Set: Post-Happy Place
Author's note at end
Notes: Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the first part! It is much appreciated.
Starless Nights—Part II
Night had given way to day and the stars high in the heavens were replaced by the bright light of the sun. Even in the daylight, the city of Las Vegas shimmered. The casinos and hotels stood proudly, casting shadows over all who dared to challenge their rule over the city.
Standing in the kitchen of his small apartment, Greg gazed blankly into his refrigerator—wondering if some of the to-go containers still contained edible food. Deciding he wasn't really hungry enough to take his chances with leftovers, he shut the fridge and glanced around with contemplation.
Still too awake from his night at work, he tried to think of something to focus his energy on until he was ready to grab a few hours of sleep. His decision was made for him as he heard a soft knock on the door.
Crossing the apartment, almost tripping over a pair of shoes in the process, he opened the door to find an unexpected visitor. "Sara?"
Sara stood in front of him—her sunglasses pushed up into her, now shorter, hair. "Hi, Greg." She gave him a smile that wasn't quite sincere.
"I wasn't expecting to see you. Want to come in?"
Sara followed him into the apartment. "Thanks."
"Everything okay?" Greg motioned her to sit on the couch.
"I guess."
He frowned at the vague answer. He studied her face, trying to read her expression, but came away unsuccessful. "You looked kind of upset when you left the department this morning."
"Did I?" She asked, sounding surprised.
"I know this thing with the Adler's wasn't easy for you."
"Don't you ever get tired of it? The pointless deaths, the lies…?"
"Of course."
Sara looked at him for a moment before shaking her head and turning away. "I just can't be around it anymore."
Greg considered her comment, her presence at his door. "Why are you here, Sara?"
"I wanted to do things right this time. I wanted to say goodbye."
His eyes widened. "You're leaving?"
She nodded. "I can't stay."
"I thought this was your home."
"It was. There's no place for me here anymore. I'm just what my badge said—a visitor."
Greg's mind flew through a hundred things that he could say. In the end, he could only sputter out, "But Grissom…?"
"Gil will be fine without me." Sara stated simply, voice flat.
"Does he know you're leaving?"
"He's the one who told me to go."
"I don't believe that."
She glanced toward him, brown eyes filled with sadness. "I don't know where Gil and I stand. In all honesty, I think this may be the end."
"You two were going to be married." He could only stare back at her, not understanding.
"I can't stay. Gil won't leave. There's not much of future for us if we can't be in the same city."
"I don't want to accept that you're just going to let it end." Greg replied, more forcefully than he intended. "After everything you two went through… this is it?"
Sara eyed him curiously. "Why are you concerned about my relationship with Gil?"
He didn't answer immediately. He gave a short sigh before replying quickly, "Because, even if you're with him, you're still here. I know I'm being selfish, but I don't want you to leave."
"I'm sorry." She touched his arm lightly. "I know this is a bad time for me to be walking out again, but… I need to."
"You're the one who gets off easy, you know." Greg muttered, standing and wandering over to the window. "You just walk away and the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces. Grissom's already a wreck. Our team is falling apart…"
Silence filled the small room.
He didn't hear her footsteps, but he sensed her presence at his side.
"I can't stay, Greg." Sara stated softly. "As badly as I want to, I can't. I know it's selfish, but… if you care about me at all, let me go. Staying here…? It'll just destroy me."
Greg glanced to her. "There's really no changing your mind?"
"No."
"I guess all good things must come to an end. Not even the stars last forever.
"I don't want this to be goodbye for good." She replied, sincerity in her eyes. "You're still my best friend, Greg."
"We'll keep in touch?" He turned to her.
"As long as you want to."
"Of course. I do care about you, Sara. I always have."
Sara gazed out the window, biting her lip lightly in thought. "Maybe that's the greatest tragedy in all of this…"
"What?" Greg frowned.
"An ending to all those things that could have been."
"You and me?"
"Who knows, Greg?" She gave a quick smile. "Who knows if we could have been something good…?"
He blinked, thrown by the comment. Finally, he sighed. "I would never break your heart."
"My heart's still in tact. I just don't know where it belongs these days."
"You'll always have a place in mine."
"As will you." Sara leaned in and kissed his cheek gently.
Following her toward the door, Greg hovered. "Where are you going?"
"I haven't decided yet. Somewhere far from here."
"You'll let me know when you get there?"
"I will."
He opened the door, but neither moved any further. "Take care of yourself, Sara."
"You too."
"I'm going to miss you."
"This isn't the end, Greg." Sara stated. "I don't want it be the end."
"If you ever feel lonely, just look at the stars. I'll be looking at them too and thinking of you." Greg wondered if that sounded silly, but she smiled and nodded.
"What if it's cloudy?" She teased.
"The stars are always there. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't still out there, shining away."
She hugged him tightly. "Be safe. Be strong. Never stop being you."
"That's a promise." He hugged her back, reluctantly to let go.
"Goodbye, Greg."
"Goodbye, Sara."
He watched her disappear down the hallway and out of sight. Closing the door and retreating into his home, he flopped down onto his couch with sigh.
Shutting his eyes, he hoped for sleep to take him away and night to return once more. Night meant work, a distraction, and stars that would keep him company until his path and hers could cross once more.
Author's note: Well, it's been awhile, but I finally wrote another part. This season of CSI has really depressed me. Writing this didn't really make me feel any better, but I still hold out hope for a happy ending for everyone. Anyway, to the few people who read these and comment, I thank you. This might be the end of this series, I haven't decided yet. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know!