A/N: Hmmmm… I have to say what's about to happen, I don't think you will be expecting, lol. Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. You can blame the hat, it's his fault, hehehehe. Thanks for all your reviews, very much appreciated as always. And thank you to Calim for another super beta :D
On with the show….
Chapter 149
"Gil!" Sara squealed, her legs kicking wildly as he carried her into the cabin like a caveman with his wench. "Put…me…down!" she laughed.
Spinning her around in a circle, he smiled broadly. "Put you down? I thought I got to call all the shots?"
She laughed again, so hard it hurt because her stomach was pressing into his shoulder. "This isn't exactly what I had in mind…" she gasped. "You're making me dizzy…"
Sliding a hand to her backside he gave it a gentle slap and her head shot up as he glanced at her over his shoulder.
"Hey!" she complained, trying to wriggle free. "That's not fair."
"I don't plan on playing, fair," he sniggered giving her another playful slap. "You're mine."
"Grr…" she growled.
Wriggling a bit harder she managed to slide from his shoulder although he kind of let her. Raising her hand to slap him on the arm, he caught it before it touched him.
"Now…now…" he chuckled. "No need for that."
Her other hand sprang towards him and he caught that as well, a big grin gliding across his lips. Before he could say a word, Sara raised her knee and lodged it squarely in his groin.
His eyes immediately went wide and so did hers once she realized what she'd done. Releasing her hands, he whimpered and crumbled to his knees holding his manhood in both hands.
"Oh, Jesus…God…Gil, I'm sorry…" Crouching down beside him, she laid her arm over his shoulders, noting how his face was now bright red and he seemed to be struggling for breath. "I didn't mean to do that…you grabbed me and…it just happened. It was just reflex…I…I…had no control…"
He whimpered again then a single tear slipped down his cheek. "It's…fine…" he managed to squeak through gritted teeth.
"I'm so sorry…." she repeated, biting down on her lip. What a way to spoil the mood…
"Ughhhhhhhh…" he breathed, dipping his head to the floor, tapping it a few times upon the wood.
Looking around, Sara tried to think. "What can I do?" she pleaded, wanting to help.
His head shook and he swallowed. "I…don't…know…" And he didn't. It was the first time he'd been whacked full force in the crown jewels.
"I'll get you a drink…" she said. "Something strong…that should help." Now he nodded, not really caring.
With haste, Sara rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the bourbon from the sideboard only to find it empty. "Dammit," she cussed then flung open all the cupboards. Nothing. Sighing, heavily, she headed back to see him trying to push himself up.
"Let me help," she said, hurrying to take his arm and help him hobble to a chair. "I'm so…so sorry," she said again.
Clearing his throat, Grissom clenched his eyes tightly. The burning was just non-relenting.
"There isn't any bourbon left," she told him, biting her lip again when his eyes popped open and she saw them watering still. "I'll…" She pointed to the door, "…run up to the house and get you some. Okay?"
"I don't care," he said gruffly. "Just…do whatever…"
She felt so guilty. How could she have done that? She'd spoiled an amazing day in a way she never would have imagined. Stupid reflexes.
"I'll be back soon all right?" she said, slipping into her coat. "Just…try not to move. I'll see if I can get something that will help."
Looking up, he gave her a mock smile. She sighed and headed toward the door.
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Rushing into the house, Sara immediately bumped into her mother as she stepped off the stairs. That was the last thing she wanted.
"Sara?" Laura questioned. "What's wrong?" she asked concerned, noting the troubled look upon her daughter's face. "Why are you back? Surely you don't need to bathe again so soon…"
Sara worked her jaw. "No, mother…"
"Has something happened?"
"Um…" Sara bit her lip. "Kind of…" How could she explain this?
"Kind of?" Kind of how?" Laura frowned. "Spit it out, child. Why do you look so troubled?"
"I…um…sort of hurt Gil…"
Laura shook her head. "What do you mean? Is he all right?"
Looking high up to the ceiling, Sara shook her head. "This…is embarrassing…"
Reaching out, Laura put her hands on Sara's shoulder to regain her attention. "I'm your mother and you pretty much tell me everything anyway. I can't help you unless you tell me what's happened."
Taking a breath, Sara nodded. "Gil was teaching me how to shoot."
"Okay…" Laura said, her eyes narrowing then widened. "Jesus, you didn't shoot him did you?"
"No, mother," Sara almost screeched. "I did not shoot him." Laura blew out a breath. "We made a little wager which he won. I won't go into details. Anyway, we got a little carried away and to cut a long story short, I…um…kneed him in the groin…hard."
Laura's mouth opened, first with shock but then, to Sara's surprise, she burst out laughing.
"Mother!" Sara scolded. "It's not funny!"
"I'm sorry, Sara," she snorted. "You actually…."
"Yes," Sara growled. "And he does not find it amusing. He's in agony."
Composing herself, Laura sighed but still held a smile. "Oh, dear…"
"Yes. Oh, dear indeed."
"Not the best thing to happen on your honeymoon, sweetheart."
"I know that," Sara snarled. "I didn't do it on purpose it just…happened. I feel bad enough as it is without you…"
"All right, all right…" Laura took her hands. "Just take a breath and tell me what you're looking for."
"I came to get him something strong to drink, I thought it might help. We don't have anything left at the cabin."
Laura nodded. "Has he put anything on…you know…down there."
"No."
"Okay. Go to the lounge and take what you want from the bar. I have some Calendula ointment upstairs that should help. It works very fast."
Sara managed a smile. "Thank you, mother."
"No problem." Laura smiled back. "I'll meet you back here in two minutes, all right?"
"All right…"
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With the needed supplies wrapped in a paper bag, Sara rushed back to the cabin. When she entered she saw her husband lying on the bed with his arm over his eyes.
"I'm back…" she said quietly when he didn't acknowledge her entrance.
Lifting his head, he looked at her. "I can see that," he muttered.
Giving a weak smile, she took off her coat and hurried to the kitchen, placing the bag down and quickly pouring him a bourbon. Taking the glass and the ointment she moved to the bed.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, sitting on the bed and holding out the glass.
He stared at her and, when he didn't answer or take her offering, she set it on the nightstand.
"I'll just…leave it here…" she said with a sigh. Looking back at him, she reached for his hand. "Please don't be angry with me. I really didn't mean to hurt you."
"What's that?" he asked, noticing the container in her hand.
She looked at the pot. "Ointment. Mother said it would help."
His eyes went wide "You told your mother?"
"Well…um…" Sara stuttered, "…she was…there and…asked what was wrong, I…."
His head shook in disbelief and he pulled his hand free. "I can't believe you told your mother. Do you know how embarrassing this is?"
Sara's sorrow suddenly turned to anger. She was doing all she could to correct her error. "You know what…" She stood and threw the ointment down onto the bed, "…I don't know what you want from me. I try to help and it's just…not enough. What do you want?"
"How about you just leave me alone?" he spat.
Her brow knitted and tears stung her eyes. "Fine…" she growled and without another word, marched across the room, grabbed her coat and was out the door.
"Sara!" he shouted but it was no use. She was gone. "Goddamn it," he huffed as the door slammed closed. Slumping back against the pillows he sighed heavily. The day wasn't exactly working out how he'd planned.
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Nearly two hours after Sara stormed from the cabin, Grissom got up, put on his coat and headed out to find her. As the pain subsided and he'd calmed down, regret over his behavior filled him. Worry came as well since it was getting dark and he didn't like her being out in the cold too long.
Glancing in the direction of the main house, he knew she wouldn't go there especially after the displeasure he'd shown about Laura finding out about his 'accident'. It would mean more questions she'd feel bad about answering.
He had a feeling he knew where she was though and when he walked the path, seeing the stream in front of him, he was right. There she was, sitting on log, staring at the water.
Nipping on his lip, his boots crunched through the snow as he got closer but she didn't acknowledge him. She had to have heard him. With a gentle sigh, he watched for a second before sitting beside her. Reaching out, he took hold of her hand and held it tightly.
Now she turned to look at him.
"I'm sorry," he apologized softly.
She turned back to glance over the half frozen water. "Why are you apologizing? I'm the one that hurt you."
"Because you didn't do it intentionally and I overreacted. It was just…painful and I was frustrated."
"I ruined our day," she mumbled.
"No you didn't," he argued. "We still have plenty of time to fix it."
Her eyes found his again. "How is…" She nodded towards his lap, "…it?"
He nodded. "Much better. The ointment was very effective. It barely hurts at all now."
Raising her free hand, she placed it over his cheek. "I really am sorry."
"I know," he said with a smile. "These things happen."
"Do they?" she managed to laugh.
"Well…" His head flopped from side to side, "…couples argue. It's just natural and I guess we just got a little carried away and didn't think things through. We need to plan better next time."
She snorted. "Yes. Not hitting you below the belt is certainly a good plan."
Broadening his smile, he leaned into her, brushing his lips gently over hers but as he pulled back he frowned. "Sara, you're freezing."
"I'm fine," she argued, her thumb stroking over his beard and his frown deepened.
"You know you shouldn't be in the cold for this long," he shot back. "You can get sick so easily."
"We'll go in a minute," she said casually, her eyes wandering over his face deep in thought.
"What are you looking at?" he questioned.
Her lips puckered. "Have you ever thought about shaving your beard off?"
"Um…no, not really. It's been many years since my face has lacked facial hair. Why?"
"Hmmm…just curious."
His eyes narrowed. "Are you asking me to shave my beard off?"
She gave a shrug, lowering her hand. "I'm just wondering what you would look like without it. You don't have to."
"Would you like me to?"
After a moment's thought, she smiled. "Yes."
"Then so I shall," he replied with his own smile. "If that's what you want."
"Let me do it?" she asked.
With another smile, he nodded then stood, holding out his hand. "Come on. Let's get you warm…"
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When they arrived back at the cabin, they changed into their night attire and Grissom insisted Sara sit by the fire while he made them some cocoa. She resisted at first but he wouldn't back down. In the end she gave up and did as she was told.
"Here…"
Looking over her shoulder she saw her husband holding out a mug and took it with a smile.
"Thank you," she said softly and he smiled back as he sat beside her, his own steaming hot mug of refreshment in his hand.
"Warmer now?" he asked as he sipped from his mug.
She nodded as she drank. "Yes, I'm fine. How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right," he said honestly. "Let's just forget about that now shall we?" Placing his mug on the floor he got up and stoked the fire. "Do you need a blanket?"
"Gil…I'm fine," she insisted. "Stop worrying so much."
"I'll always worry," he admitted facing her and she smirked.
"So," she said, putting down her drink and standing, "shall we get to that shave?"
"Now?"
"Why not? Unless there's something else you want to do."
His tongue drew over his bottom lip. "Well…there is something else I would rather do but I think I'm going to need just a little bit more time before I'm able to do that. Just a little…"
"Yes…" She cleared her throat, "…just be patient or you could do more damage."
"We wouldn't want that would we?" he cooed.
Snorting, she moved to the dining table and pulled out a chair. "Come…sit and I'll get the gear."
Rolling his eyes, he pushed himself up and moved across the room with a slight limp. "Why are you so eager for me to have a naked chin?" he asked as she vanished into kitchen.
"Like I said…" she called back, "…I'm just curious."
Sitting at the table he frowned. "Curious about what?"
A few moments later she reappeared, blade in one hand and shaving cream in a bowl in the other. "One…," she began, "…how it will suit you and two…," she said putting the equipment on the table, "…how you will feel." His right eyebrow hit the ceiling and she smirked. "Maybe smooth is better than rough," she said, moving to the closet to grab a towel then flinging it over his shoulder when she returned to him.
Now he smirked. "Oh, the fun we will have finding out."
"I hope so."
As he watched her work the brush through the cream, his smirk grew.
"Are you sure?" she asked, holding the brush up. "Because once it's off, I can't stick it back on."
His nose twitched. "I am capable of re-growing it should I need to, honey…"
"Good point," she snickered. "Are you ready?"
"Go for it…"
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Wiping his chin clean, Sara stood back and admired her handy work. "Gosh…" she whispered.
"That good, huh?" he asked, reaching up to rub a hand over his now smooth skin.
"Just…different," she said honestly, running a finger down the dimple in his chin. "But, I like it."
"Yeah?" he questioned, his eyes narrowing as she nodded.
"Take a look…"
"Hmmm…" he breathed, getting up and approaching the wall mirror. Stopping in front of it he stared at his reflection, blinking hard at how different it actually made him look.
"You look so boyish," she cooed, plonking her head on his shoulder. "It takes years off you…"
He frowned. "You think I look old?"
"NO…" she countered immediately. "I'm just saying, now…you look a little younger."
Rolling his eyes, he rubbed a hand over his chin again and again. "It feels weird."
"Well, it will. You've been hairy for so long it's going to take you some time to get used to it but honestly, I really like it."
He tipped his head and she kissed him but then she drew back feeling a pull in her neck.
"Are you all right?" he asked, turning to face her as she rubbed the back of her neck.
"Hmmm…" she mumbled, wincing. "Necks a little stiff for some reason."
"Probably sitting in the cold all that time," he told her, taking her hand. "Come back to the fire."
Yanking on her hand, he tugged her back to the fire and urged her to sit.
"Shouldn't I be looking after you?" she laughed as he vanished behind her. "After all you…oooohhh…" She silenced on a moan the second she felt his strong hands massaging her neck. "That feels so nice…" she mumbled, melting back into his touch.
Smiling, he moved his hands, finding a few tense points and softening the pressure when she hissed. "Just relax and enjoy."
"Hmmmm…." She closed her eyes and did just that.
For a good five minutes she relished his attention, enjoying every single second of it until his fingers left her neck only to be replaced by something cool. Her eyes snapped open and she looked down, her mouth dropping open when she saw his mother's pendant around her neck. Swiftly turning in her seat, she stared up at him and all he did was smile…
*** "She timidly laid her hand on his dear breast, and put up a prayer that she might ever be as true to him as her love aspired to be, and as his sorrows deserved. Then, she withdrew her hand, and kissed his lips once more, and went away. So, the sunrise came, and the shadows of the leaves of the plane-tree moved upon his face, as softly as her lips had moved in praying for him."
A/N: :D I hope you're not too mad :P I do promise caveman Grissom will get his chance once he's capeable. Couples have to fight, right? Lol. Thoughts please...