Sara and Grissom had settled into a routine of sorts. Over the past few weeks they would either meet at her apartment or his townhouse for breakfast, when not working double shifts. They tried to get days off together, but something always seemed to happen, and neither one of them had gotten to take more than one day off in the past two weeks, and never together. They would eat, talk, kiss. That was it. Sara was still reeling from how surreal it all felt. For now they were focused on building their friendship back to how it once used to be. She trusted Grissom and his intentions, but she knew that sometimes intentions didn't always go the way you planned. She was waiting for the moment when something would set him off, and he would see he had made a mistake. So far, so good.
Grissom was in his office, working his way through a pile of paperwork as usual. He was thinking about a conversation he'd had a couple weeks ago on a case with a vendor at a convention. She was selling lingerie he needed to buy for reference on some fibers they found on the victim. She had asked him if it was for his wife? He replied no. Girlfriend? No he replied. Do you want one? YES! He replied, thinking of Sara of course, but she didn't need to know that. He just needed information from her and was using flattery to get it.
Was Sara his girlfriend? He sat there pondering his relationship with Sara. They hadn't taken the net step in their relationship, as of yet, but he was fine for now kissing her and being with her. He loved kissing Sara. She was so responsive and open and did things to his body and mind that no one had ever done in all of his years. They fit together so well. His mind wandered back to 5 years ago when they had first made love. Mindblowing was the only way to describe it.
"Hey." Sara leaned against the door jam of his office with a slight smile.
"Hey. Come here. Sit." He smiled at her. She took one of the two seats in front of his desk. He moved around to sit next to her in the empty chair. "How was your day?" He took her hand and squeezed it gently, then let it go. Prying eyes could be about.
"What were you doing? Paperwork?"
"Yeah, trying. And thinking about you." He flashed a smile at her.
"Yeah? What were you thinking about?" She pursed her lips at him.
"Well" He looked behind him to make sure no one was at the doorway or in the hall. "Are you my girlfriend?" He raised his eyebrows in question.
Sara laughed. "What? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. Someone asked me if I had a girlfriend a couple weeks ago, and I said no. But I'm thinking I do now." He took her hand in his.
"Well. A girlfriend usually has dates with her boyfriend, so I don't know. We haven't had a proper date as of yet." She smiled at him so he would know she was joking. She then spoke low and seductive. "Yes, Im your girlfriend, Gil. So, who asked you this?"
"Well, Greg and I were working that convention at the Tangiers. Remember that one? With all the, ummm, large people?"
"Mmm hmmm." She smiled at him.
"Well, when I inquired to the vendor, Regina, she asked if the undergarment was for a wife or a girlfriend. I said no, then she asked if I wanted one."
Sara couldn't contain her laughter. "What did you say to that?" She was hiding a smile.
"Well, I said YES! And that I also wanted to see her sales receipts. Which she gave me when I showed her my badge."
"Why Dr. Grissom, I think you had an admirer!"
"Yeah, she also said and I quote 'I had everything to please a woman.' He swiped his hand across his beard as he said it. "She called it my 'tickler'." He said in an incredulous tone.
Sara turned a deep shade of red at that comment. She yet had to find out just how making love to a bearded Grissom would be different. She hadn't thought about it, really, but now she was intrigued.
"She wasn't the only one either." He flashed her a flirtatious grin, waiting to see her reaction.
"What?" She raised her brow. "Someone else was flirting with you there?"
"Yeah. She propositioned me!"
"What?"
"Yeah, she said something about a fat girl and a gay guy. It happens? She slapped me on my ass!"
Sara doubled over in her seat in a laughing fit. "She thought you were gay? Oh my god, Grissom. That's got to be the funniest thing I've heard."
"Well, im so glad you are having fun at my expense." He mocked a sad face at her.
"HEY! What's so funny, Sara Sidle?" Greg was at the door.
Sara tried to keep her laughter down, but the thought of the what Gil's face must have looked like when he was slapped on the ass was making her laugh in hysteric fits. She calmed herself down, and looked at Gil for permission to tell.
He just raised his hands in defeat and smiled at her.
"Well, Grissom was telling me about how he got hit on and propositioned at that conference a couple weeks ago at the Tangiers." She smiled wide, still laughing.
"Why's that funny, Sar? Just cuz their big women doesn't mean they aren't attractive or can't be uh...well...horny" Greg Said smiling. "I got four phone numbers."
"No Greg, not because of that. Because, Greg, one of the women thought he was ..." She laughed out again.
"What?" Greg was chuckling because she was.
"She thought he was GAY!" Sara chuckled again, facing a not so happy Grissom seated beside her. "Im sorry, Griss. But this is too funny!"
Greg began to laugh out. "She thought you were gay? Why would she think that?"
"I don't know, Greg. Sara!" He was getting a bit perturbed at their fits of laughter.
"OH! I get it now!" Greg said in realization. "That's why when I asked you what your type was after that, you said 'someone who doesn't judge me'".
"Yes, Greg you got it." He gave a fake smile. "Now...please...get out and get back to work. Or did you need something?"
Sara bit her lip to keep quiet as did Greg. No one liked angry Grissom.
"Oh, just looking for Sara. And I heard her laughing in here. So, I found her!"
"What'd you need Greg?" Sara was looking at him now.
"Oh, just thought you would like to see the results from trace on our case. I will be in the layout room." He smiled and headed out, still chuckling to himself. "Gay...hehehe"
Grissom turned to Sara and gave her a blank look. "Thanks for that."
"I'm sorry, Grissom. But it was funny!" She smiled at him and reached for his hand. "So...your type is non-judgemental?"
"Yeah." He squeezed her hand and said in a lowered voice. "And leggy and brunette and a nice..."
"Gil!" She looked around to see if anyone was near. "Im glad you think that about me."
They just held each others gaze for a while, speaking unspoken words of love with their eyes. All of a sudden Sara was trying her best to not let out a big yawn.
"Sleepy, hmmm?" Gil let go of her hand and got up to sit behind his desk. "Better go see what Greg needs, then get some rest. You've been here almost as long as I've been, and I know I've been in these clothes for over 30 hours."
"Yeah, I'll go see what Trace turned up." She got up to leave. "When will I see you?"
Grissom sat there thinking. Why did this have to be so hard. There had to be an easier way of doing this. Plus she mentioned never having been on an official "date".
"You know. You were right. We haven't gone out yet." He got a wicked grin on his face. "How bout I pick you up after you get some sleep? You have tonight off and I think I can find a way to get out of here for a few hours."
"Really? A DATE?" She smiled a wide gap tooth smile at him. He loved her smile. And he loved making her smile.
"Yeah. Be ready at 8pm. I will pick you up. Dress nice. We are going to do this right." He smiled, proud of himself.
"I cant wait" she said in a low seductive voice, then turned and left his office to go talk to Greg.
Grissom was right on time. He was dressed in his favorite black slacks and black button up shirt, complete with his black suede jacket. Catherine had once told him he looked very handsome in it, so he was curious to see what Sara had to say about it.
"You look mighty fine tonight, Dr. Grissom" Sara gave him a sexy grin when she opened the door for him.
"Well, you look mighty fine yourself, Ms. Sidle." He gave her an appreciative up and down glance. She was wearing black flared slacks and a white blouse. It was simple, but very feminine, and very sexy in Grissom's opinion. Then again, he found her sexy in anything she wore, even the blue coveralls.
"You ready?" Her voice pulled him out of his reverie.
"Yes, shall we?" He ushered her out the door, taking her hand in his as they made their way to the car.
They drove in silence, just the soft sounds of the easy listening station comforting them on their drive. A particular song Sara liked, one from a few years past, was soon wafting through the airwaves, she turned the volume up a bit to better hear.
And tell me now,
How do I live without you?
I want to know,
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go,
How do I ever, ever survive?
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?
Please tell me baby,
How do I go on?
If you ever leave,
Baby you would take away everything,
I need you with me,
Baby don't you know that you're everything,
Real in my life?
Somewhere in the middle, Sara reached for Grissom's hand and smiled at him. He returned the smile, knowing they shared the same feeling as the sentiment in the song.
A few minutes later they arrived at the restaurant. It was a nice Italian place that Grissom had heard Greg mention a few days ago in passing. He found out they had vegetarian offerings and decided it would be a nice "first date" place. It was casual enough to not be pretentious, but nice enough you could order a nice wine with dinner. They were seated at a small table near the back. A few booths lined the walls. Each wall was painted with a mural that featured a scene from Venice. It was an nice cozy place.
Sara surveyed the small dining room when they were seated. There were various types of people dining here tonight. There was a family with three small children in the corner booth. The little blond curly haired girl waved at Sara. She smiled and gave a small wave back. This caught Gil's attention, so he began to watch Sara. She continued her assessment of the room. There were several couples dining. Some seamed like dates and others were long time married couples out for a night away from home. There was one cute elderly couple across from them. He was holding her hand across the table, speaking softly to her. Sara smiled. She hoped she and Grissom could keep their passion that long. She turned to Grissom.
"Penny for your thoughts, Ms. Sidle?" Grissom tried to hide his smile.
"Sorry, just seeing who was here. Curse of the crime scene investigator. Always taking in the surroundings and making assessments." She took a sip of her water.
The waiter came and took their orders and brought them a bottle of the house red wine. Grissom held up his glass as if to toast. "To us". She smiled, raised her glass, and took a sip when he did. They were each mesmerized by the others gaze, holding the glance until it was broken by a familiar voice from across the room.
"Sara? Grissom?" Greg was approaching them, waving.
"Shit." Sara said under her breath and Grissom just stared at her in bewilderment. She whispered to him. "Just having dinner, Grissom." He nodded in understanding.
"Hey, Greg! Fancy meeting you here." He stood beside their table, looking down at them.
"Why? I told you about this place a couple days ago and told you I was taking my date here." He looked at the table and smiled. "Wine? Candles? Is this a date?"
"Greg, geesh. Its not a date. The candles are already here, and the wine is a necessary indulgement to unwind." Sara punctuated her statement by taking a long sip of her wine.
"Date? Why cant two friends have dinner without everyone jumping to conclusions?" Grissom almost sounded angry, which made Greg back off.
"Geez, Gris! I was just joking!" He held up his hands in defeat.
The waiter walked up informing Greg his table was ready. Sara took this opportunity to flash Gil a warning shot with her eyes. "Calm down" it said, and he softened his look and nodded. He put a fake smile on his face.
"Well, enjoy your dinner, Greg. We will see you at the lab tomorrow night."
"Hey, Griss? I thought you were on tonight?" Greg inquired.
Grissom got the scared look again. Sara helped him out. "He got someone from days to cover. None of us has had a day off in so long. That's the only way we were even able to meet up for dinner."
"Ah, gotcha" he pointed his finger at her and winked. "Well, my lovely date awaits. See ya!" he headed off to a table on the other side of the room with a cute red head waiting for him.
Grissom sighed heavily and took a long sip of his wine. "So much for a romantic night out."
"Gil, we are out. So what? Just no long glances or hand holding or making out at the table" She smiled at him from behind her glass as she took a sip.
"See, no fun!" He flashed her a sexy smile.
"Well, we can enjoy each others company. Talk. Making out can come later." She ran her foot up his calf under the table. He raised his eyebrow at her. She just laughed and continued to drink her wine.
Greg was trying to concentrate on what Candice was saying, but he swore he just saw Sara run her foot up and down Grissoms leg! Was he seeing things? Nah! She wouldn't. Would she? He turned back to his date and quickly caught up with her conversation, but he kept an eye on the couple across the restaurant, just in case he wasn't seeing things.
Grissom and Sara were sharing a piece of cheesecake, when Greg approached their table again.
"Sharing dessert? That's cozy?" He flashed a curious smile at them.
"You know women, Greg. They don't want dessert then eat half of yours." Grissom surprised himself how calmed and natural he sounded.
"Oh, yeah. Candice did that tonight." He stood there thinking.
"Did you need something Greg?" Sara asked.
"Oh, yeah. Ummm...well, Candice and I are meeting up with Warrick and Nick in a bit at this night club. It would be really nice if you guys came along too." He stood there bouncing on his heals waiting for a reply.
"NO" "YEAH" Came the simultaneous replies.
Sara flashed a look at Grissom. He frowned. She wanted to go. She gave him a look that told him he would not win this fight. "Fine, Greg. Lets go. We haven't really seen the guys in a while anyway. It would be nice to see them."
"Groovy. We will meet you there." He handed them the address and went to gather his date.
"Thank You, Gil." She whispered into his ear as they exited the restaurant.
They sat in the car and waited until Greg drove off. Sara put her hand on Gil's thigh and leaned in and kissed his cheek. He turned and put his hands on her face and pulled her in for a long, slow kiss. "I've been wanting to do that all night." Gil stroked his hand up and down her arm.
"Hmmmm. Me too, Gil" Sara drew him in for another mind blowing kiss. He began to kiss down her neck as Sara tangled her fingers into his hair.
"Gil...we should go." He silenced her with his mouth, plunging his tongue into her mouth in assault once more. His hands began to roam under her shirt, searching out her bare flesh. "Sara, god, Sara." He dragged his mouth from her and placed small pecks on her cheeks, eyes, chin.
"Ok, Gil, as much as I am enjoying this...we should go."
He gave a low growl and repositioned himself behind the wheel. "A night club. I can't believe I'm doing this." Sara smiled at him.
They made there way to the address Greg gave them. They were standing in the lobby area of the club 20 minutes later. Sara surveyed the crowded dance floor and tables for Greg and his redheaded companion.
"Sara?" Someone touched her shoulder. "What're you doing here?"
"NICKY!" Sara embraced him in a sisterly hug. "We ran into Greg at dinner and he said he was meeting you here. So, we decided to have a little fun too."
"Who is WE Sara? You got a date?" He smiled at her.
"Oh, uh, not exactly. Its Grissom. We were grabbing dinner and ran into Greg."
"Uh huh." He eyed her suspiciously. "You...and Griss...dinner?"
"Shut up Nick! We've been trying to become more civil and be better friends. I've been out to dinner with you before alone. And Warrick and Greg. Why does everyone find it so hard to believe?" She was getting louder and louder as she went on.
"Whoa, whoa, there, Sara. Did I ever say it was wrong? Im just surprised you got HIM to agree and to actually come here!"
"Well, he misses you and Warrick. Plus, I used my feminine wiles to convince him" She waggled her eyebrows at him. "It always works with you guys." She laughed out loud.
"What's so funny?" Grissom walked up, careful not to touch her, and obviously feeling uncomfortable in this setting. "Hey, Nick! Hope you don't mind us intruding on you unplanned."
"No, man. Its all cool. Its nice to see you." He smiled at Grissom. He really did miss working with the old team.
"Lets go find Greggo and Warrick." Nick waved at them to follow.
They entered the main bar area where there was a dance floor and a DJ playing booming dance music. There weren't too many people yet, it was early. The crowds increased around Midnight and it was only 10pm now.
Nick spotted Greg and Warrick in a large booth on the other side of the dance floor. He waved to Grissom and Sara and pointed to where they were headed. They followed, Gil placing his hand on Sara's back, hoping no one noticed. She smiled back at him and took his hand and squeezed, then let it go.
"HEY!! You made it!" Greg shouted above the music as they approached.
They took their seats around the table, Sara making sure she sat next to Gil. They had to speak a bit louder to be heard over the music. They spent time catching up, drinking, way too much. When Sara noted Grissom had downed three beers, she took this as a cue to try to get him to dance.
She got up and pulled on his arm. "Come on Griss...lets dance!" She laughed at the look of horror on his face. "I bet you got some moves...come on." She smiled seductively at him.
"URGH! Alright." He got up reluctantly, getting sympathetic looks from the guys. They all burst into laughter after they left.
"Im telling you, I think it was a date." Greg told them about how he met up with them at the restaurant and how he swore he saw Sara run her leg up and down his.
"Greg, man, I think you have an overactive imagination." Nick took a swig of his beer. "I think they finally decided to be friends again. They were touch and go for a long time there. Its good to see them finally getting along again."
"Yeah, but what about BEFORE Sara came to Vegas. They were pretty close."
"Yeah, but I think Nicks right. Grissom wouldn't cross the supervisor/employee line. I think he finally decided to just let bygones be bygones. Besides, it's obvious they weren't involved in anything other than friendship when she got here." Warrick stirred his drink and watched them out on the dance floor.
Grissom was moving to the beat of the music, but not really dancing. Sara was a good dancer. But this wasn't really Grissom's type of music. She was laughing at him and he smiled back at her. They looked like they were having a good time.
The DJ came on over the loud speakers. "Alright, now, ladies and gents, lets slow it down for a few. Grab your date and lets get our grooves on!"
Sara smiled at Grissom. He raised his eyebrow at her and pulled her into his arms as the romantic ballad began. She put her arms around his neck at looked lovingly into his eyes. "Ok, now its worth it." He breathed into her ear. Sara peaked a glance back at the table and their friends. Greg and his date were missing, probably out on the dance floor. Nick and Warrick seemed to be involved in a conversation and didn't give them a second look. Sara took the opportunity to press herself closer to Gil as they swayed to the music. He took her right hand in his and placed it between them on his chest as she put her head on his shoulder.
"Mmmmm, this is nice." She looked up at him. He snaked his hand farther around to her back and pulled her closer. "Gil, what if they see?" He just smiled wickedly at her. And moved so that she was practically riding his thigh. She could feel his arousal against her hip and ground against it slightly. "Sara, darling, don't do that. Not here." She stepped back a little from him and laughed. "You started it."
He wanted to kiss her so badly. But he noticed Greg a few feet away dancing with his date. He looked around the club, trying to find a spot they could go and not be seen. He noticed that there was an area around the far side of the dance floor that led to a hallway. He grabbed Sara's hand and led her off the dance floor. She gave him a look of suspicion but followed. He moved them so they were out of sight from their table and Greg and pulled her to him in a searing kiss. They began to sway to the music again, hips grinding, tongues dueling for dominance. Sara pulled back when someone commented "old people! Get a room!" They looked around embarrassed then in fear that someone had seen them. No one they knew was in sight. They kept dancing close until the song ended, then pulled apart as a booming techno song came on.
"We should get back to the table." Sara pulled his hand and led him back.
"Hey, I thought you guys left or something." Greg called to them from the dance floor. "Come on, this is a great song!" Sara decided to join Greg and Candice, but Grissom went back to the table.
"Had enough huh?" Warrick smiled up at him.
"Yeah, Im not cut out for this...music? Is this music?" He laughed.
"Yeah, its DANCE music, Griss!" Warrick got up and joined the three already on the floor. Nick was nursing another beer. Grissom sat down next to Nick.
"Why aren't you dancing, Nick?"
"Well, I prefer country to this stuff. I know how to line dance and two-step" He just shrugged and took another swig. "You and Sara seem cozy."
Grissom eyed Nick wondering exactly where he was going with this. "Well, we decided to call a truce. Seems we've been trying to irritate each other as much as possible the last couple years. So, Im glad we can be friends again."
"Yeah, yeah." Nick sipped on his beer a few more times. "But ummm, Griss? That dance looked a little more than friendly to me."
He shot him a look that said "leave it alone" And Nick raised his hands up in defeat. "Ok, ok. Not my place to say so. Just looking out for Sara."
"There is nothing to look out for Nick. We were just having fun and honestly, I think we both have had too much to drink. Its just good clean fun" He smiled at Nick.
Nick had never seen Grissom act this way, so he did indeed chalk it up to alcohol. He knew that Grissom and Sara had at one time or another had more than friendly feeling towards one another. He supposed they just weren't ready to admit it to themselves. Neither Griss or Sara would admit it to anyone. But he knew there had to have been something in the past. Why else would she have up and moved here 5 years ago? Sara would never really talk about it. She just said they were good friends.
Greg, Warrick, Sara and Candice all made their way back to the table. Sara got in and slid her way over next to Grissom. Warrick scooted around next to Nick on the other side. Greg and Candice sat on the end across from Sara. They ordered one last round before heading out, Grissom refusing saying he had to drive.
Sara was getting more daring now, the alcohol was affecting her. As the guys were all laughing and talking and Greg was making out with his date, Sara decided she would have a little fun. She ran her hand up and down Gil's thigh under the table. He put his hand on hers, stilling it when she began to let it creep up further inside his thigh. He shot her a look, but continued on talking to Nick. She wiggled her hand out of his and slid her hand over his crotch. He jumped a little, but no one noticed but her. She laughed to herself. SUCCESS! He was getting aroused. He again grabbed her hand. But this time he pushed it harder against his erection. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "See what you did? Later, honey." She laughed and got the attention of everyone at the table.
Grissom just chuckled nervously. "I think Sara has had a little too much to drink. I better get her home."
They said there goodbyes and 10 minutes later made their way to the parking lot. Sara reached out for Grissom's hand on the drive home. She was still feeling a little dizzy from the alcohol. "Thanks, Gil. That was fun." He squeezed her hand and smiled at her. "Your pleasure is my pleasure, my dear." He raised her hand up to his lips in a soft kiss. "But don't ever do that in public again." She smiled at him and closed her eyes. She was tired.
By the time he pulled into the parking lot at Sara's apartment complex, she was asleep. It was past 2 am and she had too much alcohol. Grissom gently woke her. "Hey, Sara, Sweetie. We are here. Wake up."
She opened her eyes and stretched out her arms. She made her way out of the car. He followed her to the door. She fumbled around for her keys. Gil snaked his arm around her and pulled her back against his chest, placing soft kisses on her neck. Once she had her door open, she turned around in his arms and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"I had a good time, Gilbert Grissom. We should do this again."
"Me too, Sara Sidle. And we DEFINITELY will do this again. Good Night"
"What? Why don't you come in?" She smiled seductively.
"Sara, you've had a little too much alcohol and you were sleeping pretty soundly in the car. You need to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her once again and turned and walked backwards towards his car. Sara laughed at him as he stumbled over the curb, nearly falling. He just shot her a smile and got into his car and left.
Sara felt good about the night. She hoped that the guys didn't suspect anything and would believe what they said about dinner. Plus, she could chalk some of it up to alcohol. They needed to be a bit more careful out in public. All things considered, it was still the best first date. She would always remember this particular Saturday.
A/N: This is a bit longer than usual, I hope ya'll liked it!! I know, dancing is a bit OOC for Grissom. Please Review!! New chapter up soon!! But I need reviews!!