Chapter Six:

It's a Tuesday morning, and the team, the whole team are in their usual booth at Frank's, a rare occasion where all six of them are free at the same time, since Ecklie's mix around. Sara is back off her suspension and her and Grissom are spending more time together than not. Everyone is tucking into their meals of choice, breakfast in Vegas is something not to be messed with, that's why they always come back to Frank's diner. Some light topics, musing on recent cases and teasing about how Sara, a workaholic who frequently maxes out on overtime could manage to find time to finish a novel released over the weekend in just two days keeps the conversation light and spirits are up.

'I'm just saying I would rather spend my downtime getting to know the results of Miss World then settle down with a book, ya know.' Nick spears the last of his egg and throws the bite into his mouth.

'The blonde one always wins.' Warrick chimes in, shooting a look over to Catherine. They all laugh and settle back down. Sara sitting straighter in her seat adds.

'It wasn't even a big book guys, it was like 400 pages at most.' Picking up a napkin and balling it in her hand. Coughing mockingly into his coffee cup, Nick splutters.

'Super nerd.' Causing Sara to throw the napkin at his face. She feels Grissom's hand ghost over to pat her thigh twice in a consoling manner and quickly withdraws, she makes sure to not respond, even though his touch is like fire.

'Now, now children. Let's settle the bill and get out of here. It's been a busy shift and we need to hit the ground running tonight.' Grissom moves to the side to retrieve his wallet from his pocket, using her leg as an anchor to support himself. These touches, though seeming innocent have be happening more and more in the past few days even weeks, the closer they get behind closed doors, the more open he is to her out of the constraints of her apartment. He doesn't think twice to brushing her fingers as he passes her a tape lift at a scene, or ghosting his hand down her arm when walking around her in the break room. He pulls a twenty-dollar bill from his wallet and drops it in the middle of the table. 'I've got yours; I owe you from last time.' He directs at Sara and she nods at him. Everyone lays down their share and starts to down the rest of their drinks to make a move. A quick smile as she stands to push her arms through her coat to Grissom confirms that it's business as usual and she will meet him at her apartment. They all file out one by one, Greg falling into step with Sara in the parking lot.

'I think reading is really sexy.' He knocks his shoulder into her.

'Thanks Greg.' She pulls her car keys from her pocket and moves around to her car, smiling to herself as she pulls out of the diner. Arriving at her apartment ten minutes after Sara, Grissom finds the door to her apartment unlocked and lets himself in. Dropping his keys and wallet on the console table and toeing off his shoes he locks the door and makes his way to her bathroom to brush his teeth and change. On the side next to the sink he finds his sweats and t shirt folded ready for him, she usually leaves his stuff there if she uses the bathroom first. After brushing his teeth and pulling his clothes on he enters her bedroom to find Sara folding down the comforter. Both have a glass of water on the bedside table and he notices a bottle of his migraine medication settled next to his book. It makes sense to keep some here, just in case.

'I never understood people who don't like to read.' She expresses as she slides down the bed to rest on her side, watching as he thumbs open a now well-read book of sonnets. Sliding down next to her he pulls his glasses off his face and turns towards her.

'Some people don't find enjoyment in exploring new worlds, or….. immersing themselves in anything other than trashy reality shows.' He stills, peering over his book before delivering his blow. 'That or you are just a super nerd and read way too much compared to the average adult.' She pushes his arm in a teasing gesture.

'Maybe I should just dye my hair blonde, get some implants and parade myself around in a swimsuit for the enjoyment of simple minds.' Expecting a rise out of him, she turns with a twisted smile, hoping for a reaction. He flattens out the book and one-handed places his glasses back onto his nose. Clearing his throat, as if rehearsed, Shakespeare's words flow easier.

'My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;

Coral is far more red than her lips' red;

If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;

If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.

I have seen roses damasked, red and white,

But no such roses see I in her cheeks;

And in some perfumes is there more delight

Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.

I love to hear her speak, yet well I know

That music hath a far more pleasing sound;

I grant I never saw a goddess go;

My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground.

And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare

As any she belied with false compare.'

Sara leans in almost resting on him to read the words as he delivers them. As he finishes the sonnet, her head in lying next to his shoulder and she is surrendering to sleep. He doesn't dare move to disturb her but rather enjoys the closeness, the smell of her shampoo, the subtle slope of her nose. He carefully closes the book and places it back on the bedside table, knocking off the lamp and placing his glasses next to his water, he sinks lower into the pillows. He raises a hand to rub down her arm but stills as she moves slightly, rubbing her face into his t shirt in a comforting manner. Smiling to himself he lowers his hand and closes his eyes, letting sleep take him too.