It was nearly time for shift transition from nights to days as Gil Grissom sat in his office reading a rather thick binder. The pages inside were crisp and brand new, printed only the day before. A tap on the door frame made him raise his head to find Sara Sidle, the object of his affection, leaning in the doorway with a smile on her face. A smile that quickly turned into a smirk as she made her way inside to sit in the chairs opposite of his desk.

"What are you reading?"

Grissom held up the binder so she could read the title on the front. It was the newest SOPs, Standard Operating Procedures, for the new year. It would apply to both Las Vegas PD and the Crime Lab. "Not many changes but a few. We've adopted a few rules from various labs and they've adopted some from us, or so I was told."

"Well, I just threw a bag of lemons at Warrick because he came back from that Lake Mead floater case. According to him, Doc Robbins is debating doing the autopsy outside as it's one of the worst he's ever had. Standing even five feet away, I agree." Sara watched as Grissom turned a page in the binder. "Shift is nearly over, are you planning on staying over to read through the entire thing?"

The entomologist closed the binder and sat up, removing his glasses as he held it out to her. "Page 432, second paragraph."

Sara took the manual and opened it to the page suggested and read the section he verbally pointed her to. "Oh, well that's interesting."

"I figured we could think about it." His voice was low, meant to stay between them despite the public building.

Closing the binder, Sara put it back on his desk as she stood up with a grin on her face. "I'll see you later."

Tapping of claws on hardwood brought a slight smile to Grissom's face as he entered in his townhouse. Soft music flowed from inside the home and he heard a one-sided conversation being directed at the boxer that was wrestling a toy from one of his favorite humans. Placing his bag on the couch, the man made his way down the stairs to see Sara playing with his dog.

"Go get it." Sara waved the small ball in her hand and threw it, the soft material not likely to cause any damage. The boxer ran over and picked up the ball in his mouth, turning to see Sara bent over urging him back. "Bring it back."

"Still having issues with returning the ball, I see." He made the statement as they both watched the boxer lay down and chew on his toy.

Sara put her hands on her hips. "I try but I'm getting nowhere on returns."

"He'll get it eventually."

Within the confines of the townhouse, work titles fell away along with the professionalism they carried each day. Placing a hand on her back, Grissom laid a gentle kiss on Sara's cheek and she smiled at him. "I missed you." They'd seen each other periodically through the night but it was never the same as being together at one of their respective homes. "How was the meeting with Ecklie today? Any progress on getting the team back together?"

"He just promoted Lena Porter as Swing Shift Supervisor to replace Catherine. He said two weeks and Catherine is happy. Swing Shift didn't really leave her any time with Lindsey." He started to the kitchen and she followed, perching against the counter as she watched breakfast being prepared.

A smile couldn't be kept off her face. "Well, that's just in time for Nick's return."

"He's doing well and ready to return." Grissom turned to her a fraction as he began collecting items from the fridge for omelets. Sara reached out and relieved him of several items, placing them aside long enough to wash her hands to begin helping.

"I know, I spoke to him on my way home." Sara started dicing tomatoes and green onion that would be used to make their breakfast. "He said his P.E.A.P counselor is helping with several newly developed phobias."

A hand guided her hip and she moved a fraction so he could open a drawer to retrieve a cheese grater. Every time he touched her, Sara couldn't help the grin that rose on her face and he knew it too. She looked up to find Grissom watching her fondly, only inches away. "Have I told you that I love it when you smile."

"Almost every time I do."

They sat down to eat and the end of day topic arose. "What do you think about the new SOP?"

"Truthfully?" Sara met his eyes and watched as he watched her. "I'm wary because of how Ecklie is. You and I both know that I've made it quite difficult for him to like me."

Grissom placed his fork down on the plate to grasp his coffee mug. "I was thinking of speaking with McKeen first. He won't let Ecklie do any serious damage and since it would be following updated SOPs, there's no grounds for suspension or termination. Only paperwork."

The younger criminalist chuckled. "Your never-ending torture."

"The bane of my existence."

Omelet devoured, as she'd started eating better, Sara picked up her coffee and held it in her hands. "I trust you Gil and if this helps us be able to work together while being together, speak to McKeen."

"Do you still have your appointment this afternoon?"

Sara gave a near imperceivable nod. "The bane of my existence, visiting the doctor to clear the yearly physical necessary to do my job. I understand it, logically I do. I just wish…"

"We didn't need them?"

"Exactly." She smirked slightly. "Fess up, when is yours?" Watching as he averted his eyes for a second, Sara huffed. "You don't have one scheduled yet. How dare you sit here and watch me suffer while you think to escape it. Gilbert, you should be ashamed." All her words were full of mirth, not a hint of sarcasm or resentment.

"The only shame I feel my dear, is failing to feed you a larger breakfast." He stood and collected their plates. "You usually eat more but alas, I fail to stop and shop."

Laughter filled her and he turned to watch the grin on her face. "At this rate, I'm going to gain too much weight. You spoil me too often as it is."

"'The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience...'"

Standing up, she followed him to the sink and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Eleanor Roosevelt." She supplied the source of the quote. "I'm still full from dinner. Mushroom risotto beats a sandwich any day." Resting her nose against his neck, Sara close her eyes and inhaled. "Leave the dishes and let's go to bed." It was a whisper, a gentle plea followed by a kiss to soft skin.