A/N- Allo all! So, the PTB have sufficiently ripped out my heart and stomped on it. I don't know if I'll be able to watch the next ep. siigh. Anyways, here's the next chapter, I hope ya'll like. And thankyou soooooo much for the fantastic reviews, they really brighten my day : )

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They were arguing. She could see them from her hiding place. But he couldn't see her. He couldn't.

He raised his hand, aggression taunt in his body. She clenched her eyes closed, hugging her stuffed bear to her chest. She waited for the raised hand to hit her mother. And waited. There was no piercing sound of flesh against flesh. Sara opened her eyes hesitantly. And she screamed. He was there, kneeling in front of her, peering at her hiding under the kitchen table.

"Hello, sweetheart."

Something knocked against the table. Her father didn't seem to hear it.

"Come out here." His voice was dangerous. She knew that voice.

More knocking. Sara scooted away from her father's reaching hand. Where was the knocking coming from?

The knocking persisted.

Sara woke up.

Disorientated she looked at her alarm clock; she'd been asleep for two hours. What had woken her?

She jumped when three loud knocks rapped at her front door.

Sara burrowed further under her covers, hoping whoever it was would go away. A moment later three more sharp raps exploded through her apartment. Groaning, she sat up, her hair plastered to the side of her face. Grumbling she got out of bed, wincing at her tired, protesting muscles. She wrangled her exhausted body into her house coat as she swore obscenities at who dared wake her from her much needed sleep.

"Who dares to disturb my slumber?" She giggled to herself. Okay, she really needed more sleep.

A few more sharps knocks had her in motion. "Okay, dammit. I'm coming!"

Peeping through the fish eye she groaned inwardly. She futilely tried to straighten her hair and her house coat before giving up and opening the door.

"What are you doing here, Grissom?"

Grissom smiled boyishly at her holding up a plastic grocery bag. "I bring breakfast."

Sara blinked. "Breakfast?"

"Yeah. Mind letting me in?"

She did, not really thinking past 'Grissom brought me breakfast?'

He slipped past her into her apartment and into her kitchen. Sara stared at the spot her boss had recently vacated, trying to make sense of what just happened. Following him into the kitchen she watched him place one of her non-stick pans on her stove.

"What are you doing?"

Grissom raised an eyebrow. "I thought I already made that clear." He took in her confused face and clarified, "Making breakfast."

She flushed, feeling more than a little flustered. God he looked good. Too good. "No, I got that. But why? I mean, why here – in my home?"

"Well," He dropped some butter into the heating pan, and then took out a carton of eggs. "I know pregnant women need to keep an eye on their diet. I just wanted to help out a bit. I know you don't usually eat breakfast … but considering the baby I thought it'd be best if you got into the habit of it."

If anything was like a cold splash of reality that sure was. Sara felt her shoulders stiffen, all vestiges of sleep left her. "I assure you Grissom, I am not totally inept. I know what I need – what this baby needs."

Grissom looked up her from the bowl he was breaking eggs in. His face softened, taking in her attire and obviously just got up appearance. God she was adorable, her lip protruding in an angry pout. Setting down the egg he was holding he took a step towards her. "Of course I know you're capable, Sara. If anyone is … it's you. I just," He bit his lip, looking suddenly unsure. "I wanted to help. I want to be a part of this." He gestured towards her stomach.

Sara felt the fight leave her. "I'm sorry. I know you do. And I want you to."

"Really?" His smile lit up his whole face.

"Yeah." She said softly, then looking past him, "Your butter is burning."

Grissom turned to the stove with a curse. Leaning against the counter Sara silently watched him cook a cheese omelet. He glanced at her occasionally, a grin always present on his lips. How utterly domestic was this? Sara felt her heart expand; him and her having breakfast like they had just woken up together …

Sara frowned. No. That wasn't right. She couldn't give into fantasies. She wasn't ready. Not near ready.

He smiled at her again, his eyes slightly concerned at her suddenly somber face.

Her heart melted a little. Okay, so maybe she was a bit more ready than she thought.

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"These are the absolutely best eggs I've ever had."

Grissom laughed. "Well thanks, Ms. Sara."

"You could seriously romance a girl with eggs like these."

Grissom froze. When she realized what she said she froze too, cursing herself.

She blushed furiously. "I didn't mean … I … "

He smiled, understanding in his gaze. "I know."

Feeling the friendly camaraderie dissipate, Sara swallowed the last of her orange juice. She just had to speak before the thought, didn't she?

"I'm not trying to romance you, you know."

"Oh, god. I know. Really. And I really appreciate you giving me time -"

He cut her off. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying to woo you."

Sara gaped at him a moment. "What?"

"I'm trying to woo you. Not romance you."

She could only stare at him; words completely failed her.

Popping the last of his eggs into his mouth he stood taking his plate and hers. Sara stood and followed him without realizing she'd done so until they were in the kitchen.

"You're … wooing me."

"Yes." He closed the dishwasher with a decisive click.

"Not romancing me."

"Correct."

"Is there a difference?"

He smiled warmly at her, wiping down her counters with a dishcloth. "Most definitely. Romancing is dating: movies, dinner, operas if you like. But wooing … well wooing is more scientific. Strategic. It must be carefully planned and executed. It's the little things, making breakfast, driving you to your doctor appointments, – which by the way I'd like to start coming with you, if you don't mind – just being there when you need me, or don't need me."

Okay, so she was goo inside. "Oh."

He smiled and put the orange juice into the fridge.

"Doesn't it kind of cancel out … the wooing … if you tell me about it?"

He shrugged as though unconcerned. "Perhaps. But I doubt it. I want our relationship to have an honest start. We've kept too many secrets from each other."

"Grissom, you know I -"

He held up his hand, halting her speech. "I know. You need time. Believe me, I know … and I understand. I completely respect your wishes. I won't ever step past your boundaries until you are … or if you ever are, ready." He paused a moment. "But I want to show you that I can be a better man. That I can be a man that deserves you."

Walking up to her slowly he placed his hand gently on her cheek. "Because you deserve someone that deserves you. Nothing less."

She tried to speak. He held up a finger to her lips. "Don't. Just let me try. Will you let me?"

And god help her, she nodded.

"That's all I can ask." He slid into his jacket. "Call me with details about your next appointment, will you?"

She could only nod helplessly. He gave her another heart-stopping smile and then he was gone.

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