A/N: Say you love me, really love me for updating so fast! Go on, say it!

I'd like to take the time now to thank all of my fantastic reviewers. I now have enough reviews now to look at other people's fics and go 'Look how popular I am!!' Which is sick. Sick and wrong. And also fun.

Lots of people had guesses as to what was going to happen next, I hope this doesn't disappoint! Have fun! Myx

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I tried a polite smile and a sidestep, but she squarely blocked my path.

I raised my eyebrows and coughed, "Can I help you?"

"Uh, yeah," she said, her voice full of attitude, "you can, actually."

I gave her a look that clearly said, "I'm waiting."

I was determined to come out of this little encounter the winner. Because the look in her eye told me that this was going to be a battle. And just because I didn't know why were fighting didn't mean I wasn't game. I had my own reasons to enjoy what I knew was about to come. Just to be obnoxious, I put a hand on my hip, cocked that hip, tilted my head to the opposite side, and jutted my jaw out sharply. This was my standard 'Bitch, bring it on' pose. I was still waiting.

She gave me a nasty, almost triumphant smile, before she said, "Who's Lindsey?" She crossed her arms in front of her in a 'beat that' sort of way.

The question caught me by surprise. Not exactly what I was expecting but okay… "Excuse me?" I let a small annoying smirk escape my lips.

I could tell she thought my reaction was going to be a lot bigger than it was. "I heard you on the phone. You and Lindsey sound pretty close."

I took it in. Oh…OH…ha! I was going to have a little fun with this one. "Not that it's any of your business, but yeah, we are."

Vicki shook her head, grinning like she'd just found her canary. "How does Sara feel about her?"

This was ridiculous. All of a sudden, I found myself sick of playing with her. I might be mad at her for whatever she did that hurt Sara so badly, but her fucked up little opinion didn't really matter. I held up my hands in an 'I surrender' gesture, shook my head, and stepped around her. I had enough to deal with.

I heard her call from behind me, "You're not even going to deny it, are you?"

I was going to keep walking. I really was. But something in her tone…like she was just so sure, something about it got the better of me. I clenched my fists, trying to keep the claws inside. It wasn't going to work. They were already out. This little girl had just made a very, very bad mistake.

I'm a faithful person. I've never cheated on anyone. And yeah, so there was the tiny detail that Sara and I weren't actually dating, and yeah, it probably shouldn't have bothered me that this skinny bitch could so easily assume that I would be unfaithful. But it did, really did. Maybe it was because this woman had clearly cast Sara aside and was now attempting to protect her. Maybe it was because I knew that if I were ever lucky enough to have Sara, I would never betray her trust like that. Either way, the accusation stung. But more than that, it really pissed. me. off.

I shut my eyes and shook my head. Stupid. Very stupid, little girl. I cracked my jaw and neck. No idea who she's dealing with. I took a deep breath and leveled my shoulder. I opened my eyes. She'd know soon enough.

Whipping around, eyes blazing, I immediately started in on her, "Tell me something, Vicki, why do you care? Why do you even fucking care?"

She took a step back, startled at my newfound intensity. Oh, yeah, honey. This dragon breathes fire. The flames of sickly sweet pleasure rose up in me as I began dressing her down and I had no intention of stopping now. I closed in on her, fully aware that I was borderline shouting in the street and not giving a damn.

When she didn't answer, I ploughed on, "Is it because you genuinely care about Sara? Is this just your twisted little way of being a good friend to her? Because if it is, then we can drop it right here. You can apologize and I promise that I will genuinely try to like you."

I gave her another opportunity to jump in, but she just stared at me. Wasn't she even going to even try to fight back? Chicken.

"If not, then I think we need to examine other reasons you'd possibly do this.Perhaps you want to be the one to tell Sara, huh? You don't care about her. On the contrary; you want to break her heart. Maybe see the look in her eyes when you tell her that the girlfriend she loves enough to bring home and meet her friends is, in fact, cheating on her. And not just any affair, no, by the sounds of it, they really love each other."

I looked at her and she still showed no signs of interjecting. Actually, she looked a bit scared. That satisfaction only fueled me on. Right. Last one.

"Is that it, huh? You get to tell her, make her realize what a sad, little pathetic life she leads? Bring her down to your level? And let's face it, it's easy to see why you'd try. Putting aside, for the moment, that listening in on other people's phone conversation is a class B felony punishable by prison time, it's also a sniveling, sick, disgusting -and let's face it, fairly creepy thing to do, and very obviously reflective of the oh so productive and happy life you do lead."

I was breathing heavily now, irate at this woman. "And you know what? Plainly, you and Sara have your shit. I wish that you didn't, because it very clearly causes her pain. I don't know what happened, but you had your chance with her. A shot in the dark here- I don't think it turned out that well."

I had her up against the building now. My tone was cutting and deadly.

"Accusing someone of infidelity is a very serious, very dangerous thing to do. You don't take it lightly, you don't make assumptions based on one overheard phone call, and you really, really don't brandish that information like a flaming sword- even if it is corroborated. It ruins lives. And as fun as that might sound in theory,"

I gave her a hard look and a predatory grin.

"As really, really fun as that sounds sometimes, you rarely feel as good as you think you will. Mostly you just feel sick inside." I stepped away from her. "Oh," I said, trying to sound off-hand about it. "And not that it's any of your business, but Lindsey is my ten year-old daughter."

I watched her eyes widen at that bit of news.

I smiled genuinely at the thought, "My daughter, whom Sara happens to adore, and who loves Sara and thinks of her as just as big a part of her life as I am." I shook my head at her, but I felt the niggling sensation of guilt that always sets in after I've taken my anger out on someone. "You know, I really hope you find someone who makes you happy." I hesitated, then added, "If Sara ever found it in her to love you, then you're probably a really good person at heart. Maybe, next time we meet, you'll have found yourself again."

Vicki looked a bit shell shocked. I couldn't really blame her. But she had asked for it.

I turned to go up the hill and found Sara standing beside the door of the shop, studying me with a curious, slightly astonished, expression. I didn't have the energy to be embarrassed, instead, I just linked my arm through hers and pulled her up the hill. I rested my head on her shoulder.

"How about a late lunch?" I suggested. "I could eat an elephant."

Sara craned her neck over my shoulder at the place where Vicki was probably still leaning against the building, "Uh…sure," then she looked back at me and smiled, "If it's still there, some of my friends have an all-day breakfast place about ten blocks this way."

"Yum."

"It's all vegetarian."

I sighed, "Of course it is."

Sara looked at me worriedly, "It has eggs. We can go somewhere else if you-"

I pecked her on her readily available shoulder, "It's fine, Sara. I really don't mind." I looked up at her cheekily, "So how much did you hear?"

She bit back a laugh, "Umm…I came in somewhere around 'Do you genuinely care about Sara?'"

"Good, you only missed the beginning then."

"It was interesting to watch. I've never noticed how unbelievably frightening you are when youunleash the Wrath of Cath."

"Is that what they're calling it these days?"

"Yes. You know, I didn't think you got that angry with anyone but me."

I smiled; Sara sounded a bit put out. "Don't worry babe, you're much more fun to fight with."

"Yeah?"

I laughed at her pleased expression. It was totally bizarre given the topic of conversation. "Sure. She held absolutely no challenge. Her counter arguments were either non-existent, or ill-supported. Complete amateur. Besides I'd have to get very worked up to fight with her, whatever we were fighting about would have to be very important."

"And with me?"

"For you, I could find a reason to argue over a pair of socks."

"That makes me feel better."

I kissed her shoulder again, "No worries, you're the only girl I'd fight with." I gave her a coy smile.

For a moment, our eyes met and I felt my chest fill with something that definitely was not air. But then we were both cracking up with laughter and I couldn't be sure that it had happened at all.

A minute later, we stopped across the street from a small restaurant with a patio. I looked up at the sign above the door. I pursed my lips to keep from giggling. "Is this where, we're eating, Sar?"

She nodded, "Uh-huh. I'm glad it's still here, they've got these amazing huevos rancheros with homemade mango salsa…" She grabbed my hand to cross the street.

"Uh, Sara?" I asked as we dashed across.

"Yeah?"

I was trying so hard not to laugh. "Are your friends, by any chance," I shook my head, "by any chance…lesbians?"

Sara raised an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, Kate and Patti. They're actually twins. They're both artists. Patti's partner, Ann, has a family farm a ways outside the city so they get a lot of their ingredients from there. And Kate's long time girlfriend, Karin, is a CPA, otherwise this place would be a mess. Why?" Sara furrowed her brow, "That doesn't bother you, does it?" She sounded unsure.

I smirked. Um, how about a great big 'no'? "Not at all, not at all, it's just…" I started to point up with my finger but waved it off at Sara's blank look. "Nothing, never mind. Let's just get some food. I'm starving."

Casting one more glance upwards, I circled Sara's waist with my arm. Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes. Sheesh. Lesbians. Then, giving Sara a reassuring smile and one more peck on the shoulder, I guided us both through the door, and under the bright purple sign that read The Love Muffin.

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As it turns out, The Love Muffin was delicious. (Shut up.) Walking out, I turned to Sara, "So? What's next?"

Sara's face grew grim as she was brought back to the real purpose for today's errands. "Flowers," she said quietly, staring at the pavement. "My friend Charlotte's family has a really nice shop across town. I already called to tell her we were coming."

I smiled at her and touched her arm, "Okay."

When she looked at me, I drew in a quick breath. I knew that Sara's moods could change quickly, but we were talking mach speed this time. We had just had a blissful lunch, managing not to talk about the girls or their fathers. But now, Sara's eyes were unveiling hurricane force winds. It had always bothered me to see that look, but after the last few days, I positively ached for her.

The amount time I was hesitating before touching her was getting shorter and shorter. This time I paused for only a second before I gathered her in my arms. I felt my heart swell as she returned my embrace with equal intensity. She wouldn't cry, not out here around all these strangers, but her breathing was ragged and uneven with the effort it took to keep the tears at bay. I just held her. Standing on my tiptoes, she was supporting most of my weight, but at least that way she could rest her head on my shoulder.

Long minutes passed and my grip didn't slacken until she pulled away. When she did, I continued to hold her forearms as I searched her eyes. The pain was still there, I hadn't really expected it to disappear, but I could see Sara coming back to me.

"What do you say, we walk back to the car, drive to your friend's shop, order the flowers, and then spend the rest of the day curled up on the deck listening to the waves? Hmm?"

She smiled wearily and nodded, "Cat…"

"Yeah, babe?" I could count her eyelashes from where I stood.

"You're just so…" she touched my face and I fought to keep my eyes open. I had lost the battle not to lean into her palm before it had begun.

I smiled at her expectantly. What was I just so?

She shook her head and dropped her hand. "Nothing." She looked away and back at me. "Thank you just doesn't seem adequate anymore."

I sighed my disappointment while the slightly darker part of my brain thought well, if it doesn't seem like enough, maybe we could work out some other kind of arrangement… I masked my confused, but generally frustrated and slightly hurt, feelings with the warmest smile I could manage. "Then I suggest you stop saying it. I didn't come here for thanks, Sara. I came here for you." Whoa, talk about subtext. "You should just get me a present in advance for all of the thank you's you've yet to give me." I joked.

Sara tilted her head and smiled softly, she held out her hand to me, "The fastest way to the car is to cross this way."

The twenty minute car ride passed in silence, both of us content to dwell in our own thoughts. I was so distracted that I failed to notice when the car stopped. Sara came around and opened my door for me. Once again, she held out her hand for me to take. And once again, I took it, no questions asked. Some friends walked around holding hands, right? That happened. Okay, so none of my friends, but there was a first time for everything.

Sara came to a halt before an upscale florist's that was a part of a whole chain of manicurist's, salons, consignment shops, and boutique-y type stores. I made to go in, but she held me back. Her expression was hesitant and slightly worried. Her eyes kept flicking between the door and my shoulder.

"Sara?" I raised my eyebrows.

She grimaced and then looked apologetic. "I feel like I kind of need to warn you…Charlotte is a former lover as well." She bit her lip before hurrying on. "But I really like her, she's one of the few people I kind of kept in touch with. I want to keep her as a friend. So, could you maybe, I don't know, not attack her? We broke up amicably and mutually. Plus, she's been dating this guy for like two years now and I promise that she's not going to-"

I covered her mouth with my hand, laughing, "Sar," I shook my head, "I'm not on a personal crusade against every person you've ever slept with. If you like her, I'll like her. I'm not going to attack her, as you so dramatically put it."

"Woman." Sara said when I removed my hand.

I looked at her, trying to ascertain if that was supposed to mean something, "Yes, you are." I patted her shoulder and gave her the smile I reserved only for Grissom, when he was being particularly inarticulate, and, well, crazy people.

Sara smirked and swatted at me, "No. You said 'every person I've ever slept with'" she shrugged, "I've never actually made it all the way with a guy, so…every woman I've ever slept with."

"Oh. Okay…I stand corrected."

Sara half-smiled, nodded once, spun, and disappeared inside.

I stood outside a minute longer, trying to school my features. Despite what I had just told Sara, when she had said the words former lover, I had been ready puke. Or kill someone. Or at least break something. And then she went and said what she said!

Well, that definitely clears that question up. Not that it wasn't mostly answered by the day's earlier events. But that was demonstrative evidence; hearsay presented by character witnesses. Sara had just…that was irrefutable evidence; testimony given of free will; that was a full out and out confession- no jury could throw that away, no lawyer could contest it. She had said it. Sara had said it. She had said that…she was gay. As in she…! As in we could…!

I had to work so hard not to do a happy dance right then and there. Sara liked women! As in she like liked women! Not just occasionally while she was off men for a bit, but generally. Customarily. Principally. Habitually. As a rule.

Wow. Well…that could…come in handy.

I drew myself up. Okay. Not the time. I needed to get inside. Worry about the logistics of the absolutely impossible, later. Right now, Sara needed me for moral support. Taking a deep breath, I suppressed all feelings of excitement, nervousness, and cutting jealousy. I was just a friend, a nice, supportive friend. A friend who did not want to rip the throat out of anyone who'd ever laid a hand on Sara. Not at all.

When I stepped into the shop, I saw Sara at the counter; she was bending over and flipping through a binder. Getting closer, I could see it was filled with different types of flower arrangements. Not thinking, I lay my hand on Sara's lower back, where her navy blue top had pulled out of her jeans, exposing a fairly large expanse of skin. I felt her tense immediately, and I thought that I had made a mistake- pushed her too far. I pulled up, leaving my hand hovering above her back.

She looked over at me, chin resting in her hand, propped up on her elbow. Her expression somewhere between sad and nervous, "It's okay." She whispered. "You don't have to be afraid to touch me."

My sigh was one of relief as I let my hand run over her skin, allowing my fingertips to drift lightly under her shirt. I shook my head, "I'm not afraid to touch you, Sara. I just don't want scare you away. I don't want to overstep…assume too much."

She smiled weakly, shaking her head. "Your touch doesn't scare me, Cat." There was an underlying laugh to her tone. "Assume away." The last part was so soft that I almost didn't catch it.

But I did.

And I watched her eyes, trying to find the meaning in them. Had she just…? That didn't sound friendly to me. But how was I to know? A very bad idea occurred to me. And even as good, sensible Catherine began to rise up in attempt to clamp down on all potentially disastrous ideas, I knew I was going to do it anyway. Deep breath. Shit, you are so dead for this one…

Looking straight into her eyes, studying her expression intently, I halted the soft movements of my fingertips on her flesh. She felt it. She gave me the one raised eyebrow questioning look. I hesitated. One beat. Two beats. I blinked. Then my hand descended again. But not my fingertips this time. Slowly. Deliberately. My nails made contact with her skin. I felt a jolt of electricity flash through me as I watched her eyes shut of their own accord. I sunk my nails in deeper and just about died when she bit her lip involuntarily. Finally, I moved my hand across her lower back, dragging, raking my nails over her flesh. My eyes were riveted to her reactions a she inhaled sharply and bared her teeth in an unsuccessful attempt to bite back a low whimper. My breath hitched so loudly, I'm not sure it was a hitch at all; it was more of a gasp.

My hand moved to softly massage the marks I was sure I had just left. Lazily, Sara opened her eyes and gazed into mine. Neither of us spoke. My breathing was heavy and I'm sure my cheeks were as hot as hers. I have no idea what she was thinking, but I definitely know what was running through my mind. What now?

"Sara? Is that you?" came a voice on the opposite end of the store.

Sara shifted, blinked, looked at me a few seconds more, then stood and turned around. "Hey, Char."

They began talking. But I stayed where I was for another moment.

Holy. Shit.

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Ha. The fun thing about being me? I know what's going to happen and you…well, you don't, do you? And if you want to find out- you have to review!!! The Power! THE POWER!!!!

Oh, and just so people know, I lied about the t-shirts. My father is also King of Spain.