"So…" Catherine wasn't quite sure where to begin. "I like you." Well, that was definitely a start.

"I'm so glad." Sara's tone was sarcastic.

"No, I'm mean…" What did she mean? "I mean, that for me this has surpassed 'damsel in distress' make-out sessions."

"Good, because I don't do those."

"You know, you were the one that wanted to talk about this," Catherine bristled.

Sara was quick to sooth her pride, "I know, I'm sorry. I'm just nervous."

"Well, so am I!"

Sara hesitated, "Does what you just said mean that you might want to continue this even after we get out of this hellhole?"

"Do you?"

"I don't think we're getting anywhere."

Catherine sighed, "Okay, there are very few options here. A) –and this is my least favorite, we don't get out of here and die of dehydration in about four days. On the upside of that, we probably will be coherent until the last day which means a lot more making out. B) We get rescued relatively soon, don't die, get at least a month off work where we don't talk much and then when we come back, we can pretend like none of this ever happened." Catherine looked at Sara sadly.

The brunette picked up where she left off, "Option C: We get out of here, we spend the month off not talking much but having as much sex as injuries sustained will allow and continue to have casual sex until such a time when it's no longer conducive to our lives."

"Is that what you want?" Catherine's eyes were watery. Sara thought it might be from the pain and the stress, but she doubted it.

The younger woman shook her head, praying she was right "No, I much prefer option D."

Catherine smiled hopefully, "Which is?"

"We get out of here, and we spend the month leave getting to know each other and taking care of each other and making out a lot, and when we're recovered, I take you out for our first anniversary dinner."

Catherine beamed, "Really?"

"Yeah."

"I could be seriously into that."

"Yeah?" Sara was grinning to.

"Yeah." The redhead nestled closer into Sara.

Sara couldn't really believe it. Had Catherine Willows just agreed to go out with her. She shook her head, "Let me get this straight…you want to go out with me?"

Catherine giggled, "Isn't that what I just said?"

"Yeah, but…why?"

"Why?"

"Why go out with me? You have everything. You have a life, you have a family, you have friends. You're up for day shift supervisor and when people finally realize what a dick Ecklie is, you'll probably get his job too. And me- I'm just Sara. Just plain Sara. All I have is work. No family, barely any friends- I don't even have a cat."

"Sara…"

"No, seriously, Cath." Sara started to get a little panicky, "Why would you want me? Why on earth would someone as gorgeous and talented as you…"

"Sara, stop it." Catherine shook her head incredulously, "I don't have everything. My life has plenty of problems. But you're right. I do have a family and friends and a life. And I also have a job that I love that stresses me to no end. And with all that, the only thing I don't have is someone to share it with- something I've been searching for my whole life. And before you work yourself into a frenzy of doubt and give up on us before we've even gotten started, I really think that that person could be you."

"Why?"

"Because, Sara. All those things that you just said? About me being gorgeous and smart and strong; most people don't see that. Most people see controlling, exacting, and manipulative."

"Well, I see those things too, I just think that they're good things."

"Well," Catherine reasoned, "I don't see just plain Sara." She touched the brunette's face, "I do see Sara. But I see sweet Sara and loving Sara. I see smart Sara and brave Sara. And I also see beautiful Sara. And I don't think that there's anything plain about just Sara."

Sara rested the bridge of her nose on Catherine's shoulder, "No?"

"Mm-mm." The older woman shook her head. "And you're wrong about one thing."

"What's that?"

"You do have a Cat."

Sara smiled, and sweeping a piece of hair out of the redhead's face, she kissed her. A few minutes later, there were several loud thuds. Instinctively, both women ducked their heads, fearing another cave-in. Another few minutes passed and soon they were blinking against some dim light.

"Hello?!" They heard a voice. "Hello? Is any one alive in there?"

"Yes!" Sara called, "We're in here. We're okay, but we'll need an ambulance!"

"Just stay where you are! Don't move. We're going to need to clear some of this debris and then we'll have some paramedics in to collect you. Are you the two CSIs? Willows and Sidle?"

"Yep!" Catherine's voice was hoarse when she yelled, "Is anyone from our team with you?" They still couldn't see anything but moving shadows.

"Catherine?" It was Gil's voice, "Catherine, Sara? Are you there?"

"We're here, Gil."

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"Cat's got a broken pelvis, we think, and an arm. But I'm fine."

"Fine? Bullshit. Sara's not fine, Gil. She broke her ribs and her face," Catherine shook her head at Sara who only shrugged and smiled, "And I'm beginning to think she broke her mind, too."

"Well, hang on there, these guys will have you out soon." They heard the crunch of rock that was Gil's retreating steps.

Sara turned and embraced the redhead, "See?" She whispered into her hair. "I told you we'd get out of here."

"Yeah, you did. I tell you, I'm really glad you were right." Catherine trailed light kisses along the younger woman's jaw.

"Me, too."

"Though there's something to be said for being locked in the dark with you for twenty-four hours."

"Hmm." Sara agreed, "But how about next time we just arrange for the same day off and a dark hotel room?"

Catherine smiled, "I always knew you were brilliant."