Hey everyone! I know it's been a few weeks since I last posted - I apologize. It's been quite a tough month for me as my mom was rushed to the hospital and then a lot of ups and downs with that (she lives south while I'm up north, which makes it even harder). Then I've been also working long hour days (10-16 hours) and am just exhausted by the time I get home, not to mention it's usually between 10 and midnight when I'm getting home. Other another note - I hope this chapter pleases!

MyKate beta this for me, but as always, all mistakes are mine.

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or it's characters. This story is set in my own AR of my mind.

Synopsis: Three months after Grissom and Sara encounter each other, Grissom decides to take a sabbatical to see where their future lies.

Remember, this takes place in 2008, shortly after Warrick's death.

Chapter Five

Flashback

She wrapped her arms tightly around her midsection as she stared out the window. The parking lot was near empty at this time of day, and a sense of peace descended upon her for the first time since she arrived home.

She sighed, "It's starting to rain again." She spoke quietly in an effort to end the silence that encompassed the room.

His hot breath tickled the back of her neck, and she sucked in a deep breath. Her shoulders arched reflexivelyas she felt his hand come to rest on the small of her back, but she quickly relaxed.

Feeling her tense at first, he took a tentative step closer to her. Hishand sliding to her hip, the scent of lavender filled his nostrils. Slowly, he reached up with his free hand and gently ran his fingers through her soft hair.

She leaned into his touch and in a low and husky voice, "Griss?"

Grissom tightened his hold on her hip as he brought her closer to him, their bodies now completely touching. He lightly caressed behind her ear with his nose as he mumbled, "Hmmm?"

"Wh…wha…" Sara lost her train of thought as Grissom's lips were leaving a trail of the softest kisses behind her ear and down her neck. Grissom tightened his hold on her hip as he felt her legs waver.

His hand brushed through her silky hair once more before lovingly sliding down her cheek and then her arm before settling on top of her hand that was still wrapped around her midsection.

Sara drew in another deep breath as Grissom linked his fingers with her other hand and tightening his hold slightly.

Grissom's trail of kisses stopped at her shoulders, and he breathed in her intoxicating smell.

They stood frozen in the moment for a few long minutes. Barely above a whisper, "Griss."

Grissom detected the hint of anxiety in her voice and lifted his head. Deep blue eyes meet dark brown ones. They stared at each other for a few seconds that felt like an eternity before his lips crashed down on hers.

A moan escaped her throat as she felt him spin her so they were facing each other while still locked in the impassioned embrace. Grissom pulled her closer and groaned as her body molded itself flush against him. Sara reached her hands up to his neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss. Grissom's mouth parted slightly and Sara's tongue immediately sought entrance which Grissom granted as his hands roamed over her back.

When the need to breathe became too strong, they rested their foreheads against one another as they tried to calm their breathing.

Once they recovered Grissom was about to speak as Sara cut in, "Please. Don't…"

His eyes searched hers one last time before his lips crashed down on hers again.

Present day

Grissom stretched out his legs and let the waves gently crash over his feet. He looked down at his watch and sighed. 2:14 p.m. He drew in a deep breath of the salty air and spoke out towards the sea, "Such a beauty…" Then he slowly stood up and stretched. He looked up towards the sky and grinned as he turned around while speaking,

"I don't even have to turn around, Sara Sidle." His grin grew bigger as she came into view.

Sara grinned slightly as she responded the same way she did eight years ago, "That's me."

Grissom grinned again, "You know, you could have joined me instead of standing there."

"Sorry," Sara gave him a timid smile, "You, uh…you just seemed…so at…peace." Sara looked down at her bare feet.

"I feel at peace." Grissom walked slowly towards her.

"That's…that's good." Sara looked back up to find him watching her carefully. She took a deep breath, "How was your drive?"

"Uneventful." Grissom stopped right in front of her, "You're out of work early."

"You sound surprised."

Grissom laughed, "Sara Sidle, known for living at work and never leavingearly unless coerced…"

Sara gave a small laugh, "Well, that's no longer the case…"

"Is that so?" Grissom grinned again.

"Mostly." Sara blushed, "Umm, Tim actually sent me home today. Apparently my brother can't keep anything to himself."

Grissom gave her a confused look and Sara quietly continued, "Umm, Don told him you were coming today." Sara looked back down.

Grissom carefully reached up to cup her chinand gently brought her eyes back to his, "Is this a bad thing?"

Sara slowly shook her head, "No. No, it's not." Then on a short laugh, "He, um…well, I…apparently hadbeen spending too much time there this week."

Grissom's smile grew, "Old habits die hard."

Sara responded with a shrug and her famous Sidle Smile that he loved so much.

Sara then turned out of his grasp and slightly above a whisper continued, "That may be true, though I really don't work nearly as much as I…before we…" Taking a deep breath, Sara turned back around and looked into Grissom's bright blue eyes.

"Would you like to walk along the beach? Or we could-"

"Sure, Griss, I'd like that." Feeling her phone vibrate Sara continued, "Um, hold on a sec." She pulled her phone out and saw that Don sent her a text. Sara sighed as she read it:

Meredith keeps asking when she can go home. I'll be here for at least another four hours.

See if Lori would mind picking her up for a bit, please. Petey has a playdate with Zack. I'm sure Mer will be welcomed.

Sara looked up and gave Grissom an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Meredith is bored at Don's office."

"Oh, you could go-"

Sara looked down at Don's response:

Lori said she'll pick her up in 20. Petey and Zack are just walking out of the school.

"It's fine." Sara spoke quickly, "Lori, my neighbor, is going to pick her up. Petey has a playdate with her son Zack."

Sara then responded to Don:

Thanks Don. I appreciate it. Please let Lori know.

"Shall we go on that walk then?"

Sara hesitated, "Sure."

"We don't have to, Sara."

"No, it's not that. Umm." Sara looked towards Lori's house, "Um, they'll be…" Sara pointed towards the house that stood two doors down from hers, "they'll be home in about forty-five minutes." Sara blushed, "I don't want Meredith to see us."

Grissom a bit confused, "It's fine if she-"

"She knows you're here. It's just…If she sees me, she'll want to be with me…" Sara drew in a quick breath before rambling on, "I…I um-"

"Rather her have fun then listen to us talk?"

Sara gave him a weak smile, "Yeah…" Her gaze shot up uncertainly, "Unless…"

"No, Sara, that's fine. I hope there will be plenty of opportunitiesfor me to spend time with her." Then going to a whisper, "I'd like to spend time with just you, too."

Sara gave him a slight nod before starting to walk down to the water. Grissom followed, but quickened his pace so that he was next to her.

For the next twenty minutes they walked in an semi-awkward silence along the water's edge, each stealing glances at each other every once in a while.

Sounds of children's play echoed from the distant shoreline.

Watching parents and children approaching the listless waves, a calm settled over the pair.

The geek mind meld resurfaced and, if thoughts became words, each would express surprise at the parallel pangs of longing as their hearts ached to be one of those happy families reveling in the late day sun.

Grissom was the first to break the silence, "Sara?"

Sara stopped and looked up at him, again feeling the pull of the bright blue of his eyes. She drew in a deep breath before whispering, "Yes?"

"Can you tell me more about her?" Grissom's gaze remained locked on the long path ahead of them.

"Please?"

I hope you enjoyed! I love the conflict Sara is feeling towards spending time with Gil vs. her daughter.

Please leave your feedback - all is always welcome!

~Kay