CHAPTER FIVE

Grissom had a small bookshelf in his Office-corner where he had some DVDs. Not many, but enough of a selection to find one to fit the mood. She noticed that he had started clearing space on the next shelf up to house some of her favorites that she'd brought by a time or two. Sara skimmed over the DVDs and giggled to herself when she thumbed over "Fried Green Tomatoes".

I'm surprised he kept this…

Last year during Christmas the team had wanted to do a White Elephant gift exchange with gag gifts. Everyone was surprised when Grissom offered his home to host. Even Sara. She had been staying there off and on. As soon as the words left his mouth she realized he had already regret it wished he could pull the words back. Catherine didn't let him off the hook, she jumped at the notion he was actually inviting people into his home. The gift exchange had been good fun, everyone gathered around in the living room, laughing, drinking and just enjoying each other's company. Sara and Grissom got away with sitting next to each other on the couch without much question as everyone was squeezed next to someone. The warm buzzing holiday drinks had everyone feeling festive and friendly. They all found it quite funny when Grissom drew the final present only to unwrap a Blue Ray copy of "Fried Green Tomatoes". Everyone glared at Greg when he admitted it was the best movie on the rack at the convenient store on his way over. Grissom swept in the moment handed it to Catherine to put it on. He even went as far as to pat Greg on the shoulder thanking him for the gift.

As Catherine loaded the DVD, the rest of the team gathered in the kitchen fixing new drinks and grabbing snacks. Grissom was playing bartender as people gathered round sliding glasses his way. Warrick and Nick were busy discussing their bets on the latest case when Nick haphazardly set his glass on the counter, knocking into Greg's, spilling them both. Everyone flinched and reached for napkins, quickly attempting to sop up the mess. Nick grabbed a paper towel off the roll and waved it in the air.

"This is the last one."

"Oh. I'll grab some more." Sara rounded the corner and pulled a roll of paper towels from the cupboard above the fridge. When she turned around, Brass was staring at her intently, his eyes squinted, peering into hers as he took a sip of his whiskey. Sara unable to think of an explanation as to how she knew exactly where the extra rolls were. She tried to divert her eyes to the mess still being cleaned on the counter, but her pursed lips were a dead giveaway that she was hiding something.

Brass refused to take his eyes off Sara as she tried to keep herself busy in the kitchen as people gathered their snacks. Brass was one of the last few to walk away, looking between them both. Grissom looked up to Brass and scrunched his eyebrow, confused on why he was being stared down.

"What, Jim?"

Sara's eyes widened, as she looked between them both. Terrified that Brass was about to spill the beans. Sara involuntarily grabbed Grissom's arm, causing him to look at her quickly before he shot his face back to Brass. Brass saw her hand on his arm and knew for sure. There was no mistaking the guilt they were both desperately trying to hide. He slowly started to smirk and blinked his eyes between the two of them. He raised his glass and toasted to the air before he took a sip, shaking his head and walked into the living room.

Grissom put his hand on the small of her back and whispered it was fine under his lips. He'd known Brass for years and had kept his fair share of secrets. He didn't have any reason to believe he was incapable of doing the same.

By the time they made their way into living room, Sara and Grissom's spots were taken by Catherine and Nick as they scooted closer together, making room for Brass on the other side. Warrick and Greg decided to play a game of chess at Grissom's dining room table, leaving the two arm chairs open for Sara and Grissom. The chairs sat to each side of the couch facing each other. Grissom couldn't remember the last time each piece of his furniture was being occupied all at the same time. He was slightly disappointed that they had lost their spots on the couch, but was realizing his view from across the room was working just fine for him too.

Sara sat in the chair with her legs pulled up to her chest, her elbow resting on the arm of the chair, her face nestled in the palm of her hand. She tilted her head towards the tv, doing her best to avoid eye contact with him. Looking at him was enough to undo her at this moment. He'd boughten some new clothes recently, all of them fitting quite perfect for his style. His black trousers were neatly pressed, tight enough to give him away if he wasn't careful. His simple black belt, a guarded barrier that she had just had her hands on a few hours prior. He had on a dark green plaid button up with one of his black undershirts. The collar of his shirt starched and pulled high on his neck. Earlier she had tugged it away, kissing on his skin. She knew that just under the right side of his collar was a red spot where her passion got the best of her and she nipped him harder than she intended to. But he hadn't seemed to mind. He was quite proud of his wound. The evidence of a woman in desperate need of his flesh.

And as if his ensemble wasn't enough, his physical position was. Grissom sat across the coffee table from her. His back straight with his legs crossed. Both of his hands rested over the edge of the leather arms of the chair. His eyes were set on her as if recording her from head to toe. Occasionally he'd look to the movie when he remembered he was supposed to be watching it. But it wasn't long before his eyes were back on Sara.

When Kathy Bates character opened the door wrapped in cellophane, the guys lost it. Jokes were cracked about DBs they had found wrapped up similarly. But Catherine watched the scene, grinning. Admiring the courage and tenacity it would take to do such a thing.

"Hey, when you love someone, and you want them, you do what it takes. You make sure they see you…"