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Chapter 2: The Problem

Cath cracked open one eye wearily but the light forced it closed again. As she came to life the soft scent of apples and lime and a quiet mumble invaded her senses. Slowly lifting her head and opening her eyes she found herself staring into confused brown orbs. They looked at each other for a second before realisation landed like a tonne of bricks. Catherine sat up suddenly and pulled the covers around her. "Oh my God!" She moaned, burying her head in her hands. She could feel Sara shuffling next to her as the brunette tried to sit up and gather her bearings. Without giving her chance to do so Cath leant off the bed and threw Sara her pants and bra; the only clothes that were within her reach. "You have to leave." She ordered harshly. Normally she would have noticed the hurt that flashed across the brunette's eyes but she was too busy fighting off the hangover from hell. Still confused and not quite understanding the problem Sara got dressed quickly (deciding to just wear her tank top since her shirt could not be found) and headed downstairs while Catherine had donned a bathrobe and was anxiously pacing the lounge with a mug of coffee.

Sara was almost out of the door, when Catherine grabbed her wrists roughly and stepped towards her. "This never happened." There was no room for argument in the blonde's blazing blue eyes so the younger woman merely nodded and slipped outside silently. Finally alone, Cath pressed her back against the front door and slid to the floor, resting her head in her hand and letting the angry tears fall. What had she done?

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When Catherine went into work that night she felt just as tense as when she first got up and the marching band in her head had yet to cease. Her plan was to avoid Sara and Grissom at all cost. Easier said than done, of course.

"Catherine." She froze and spun on her heel, a fake smile plastered to her face.

"Gil, what's up?" He looked around him then signalled for her to follow him into her office. When he closed the door she knew she was screwed.

"You didn't come back today?" He always looked so childlike it broke her heart.

"I know; I'm sorry. I was…busy. I had to get some things done." She had a feeling that he knew she was lying through her teeth but if he did he didn't call her on it.

"Oh. Ok then. Here," he handed her an assignment. "Take Sara with you." She was cursing him mentally but on the outside looked the epitome of calm.

"Um, Sara's not here yet. How about I take Nick, he's in the break room and I think he's a little restless." Grissom just shrugged so she took that as a yes. She was about to leave but first she moved around his desk to stand in front of him. "I'm sorry I didn't call, guess I got a little wrapped up in what I was doing." Well, that was the truth at least. "I'll make it up to you." She placed a chaste kiss on his lips before walking out, leaving him smiling to himself blissfully unaware of what had kept her so entertained.

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Later that night Catherine entered the locker room and began throwing her things into her locker furiously. "Are you ok?" The quiet voice startled her and she spun around to see a very nervous Sara watching her from across the room curiously.

"No I'm not ok? Do I look ok?" She snapped. This time she did see the hurt in Sara's eyes and was immediately struck by a pang of guilt. "I'm just…stressed. It's been a long shift."

"Wanna talk about it?" Sara joked, trying to lighten the mood but Cath just scowled at her. "What's wrong Cath?"

"What's wrong? You, me and a bottle of red that's what's wrong!" She exclaimed in a hushed voice.

"Oh" was all she could say. "You know it doesn't have to be a big deal, I mean we were drunk. It doesn't have to be a problem, right?"

"The problem is I'm not gay. I don't like you Sara and it meant absolutely nothing. As far as I'm concerned, it never happened." With that the older woman slammed her locker shut and stormed out, leaving Sara feeling alone, used and at a loss for words.