Hi everyone! Thanks for the reviews, you guys are great. Sorry for the long wait but november is NaNoWriMo time so... Anyway I'm back. Here are the three new chaps.

Enjoy

So ;)


Act 24: Catherine

"Stop it, Sar… come on…" I beg in a laugh.

"Say uncle!" she tickles me even more fiercely.

"Never!" I guffaw.

She decides to play dirty and starts biting me gently in addition of her tickling. I can feel myself weakening and I'm laughing so much that I can barely breathe. "Uncle!… uncle!" I cave in between laughter.

"Ah, ah! Finally you acknowledge the superiority of Sara the Brave! I…"

"I win!" Lindsey's voice resounds in triumph, our holy grail in hands.

"What… no hey! It's mine!" Sara protests, disentangles herself from me and start chasing Lindsey.

"Nuh-uh…" Lindsey sticks her tongue out and runs around the living room laughing. "I win!"

"Not yet, prepare to bow to Sara the Brave!"

"Nope, rules are rules, whoever has the remote control at 8 p.m. choose the program. It's 8:01, I win," Lindsey points out.

"Oh come on!" Sara whines. "I'm outnumbered, it's unfair!"

Lindsey just does a happy dance while Sara starts to pout, repeating yet again how it is unfair that she didn't get the remote.

"Hey, all is fair in battle for the remote," Lindsey points out.

"I am outnumbered!" Sara repeats in protest.

"Technically, each one of us goes two against one, just face it you've been outsmarted by Lindsey the Bold," my daughter comes back.

"Hmph!" is Sara's eloquent reply as she plops back on the couch next to me. Lindsey, as per habit sits on the other side of Sara.

"Alright, just so Sara stops pouting, I'll listen to your suggestions today."

"I want to watch a movie," Sara declares her moods perking up.

"Oh there's this comedy…"

"Nope, sorry mom, no romantic comedy," Linds cuts me off.

"Why not?"

"Because Sara gets bored and then you two start making out, it's gross."

"Again, I'm outnumbered… I can never win, I'm always the loser or the naughty one…" Sara rambles.

"You are naughty," I reply suggestively.

"Eww… teenager still in the room, ladies, behave!"

I roll my eyes with a chuckle and kiss Sara's neck. "Fine no romantic comedy, but I want a comedy."

"I felt more like sci-fi," Sara announces.

"Yeah me too," Linds seconds her.

"See, I'm the one outnumbered here, you don't see me pout, do you?" I tease Sara.

"Not the same," she shakes her head. "But nice try," she pecks my lips.

"Oh I got the perfect compromise!" Linds exclaim. "Galaxy Quest, a sci-fi comedy."

"Right on," Sara agrees and offers her fist to Lindsey who bumps it with hers.

We get into our routine, I go get blankets and DVD, Sara and Linds prepare the popcorn and the drinks. Twenty minutes later we are all settled on the couch, Linds and I snuggle against Sara. I watch my two girls bantering during the trailers and announcements and I can't help the smile on my face, feeling happy.

After the movie is over Linds and Sara spend some time exclusively together, reading in Linds' bedroom. I use the time alone to write letters to my brothers, and check my e-mails.

When Sara comes back we clean around and make the dishes.

"Do you think we should tell the boys about us?" she asks out of the blue.

"Hmm… no," I shake my head. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed or anything, I just…" I sigh. "I don't want to share this with anyone, yet. Once they'll know we'll be a topic of discussion, and then there'll be questions. I just want to enjoy you and us for a while."

"Okay," she grins, leans forward and kisses me.

"That means no hints about seeing someone either, because they'll figure it out."

"I know, don't worry. They might be dense for those things, they are good with clues," she jokes.

I'm really happy with Sara and part of me wants to scream it on the top of the world, but the other part is selfish. I know that we've been living our thing in our little bubble and it's been perfect and I want to preserve that, I know it's silly, and that eventually we'll have to officialise everything with the boys but until we absolutely have to, I want to keep Sara for myself, no teasing from anyone else, no meddling, just the two of us in our perfect little world.

The next two weeks go by in a blur and unfortunately for Sara and I we don't have the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, between our respective cases, court appearances and other responsibility we only manage to go out once, but mostly we try to meet halfway, and she comes to sleep at my place or for diner.

I hate to admit it but I miss her, and it makes me a little irritable. When we do get some time alone we are at work therefore we can't do anything except exchange a few words.

"I think I'm going to change my shirt," I tell Nancy before retreating to her bedroom.

Tonight, I accompany Nancy to some work event, I asked Sara but she had already agreed to go out with the boys, so unfortunately we're missing yet another opportunity to be together. I know it's normal and that we're not attached by the hips but I can't help wanting to be with her most of the time.

"Try the red one, it's good on you," Nancy shouts from the living room.

"It's too… much," I argue as I unbutton the shirt I have on.

"Go with the black then."

"It's not a funeral," I sigh with frustration. I grab the red shirt, still not convinced that it's my colour, but I give it another try nonetheless. I hear the doorbell and Nancy talking to someone. I'm about to ask who is it when there's a soft knock on the frame of Nancy's bedroom door.

"Hey."

I turn around so fast that my head spins a bit. I'm surprised to see Sara, standing there and smiling. "Hey," I breathe out.

"That's a great shirt, I like red on you," she nods appreciatively and I blush at the compliment.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were going out with the boys?"

"I am," she steps closer to me. "I just wanted to say 'have a good evening' in person," she shrugs closing the distance between us a little more.

"That's it?" I can't help beaming.

"Well, that and…" she cups my face gently and brings our lips together.

The kiss deepens immediately, her tongue teases mine in a slow dance, and my hands come to rest on her hips naturally.

She pulls back with a smile and rubs our noses together. "Feels like I haven't had merely enough of that this week," she states.

"Same here," I concur then capture her lips again for another tender kiss.

"Right, it goes without saying but I'll say it nonetheless, my bed… in fact my entire bedroom is off limits, so whatever it is you're doing in there, take it outside… I'm begging you!" Nancy's voice echoes from the living room.

Sara's chortle reverberates in our kiss, and she pulls back. "Sorry," I wince.

She pecks my lips then grabs my hand and guides us to the living room. "Thank you," Nancy says from the kitchen.

"For the record, we weren't doing anything," I point out.

"Sure, you were talking philosophy."

"I begged mom for a cat… instead I got you."

"Oh, that hurts," Nancy feigns hurt with a hand over her chest.

"Alright, not that I want to but I have to go," Sara reminds us of her presence.

"Already?" I whine with disappointment.

"Yeah, I was just making a quick stop."

"Let me walk you out."

"Yeah, cause the door is so far," Nancy quips in a whisper making Sara chuckling.

"Hush!" I chastise her.

"Oh look at that, I forgot something in my room, I'm going to go and look for… whatever it is," Nancy announces before retreating in her room giving Sara and I some privacy.

No sooner is Nancy out of sight that I push Sara against the door and press my lips against hers for a passionate kiss which escalates quickly into a make out session. We only pull apart at the sound of Nancy's insistent coughing.

"Right, I'm off for good," Sara says a little unfocused. "Have a good evening," Sara cups my cheek and gives me a tender kiss. "You too, Nancy. Bye."

I watch Sara get in her car and wave goodbye before closing the door a goofy smile on my face.

"You two are so sweet…" Nancy singsongs. "It's sickening, really," she quips.

"Shut up. I'm not going to see her the rest of the week-end," I explain.

"No seriously, I think a little bile rose in my throat," she ignores my reply and goes on.

I sigh heavily. "Maybe it's time to break your celibacy vow, you're getting too cynical for your own good."

"Oh, me and my hands are fine, thank you."

"Nance!" I gasp at her answer but chortle nonetheless

"You started it," she points out with a shrug. "We have to go as well, didn't you want to change?"

"No, I'm going with the red shirt, Sara said it looked nice on me."

"Oh well, if Sara said it was nice," she teases again, taking her keys.

"Shut up," I stick my tongue at her.

"Such eloquence… you're losing your edge, Kitten, all this making out is turning your brain into mush."

"I want you to know that this merciless teasing of yours won't go unpunished," I warn her and get in her car ready to face our evening.

When I arrive at work on Monday, Greg is having an animated conversation with Nick, they hush when I enter the break room. I immediately sit on the table facing them. "What's up boys?"

"Nothing," Greg shrugs.

"Sure," I give him an 'I don't buy it' look.

"It's nothing really."

"Greg…"

"Alright… it's just that we were discussing something we shouldn't."

"Do I want to know?" I ask with a smirk.

"Nothing like that," Nick protests.

"Come on spill the beans," I encourage them, my curiosity truly picked.

"Alright, but just because you're twisting my arm," Greg caves in eventually. "But don't go and reprimand us."

"I won't, you have my word. Now, tell me what you naughty boys were talking about."

"Do you remember Jillian?" he asks.

"Brunette, green eyes, athletic, she's a lab tech from day shift?" I try to recall from the occasion I worked with her. "Why?" I frown.

"Smoking hot green-eyed brunette," he corrects me then clears his throat. "Anyway, she had a hot date on Saturday," he goes on.

"Nicky?" I arch an eyebrow smiling at the Texan.

He scoffs. "I wish, but the killer brunette and I enjoy the same company."

My frown deepens and I turn to Greg for him to elaborate. "That killer brunette went on a date with our killer brunette Saturday night."

"Uh?"

"Our very own Sara Sidle."

"No," I shake my head with a nervous laugh.

"Yes," he nods excitedly.

"State your sources," I immediately ask.

"Nick, Warrick and I can testify."

I'm certain I'm smiling but my mind is experiencing a glitch.

"I thought she was out with you on Saturday."

"Yeah… but no, she was on a date with Jillian mostly," Nick replies.

"I was just telling Nick that I have evidences that could possibly say that the date was hot and a success," Greg continues.

"No," I repeat in a whisper.

"Alright, we know both of the ladies are not the one to kiss and tell whether there's something to tell or not. Jillian is away until next week and Sara might not be forthcoming. However, here's what we know, Sara was at the top of her game."

"There was a lot of laughing going on," Nick agrees.

"Here's the kicker when Jillian came to meet me on Sunday at 9 a.m. she had yet to sleep, she hadn't changed her clothes and she said she was beat, and I'm fairly certain there was a hickey on her neck that wasn't there before, that spells hot date to me. What do you think, Cath?"

"I…"

"Thing is, Sara won't talk to us about it," he clears his throat with a wince. "You know, you could actually get the info from Sara… have a girl talk or something," he adds with a shrug.

I don't have time to ask another question or reply because Grissom walks in to give us assignments. I bury myself in work, unable to process my conversation with Greg. I work in autopilot, finish my shift, get Linds from Nancy's to take her to school then I go back home but I don't sleep a wink.

Around noon, my door bell rings and I'm not surprised to find Sara at my door. "Hey there," she greets me and leans in for a kiss but I step away avoiding any contact, then walk back inside.

"What's wrong? Did something happen at work? Are you alright?" she asks with concerned.

I know better than to jump onto conclusions, especially when it comes to Sara which is the only reason why I'm not yelling at her, but I'd be lying if I said that Greg's words haven't been eating at me.

"I'm upset," I tell her honestly. "I'm upset because you said you were going out with the boys Saturday, and today they ask me to ask you how your date with Jillian went."

She sighs with a small grin "It wasn't a date."

"Did you, or did you not spend the evening with Jillian?"

"I did, but it was not a date."

I can't breathe as all my fears start to overwhelm me. "You lied to me"

"No, I didn't."

"You said you were going out with the boys… you said… you said you were going out with the boys!"

"And I did, that was the plan as far as I knew it."

"Right, and Jillian just happened to be there," I spit bitterly.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, because the boys set me up for an impromptu date."

"So it was a date."

"No, it wasn't… well the boys set it out to be, but it wasn't."

"It was a date but it wasn't, right," I can feel incoming tears prickling my eyes, and right now anger is the only thing keeping me from shading them.

"They set me up, so yeah they think it was a date but I didn't do or say anything that could be ambiguous or lead Jillian to think that it was a date. I did not flirt, I did not do anything. We played pool, shared two beers and talked that's it."

"Yeah, whatever you say, Sara."

"Cath, it was not a date."

"You tell me you go out with the boys and then you go around to have a date with another woman…"

"It was not a date! The boys set me up!"

"Yeah, sure."

My anger makes me impervious to her words. All I hear are lame excuses and 'it's not what you're thinking' standard speech.

"They did!" she sighs and controls herself so she doesn't raise her voice. "You know, that's what your friends do when they think you're single, they set you up with other single people."

I snap my head in her direction, my temper flaring up at once. "Oh sure, turn this on me!"

"That's not what I'm saying. They set me up, alright. The plan was a night just with them, surprise 30 minutes after my arrival Jillian showed up; nothing coincidental here, because the boys are as subtle as a herd of bulls in a China shop. They stayed around for an hour then left, I kept playing with Jillian that's it. It was not a date."

"I can't do this… not again… not with you…"

"Cath, it was not a date."

"I can't believe you're not any different…"

"It was not a date."

"Yeah, you just spent the night with her, some difference."

"I did not! We played two hours then we went our separate way."

"I don't know, the world is conspiring against you because it was a date for her, it was a date for the boys and everybody else…"

"It was not a date!"

"Right, you just fucked her, sorry," my anger rises another notch.

"What? No!"

"I can't do this…" I shake my head.

"Again, it was not a date. We played pool, as friends do…"

"It's always the same…"

"We talked, as friends do; shared two beers, as friends do… that's it, it was not a date!" she keeps on.

"I can't…"

"Catherine, you're angry right now, you're listening to me. It's like I was talking to a wall!"

"I want you to leave."

"Cath…"

"We're through."

My words stun her into silence. I can't take it, I can't be in this situation again. I can't be the one being ridiculed. I've been there before and it only end one way, me getting hurt badly.

"Cath… no… come on, it was not a date…"

"Get out."

"Catherine, please…"

"Get the hell out of my house!"

She's startled and for a second she's about to say something else but in realize that it's in her best interest not to. She looks lost and for a moment there I want to give in but I'm too livid for that. She eventually complies and I just retreat in my bedroom trying to block the last minutes from playing in repeat in my head.

The next four days are spent numbing myself into work, whining about the whole thing to Nancy, ignoring Sara's calls and attempts to reach out.

I've played this scenario so many times before I should be used to the pain by now, but this time is different. I thought Sara was different; I was deep into her before our first kiss, so now I have a hole the size of a continent in my chest right now.

I promised myself that I'd never fall for that kind of things again. As much as I lo… care about Sara, I can't give in because if I do then it's giving her pass to do worse. I can't keep on letting people walk over me and my feelings. I hate to think that Sara is not better than the previous lovers I had, but the proof is here.

I take a deep breath when my doorbell rings, steadying myself to face Sara. Being apart from her is killing me, those past four days were horrendous to get through, and to think that they are only the beginning is beyond depressing.

"Hey," she greets me shyly. She looks worn out with heavy shadows under eyes and the pallor of her face. She has done everything to give me space at work, not talking to me unless necessary, and stop calling or texting me when I asked her to.

I hand her a large paper bag. "That's all your things."

She looks at the bag and then back to me, shaking her head. "Can we talk?"

"I don't have anything to say to you," I tell her honestly.

"Fine, then I'll do all the talking," she pleads.

"I don't want to hear anything you have to say. You were on a date with someone else."

"It was not…"

"I've been there before Sara. That's how it starts, I let it slide and then once again I'm knocked out. I've heard it all before too, lame excuses, roundabout explanation. I'm not doing this again, I've learnt to respect myself and not let people trample on my feelings and mocking them," I take a deep breath to calm myself. "I didn't ask you to come so we could argue, I just wanted you to get your things back so take them and leave."

She closes her eyes briefly, on the verge of crying. "Do you want me to beg?" she asks with pleading eyes but I just ignore her and keep holding the bag in her direction. There's a second where I can see her silently asking me to give her a chance but I'm inflexible. "Fine," she slowly gets down on her knees. "I'm begging you, please… let me talk to you…"

"Get up," I ask sharply. "Sara, get up, you're making a fool of yourself."

"I don't care… please, hear me out…"

"We're over, Sara."

"I'm begging you, don't throw this away…"

My anger turns into fury, to hear her talk like I was the one at fault here. "I'm throwing it away? You threw it away when you went on a date with another woman!" I spit with a barely controlled voice.

"It was not a date," she pleads once more.

This time I can't take it anymore, that fucking line just makes me want to be physically violent. Instead, I just put the bag on the floor and slam the door on her face.

I spend the rest of the day trying to fight tears but failing. I've been nauseous ever since things have turned sour and I haven't slept or eat or properly functioned. I'd give anything to turn back time and make sure that Saturday had never happened. I'd do something anything so Sara wouldn't go look somewhere else.

Things are kind of awkward at work, not so much because of Sara and I; I notice that there's a tensed vibe between her and the boys; they seem not to talk to one another and everyone seem to be in a funk; I think Sara is probably upset that they unknowingly gave her away.

I think there's something wrong with me, or a sign invisible to me but telling people it's okay to screw me over. I'm even more pissed off and hurt because I never opened up to someone the way I did with Sara, that intimacy we had it was deeper than anything I had known and now…

I'm glad when the week-end comes unfortunately Linds is staying with my mother, but the universe has chosen to give me a break because Warrick decided to drop by so at least for a few hours I won't be alone, because it's really something I dread at the moment.

Warrick has been there for merely thirty minutes when I'm surprised to hear my doorbell. My surprise morphs quickly into anger when I find Sara on the other side. I don't greet her because I'm not sure I'd control my voice and just wait for her to speak.

"I couldn't find my batman shirt… I think it's still here," she says flatly not sustaining my gaze.

Since Warrick is inside I grit my teeth and step aside, silently inviting her in. "I'll be right back," I declare with an even voice and go upstairs.

I know where her batman shirt is; it's under my pillow. She uses it exclusively when she sleeps over and it still has her scent lingering on it and I need that as an anchor into sanity. I sit on my bed and slip my hand under the pillow getting her shirt, I bury my face in it, addicted to its scent. For a few seconds I'm back in Sara's arms, I'm reminded of her skin, I'm back when things were right.

I have to use all my willpower not to cry right now, I inhale deeply not wanting to let go, I'm tempted to tell her that I didn't find it and that I'll look for it another time. In spite of everything she's still under my skin and I don't think I'll survive without having anything to connect with her.

That thought alone, the thought of my weakness makes me angry, also I take her shirt and exit my room.

"…come on you've given us the silent treatment all week," Warrick's deep voice carries all the way upstairs. "You're mad at us for setting you up Saturday, we got it. Look, we knew that if we had given you the heads up you'd have bailed. At least when we set you up we know you'll go through with is, if only out of politeness."

There's a long silence then he keeps on. "Sar… I know you hate set ups because you hate feeling trapped, but we didn't mean any wrong by that," he argues, still meeting nothing but silence. "Sar… please talk to me."

"We've had that conversation before, you know I hate when you do this, yet you did it again," Sara's voice is calm, but I know that she's upset.

I have strain my ear to catch their words as they're keeping their voices so low.

"I know but…" Warrick sighs. "It's our job to just nudge you a bit every now and then so you get out of that comfort zone of yours and open up to people."

There's another long silence. "I spoke to Jillian… she said you shut her out, was it out of annoyance toward us?" he continues.

"I wasn't interested," Sara replies with an emotionless voice, I can see her but I'm ready to bet anything that she shrugged. "I'm not interested."

"Oh come on Sar, this is Jillian we're talking about. You guys have had this back and forth thing going on for years."

"I'm not interested, what else do you want me to say?"

"Is this… " Warrick trails off, apparently trying to decide if he should go on. "Is this ego talking?" he asks tentatively.

"No, it's just that I'm not interested."

"Sar, come on, not to me… listen I know the last time she kind of stringed you along, I also know that it bruised your ego. It's in the past, you've got to let go. I know the timing has never been right before but this time you're single, she's single, it's perfect."

"Rick, when I speak do you hear Klingon?" Sara asks with exasperation.

"Uh?"

"What part of 'I'm not interested' you don't get?" she asks with a bit of exasperation. "It's not my ego talking. I'm not interested."

"You're so freaking stubborn. You know that pride of yours is your pitfall, right?" Warrick reprimands her. "The timing is perfect, this is your chance. And you know Jillian, patience isn't her strong suit, case in point, she fooled around with someone else after you shut her down. Right now she might just play around but she won't wait forever for you to be ready."

There's a sharp intake of breath indicating that Sara is holding back from snapping at him. "It's not pride or ego or whatever, I'm just not interested! Whatever may have been between Jillian and I is long gone. Why is it so hard to understand?"

"Alright…" Warrick sigh. "Do you want me to talk to Jillian?

"You don't need to talk to her, she was there, she knows! And I need you guys to get on board with this too because the next of you asking about Jillian as subtly as it is will receive my fist in their face."

"Alright, alright, stand down Rocky. I got it and I apologize. Nick and Greg will too," Warrick tone softens. "Look, we didn't mean anything wrong by it, we're just looking out for you, sometimes you get so caught up with things you forget to live outside of work. And if there's one thing I've learnt it's that life goes pretty fast and you have to take advantage of every opportunity to get what you want."

I finally make sense of what Sara was trying to tell me, and I also understand that I might have made a huge mistake.

"Rick…" Sara sighs, and clears her throat. "I hear you, I do and as socially inept as I may be I don't need your help, I can do well for myself by myself. I need you guys to back off and stop doing this, I mean it."

"Message received… can we make a truce? It sucks when you're mad at us," he demands gently. "I promise we'll make it up to you, take a shift, get your lunches and breakfasts for a month or whatever."

"Yeah, this week sucked," she almost whispers.

"Are we good?"

"Sure."

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm just tired, I need to go," she clears her throat again. "Catherine, I have to go!"

I'm startled when she calls my name, I quickly retreat in my bedroom her shirt still in my hand. I bury my nose in it and inhale deeply. There's a lot to process after eavesdropping that conversation, but I can't think right now. I toss Sara's shirt on my bed and get back downstairs.

I approach Sara and I can see that she's fidgeting. "I couldn't find it."

"Never mind it, give it back when you do," she chances a glance in my direction but mostly she's talking to her shoes. "I have to go. Thanks. Bye," she adds quickly and starts to turn around.

I grab her wrist at the last moment. I don't know what to say but I know we need to talk. She doesn't dare meeting my eyes. I close the distance between us put a hand on her cheek and deliver a soft, brief kiss on her lips.

When I pull back she's looking at me with confusion. "Drive safely," I simply say. "I'll call you later," I add with a caress of her cheek.

She nods slightly then leaves. "Bye Rick," she mutters before crossing the threshold.

I take a deep breath and turn to look at Warrick who is staring at me with his mouth imperceptibly agape. I ignore him for a moment and just go on the other side of the kitchen counter and simply pour ourselves mugs of coffee.

He nods slowly and I can see a subtle grin on his lips. "Really?" he simply asks. I nod in response. "So…?" again I nod, we had that conversation so many times before that I know what he means. The answers are yes I'm really with Sara – at least I hope I'll be able to fix what I messed up so it's still the case – yes it is serious.

"Oh…" realisation paints itself on his feature. "Guess it was a long week for everyone, uh?" he states now that he has a new perspective on the whole thing. I close my eyes in defeat and purse my lips. "Sorry?" he winces.

There's a long silence. I know I'll have to talk eventually and give him the main lines, but right now I don't know where to start. I'm just grateful that he's taking it all with his usual cool and unfazed character.

"Damn," he chuckles. "She can do very well for herself, you're not doing too bad yourself mind you," he adds.

I snort with a small grin.

"Damn girl," he smiles. "Damn."