef
Pairing: Catherine/Sara
Rating: PG for now later on who knows…
Spoilers: anything is fair game
Archive: let me know and it can go anywhere
Disclaimer: If they were mine, I wouldn't have the time or the energy to write about them…
Chapter 2
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Encased in the mirror-like frame was a picture of Lindsay Willows. The world around Sara slowed down to the point where it felt as if everything was in slow motion. Reaching past the framed photo of Lindsay she picked up the next frame on the table. What greeted her eyes nearly made her heart stop. In a timber frame was a photo of Lindsay, Sara and Catherine Willows, taken at last years CSI Christmas party.
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Meeting Nick and Warrick, they decided that the minimum number of cars that could be taken would be the best idea. Warrick offered to drive and Nick called shotgun for his car. A gentle shove from Sara sent Greg stumbling towards Warrick's car. Sara missed the small smirk from Cath at the awkward journey of the youngest CSI.
"Looks like it's just you and me Cath, I'll drive." Unsure as to where this new found confidence came from Sara practically ran to the driver's door of her Tahoe. As Catherine slid into the passenger seat, Sara couldn't resist a look as her blonde co-worker settled in and buckled up. "Where did the guys want to go?"
"Not sure. Warrick mentioned some new club but the name escapes me. Just follow them," replied Cath fixing Sara with her baby blues.
Sara swallowed nervously as they pulled out behind Warrick into the sleepless traffic of Las Vegas. An uneasy silence settled in the car, Sara's confidence momentarily deserting her under the cool gaze of the older CSI. Thinking quickly, Sara settled on the safe topic of Lindsay.
"How's Lindsay going with school?"
"Ok. She's had a rough year after Eddie died. The kids at school aren't as gentle with such issues. The teasing has been getting to her a little." The guilt of one of Sara's few unsolved cases felt like a knife in the guts. Sara opened her mouth to apologise once more, but at a raised hand from Cath, stopped short. "I know what your going to say Sara and you don't need to. I know I should have said this a lot earlier." Looking across to Sara as they pulled up at a red light. "I'm sorry."
A puzzled look crossed Sara's face. "Pardon. Cath I really think…"
Another raised hand from Catherine. "No Sara. You did everything you could. I watched you work that case. I know you hardly left the lab, working back-to-back doubles and triples; you were tireless in your efforts. I know how you treat your work, closing that case must have been so hard for you. You couldn't make evidence from nothing and I know you did all you could. I should have said this much earlier but I will be eternally sorry for the way I treated you during that case."
A honk from a car behind them reminded Sara that she was still at the wheel of a car and she took off after Warrick. "Cath I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, just accept it for what it is. A heartfelt apology from a grateful friend."
At the mention of 'friend' Sara looked across to Catherine with a smile on her face. "Ok then. If Lindsay ever needs help with anything for school, let me know. I would be glad to help out."
"Thank you Sara, I think she would like that. Linds is always talking about you," replied Catherine with a matching smile. "I'm glad I finally got you alone. I don't think I could have said all that with one of the guys here. I'm glad you gave Greg that little shove." Laughter from Catherine filled the cab as they pulled up next to Warrick's car in the parking lot of the club.
A blush coloured Sara's cheeks as she chuckled. "I didn't think you saw that. But I'm glad it was just the two of us."
Just before Sara exited the car, Cath reached across, placing her hand of Sara's thigh. "Me too Sar, me too."
Sara could feel the heat from Catherine's hand burning through the leather as she joined the rest of the group looking at the front of the club. In glaring blue neon, the sign for 'Tease' nightclub, gave an eerie glow across the nightclub. Following Warrick past the bouncer into the club, the five CSIs found a booth at the back of the club. Cath and Greg volunteered to head up and get the first round of drinks.
Returning with a tray of drinks each, Cath placed beers in front of everyone while Greg placed a single shot glass next to the beers. All five raised the shot glasses in silent toast then downed them, quickly followed by a mouthful of beer to ease the burn as the liqueur seared its way down their throats. Sara, in the hustle of getting some liquid courage under her belt, hadn't noticed Catherine sit down next to her in the booth. Quickly becoming self-conscious, she tried furtively to slide further down the chair, only to realise that she was flush against the wall. Figuring that her colleagues would notice if she pushed her way through the wall, she decided to grin and bear it.
When Catherine felt Sara squirming in the seat next to her, she figured she would have a little fun. Gently running her hand onto Sara's left thigh, she whispered, "Its ok Sara, I don't bite." Feeling Sara jump slightly at the contact, she continued, "Unless you want me to." An almost inaudible moan escaped Sara's mouth, but Nick just caught it.
"You ok there Sara? You seem a little tense."
Hearing Catherine trying to contain her giggles, Sara forced a smile. "Yeah Nicky, I'm fine. Just remembered something I have to do later on." Downing the rest of her beer, she shot Catherine a 'you'll pay for that' look, while Cath just smiled wider and drained her beer too.
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Staring in shock at the photo in her hands, Sara tried to come up with a plausible reason as to why there would be a photo of her in, now what she assumed was, Catherine's house. Unable to come up with anything she placed the frame back on the nightstand and shakily stood up and headed for what she guessed was the ensuite bathroom. After using the facilities and splashing some water on her face she looked at herself in the mirror. She was now dressed in some of Catherine's pyjamas. Panicking she moved back into the bedroom and saw her clothes neatly folded on the chair near the door. Changing back into her leather pants and top she froze when she heard a voice behind her.
"Morning Sara, did you sleep well?"
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TBC…
A.N. Sorry for the little cliff hanger, its was just the most natural place to put a chapter break in. Hope you can all wait a few days for chapter 3 to come.