A/N: Thankyou for the continued support, sorry about the excess fluff in this chapter but I hope you enjoy it anyway. Sorry about the delay in posting this, but there was a little writers block along the way.
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Of Angels and Promises.
Grissom was woken by a small noise that seemed to be coming from the person lying next to him. He turned his head to look down at Sara's sleeping form, and took note of her scrunched up face. She started to move a little and whimpered in her sleep. Grissom wasn't sure if it was pain or a dream that was the problem, but he decided it was probably best to wake her.
"Sara, Sara honey you need to wake up for me" he spoke gently, stroking her hair away from her face as he spoke.
Sara heard him through a sleepy haze and slowly opened her eyes to come face to face with a pair of blue eyes filled with concern.
"Hey" she said softly. She tried to move a little and winced. Seeing this, Grissom quickly removed himself from the bed so that he could help her get into a more comfortable position.
Once she was settled he sat down next to the bed and smiled at her.
"Do you realise we slept for two hours?" he asked her.
Sara shook her head and then winced.
"Are you ok honey? Should I get a nurse? Do you need something for pain again? Are you comfortable? Did I hurt you when I moved you?" Grissom was rambling, his concern causing his words to just tumble out and it made Sara chuckle.
Grissom frowned at her and raised his eyebrows in question.
"It's ok Gil, I'm just a little stiff from sleeping and it's too soon for more pain meds anyway. I'll be fine." Sara hastened to reassure him, taking his hand in hers, all the while smiling at him.
It took a moment for it to register with Grissom that Sara had used his first name and he couldn't help the huge smile that made even his eyes sparkle. His reaction to her use of his name made Sara's smile wider and for the first time in months, Grissom actually felt truly happy.
Still smiling he moved to the small set of drawers at her bedside and opened the bottom one. He retrieved a small bag from it and sat down again.
His face became more serious as he took hold of Sara's hand and her smile faltered; she didn't understand the sudden change in him, from smiling to serious in a matter of seconds and it worried her.
"Sara….I want to give you something. You'll probably laugh at it, but I want you to understand this is as much for me as it is for you ok?" He smiled at her puzzled look.
"You are such an independent and strong woman. You are fearless when it comes to your work and that is something that has always scared me. There can't always be someone there to protect you, this …." He waved his hand to indicate her current situation but didn't elaborate. "I can't always be there to protect you, much as I want to be, it's just not possible."
He reached into the bag and brought out a small box. He opened it and pulled out a silver chain with a medallion attached. He could see that Sara recognised what he was holding, but she still was a little puzzled.
"This is a medallion of 'Raphael the Archangel'. In some religions, he is known as the 'Healer of God' and in some he is the "Angel of Science and Knowledge'. He is also said to be the 'Patron Saint of nightmares' and believe it or not, 'lovers'.
He watched as Sara's eyes lit up with understanding and recognition of what he was trying to convey.
"Will you wear this for me Sara, so that you will have someone to protect you when I can't?" there was a pleading tone in his voice that brought moisture to Sara's eyes and she nodded gently as she reached out for the medallion. She studied the engraved angel and writing for a moment and then handed it back to Grissom.
He thought at first that she didn't want it, but then as she moved forward a little he realised she wanted him to put it on for her.
He clasped it behind her neck and moved to sit down again but was stopped by Sara as she circled his neck with her good hand. She kissed him gently, then kissed him again more firmly and he couldn't help but respond and deepen the kiss further. They separated and Sara rested her forehead against his, her eyes closed. She pulled back a little and looked directly into his eyes.
"Thankyou. This is the most wonderful….the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me and I love it. I will never take it off" she was blinking back tears as she let him go.
They stayed like that, just looking at one another for what seemed like hours before Grissom cleared his throat and pulled back.
"There is something else" he hesitated. "I actually brought this with me from Las Vegas, it's something I was going to give you when I came in January, but I think now would be a good time."
Sara noted his nervousness and smiled in encouragement, but did not speak.
As he was speaking he pulled another box from the bag on the bed and opened it.
"Sara this is a promise ring. I know that my past record has not been good, but I want to fix that. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make this relationship between us work. I want you to know that I will do anything it takes to make you happy. I never want to be without you. Will you wear this for me Sara, as a reminder of my promise?"
He waited while Sara tried to control her emotions. When she held out her right hand for him he moved to slip the ring on her finger. He hesitated and looked into her eyes for confirmation that this is what she wanted and as she nodded ever so slightly he slid it on. As it slid into place, they each let the breath they had been holding go and leant in for a deep and loving kiss.
They pulled apart as the door opened and a nurse entered with two large arrangements of flowers. She smiled at them as she placed the flowers on the low table to one side of the room.
"These are for you Miss Sidle, I'll leave them here, but here are the cards that came with them." She crossed to Sara and handed her the cards before leaving again.
Sara held tightly to the cards, not quite ready to look at them. She looked down at the ring on her finger and smiled. Grissom's heart melted then because for the first time in almost a year he was witnessing a Sara smile. He squeezed her hand and gave her a quick kiss before sitting back in his chair with a contented smile on his face.
Sara noted the look and as she started to open the first card, she couldn't help herself.
"You look like the cat that just ate the cream Gil Grissom" she told him teasingly.
"What? I shouldn't feel happy that you are wearing my ring?" he teased back.
"Oh so we're going all territorial now are we? Well maybe I need to mark you as mine somehow then, perhaps a tattoo. Yeah that's it a tattoo, I can just see it….mmm….maybe on your shoulder…or…." She broke off at the look on his face.
"You don't have to get me a tattoo Sara; you have already left your mark on me. It may not be a visible one, but it's definitely there and I don't think it will ever go away."
There was a brief silence then and Grissom was the one to break it.
"So! Who's sending my girl flowers?" he asked as he watched her open the cards.
"Well this card is from a few of my other admirers." She handed him the card so that he could see for himself as she opened the other one.
He smiled as he glanced at it.
Sara
This is so that you know we are all thinking of you and praying for a full and speedy recovery.
It was signed by all the night crew plus Doc Robbins and David, plus most of the lab techs.
He glanced up to see tears in Sara's eyes as she stared at the card in her hand. He reached out and gently took it from her so he could read it.
Sara
I wish with all my heart that I was with you right now. You have always been like a daughter to me and it is hard to know that you are hurt and so far away. I know that Gil will take good care of you, but it is not the same as seeing you with my own eyes.
When you are well enough to cope with my visit I will be there.
Love Jim.
Grissom read the card and then placed both cards by her bed.
"Are you ok?" he asked gently.
"Yeah. I…ah….I just…um…I didn't realise you know? I mean I know he always looked out for me, but I just…." She sent Grissom an almost pleading look. "Can you call him for me and tell him he can come whenever he likes." She pondered it for a moment. "In fact the sooner the better. What do you think?"
Grissom watched her closely for a moment before responding.
"I think it's a great idea, I can book him a room at the same hotel I'm staying at. I'm going to hire a car tomorrow, so that I don't need to rely on your friends to get me around. He can share that with me if he wants too."
Sara frowned. "You're staying at a hotel? Why aren't you staying at my place?" she sounded cross and Grissom hurried to explain.
"I wanted to be close by the hospital Sara and I wasn't even thinking about anything but that at the time. Catherine made the reservation and well I just went with the flow" he paused. "Besides it wouldn't have felt right just moving myself into your place without you knowing" he told her.
"Well I want you there. No more hotel. We'll talk to Allison when she comes to get you today and she can give you my keys" she frowned trying to remember where her keys would be, but gave up deciding Allison would know.
Sara saw the hesitation and pressed on.
"You would be much more comfortable Gil and you would be able to get it ready for me when I leave here. Besides, Jim could have the spare room and we would all be together." She tried to sound a little pleading in the hope that would persuade him and by the look on his face she thought it might be working. "Oh and you could use my car, it shouldn't be left sitting around too long without being used."
He thought about it for a minute, realising that what she said did make perfect sense. Except the part about Jim having the spare room, that meant he would have Sara's room, and what about when she came home. Still, that could be dealt with when the time came so reluctantly he nodded his agreement.
"Good, that's settled" she yawned suddenly and Grissom chuckled.
"You look like you need to sleep again honey. How about I go and check on your pain killers and then go and get some lunch" he kissed her gently on the lips and moved away from the bed before turning back. "How about I phone Jim and see what he has to say?"
He took the broad smile on her face as a yes and watched as she settled into the pillows before he left the room.
While Sara waited, her tired mind pondered the last hour or so. She stared at the ring on her finger as she softly rubbed the medallion at her throat. He had truly surpassed her expectations this morning and she believed him when he had said he loved her, so why hadn't she said it back? She wasn't sure. There really wasn't any particular reason, she knew she loved him. This morning had been his turn, so perhaps this afternoon would be hers.
Sara didn't hear the nurse enter with her medication; she had already drifted off to sleep.
--
Sara woke with the feeling that she was being watched. She thought that maybe Grissom had already returned, but when she opened her eyes it was to see Allison sitting quietly by the bed, staring at her.
"Good sleep?"
"Um…. Yeah, can you help me sit up a little?" Sara's chest was still too sore to be able to do much for herself.
After Allison had her settled into a more upright position, she sat back down and continued to stare at Sara.
"Um….Ally?"
"Mm….what?"
"Did you just come here to stare at me or to visit?" Sara asked her friend, she grinned just a little to cover her confusion at Allison's behaviour.
"Oh! I came to visit" Allison assured her. "What's that?" She asked, pointing to the chain around Sara's neck.
As Sara's hand came up to touch the angel medallion at her neck, Allison's eyes went wide.
"And what is that?" Sara heard the excitement in her voice.
"This" Sara told her, holding out the medallion. "This is Raphael the Archangel, patron saint of nightmares and lovers, Healer of God and Angel of science and knowledge. Gil gave it to me to help protect me when no-one else is around."
Allison raised her eyebrows a little; she had noticed that Sara used Grissom's first name, but Sara didn't react.
"AND?" Allison was not known for her patience.
"What? This?" Sara held out her hand, bringing the ring closer to Allison.
"YES! THAT!"
"Oh it's just a ring." Sara stated matter-of-factly. She could see the mounting frustration in Allison, this was fun.
Allison clenched her teeth and growled Sara's name.
Grissom chose that precise moment to return and he heard Allison's growl as he entered the room. He looked at Allison and could see the frustration on her face and the stiff set of her shoulders. Sara on the other hand was sporting an ear to ear smirk.
"What seems to be the trouble Allison?" he asked, shooting Sara a mock glare.
Sara chuckled a little, mindful of her sore ribs and put out her hand to him, wiggling it a little and he quickly understood what was happening. He was so pleased to see that Sara had woken up obviously feeling a lot better that he decided to play along a little.
He moved to the bed and instead of taking Sara's offered hand, placed a kiss on her lips and proceeded to move her across the bed to make room for himself. That accomplished he took the place next to her and leant back, draped his arm around Sara's back then shifted her so that she was leaning against him and not the pillows. Sara snuggled contentedly into his side.
Allison's eyes went wider and she growled again, glaring at both of them.
Grissom could feel Sara's body beginning to shake from holding onto her laughter and not wanting a repeat of this mornings' incident he decided to put Allison out of her misery.
"I take it you want to know about this ring?" he asked her, taking hold of Sara's hand and looking down at the ring that graced her finger.
"Please" Allison ground out.
Sara elbowed Grissom in the ribs and he held her tighter, trying to keep her still without hurting her.
"Spoil Sport" she grumbled at him, pouting. "I was having fun, payback for this morning."
He smiled at her, before placing another light kiss on her forehead.
"I know and I'm sorry, but I don't ever want to see a repeat performance of this morning, I know you were trying not to laugh. It's not worth the pain honey." He told her.
She smiled in response, knowing he was right, but she still felt a little cheated.
Knowing what she was thinking, Grissom bent and whispered in her ear. "I'll make it up to you" he told her.
She looked up at him, grinning. "Oh you certainly will" she teased. She then looked at Allison who had been watching the interaction between them with interest.
"So Allison, what do you want to know?" Sara asked brightly as she remained comfortably tucked into Grissom's side.
"When, How, What, Why?" she stated. "I think the Who is a given."
"Mm….Lets see" Sara held up four fingers. "This morning" she dropped one finger. "Very nicely" she dropped finger number two. "It's a promise ring" and she dropped finger number three. "And because we love one another" finger number four dropped as she felt Grissom's sharp intake of breath. She looked at him and saw the love reflected in his eyes and was glad she had finally said it.
Allison watched the little exchange and sighed. She stood and reached out to hug her friend and then turned and gave Grissom a hug too. Sara was a little surprised at how easily he returned it and smiled, thinking just how much Grissom had changed and how much she loved this new Grissom.
The visit lasted for a while longer and when Sara's dinner was delivered, Allison said her goodbyes with a promise to take Grissom to Sara's place first thing in the morning.
As Sara ate, or rather picked at her food, Grissom told her of his conversation with Jim Brass and Catherine. Where Catherine had given him the third degree, which he admitted he was expecting, his conversation with Jim was completely different.
"Jim won't be able to come for a few weeks, apparently there are a few others on leave and he'll have to wait til they come back." Grissom told her as he sipped at a coffee he had got from the café downstairs.
Sara nodded, but didn't meet Grissom's eyes. He knew she was disappointed, but there was nothing he could do.
"Just think of it this way honey, you will probably be home and more mobile by the time he gets here. That's got to be better?" he tried to cheer her up.
"Yeah, I know, but I really wanted to see him."
They spent another hour just talking, mostly about the crew from the Las Vegas before Rod arrived to visit. The three talked for a while longer before it became quite obvious that Sara was struggling to keep her eyes open.
Visiting hours were almost over and after offering Grissom a ride back to his hotel, Rod left them, saying he would wait downstairs for Grissom in the café.
It was hard to say goodbye, even if only for the night but Grissom didn't want to keep Rod waiting too long.
"I'll be back as soon as they let me in tomorrow" Grissom told her in between kisses. By the time Grissom reluctantly let her go she was almost asleep in his arms.
"I love you my Sara" he whispered as he settled her against the pillows and gave her a last kiss goodnight.
"I love you my Gil" she whispered against his lips. He watched as she fell asleep and quietly left to go and find Rod.
A/N: Sara is wearing her promise ring on her right hand because her left arm has the plaster cast and anyone who has ever had a broken arm or wrist know how badly the fingers swell.
