Disclaimer: CSI belongs to CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, and sorry for the evil cliffhanger...not ;P

Part 4

"Good morning. I'm looking for Sara Sidle"

Carefully getting up from the couch Sara walked over to the door. Catherine just stood there, a questioning look on her face –staring at the person standing outside.

"I'm Sara Sidle" the brunette said as she extended her hand.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Jack Muller, and I am a DA at the San Francisco PD." He said as he shook her hand, and showed her his ID.

"Come in" Sara said, her mind already spinning –thoughts going years back, to a time she had tried so hard to forget…but now it all came floating to the surface again.

Catherine immediately noticed how Sara retreated in her shell, building up the walls again that had been crumbling down the past few days. She placed her hand on the younger woman's shoulders, to let her know she'd be there for her –even if she now needed some space.

"I'll leave you two to talk." Catherine said as she grabbed her coat, but before she could walk off a hand grabbed her arm. Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Sara's eyes looking at her hopefully –eyes filled with sadness, and need for comfort.

"No…please…stay" Sara said gently tugging at the older woman's hand. Now they were together, Sara knew she had to share things with Catherine –good things, and bad– and today would be another step in their relationship.

A meek smile came onto Catherine's lips. She was in awe over the fact that Sara was letting her into all of her personal life, even the parts that the brunette had been trying hard to hide for years.

The strawberry blonde walked along with Sara over to the couch, and sat down, placing her hand on Sara's lower back as the brunette shifted a bit forward and focused on the DA who took a seat in the chair opposite them.

"I am here on behalf of the case the people versus Laura Sidle, your mother."

Sara nodded, against better judgment hoping this all would soon be over.

"She's up for parole, due to good behavior" Muller continued as he opened his briefcase, "But, I hope you understand we want to prevent this from happening. I read in the case file you testified years ago?"

"Yes I did" Sara answered. She was glad when she felt Catherine's hand entwine their fingers.

"Well, even though attorneys are excluded from the Parole Board hearing itself, we want to provide the Board with all the information we can get."

"I understand," Sara started, "But what does this have to do with me? I mean, you know I already testified."

Catherine listened to it all, astonished by what she heard. She knew a few bits and pieces of Sara's past…but most of it was still a big mystery to her. Even though she was curious to know more about her lover, this was not the way she wanted to find out about it.

"You know that victims have the right to speak with the parole board also, right?"

Receiving another nod from the lanky brunette he continued "I came here to make arrangements with you, to come to San Francisco. To make an appointment so you can speak with the parole board, that is, if you want to."

"I'm sorry, I need to think about this before I…I'm sorry I need some time" Sara said, feeling Catherine's eyes on her while she kept staring at the coffee table standing in front of her.

"I understand," Muller said as he stood to leave "Give me a call once you've made a decision."

After giving Sara his card, and shaking both of the women's hands he was lead out the apartment by Catherine while Sara sat motionless on the couch.

"Are you ok?" the strawberry blonde asked, immediately regretting the stupid question as she noticed the distressed look on Sara's face.

"No I'm not" was the honest response the brunette gave as she looked up into Catherine's piercing blue eyes. "But," she continued as she opened her arms –inviting the older woman into them "I'm really glad I've got you now"

Complying quickly, Catherine crawled into the strong arms of the brunette, wrapping her arms around the taller woman's waist –careful not to hurt the still tender body of Sara.

The comfort of feeling Catherine's body against hers made Sara relax.

After a few minutes the strawberry blonde broke the silence that had filled the air between them. She knew she shouldn't push the younger woman, but she wanted her to know she wouldn't go anywhere. She would be there for her.

'For better or worse' were the next few words that popped into her mind. A small smile crept onto her face as she realized she hoped to someday hear those words in another context.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"It's a long story" the brunette sighed.

"That's alright, we've got time enough." Catherine said as she started a circling motion across Sara's back. "If you don't want to talk about it that's ok, but know that I won't run. Tell me when you're ready to tell."

Sara pulled back a little, looking into the older woman's eyes once more before closing the distance between their lips, thanking the strawberry blonde without words. She was glad Catherine understood she needed some time. However, she already dreaded the moment she would tell Catherine.

As their kiss ended Catherine noticed the tired look on the younger woman's face. All the things that had happened this morning had worn her out, mentally as well as physically.

Standing up from the couch she reached out her hand, waiting for the brunette to grab it –not saying a word. She knew the brunette was still healing, and her body needed to rest. She hoped she could get her to sleep for some hours.

Sara complied wordlessly, taking the offered hands and entwining their fingers. Leaning into one another they walked over to the bedroom.

Standing in front of the bed, Sara spoke up "I'd rather not be alone right now. Would you please come and lie down with me?"

Reaching up, Catherine cupped the taller woman's chin "I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever. Now, come on let's get some rest."

Catherine was the first to crawl into the bed. As she scooted over, Sara soon followed, and spooned the shorter woman –her arm draped over Catherine's stomach.

Sara leaned closer to the strawberry blonde's ear, and whispered "I love you"

The flow of air caused a shiver to run through Catherine's spine. It was the second time that Sara had declared her feelings, and it made her feel like a love-struck teenager again. Before she stated her love for the brunette, she turned around.

She thought of what she would reply, an 'I love you too' was too sappy and would not do.

So, as she was now facing Sara, she started tracing the brunette's lips with her thumb. "My heart belong to you"

As she saw the twinkling in those hazel eyes in front of her, she claimed the soft lips of Sara in a searing kiss. Tracing the brunette's bottom lip with her tongue, she asked for entrance –which was granted almost immediately.

As their tongues started a dance of domination, Sara let out a moan –the vibration firing up Catherine's libido. Even though they had only shared some kisses and touches because of Sara's physical health, the strawberry blonde knew that the taller woman was in need of more body contact.

However, she knew she didn't want their first time to be this way –she didn't want it to be out of comfort, but out of love. Comfort she would give, but not just as a quick fuck. So, before things could get out of hand Catherine slowed their kisses.

Coming up for air and seeing the look on the older woman, Sara understood Catherine's intention, and wordlessly agreed.

Pulling the strawberry blonde closer to her body Sara let her settle onto her shoulder. One last kiss was shared before both of their breaths evened out, a sign that they were asleep.