A/N: Okay, first off, I'd like to dedicate this story to everyone out there that has been affected by the 'events' of this story. (I don't want to give it away, but you'll understand what I mean if you read it.) Particularly my Godfather/Uncle Jeff, Grandma Jane, and Aunt Becky, may they be in peace. To all of the survivors out there who made it through and to all of the families and friends of those who were not as fortunate.

Second, I'm sorry for what I did to Sara in this, but the story was in my head and needed to be written.

Third, all mistakes are mine and that of Microsoft Word which has been known to suck royally. If there's anything really troublesome that I missed please let me know. Also, all of my information might not be completely accurate, so just work with me on that one and be imaginative.

And finally, please read and review. I put a lot of thought into this story, so please let me know what you think of it. I always love your comments, good or bad. Be honest.

Disclaimer: Still just a single mother of two, writing fan fiction. But soon, I promise, I'll own CSI and GSR will be consummated with a live action kiss (at the very least they owe us that!)

That's it. My rant is done. Enjoy the story!

-Surviving-

Chapter Ten: Win or Lose

The weeks flew by with them moving. With Grissom's connections, and a pre-approved home loan they were able to bypass the usual paperwork and waiting period, and were able to move in just two days before the surgery. Just about everything was left in the boxes as they hadn't had much time to unpack anything with all the pre-surgery doctor's appointments for them both.

The day of the surgery, Catherine drove them both to the hospital, where they were met by Warrick, Nick, Greg, Brass, Doc and David. Hugs and wishes of luck and love were exchanged before Grissom and Sara were both checked in and wheeled to a room to wait until the surgery was to start. They were both given the same room, but different beds, and for the most part they stayed quiet. All of their visitors came in one by one to give their final greetings before leaving for the day and promises to return later. All except Catherine who was staying. Quietly she entered the room where the curtain was drawn around Grissom's bed. Sara saw the quizzical look Catherine had and chimed in.

"The nurse is with him."

"Oh." Catherine said, wiping the expression from her face and coming to sit beside Sara. "So how are you doing?"

"I'm good. Tired, a little light headed, but good overall. The whole losing my hair thing sucks, but I'm not bald yet." Sara replied with a genuine smile.

"Aren't you scared?" Catherine asked perplexed. She seriously didn't understand how Sara could be so calm. But then Sara turned her head to look at Grissom as the nurse opened the curtain, and instantly her eyes lit up.

"I'm not scared. Because win or lose, when I wake up after the surgery, I've already got everything I need to keep me going. Marrow or not, I've got all I need. If I were to die tomorrow, it would be okay, because I would have died truly happy." She answered honestly. To say that Catherine was a little taken aback by the statement would have been an understatement, but for the first time, she looked at Sara and saw her for the strong woman she was, and not just the strong face she put on for everyone, but the real, truly strong woman.

"You're my hero, you know that?" Catherine asked her, also genuinely calm.

"Uh, no. But thanks." Sara replied, a little shocked herself as she turned back to Catherine.

"You two really have something you know. I'm so proud of both of you. I don't think I could be as strong as you both are if I were in your place."

"I love him Cath. More than I ever even thought possible. Which says a lot given that I've been in love with him for over a decade." They both chuckled a little.

"Hey. No laughing without me!" Grissom called over, getting instant smiles from both woman.

Catherine stayed with them for another ten minutes or so, just making idle chit chat before giving them each a hug and kiss to the cheek and leaving, with the promise to be back when they woke up. They had about ten more minutes before the nurse would be in to them into the OR, a time in which they had a very powerful and important conversation.

"Sara?"

"Yeah honey?"

"You okay?"

"I am. I really am. You?"

"I am, I just wish I was in that bed with you." She had to laugh at that. "Just to hold you."

"I know, I'm sorry, call it another weird fantasy." She said, stifling her giggle fit.

"I'll keep that in mind." He replied with his own chuckle.

"I love you Griss."

"I love you, too, Sara." The room went quiet for a minute and then Grissom rolled his head to the side to look at her. "Sara?" She mimicked his move and turned her head to face him.

"Yeah?"

"If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say?" She obviously had not been expecting that question, her entire facial expression dropped.

"I…well…uh…I um…"

"It's okay." Grissom said trying to hide his disappointment.

"No, Griss, it's just. I don't know. I want to say yes, but at the same time, I want to know for sure that you want to marry me for me and not because I'm sick."

"Sara, I wouldn't…"

"I know. It's just me and my own insecurities. How about if I say yes under the agreement that we don't get married until after I have beaten the cancer. If anything it'll give us something more to fight for. If you were to ask of course."

"I like that idea." Then he paused to think. "Sara?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you marry me? After we beat the cancer?"

"When I become a cancer survivor Gil Grissom, I'll even bring the priest." She answered, ending the conversation and leaving them both to stare happily at each other.